{"articles":[{"id":"8poy6g","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3385: Blohm & Voss BV141","excerpt":"Episode: 3385 The weird Blohm & Voss BV141 airplane, and reflections on asymmetry. Today, a weird aeroplane.","content":"Episode: 3385 The weird Blohm & Voss BV141 airplane, and reflections on asymmetry. Today, a weird aeroplane.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/30/555235/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3385-blohm-voss-bv141/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-30T05:01:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fassets%2Fimages%2FHPM-logo-OGimage-2.jpg","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3385-blohm-voss-bv141"},{"id":"h488ec","title":"Welcome home canceled for Houston-area pastor convicted in child sex sting set for parole release","excerpt":"A Houston-area pastor convicted in an online child sex sting is scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday after serving less than half of his 25-year sentence.","content":"A Houston-area pastor convicted in an online child sex sting is scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday after serving less than half of his 25-year sentence.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/welcome-home-canceled-houston-area-pastor-convicted-child-sex-sting-set-parole-release/19417806/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Jessica Willey","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:25:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19417874_062926-ktrk-pastor-convicted-img.png","slug":"welcome-home-canceled-for-houston-area-pastor-convicted-in-child-sex-sting-set-for-parole-release"},{"id":"jaiyjw","title":"UTMB police asking for public's help in finding man accused of assaulting security officer","excerpt":"The University of Texas Medical Branch is asking for the public's help in searching for a suspect accused of assaulting a security officer in Galveston.","content":"The University of Texas Medical Branch is asking for the public's help in searching for a suspect accused of assaulting a security officer in Galveston.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/utmb-police-asking-publics-help-finding-man-accused-assaulting-security-officer-galveston/19415646/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:16:47.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415962_mark-johnson-mugshot-img.png","inBriefing":true,"slug":"utmb-police-asking-for-publics-help-in-finding-man-accused-of-assaulting-security-officer"},{"id":"fnaleh","title":"Tejano singer warns of West Nile dangers after mosquito bite leaves him in wheelchair","excerpt":"A single mosquito bite two years ago changed Fernando Silva’s life forever and health officials are now warning that this summer’s record mosquito surge across southeast Texas could put thousands of others at risk.Fort Bend County has declared a public health emergency after confirming 32 West Ni...","content":"A single mosquito bite two years ago changed Fernando Silva’s life forever and health officials are now warning that this summer’s record mosquito surge across southeast Texas could put thousands of others at risk.Fort Bend County has declared a public health emergency after confirming 32 West Nile-positive mosquito samples across the county. Officials said the county has completed aerial spraying operations and continue ground-based treatments, mosquito surveillance and other environmental health efforts.KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel spoke with Silva, a passionate Tejano singer and guitar player from Cleveland, about how one mosquito bite in 2024 took everything from him.“I went into the hospital and quickly went into the ICU after being able to walk previously. By that midnight, I became paralyzed from the neck down and the doctors had no idea what it was,” Silva said.Montgomery County reports first case of West Nile Virus in 2026Doctors later determined Silva had contracted West Nile virus, which triggered a rare and devastating condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome, known as GBS, a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own nerves, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.Today, Silva remains in a wheelchair.“I have movement in both my legs and my arms, just not my extremities ,not my hands and my feet,” he said.Silva says the experience has left him with a simple but powerful message for others.“I can’t emphasize enough, I keep thinking to myself, what if I would have used repellent that day?” he said.Despite the uncertainty about his recovery, Silva says he is holding on to faith.“As a guitar player, this is beyond frustrating. I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrating it is. But I’m a man of faith, so I believe I will get better,” he said.________________________________________Fort Bend County health emergency: What you need to knowFort Bend County’s 32 confirmed West Nile-positive mosquito samples are broken down by zip code on the county’s Mosquito Control Treatment Map at fbchhs.org. Officials say West Nile virus is the primary mosquito-borne illness of concern in Fort Bend County.Other mosquito-borne diseases to be aware of include:West Nile virus — the most common mosquito-borne disease in Texas; symptoms range from none at all to, in rare cases, serious neurological illness.Zika virus — can cause fever, rash and joint pain.Dengue fever — can cause high fever, severe headache and muscle and joint pain.Chikungunya virus — commonly causes fever and significant joint pain.________________________________________How to protect yourselfDr. Olivia Tomasco, a primary care physician and internist at Houston Methodist West Hospital, says heavy rains triggered the outbreak and prevention is the best defense.“It’s very important that people are looking out for any areas of standing water around their homes. Clear those out because that’s where mosquitoes breed. Always put on something that has DEET if you’re going to be going outside,” Tomasco said.Houston Methodist experts offer the following prevention tips:Eliminate standing water at your home — mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water found in planters, toys, gutters and outdoor furniture.Use effective repellents — products containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus offer the most reliable protection. Citronella candles and bug zappers provide little meaningful defense.Wear protective clothing — long sleeves, pants and permethrin-treated clothing add an extra layer of defense.Limit outdoor time at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/30/what-if-i-would-have-used-repellent-tejano-singer-warns-of-west-nile-dangers-after-mosquito-bite-leaves-him-in-wheel/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Corley Peel","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:12:09.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F6e25e490-0d53-499d-98bb-a86e67619ea7%2Fimage.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"tejano-singer-warns-of-west-nile-dangers-after-mosquito-bite-leaves-him-in-wheelchair"},{"id":"9cijhn","title":"‘Like raw sh**’: Candlelight Oaks neighbors fed up with sewage backup after storms","excerpt":"Residents in a northwest Houston neighborhood say every heavy rain brings more than flooded streets—it brings raw sewage.Neighbors in the Candlelight Oaks community say they’ve dealt with repeated sewage backups over the past several months and even years, claiming wastewater has bubbled out of m...","content":"Residents in a northwest Houston neighborhood say every heavy rain brings more than flooded streets—it brings raw sewage.Neighbors in the Candlelight Oaks community say they’ve dealt with repeated sewage backups over the past several months and even years, claiming wastewater has bubbled out of manholes, flowed into neighborhood streets and, in some cases, backed up into their homes.“Literally straight up just raw sh** and the thing people put down the toilet is condoms, purple and pink tampons and more condoms,” resident Monica Mendoza More said. “Every time it rains really bad for consecutive days, it bubbles over.”Mendoza More said the latest backup happened after heavy rain earlier this month, when she says sewage overflowed from a manhole near her home.She described seeing human waste and other debris in the street and said the smell lingered long after the water receded.Neighbor Rick Scott said the issue has become a recurring concern whenever heavy rain moves through the area.“If you ever had gone to an outhouse that’s been sitting out in the sun for a couple of weeks, you’re getting the idea,” Scott said while describing the odor.Scott said he has witnessed sewage erupting from manholes in the neighborhood and worries about children and pets coming into contact with contaminated water after storms.“It wasn’t a very healthy environment,” he said.Mendoza More said the backups have also become expensive.She said her family spent about $3,500 on plumbing repairs after one sewage backup, along with additional costs for excavation work and restoring their yard, bringing the total to roughly $4,000.Scott said he believes simply cleaning the streets after each event isn’t enough.“This is a Band-Aid,” he said. “What’s causing it? Let’s get to the point of it.”Several neighbors told KPRC 2 they have filed multiple complaints through Houston’s 3-1-1 system.In response to questions from KPRC 2, a City of Houston spokesperson said crews inspected the area after receiving complaints and found no issues at the time of the inspection.The city said that, as a precautionary measure, personnel plan to observe the area during future heavy rain events to determine whether additional problems occur.One resident, Jaunda Payne, also contacted Houston City Council Member Amy Peck, writing that she has had to “manually clean up human feces and toilet paper” from her backyard after heavy rain.KPRC 2 also reached out to Peck’s office for comment but had not received a response as of publication.With hurricane season underway and more rain possible in the weeks ahead, neighbors say they aren’t looking for another cleanup—they’re hoping for a permanent solution before the next downpour.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/30/like-raw-sh-candlelight-oaks-neighbors-fed-up-with-sewage-backup-after-storms/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaewon Jung","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:07:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fdab1c82e-0ee8-4066-89b7-8c2f2a9feb6d%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"like-raw-sh-candlelight-oaks-neighbors-fed-up-with-sewage-backup-after-storms"},{"id":"9b9owg","title":"Saibari's shootout winner sends Morocco past the Netherlands, earliest World Cup exit for the Dutch","excerpt":"Ismael Saibari scored the decisive goal in a penalty shootout, and Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch 3-2 after a 1-1 draw on Monday night.With the shootout tied at 2-all after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a strong save of Cry...","content":"Ismael Saibari scored the decisive goal in a penalty shootout, and Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch 3-2 after a 1-1 draw on Monday night.With the shootout tied at 2-all after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a strong save of Crysencio Summerville's attempt, batting it away with his left hand. Saibari then sent the winner into the low left corner as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen went the other direction. The midfielder tore off his shirt and screamed with joy as he was mobbed by teammates.The Netherlands had reached at least the Round of 16 in 11 previous World Cups, including a quarterfinal appearance four years ago in Qatar, when Morocco made a breakthrough run to the semifinals. In this year's expanded tournament, 32 teams reached the knockout stage for the first time.Morocco moves on to face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.In the second round of the shootout with Morocco trailing 1-0, Verbruggen appeared to have stopped an attempt by Soufiane Rahimi, but the goalkeeper couldn't secure the ball and deflected it over the line with the back of his leg.Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute for Netherlands. After the goal, which was assisted by Summerville, the Dutch bench ran onto the field to embrace the 27-year-old Gakpo, who broke down in tears. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently announced that they lost their unborn child.Morocco’s Issa Diop tied it in the 91st minute. Chemsdine Talbi sent a looping cross into the box from about 28 yards out on the left side and connected with Diop for a clean header that Verbruggen had no chance to stop.Neither team had a strong scoring opportunity in 30 minutes of extra time at Estadio BBVA.It was the second game of the tournament to conclude with a shootout. Paraguay beat Germany on penalties earlier Monday.The teams entered with the highest combined ranking of any Round of 32 match. Morocco was sixth in the world and the Netherlands was seventh.___Ethan Wilcox is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/30/saibaris-shootout-winner-sends-morocco-past-the-netherlands-earliest-world-cup-exit-for-the-dutch/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ethan Wilcox, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:03:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUC2UYDHLA5BN5DFKO2ZJBMJTIQ.jpg","slug":"saibaris-shootout-winner-sends-morocco-past-the-netherlands-earliest-world-cup-exit-for-the-dutch"},{"id":"pm5wq2","title":"Houston weather: Hot, humid and hazy as Saharan dust moves into Texas","excerpt":"The Fourth of July forecast is looking very familiar for Southeast Texas: hot, humid and only slightly unsettled.After several rounds of rain in recent weeks, Houston is settling back into a more typical summer pattern. That means warm and muggy nights, steamy afternoons and only isolated showers...","content":"The Fourth of July forecast is looking very familiar for Southeast Texas: hot, humid and only slightly unsettled.After several rounds of rain in recent weeks, Houston is settling back into a more typical summer pattern. That means warm and muggy nights, steamy afternoons and only isolated showers or storms each day. Rain chances are not zero, but they stay low enough that most Fourth of July plans should be able to continue without major weather problems.The biggest weather concern through the holiday weekend will be the heat. Afternoon highs will generally stay in the mid-90s, but with Houston humidity in place, it will feel hotter than the actual air temperature. Heat index values will likely climb into the low 100s during the afternoon, especially away from the coast.Tuesday’s forecast:Tuesday will bring another hot summer afternoon across the Houston area. The combination of heat and humidity will push feels-like temperatures into the low 100s during the afternoon, so take it easy if you are working or exercising outside.Houston is forecast to reach 94 degrees, with many inland communities climbing into the mid-90s. Rain chances remain low, but not zero. A few isolated showers or storms may develop during the afternoon, especially as daytime heating kicks in. Most neighborhoods will stay dry, with a mix of sun and clouds and light southeast winds around 10 mph.Fourth of July weekend:The Fourth of July weekend will stay hot and humid, but it does not look like a washout. Friday, Saturday and Sunday all carry a 20% chance for isolated showers. That means a passing downpour is possible, but most areas will stay dry each day. The best chance for a quick shower would likely come during the afternoon and early evening hours.Highs will stay in the mid-90s through the holiday weekend. Houston is forecast to reach 94 degrees on Friday and 96 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday.For Fourth of July celebrations, expect hot and humid conditions during the day, with only a small chance for a passing shower. Fireworks plans should be okay for most neighborhoods, but it will still feel very warm into the evening. Make sure to drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and keep an eye on kids and pets if you are spending several hours outside.Tropical Trouble: Also, monitoring an area of tropical development off of the Southeast Coast. There is a very small chance that It has a low chance to form into a named storm. This will not impact the Gulf Coast. Read more about it here: Tropical Trouble: Tracking a new area for tropical disturbance near Florida’s coast10 Day Forecast:The 10-day forecast shows very little change for Houston. High temperatures remain steady in the mid-90s, with overnight lows mostly in the upper 70s. Rain chances stay low to modest, generally around 20% to 30% on a few days, but there are no strong signals for widespread rain or a major pattern change.That means Houston will continue to see a very typical July setup: hot afternoons, muggy mornings and isolated showers mainly driven by daytime heating.No cooldown is coming. The best advice is to plan around the heat, especially during the afternoon, and keep checking the forecast if your Fourth of July plans include outdoor events.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/29/houston-weather-hot-humid-and-hazy-as-saharan-dust-moves-into-texas-monday/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown","publishDate":"2026-06-30T02:05:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUQIKY732XZBC5CEGHWNQMYH3DI.jpg","slug":"houston-weather-hot-humid-and-hazy-as-saharan-dust-moves-into-texas"},{"id":"a58zpw","title":"Explosion in Monaco injuries 3 including Ukrainian tycoon, and suspected attacker flees to France","excerpt":"A blast from an explosive device has seriously injured three people at a residential building in Monaco, and the attacker fled to France, local authorities said. French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured.The unusual attack Monday night stunned ...","content":"A blast from an explosive device has seriously injured three people at a residential building in Monaco, and the attacker fled to France, local authorities said. French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured.The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast. Monaco’s leader Prince Albert II called it “an odious act” and said all the country's services were mobilized to ensure security.French and Monaco authorities are searching for the attacker, whose motive is under investigation, Monaco’s most senior government official, Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, told reporters.The explosion occurred around 9 p.m. at the entryway of a residence near the French border, injuring two adults and a child who were taken to hospitals in France, he said.The suspect crossed the border into France on foot, and was identified via video surveillance in Monaco and the neighboring French town of Beausoleil, Mirmand said.A French national police official said French police are searching for the suspect and supporting the investigation, but would not elaborate.French broadcaster BFM and Ukrainian news site Ukrainska Pravda identified one of the injured as Ukrainian construction tycoon Vadym Iermolaiev. Ukrainska Pravda said he was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for ties to Russia.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/30/explosion-in-monaco-injuries-3-including-ukrainian-tycoon-and-suspected-attacker-flees-to-france/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-30T01:29:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4DNTLHZ3SFGTXPOLDOOTWZF5MM.jpg","slug":"explosion-in-monaco-injuries-3-including-ukrainian-tycoon-and-suspected-attacker-flees-to-france"},{"id":"vmc3l2","title":"Fort Bend Crawford High School's 4-star WR Alvin Mosley commits to Ole Miss football","excerpt":"ABC13's Joe Gleason showcases why 4-star wideout Alvin Mosley decided Ole Miss was the best fit for him.","content":"ABC13's Joe Gleason showcases why 4-star wideout Alvin Mosley decided Ole Miss was the best fit for him.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/fort-bend-crawford-high-schools-4-star-wr-alvin-mosley-commits-ole-miss-football/19416510/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-30T01:15:39.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416883_062926-ktrk-ole-miss-wr-img.png","inBriefing":true,"slug":"fort-bend-crawford-high-schools-4-star-wr-alvin-mosley-commits-to-ole-miss-football"},{"id":"oz1i7k","title":"Houston doctor urges heat illness prevention as workers battle summer heat","excerpt":"The summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can become dangerous fast.Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July barbecue, taking the kids to the splash pad or training for a marathon, timing can make a huge difference during a Houston summer.With temperatures regularly climbing into the mid-to-up...","content":"The summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can become dangerous fast.Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July barbecue, taking the kids to the splash pad or training for a marathon, timing can make a huge difference during a Houston summer.With temperatures regularly climbing into the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values soaring above 105 degrees, doctors and meteorologists recommend scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day whenever possible.Here’s when experts say it’s safest, and riskiest, to be outside.Running or jogging✅ Best times5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.After 8 p.m. (if routes are well-lit)Morning temperatures are usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the afternoon, and the sun is less intense.❌ Avoid11 a.m. to 6 p.m.This is when pavement temperatures can exceed 140 degrees, increasing both heat stress and burn risk.TipsSlow your pace.Carry water.Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing.Stop immediately if you become dizzy or nauseated.Walking the dog✅ BestBefore 8 a.m.After sunset❌ AvoidLate morning through early eveningSidewalks and asphalt become hot enough to burn paws within seconds.Bike rides✅ BestSunrise to 9 a.m.Evening after 7:30 p.m.Cycling creates airflow, but riders still lose large amounts of sweat without realizing it.❌ AvoidNoon to 5 p.m.Heat radiating from roads can make conditions significantly hotter than the air temperature.Kids at the playground✅ BestBefore 10 a.m.After 6:30 p.m.❌ Avoid11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Playground slides, swings and metal equipment can become dangerously hot.Children also overheat faster because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently as adults.Water parks and splash pads✅ BestOpening until about 11 a.m.After 4 or 5 p.m.Many people assume they’re safe because they’re in the water.But water parks can actually increase dehydration because visitors often don’t realize how much they’re sweating.❌ Highest riskNoon to 4 p.m.Swimming pools✅ BestMorningLate afternoonEveningPools help cool you down, but swimmers can still become dehydrated and sunburned.Don’t skip drinking water just because you’re in the pool.Barbecues and backyard parties✅ BestStart around 6 p.m.If hosting an afternoon gathering:Provide shaded seating.Keep coolers stocked with water.Take breaks indoors.Limit alcohol in extreme heat.❌ Toughest hoursNoon through 5 p.m.Standing over a grill can increase your body’s heat load even more.Yard work✅ BestBefore 9 a.m.❌ Avoid10 a.m. through 6 p.m.Lawn mowing is one of the leading summertime activities associated with heat illness because it combines heavy exertion with direct sunlight.Outdoor sports✅ BestBefore 9 a.m.After sunsetTeams should schedule frequent water breaks and allow athletes to acclimate gradually to the heat.General outdoor festivals or eventsIf you’re attending festivals, farmers markets or community events:Go early if possible.If you’re outside during the afternoon:Find shade every 20-30 minutes.Drink water before you’re thirsty.Wear a wide-brim hat.Apply sunscreen every two hours.The hours everyone should pay attention to time heat risk:5:30-9 a.m. - Best time for nearly every outdoor activity9-11 a.m. - Generally safe but warming quickly11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Highest heat risk, avoid strenuous activity4-6 p.m. - Still very hot despite lowering sun angleAfter 7 p.m. - Better, though humidity remains highKnow the warning signsHeat exhaustion symptoms include:Heavy sweatingWeaknessDizzinessHeadacheMuscle crampsNauseaCool, clammy skinHeat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:ConfusionLoss of consciousnessHot, dry skin (or profuse sweating in some cases)Body temperature of 104 degrees or higherCall 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/houston-doctor-urges-heat-illness-prevention-as-workers-battle-summer-heat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Deven Clarke","publishDate":"2026-06-30T01:11:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F2d89465a-df6a-4d52-adb0-da0e077aa8f7%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-doctor-urges-heat-illness-prevention-as-workers-battle-summer-heat"},{"id":"ccfv5s","title":"Warming climate, pollution and unplanned growth push Kashmir’s lakes toward disappearance","excerpt":"Every morning, long, narrow wooden boats called shikaras move elegantly across expansive Dal Lake in a postcard-perfect scene framed by the Himalayan mountains. But all is not perfect in one of South Asia’s best-known lakes. Pollution from local buildings, invasive plant species that threaten bio...","content":"Every morning, long, narrow wooden boats called shikaras move elegantly across expansive Dal Lake in a postcard-perfect scene framed by the Himalayan mountains. But all is not perfect in one of South Asia’s best-known lakes. Pollution from local buildings, invasive plant species that threaten biodiversity and declining water levels, in part due to climate-driven heat, are threatening the long-term existence of Dal Lake and hundreds of other lakes in Indian-controlled Kashmir.It takes constant effort by workers employed by the local government to keep Dal Lake's weeds at bay, and they must take precautions to avoid skin irritation from the polluted water. Yet it could be worse for the lake, which is located in Kashmir's most populous city, Srinagar. It's one of the few lakes in the region to receive sustained restoration work. “We are afraid to touch the water with bare hands. Whenever we need to clean something by hand, we wear gloves, because without them our hands quickly develop allergies,” Ghulam Rasool, a weed cleaner employed by the local government, said on a recent afternoon. Rasool said that sometimes it feels impossible to keep the lake clean. “Sewage drains flow directly into the lake, and water streams coming from the mountains are bringing waste such as diapers and other garbage,” he said.A combination of climate-driven changes, pollution and unplanned development is accelerating a decline in Indian lakes, with consequences rippling from fragile ecosystems to fishing communities and the tourism economy.An Indian government report last year found that of the region’s 697 natural lakes, 315 have disappeared and 203 have shrunk since 1967. Hundreds recorded in earlier decades have been reduced to shallow marshes, seasonal wetlands or, in some cases, replaced by farmland and other development. Homes and farms encroach upon lakes Lakes in Kashmir have always been centers of activity, including Dal Lake’s famous floating markets where locals sell everything from vegetables to souvenirs. However, recent decades have seen the lakes’ boundaries shrink due to unpredictable rainfall, increased sediment from rivers and encroachment by farmland and houses. Small islands of farmland or long wooden bridges leading to illegal homes are becoming an increasingly common sight. Farmland and homes creeping into what was once lake land is apparent in an aerial view of Dal Lake. Cattle graze freely on newly formed farmland even as the traditional fishers try to make their daily quota nearby. Untreated sewage flowing into the lakes results in the growth of weeds, which feed off nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients in the waste. Plastics and other garbage dirty the lake. Dozens of weed cleaners try to clear Dal Lake every day, and small mounds of cleared weeds can be seen at various spots across the lake. Excavators and other heavy machinery are also used to pull weeds and garbage from the lake.While acknowledging that more funds and work are needed, local government officials said they are trying their best. A government-run lake authority started in 1997 includes civil engineers, scientists, forest officials and local police officials.While more than 75% of Srinagar’s population is connected to sewage treatment systems, sewage from the unconnected houses is a major contributor to lake pollution, said Muzamil Ahmad Rafiqui, superintending engineer for Kashmir’s Lake Conservation and Management Authority.Climate change worsens lake depletion Some of the world’s warmest years have meant that the Himalayan region is warming faster than the global average. Earlier snowmelt, reduced snowfall and more intense rainfall events are disrupting the timing and volume of water that feeds rivers and lakes.Sher Muhammad, a glaciologist with the Kathmandu-headquartered International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, said the shifting, unpredictable patterns mean lakes now face periods of sudden inflow followed by prolonged stress during drier months. The melting of the region's glaciers has also increased the amount of sediment carried downstream into the lakes. While the melting of glaciers can spur an initial boost in water flow, over time it will reduce the natural water storage that sustains rivers and lakes during dry periods, experts said. Climate change has been devastating for Kashmir, said Irfan Rashid, an environmental scientist at the Srinagar-based University of Kashmir. “It has impacted every sector of our economy,” he said. Rashid said hydropower-generating capacity, tourism and highly valued apple and saffron farms have all been hit by erratic, extreme weather in recent years.Fishing communities feel the bruntFishers at Wular Lake, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Srinagar, said the lake has become shallower, its surface fragmented by new patches of vegetation. Parts of its catchment area have been taken over by tree plantations. Navigation has become harder, and fewer fish remain.Abdul Rasheed, a 45-year-old fisherman, said he used to earn around 1,000 rupees ($11) a day. Now it's only 100 to 200 rupees ($1 to $2) for an entire night of fishing.“There are a lot of changes since my childhood,” said Rasheed.As is the case with many other lakes in Kashmir, agricultural and residential development has encroached on the lake, while untreated sewage and farm runoff have hurt its water quality. Indeed, the surface in several areas is a green gunk. The most recent detailed study of Wular Lake, conducted by the conservation group Wetlands International in 2007, found that the lake had shrunk by 45% over the preceding century. The report also emphasized that the degradation of the lake increases flood risks in the Kashmir valley because it was traditionally the biggest buffer for overflows from the Jhelum River. Many fishers at Wular Lake said they don't believe future generations will be able to live off fishing. Bashir Ahmed, a 55-year-old who has fished in the lake for decades, said in the past a young person with no fishing experience could return home with 4 kilograms (nearly 9 pounds) of fish. “Now even a skilled fisherman comes home with no more than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds),” he said. ___Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India, and can be followed on X at @sibi123. Follow Dar Yasin on Instagram at @daryasinap___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/30/warming-climate-pollution-and-unplanned-growth-push-kashmirs-lakes-toward-disappearance/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dar Yasin And Sibi Arasu, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-30T01:04:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZYXNA3P23RHDFGYWXCCWAN6KGE.jpg","slug":"warming-climate-pollution-and-unplanned-growth-push-kashmirs-lakes-toward-disappearance"},{"id":"6e0s1n","title":"Harris County assault suspect shot by DPS trooper after chase into Leon County, authorities say","excerpt":"The Leon County Sheriff's Office said that the suspect was accused of aggravated assault in Harris County and aggravated robbery in Walker County before the pursuit entered their jurisdiction.","content":"The Leon County Sheriff's Office said that the suspect was accused of aggravated assault in Harris County and aggravated robbery in Walker County before the pursuit entered their jurisdiction.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/harris-county-assault-suspect-taken-custody-chase-leon-sheriffs-office-says/19414009/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Lileana Pearson","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:32:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F12383497_102622-ktrk-ewn-10pm-dhu-harris-county-crime-data-irios-vid.jpg","slug":"harris-county-assault-suspect-shot-by-dps-trooper-after-chase-into-leon-county-authorities-say"},{"id":"z9bah6","title":"'It's just like f-, f-, f-, f-': Residents complain about Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion shows","excerpt":"A big topic of debate among residents of The Woodlands is whether performances at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion should be censored for potentially profane language.","content":"A big topic of debate among residents of The Woodlands is whether performances at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion should be censored for potentially profane language.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/like-woodlands-residents-complain-cynthia-woods-mitchell-pavilion-shows/19416061/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Pooja Lodhia","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:32:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416133_the-woodlands-townhsip-sign-FILE-img.png","slug":"its-just-like-f-f-f-f-residents-complain-about-cynthia-woods-mitchell-pavilion-shows"},{"id":"cv3mpa","title":"Man charged with child indecency for alleged incidents in Montgomery County from 1990s, deputies say","excerpt":"Decades-old sexual abuse allegations have surfaced against a man who has ties to various ministries in Montgomery County, according to the sheriff's office.","content":"Decades-old sexual abuse allegations have surfaced against a man who has ties to various ministries in Montgomery County, according to the sheriff's office.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/man-charged-child-indecency-alleged-incidents-montgomery-county-1990s-deputies-say/19415301/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Daniela Hurtado","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:25:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415338_062926-ktrk-montgomery-county-jail-img.png","slug":"man-charged-with-child-indecency-for-alleged-incidents-in-montgomery-county-from-1990s-deputies-say"},{"id":"2us1d4","title":"OSHA proposes $3.5 million in fines after chemical spill in Houston Ship Channel","excerpt":"6 months after a chemical leak caused dozens of people to be treated near the Houston Ship Channel, the U.S. Department of Labor is now holding three different companies accountable..","content":"6 months after a chemical leak caused dozens of people to be treated near the Houston Ship Channel, the U.S. Department of Labor is now holding three different companies accountable..","url":"https://abc13.com/post/osha-proposes-35-million-fines-chemical-spill-houston-ship-channel/19416413/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Brianna Willis","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:21:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416483_chemical-spill-houston-ship-channel-BWI-img.png","slug":"osha-proposes-35-million-in-fines-after-chemical-spill-in-houston-ship-channel"},{"id":"y6ye5x","title":"Gexa Energy gives back: Make-A-Wish reveal brings joy to local child","excerpt":"Gexa’s commitment: more than corporate giving Gexa Energy’s president, Ryan McGeachie, says the best days at the office aren’t about contracts or quarterly numbers — they’re about moments like the company’s Make‑A‑Wish reveals. Recently, Gexa turned its training room into a surprise celebration f...","content":"Gexa’s commitment: more than corporate giving Gexa Energy’s president, Ryan McGeachie, says the best days at the office aren’t about contracts or quarterly numbers — they’re about moments like the company’s Make‑A‑Wish reveals. Recently, Gexa turned its training room into a surprise celebration for 4‑year‑old Max, affectionately known as “Gordo,” whose wish was to see the trucks fly at Monster Jam. How Gexa shows up in Houston The Monster Jam surprise is part of a larger culture of service at Gexa. McGeachie says employees regularly volunteer across the city - from building homes with Habitat for Humanity to serving meals at The Beacon - and Make‑A‑Wish events are a natural extension of that ethos. For Gexa, community engagement isn’t a line item; it’s woven into everyday work life. When a company uses its resources to create a single perfect day for a child, McGeachie says that’s all the reason we need.Small gestures, big impact Gexa went all in for Max: luggage for travel, Grave Digger T‑shirts, a pile of toy monster trucks and plenty of sweets. But McGeachie stresses the power of small gestures — a lanyard, a VIP pass, hands-on participation — that build confidence and lasting memories for families. Those moments resonate with staff and viewers alike, reinforcing a local message: businesses can and should be a force for good in the communities they serve.Planning your own way to give back Gexa’s Make‑A‑Wish reveal highlights how corporations can partner with local nonprofits to make life-changing moments possible. For more on Gexa’s community programs, visit gexaenergy.com/community.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/30/gexa-energy-gives-back-make-a-wish-reveal-brings-joy-to-local-child/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:06:15.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Feac5e541-9e90-440a-b305-68f1bde25ca0%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"gexa-energy-gives-back-make-a-wish-reveal-brings-joy-to-local-child"},{"id":"ts527b","title":"Powerful psychedelic drug ibogaine gets closer to FDA approval: Stories from Texans who have done it","excerpt":"Texas patients are traveling across the border to get their hands on a strong, unregulated psychedelic drug that they say is bringing renewed hope for mental health treatment.","content":"Texas patients are traveling across the border to get their hands on a strong, unregulated psychedelic drug that they say is bringing renewed hope for mental health treatment.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/trauma-survivors-share-experience-psychedelic-texas-is-spending-millions-study/19396545/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Pooja Lodhia","publishDate":"2026-06-30T00:06:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416786_ibogaine-pkg-part-1-img.png","slug":"powerful-psychedelic-drug-ibogaine-gets-closer-to-fda-approval-stories-from-texans-who-have-done-it"},{"id":"u4qp5a","title":"When the odds become real: The lessons left behind in Kerrville","excerpt":"As we approach the one-year remembrance of the Kerrville flood, I find myself thinking back to everything that unfolded in just a matter of hours.The way the storm came together. The torrential rain. The terrain that turned dangerous so quickly. And ultimately, the tragedy that followed.Watching ...","content":"As we approach the one-year remembrance of the Kerrville flood, I find myself thinking back to everything that unfolded in just a matter of hours.The way the storm came together. The torrential rain. The terrain that turned dangerous so quickly. And ultimately, the tragedy that followed.Watching the Dateline episode that aired Friday night on KPRC 2 was heartbreaking. Along with the sadness came frustration, knowing that questions about preparation became part of this story. It’s difficult to watch and not wonder how different outcomes might have been if more had been in place before the water started rising.I traveled to Kerrville just days after the flood.What I saw is something I still carry with me.Trees snapped like toothpicks. Homes torn from their foundations. Families searching through what remained of their lives. Entire futures altered in ways that can never fully be repaired.Anniversaries like this are difficult because they remind us that while headlines fade, loss does not.And they remind us that behind every weather statistic are people, families, and communities forever changed.Flash flood alley:This happened in a place known as Flash Flood Alley, one of the most flood-prone regions in the country.Tropical moisture connected to the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry stalled over the region and unleashed nearly 10 inches of rain in just a few short hours.Weather alone wasn’t the whole story:In the days and weeks that followed, investigators began piecing together what happened and asking difficult questions about preparedness, communication, and emergency planning.In the end, 139 lives were lost.Among them were 28 children at Camp Mystic.Every loss leaves behind a story, a family, and a future that will never look the same.And as heartbreaking as that reality is, one lesson continues to echo through every major weather disaster:Preparation matters:Investigators found Camp Mystic did not have a written evacuation plan, and testimony indicated staff had not been adequately trained or equipped for a flood emergency. Counselors acted courageously under impossible conditions, but courage alone cannot replace preparation.That’s not meant to assign blame. It’s a reminder for all of us. If severe weather arrived tonight, would your family know exactly what to do?Would your workplace?Would your child’s school, camp, daycare, or sports program?Because terms like “100-year flood” and “500-year flood” can create a false sense of distance.Those numbers are not calendars. They are probabilities.A 100-year flood means there is a 1% chance of that level of flooding happening in any given year.A 500-year flood means a 0.2% annual chance.And those odds reset every single year.That’s why communities can experience multiple “100-year floods” within a relatively short period of time.Over a 30-year period, the chance of experiencing at least one 100-year flood climbs to 26%. For a 500-year flood like the one in Kerrville, the odds rise to 6%.Rare does not mean impossible. Understanding flood risk is about more than knowing the numbers.It’s about deciding today what you’ll do tomorrow.Do you have a severe weather plan at work? Does your family know where to go during a tornado warning? If flooding begins while your children are at school, does everyone know who picks up who and when?Write the plan down.Talk through it.Practice it.Because a plan only works if everyone understands it before the emergency begins.And one final reminder that applies to every major weather event:Turn emergency alerts on. Make sure they can wake you up. Don’t dismiss them.And consider having a backup source of warnings, like a NOAA weather radio.The goal is never to live in fear.It’s to give ourselves the best chance to protect the people we love when the odds become real.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/29/when-the-odds-become-real-the-lessons-left-behind-in-kerrville/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anthony Yanez","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:49:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDR3BMMJY5FGYXNFW4EOJ272LQM.jpg","slug":"when-the-odds-become-real-the-lessons-left-behind-in-kerrville"},{"id":"tmcm0","title":"Trump nominates acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to be agency's permanent chief","excerpt":"President Donald Trump said Monday he will nominate Keith Sonderling to be the secretary of labor, elevating him from the agency's acting director two months after Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid abuse-of-power allegations. Sonderling, a lawyer who has held a variety of acting positions and lea...","content":"President Donald Trump said Monday he will nominate Keith Sonderling to be the secretary of labor, elevating him from the agency's acting director two months after Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid abuse-of-power allegations. Sonderling, a lawyer who has held a variety of acting positions and leadership roles across Trump's government, was previously the deputy labor secretary and a Republican member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing Sonderling's nomination. Sonderling's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. During Trump's second term, in addition to his Labor Department post, Sonderling has been the acting director of U.S. Office of Government Ethics and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, one of several agencies Trump targeted for closure in an executive order last year.At the library agency, Sonderling placed many agency staff members on administrative leave, sent termination notices to most of them, began canceling grants and contracts and fired all members of the National Museum and Library Services Board. Those actions were later blocked by a judge, and the case remains on appeal. Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April following reports that she was under a series of investigations.A New York Times report revealed that the Labor Department’s inspector general was reviewing material showing Chavez-DeRemer and her top aides and family members routinely sent personal messages and requests to young staff members.She also faced allegations that she drank alcohol on the job and that she tasked aides to plan official trips for primarily personal reasons.Chavez De-Remer has denied wrongdoing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/29/trump-nominates-acting-labor-secretary-keith-sonderling-to-be-agencys-permanent-chief/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:46:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYNDHJWWBHBCCTD7LD2ARD6TUGE.jpg","slug":"trump-nominates-acting-labor-secretary-keith-sonderling-to-be-agencys-permanent-chief"},{"id":"ix9r25","title":"Princess Kate climbs Britain's three highest peaks in 24 hours to raise money for cancer hospital","excerpt":"Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed Britain's arduous Three Peaks Challenge over the weekend to support the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment two years ago.","content":"Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed Britain's arduous Three Peaks Challenge over the weekend to support the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment two years ago.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/kate-princess-wales-climbs-britains-highest-peaks-24-hours-raise-money-cancer-hospital/19416493/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"CNNWire","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:17:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416472_062926-cc-8a-princess-kate-three-peaks-vidgma.png","slug":"princess-kate-climbs-britains-three-highest-peaks-in-24-hours-to-raise-money-for-cancer-hospital"},{"id":"1xof7n","title":"'Adventure Time: Side Quests' stars discuss Finn and Jake's early adventures","excerpt":"\"Adventure Time: Side Quests\" has officially dropped on Disney+ and Hulu! ⚔️ \n\nSasha Knight and John DiMaggio discuss returning to Ooo, reviving Finn and Jake's early brotherly bond and taking on epic new quests.","content":"\"Adventure Time: Side Quests\" has officially dropped on Disney+ and Hulu! ⚔️ \n\nSasha Knight and John DiMaggio discuss returning to Ooo, reviving Finn and Jake's early brotherly bond and taking on epic new quests.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/sasha-knight-john-dimaggio-finn-jakes-early-days-adventure-time-side-quests/19416362/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:05:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416421_062926-otrc-adventuretime-vid.png","slug":"adventure-time-side-quests-stars-discuss-finn-and-jakes-early-adventures"},{"id":"4pu7h6","title":"After a hot and hazy Monday, the heat remains with small rain chances returning in July","excerpt":"Saharan dust brings hazy conditions and a reduction in air quality Monday. Then a pattern change will bring back rain showers to clean up the air in early July.","content":"Saharan dust brings hazy conditions and a reduction in air quality Monday. Then a pattern change will bring back rain showers to clean up the air in early July.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/houston-weather-forecast-today-near-me-texas-rain-storm-predictions/39346/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Travis Herzog","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:54:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416346_062926-ktrk-530p-wx-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"after-a-hot-and-hazy-monday-the-heat-remains-with-small-rain-chances-returning-in-july"},{"id":"pg1zji","title":"More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing","excerpt":"More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela.","content":"More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/more-100-venezuelans-were-deported-us-hours-before-earthquakes-are-missing/19415931/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:45:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415485_062926-wpvi-christie-venezuela-earthquakes-4pm-vid.jpg","slug":"more-than-100-venezuelans-who-were-deported-from-the-us-hours-before-the-earthquakes-are-missing"},{"id":"qk7fks","title":"Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson drew inspiration from his grandfather in his return as Maui in Disney's new live-action 'Moana'","excerpt":"Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson drew inspiration from his grandfather in his return as Maui in Disney's new live-action 'Moana'","content":"Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson drew inspiration from his grandfather in his return as Maui in Disney's new live-action 'Moana'","url":"https://abc13.com/story/dwayne-rock-johnson-drew-inspiration-grandfather-return-maui-disneys-new-live-action-moana/19414861/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:44:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416265_062926-wpvi-dwayne-johnson-moana-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"dwayne-the-rock-johnson-drew-inspiration-from-his-grandfather-in-his-return-as-maui-in-disneys-new-l"},{"id":"6lb5t5","title":"Harris County immigrant legal services program paused by Texas Supreme Court","excerpt":"Funding for a Harris County program is now on hold after Texas' highest court hit the pause button.","content":"Funding for a Harris County program is now on hold after Texas' highest court hit the pause button.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/harris-county-immigrant-legal-services-program-paused-texas-supreme-court/19416088/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Sarah Al-Shaikh","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:32:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19416143_062926-ktrk-supreme-court-building-img.png","slug":"harris-county-immigrant-legal-services-program-paused-by-texas-supreme-court"},{"id":"dtrreb","title":"Paraguay stuns Germany in a penalty shootout for the biggest upset of the 2026 World Cup","excerpt":"José Canale wasn’t in the starting lineup in either of his previous two appearances for Paraguay in this World Cup.He made his first start a memorable one.Canale scored on the first sudden-death penalty kick, Orlando Gill made two key saves in the shootout, and Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalt...","content":"José Canale wasn’t in the starting lineup in either of his previous two appearances for Paraguay in this World Cup.He made his first start a memorable one.Canale scored on the first sudden-death penalty kick, Orlando Gill made two key saves in the shootout, and Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties Monday to earn the biggest upset of the 2026 World Cup.It was a major triumph for the landlocked South American country of 7 million people that's surrounded by soccer giants like Argentina and Brazil. And it was the latest surprising exit by Germany, a four-time champion that has struggled at the World Cup since it last lifted the trophy in 2014.“I think we deserved one more game and to be honest, considering everything that was said, everything we went through,” Canale said. “What I want to highlight from our team is how united we are. ... Today was a game we really needed to show our true colors.”Paraguayans celebrated in the streets of the capital, Asunción, screaming, jumping and hugging when the match ended. Some cried and dropped to their knees in disbelief, with the familiar beat of the team’s song “Soy Albirrojo” reverberating through the crowd.Paraguay became the first team to defeat Germany in a penalty shootout at the World Cup. The Germans missed three of six penalty tries, the last by Jonathan Tah, who blasted his attempt high over the crossbar in the first sudden-death round, setting up Canale for the winner. Tah's miss followed a save by German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Fabian Balbuena's attempt that would have won it for Paraguay.Tah also thought he had the go-ahead goal in extra time. He headed in a corner kick by Nathaniel Brown in the 102nd minute, but officials concluded after a video review that Waldemar Anton has pushed Gill to the ground before the shot and the goal was disallowed.The Round of 32 match ended 1-1 after extra time. Paraguay took the lead when Julio Enciso scored on a header late in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute for Germany.“We had to analyze every player, every detail. Thanks to that I was able to only miss two penalties,” Gill said. “This is for all the people of Paraguay.”Paraguay, which entered the match ranked 41st by FIFA, became the deepest betting long shot to win a match in this World Cup. Germany came in as the 10th-ranked team in the world.The Paraguayans will face the winner of Tuesday’s match between France and Sweden in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia. A win on the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding would send Paraguay back to Foxborough for the quarterfinals on July 9.Germany had won six of seven penalty shootouts in major tournaments, including six straight since losing to Czechoslovakia in the 1976 European Championship final.“It’s not enough for German football,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said.In the only previous World Cup match between the teams, Germany beat Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 at the 2002 tournament. Nearly a quarter-century later, Paraguay got its revenge.Paraguay had appeared in five previous knockout games but failed to score in each. It had advanced only once, winning on penalty kicks against Japan in the round of 16 at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. It fell that year to eventual champion Spain in the quarterfinals.Monday was Germany’s first knockout game since the 2014 final in Brazil, when the Germans beat Argentina 1-0. The Germans were eliminated in the group stage at the last two tournaments.“We had very big plans for this World Cup. It’s very difficult to disappoint again,” Havertz said. “It was difficult to create chances and keep the pace.”Paraguay broke the early stalemate in the 42nd minute Monday with some perfect ball movement to set up Enciso.Miguel Almiron split Germany’s Aleksandar Pavlovic and Nathaniel Brown with a left-footed pass to Matias Galarza. Galarza sent a cross to Enciso, who was unmarked by Germany’s defenders and easily headed it past Neuer.In the second half, Havertz took a cross from Florian Wirtz, which he got just enough head on to redirect it past Gill.Germany, whose 10 goals in the group stage was tied for the most of any team, struggled to find a way through Paraguay’s 4-5-1 setup. The Germans had 78% of the possession in the first half.Paraguay was without defender Omar Alderete, who left with an injury in the second half of its 0-0 draw against Australia. Canale started in his place.Paraguay opened the World Cup with a 4-1 loss to the United States, then beat Turkey 1-0 while playing the entire second half with 10 men. A scoreless draw against Australia was good enough for Paraguay to reach the knockout stage as the third-place finisher from Group D.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/germany-and-paraguay-head-to-penalty-kicks-at-1-1-in-the-round-of-32-at-the-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kyle Hightower, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:29:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FA6LXU7WYYFDB5L2WC27I3RHYYM.jpg","slug":"paraguay-stuns-germany-in-a-penalty-shootout-for-the-biggest-upset-of-the-2026-world-cup"},{"id":"lswwgd","title":"Galveston Co. commissioners unanimously vote for new redistricting map","excerpt":"The map passed after at least 48 speakers addressed it, which impacts residents in Bolivar and Galveston.","content":"The map passed after at least 48 speakers addressed it, which impacts residents in Bolivar and Galveston.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/texas-voting-commissioners-galveston-county-approve-new-redistricting-map/19415193/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Nick Natario","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:17:33.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415795_062926-ktrk-galveston-county-redistricting-img.png","slug":"galveston-co-commissioners-unanimously-vote-for-new-redistricting-map"},{"id":"fn97bj","title":"20-year-old man arrested, charged in connection with crash that killed MCSO deputy, authorities say","excerpt":"The driver of a commercial truck that struck and killed a Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy on Sunday has been arrested, according to authorities.","content":"The driver of a commercial truck that struck and killed a Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy on Sunday has been arrested, according to authorities.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/20-year-old-man-arrested-charged-connection-crash-killed-mcso-deputy-authorities-say/19415932/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:05:14.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415963_062926-ktrk-mcso-deputy-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"20-year-old-man-arrested-charged-in-connection-with-crash-that-killed-mcso-deputy-authorities-say"},{"id":"v46hdf","title":"Ashland Specialty Chemicals union workers go on strike at Texas City facility","excerpt":"The employees say they want to preserve their current benefits, including more sick time for senior employees.","content":"The employees say they want to preserve their current benefits, including more sick time for senior employees.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/business/2026/06/29/555894/ashland-specialty-chemicals-union-workers-go-on-strike-at-texas-city-facility/?utm_source=rss-business-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Natalie Weber","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:59:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29164519%2FImage-2026-06-29T164508.035-450x338.jpg","slug":"ashland-specialty-chemicals-union-workers-go-on-strike-at-texas-city-facility"},{"id":"sie8ov","title":"Self-exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui gets 30 years in US prison for fraud conviction","excerpt":"A self-exiled billionaire Chinese business tycoon once believed to be among China's wealthiest men was sentenced Monday to 30 years in a U.S. prison for a massive financial fraud that a federal judge said cost over 1,000 people worldwide hundreds of millions of dollars.Guo Wengui, who fled China ...","content":"A self-exiled billionaire Chinese business tycoon once believed to be among China's wealthiest men was sentenced Monday to 30 years in a U.S. prison for a massive financial fraud that a federal judge said cost over 1,000 people worldwide hundreds of millions of dollars.Guo Wengui, who fled China a decade ago and reinvented himself as a U.S.-based Communist Party critic, was sentenced in a Manhattan courtroom packed with his supporters by Judge Analisa Torres. She said he “preyed on those seeking to bring Democracy to China,” taking their money so he could live lavishly.Before he was sentenced, Guo protested his treatment in jail, saying he was taken to the hospital early Monday. He disputed a prosecutor's portrayal of him as a malinger faking illness, saying he repeatedly vomited as he was returned to jail before being brought to court.“When I came here, I said: ‘I have a tummy ache, I need to go to the bathroom, I don’t feel well,’” Guo said through an interpreter of his courthouse arrival. Later, Guo wiped his mouth repeatedly with a tissue.He only briefly addressed the criminal case, defending his intentions by saying in reference to the Chinese Communist Party: “The reason I came to the U.S. was to destroy the CCP.\"The judge, in sentencing him, read snippets of letters she received from victims who described losing their life savings and feeling severely anxious and shamed and having family members turn on them for their poor investment choice.Torres said Guo “takes no responsibility for his actions and instead insists incredibly his conduct caused no loss and harmed no one.” She said he “has called upon supporters to harass and intimidate those who dare to speak out against him.”The judge ordered Guo to forfeit $889 million in restitution.Wei Chen, a victim who testified at trial, told Torres that Guo's fraud \"destroyed my life\" and that of her family. As Guo left the courtroom after the sentencing, supporters applauded and shouted toward him.Before his arrest and detention without bail three years ago, Guo grew so close to conservative political strategist Steve Bannon that they announced a joint initiative to overthrow the Chinese government in 2020. He lived in a luxury apartment overlooking Central Park and had joined President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida golf club.Prosecutors had requested he serve at least 30 years in prison, saying his \"astonishing\" fraud from 2018 to 2023 “destroyed hundreds of lives” and left “a wreckage of victims and families who have been devastated financially, emotionally, and psychologically.”Prosecutors said in court papers that his ill-gotten riches fueled “a lifestyle of extraordinary excess and indulgence, a gilded life of mansions, yachts, race cars, designer clothes and luxury furnishings.”Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo's lavish lifestyle.In a court filing, Guo's lawyers wrote that he was the victim of the Chinese Communist Party's “grand, pervasive, and life threatening” pursuit of him. They alleged that the party recruited elites in U.S. business, entertainment and politics to conspire against him.They said in presentence court papers that a lengthy prison term would only validate China's smear campaign and “embolden further efforts to eliminate Chinese dissidents from public life” while defendants in similar cases received prison terms of two-to-four years.The lawyers noted that a court probation officer wrote to the sentencing judge that Guo, also known as Miles Guo and Ho Wan Kwok, had scars and disfigurements from physical torture he endured in China and subsequent surgeries he underwent from 1993 to 2022 to repair the injuries.Defense lawyers said Guo's wealth grew as his family became the largest shareholder of China's largest publicly traded securities company, but he became a target of Chinese government officials as he exposed them as corrupt. Eventually, the lawyers wrote, Guo moved to Hong Kong, London and then New York in 2017.Chinese authorities accused him of rape, kidnapping, bribery and other crimes, but Guo said those allegations were false.Prosecutors say Guo convinced hundreds of thousands of people to invest more than $1 billion, total, in entities he controlled, including his media company, GTV Media Group Inc., and his so-called Himalaya Farm Alliance and the Himalaya Exchange. Guo, the government alleged in presentence court papers, was “entirely unrepentant” for his crimes after he took advantage of lax U.S. asylum laws to flourish in America.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/29/self-exiled-chinese-billionaire-guo-wengui-gets-30-years-in-us-prison-for-fraud-conviction/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael R. Sisak And Larry Neumeister, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:48:55.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FODJ5RQTAXRE2FPIN3ZNH64WCGA.jpg","slug":"self-exiled-chinese-billionaire-guo-wengui-gets-30-years-in-us-prison-for-fraud-conviction"},{"id":"f58q60","title":"Galveston County commissioners approve new precinct map despite criticism from residents","excerpt":"The decision comes as the county continues to defend itself against claims that its previous precinct map weakened the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters.","content":"The decision comes as the county continues to defend itself against claims that its previous precinct map weakened the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/voting/2026/06/29/555864/galveston-county-precinct-map-gerrymandering-voting-rights-act/?utm_source=rss-voting-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:35:33.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29150649%2Fnew-map-450x289.jpg","slug":"galveston-county-commissioners-approve-new-precinct-map-despite-criticism-from-residents"},{"id":"ud6kio","title":"San Francisco Archdiocese agrees to pay $395 million to settle child sex abuse lawsuits","excerpt":"The San Francisco Catholic Archdiocese has agreed to pay $395 million to settle more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by church officials, plaintiffs' attorneys said Monday.San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will have to write an apology letter to each survivor as part of ...","content":"The San Francisco Catholic Archdiocese has agreed to pay $395 million to settle more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by church officials, plaintiffs' attorneys said Monday.San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will have to write an apology letter to each survivor as part of the settlement.The settlement also requires the archdiocese to implement a series of child protection and transparency reforms, including creating a list of clergy accused of abuse, said Jeff Anderson, an attorney representing dozens of child sexual abuse victims. The settlement comes three years after the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy and will cover approximately 530 survivors of child sexual abuse, Anderson said. It is the latest agreement over clergy sexual abuse claims. In 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to a record $880 million settlement.Several archdioceses in California filed for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of lawsuits brought under a California law approved in 2019 that allowed decades-old claims to be filed by Dec. 31, 2022. Cordileone, the archbishop, said in a statement that he believes the settlement provides “a path toward fair compensation for survivors who have borne the weight of this abuse for a lifetime.” “The hope is that this proposal will allow us collectively to move forward,” he said. “We accept full responsibility for what happened, and I sincerely apologize to all those who have been harmed,” Cordileone added.Margie O’Driscoll sued the archdiocese alleging she was sexually abused almost 50 years ago by a priest while she was a student at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, a community north of the Golden Gate Bridge. She said the settlement was hard-fought and puts the responsibility on church officials, not survivors.“I, like every survivor, have carried this pain and shame along like a ball and chain for a very, very long time,” O'Driscoll said during a news conference. “Ashamed and confused about what happened, scorned by the archdiocese, and sometimes not even believed by family and friends, and I think today shame is gonna change sides.”The San Francisco Archdiocese serves about 440,000 Catholics in the counties of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo.Anderson said a committee of survivors who spent thousands of hours over the last three years negotiating with Cordileone is empowered with establishing protocols on how to distribute the funds. He said every survivor will be given an opportunity to submit their story of abuse to an allocator hired by the committee to receive what Anderson said would be “an equitable distribution based on the unique circumstances of that survival.” Besides the funds, the archdiocese will be required to follow 14 child protection and transparency demands that include maintaining and making public a comprehensive, up-to-date list of all accused clergy that details allegations and the outcomes of investigations. The archdiocese will also be banned from imposing confidentiality agreements that silence survivors. “I’ve been working with survivors for decades and I’ve never heard of anything quite as significant, as rigorous, as robust as what is being required of the Archdiocese of San Francisco,\" Anderson said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/san-francisco-archdiocese-agrees-to-pay-395-million-to-settle-child-sex-abuse-lawsuits/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Olga R. Rodriguez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:16:30.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBHXRN6EZARET5EUBZ4UQ4KDFQE.jpg","slug":"san-francisco-archdiocese-agrees-to-pay-395-million-to-settle-child-sex-abuse-lawsuits"},{"id":"k0jb2r","title":"Ja Morant is headed to Portland after the Memphis Grizzlies trade the 2-time All-Star","excerpt":"Ja Morant is headed to Portland, after the Trail Blazers and Memphis completed a trade Monday night that sees the Grizzlies starting anew and gives the two-time All-Star a chance to revive his career.Portland sent forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies as part of the deal.It’s a b...","content":"Ja Morant is headed to Portland, after the Trail Blazers and Memphis completed a trade Monday night that sees the Grizzlies starting anew and gives the two-time All-Star a chance to revive his career.Portland sent forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies as part of the deal.It’s a big swing by the Trail Blazers and could suggest Portland — with new owner Tom Dundon, whose Carolina Hurricanes just won the Stanley Cup — might not be done making moves. Morant adds to a logjam at point guard right now for Portland, with Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson also on the current roster.Morant has averaged 22.4 points for his career but has played only 79 games over the last three seasons because of injuries and suspensions — including a 25-game banishment after he was seen on a livestream holding a gun while he was in the passenger seat of a vehicle. That came not long after an eight-game suspension for flashing a gun in a Denver-area nightclub, also captured on social media.The suspensions, combined, cost Morant — who was Rookie of the Year after being the No. 2 selection in the 2019 draft, as well as the league's Most Improved Player in 2021-22 when he appeared to be on a path toward superstardom — about $9 million in lost salary. He said in April 2025 that he's made his peace with being a lightning rod for constant criticism.“I’m kind of used to it,” Morant said at that time. “I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. So, yeah. I don’t care no more.”Grant averaged 18.6 points last season for Portland and will be joining his sixth team by going to Memphis. Murray averaged 5.8 points this past season for the Trail Blazers.Morant's MIP-award year in 2021-22 saw Memphis win 56 games, tying a franchise record. That team was built around a young core four of Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.And now, they're all gone. Brooks played only one more season with the Grizzlies after that and has changed teams twice since, Bane went to Orlando last summer and Jackson was traded to Utah in February.___AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/portland-is-acquiring-2-time-all-star-ja-morant-in-a-trade-with-memphis-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tim Reynolds, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:14:40.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4VO4MLPJUNGE7C5TH6VMIUKNBA.jpg","slug":"ja-morant-is-headed-to-portland-after-the-memphis-grizzlies-trade-the-2-time-all-star"},{"id":"cvhyf7","title":"Star-maker Clive Davis honored at funeral that draws Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick and others","excerpt":"Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 94, a few weeks after he had been hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue.","content":"Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 94, a few weeks after he had been hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue.","url":"https://abc7ny.com/post/star-maker-clive-davis-honored-funeral-draws-bruce-springsteen-dionne-warwick-others/19413413/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:48:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415553_062926-wabc-ap-clive-davis-funeral-img.jpg","slug":"star-maker-clive-davis-honored-at-funeral-that-draws-bruce-springsteen-dionne-warwick-and-others"},{"id":"jscwch","title":"Luigi Mangione to stand trial in Manhattan federal court in January; State trial set for September","excerpt":"Luigi Mangione will stand trial in Manhattan federal court beginning January 5 with jury selection followed by opening statements January 25.","content":"Luigi Mangione will stand trial in Manhattan federal court beginning January 5 with jury selection followed by opening statements January 25.","url":"https://abc7ny.com/post/luigi-mangione-due-federal-court-pretrial-hearing-jury-selection-plans-expected/19411585/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:34:41.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415456_062926-wabc-ap-mangione-court-hearing-img.jpg","slug":"luigi-mangione-to-stand-trial-in-manhattan-federal-court-in-january-state-trial-set-for-september"},{"id":"3piyt3","title":"3 firefighters killed in fire on Colorado-Utah border trying to shield themselves from flames ID'd","excerpt":"Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said.","content":"Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/3-firefighters-killed-wildfire-colorado-utah-border-idd-emily-barker-nick-hutcherson-sydney-watson/19415370/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:22:03.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19406355_utah-wildfires-clean-TN-img.jpg","slug":"3-firefighters-killed-in-fire-on-colorado-utah-border-trying-to-shield-themselves-from-flames-idd"},{"id":"vn8ovf","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 29, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/29/555788/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-29-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:00:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-29-2026"},{"id":"3uyk7o","title":"Brazil, Japan fans turn out for down-to-the-wire World Cup knockout match in Houston","excerpt":"More than 1,000 Brazil fans marched to NRG Stadium on Monday morning, solidifying the team's status as having one of the most devoted fan bases in the world. Brazil scored a late goal against Japan to advance.","content":"More than 1,000 Brazil fans marched to NRG Stadium on Monday morning, solidifying the team's status as having one of the most devoted fan bases in the world. Brazil scored a late goal against Japan to advance.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/29/555841/houston-world-cup-brazil-japan-soccer-fans/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:53:48.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29141036%2FImage-2026-06-29T140927.202-450x338.jpg","slug":"brazil-japan-fans-turn-out-for-down-to-the-wire-world-cup-knockout-match-in-houston"},{"id":"8z72ld","title":"New Mexico governor says state could seek billions after DEA let fentanyl hit streets","excerpt":"New Mexico's governor said Monday that state officials could pursue billions of dollars in civil damages after revelations that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents repeatedly allowed shipments of fentanyl to flow into drug-plagued communities as investigators sought to build bigger cases....","content":"New Mexico's governor said Monday that state officials could pursue billions of dollars in civil damages after revelations that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents repeatedly allowed shipments of fentanyl to flow into drug-plagued communities as investigators sought to build bigger cases. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vowed to take her outrage “right to the White House and Congress” to seek assurances the DEA is no longer using the risky law enforcement strategy in New Mexico — and that it is not being replicated elsewhere. Overdoses have surged in New Mexico, even as fentanyl deaths declined in other states.“This is a stunning failure by the federal government,” the governor told reporters at a news conference in the state medical examiner's office in Albuquerque, joining a host of state and local law enforcers and officials demanding answers. “It’s disgusting and despicable.”The DEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson noted that President Donald Trump has classified fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” and signed into law legislation cracking down on the synthetic opioid. “Sadly, the United States is still recovering from Biden’s border crisis and the damage it caused,” Jackson wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “President Trump has totally secured the border and has taken bold actions to combat the scourge of fentanyl in American society.”Lujan Grisham's remarks came a week after AP reported that DEA agents repeatedly monitored — but did not seize — shipments of fentanyl as part of an effort to build bigger criminal cases between 2023 and 2025. Current and former DEA agents, including whistleblower David Howell, told AP the strategy amounted to a gamble with public safety and may have violated U.S. Justice Department rules intended to safeguard the public.The DEA initially denied Howell’s allegations in a statement to AP. But the agency later called upon the Justice Department’s independent watchdog to conduct its own investigation.The fentanyl went unseized amid the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history and as the DEA led a public awareness campaign — “One Pill Can Kill” — emphasizing that even a few milligrams of the substance can be lethal. New Mexico has responded swiftly to the revelations. Last week, the state's attorney general announced a criminal investigation to determine whether any federal officials broke state law by knowingly exposing New Mexico residents to the synthetic opioid. “We’re going to protect the rest of the United States from this kind of foul, ‘I need a big case' effort no matter what the consequences,” Lujan Grisham said. “We’re angry because it’s immoral.”Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said fentanyl represents his city's “No. 1 challenge,” driving crime and homelessness and straining health care resources.“Using us in some sort of uninformed, undisciplined experiment that’s literally killing our people — that’s what this is,” he said. “This should outrage every single New Mexican.”Trump last week shared a link on his Truth Social page to an article attributing the scandal to the “Biden-run Justice Department.” In a statement to AP last week, the Justice Department similarly said “the alleged conduct occurred under the Biden Administration’s disastrous open border policies.”Howell first came forward during the Biden administration in 2023 — and was sidelined for doing so — but he continued to flag unseized fentanyl shipments as recently as last year, and the largest he documented happened two months into Trump's second term, a 1.8-million pill haul DEA learned about but did not intercept in March 2025.Howell also revealed that the Justice Department in 2024 changed internal guidelines that had urged agents to seize fentanyl whenever “practicable,” affording them more discretion to preserve longer-term investigations. Empower Oversight, the whistleblower advocacy group representing Howell, called on the Justice Department Monday to reinstate those earlier protocols so authorities “try to seize fentanyl whenever there is probable cause.”Lujan Grisham has criticized both administrations as not doing enough to stem the tide of fentanyl in New Mexico, and pointed to the death last year of a 15-month-old girl who reportedly swallowed some of her mother's drugs in Española, a town ravaged by grinding poverty and addiction.It is not clear whether any fatal overdoses in the state can be directly attributed to the DEA strategy. While overdose deaths nationwide fell 14% last year, government data show New Mexico tallied a 21% spike.“Somebody must pay for the damage to the state, the public safety risks that will be shared by everyone here for a decade or more, and pay to try to right the wrongs and put people’s lives back together,” she said.Lujan Grisham, who will leave office at year's end after two terms as governor, said the worst part of being an elected leader is having to face the victims of what she called “senseless” devastation and loss.“There are no words that can take away that pain,” she said, adding their experiences cannot be dismissed by politics as usual. “Whatever we can do to prevent the next loss for the next family, is the work that we’re all collectively doing.”__Mustian and Goodman reported from Miami.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/29/new-mexico-governor-says-state-could-seek-billions-after-dea-let-fentanyl-hit-streets/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Susan Montoya Bryan, Jim Mustian And Joshua Goodman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:32:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRHWA6GGZWFA4DHLTEIGLQMHKCQ.jpg","slug":"new-mexico-governor-says-state-could-seek-billions-after-dea-let-fentanyl-hit-streets"},{"id":"lms1f0","title":"John Oliver will guest star on 'General Hospital'","excerpt":"\"General Hospital\" promises an explosive week ahead and adds \"Last Week Tonight\" host John Oliver in a \"significant role.\"","content":"\"General Hospital\" promises an explosive week ahead and adds \"Last Week Tonight\" host John Oliver in a \"significant role.\"","url":"https://abc7.com/post/general-hospital-casts-big-star-significant-role/19414672/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19415023_062926-otrc-generalhospitaljohnoliver-vid.jpg","slug":"john-oliver-will-guest-star-on-general-hospital"},{"id":"ehm3ik","title":"Hello Houston (June 29, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We receive an update on the FIFA World Cup, explore the science behind the sport of soccer, break down all the upcoming changes affecting student loans, and more.","content":"Today: We receive an update on the FIFA World Cup, explore the science behind the sport of soccer, break down all the upcoming changes affecting student loans, and more.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/29/555785/hello-houston-june-29-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:57:52.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-29-2026"},{"id":"ns3qzx","title":"Charges filed in Montgomery County crash that led to deputy’s death","excerpt":"Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was directing traffic at a crash scene when she was fatally struck by the driver of a heavy-duty commercial truck, according to the sheriff's office.","content":"Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was directing traffic at a crash scene when she was fatally struck by the driver of a heavy-duty commercial truck, according to the sheriff's office.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/law-enforcement/2026/06/29/555814/montgomery-county-deputy-death-investigation-crash-the-woodlands/?utm_source=rss-law-enforcement-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:39:47.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29113919%2F733328597_1323403746637958_4717012810719175331_n-450x237.jpg","slug":"charges-filed-in-montgomery-county-crash-that-led-to-deputys-death"},{"id":"bb2umz","title":"Sweltering Midwest heat cancels outdoor plans as cooling centers open and the East braces","excerpt":"Summer camps and other outdoor activities were canceled Monday as tens of millions of people across the Midwest endured a heat wave that is expected to spread eastward this week. Communities opened cooling centers and urged people to take it easy and stay hydrated. Forty-seven million people acro...","content":"Summer camps and other outdoor activities were canceled Monday as tens of millions of people across the Midwest endured a heat wave that is expected to spread eastward this week. Communities opened cooling centers and urged people to take it easy and stay hydrated. Forty-seven million people across big chunks of the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley are under an extreme heat warning through at least Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s, with heat index values, or “feels-like” temperatures, expected to top 100 degrees (37.8 degrees Celsius) in the region, according to the National Weather Service.Visiting Des Moines with family, Rachel Washburn searched for things to do with kids during a heat wave. They landed at a water sprayground before lunch Monday, where her children played tag in the cool water.“My kids were quite shocked at the heat and humidity,” said Washburn of her seven children ages 18 months to 17 who had been used to more temperate weather farther north in Bemidji, Minnesota. “We were hoping for some good weather, but we'll make do.”About 56 million Americans are under an extreme heat watch as hot and humid weather is expected to move farther east later in the week, with some of the worst conditions expected by Thursday and Friday in the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast. Some areas could experience record-high temperatures, said Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. On Monday, cities and event planners were already announcing adjustments for or calling off events later in the week, including a farmer's market scheduled for Tuesday in DeWitt, Michigan; a movie screening Wednesday in Fairfield, Ohio; and Thursday’s food truck festival in Warwick, New York.The heat wave will also likely coincide with the Fourth of July holiday weekend, providing additional risk as more people have cookouts or watch fireworks outside for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Kleebauer said the center recommends people stay hydrated and ensure access to shady areas and air conditioning.Emergency workers were out in Nashville on Monday to offer water and check on people during the hottest time of the day.Mike Russell, a captain at the Nashville Office of Emergency Management, said he saw many empty areas where people typically sleep outside, which he said was a good sign that they found someplace cool to escape the heat for a while. Logan King, 29, brought a cart to fill up on cold water and snacks when the emergency workers came out to a patch of woods behind a Walmart where he and others sleep outside. The trees where people have pitched tents offer some cover from the direct sun, but not much relief.“It’s just miserable honestly, but this helps so much,” King said. “Even with the shade and a tent ... it gets hot.\"Extreme heat has also taken its toll in Europe, where temperature records were set and many heat-related deaths were reported in France. People can be caught off guard by the first heat wave of the year, said Dr. Roy Elrod, chief of staff at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital.“You’re happy winter’s gone, you’re ready to enjoy the summer, you’ve just been aching for it,” Elrod said. “And so, I think we slip into kind of a position where we think it’s got to be OK.”Heat-related injuries can happen in a matter of minutes, he said, especially to those who don’t prepare for the weather by hydrating, wearing light clothing, avoiding the hottest times of the day and minimizing exposure to the sun.The University of Wisconsin-Madison said it was closing 23 buildings to the public starting Tuesday, allowing only limited access to 11 others. It was relocating some summer classes after a broken water line at its cooling plant earlier this month severely reduced the ability to provide air conditioning across campus.Temperatures approaching 90 degrees and high humidity didn’t stop Toni Kreutzer, 28, from taking a walk Monday along the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, with her 13-year-old dog Chester.“I like it hot,” Kreutzer said. \"I just don’t like the humidity.\" ___McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, Kristin M. Hall in Nashville and Haya Panjwani in Washington, D.C., contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/29/sweltering-midwest-heat-cancels-outdoor-plans-as-cooling-centers-open-and-the-east-braces/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Hannah Fingerhut And Kathy Mccormack, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:07:48.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJDIDWRVOEFC6TNGIWVHEEZMTWM.jpg","slug":"sweltering-midwest-heat-cancels-outdoor-plans-as-cooling-centers-open-and-the-east-braces"},{"id":"blk2uh","title":"3 firefighters killed in Western wildfire were trying to shield themselves from flames","excerpt":"Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said. The firefighters were part of a specialized crew that goes into remote areas by helicopte...","content":"Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said. The firefighters were part of a specialized crew that goes into remote areas by helicopter to quickly put out new and rapidly escalating wildfires, federal officials said Monday.Their deaths Saturday came almost 13 years to the day since an elite crew of 19 wildland firefighters died when they were trapped in a steep canyon in Yarnell, Arizona. Like this weekend's victims, the men in Arizona tried to deploy emergency shelters that are a “last resort” for firefighters when there's no other way out. Investigators didn't blame anyone for the deaths in 2013, but cited radio communication problems that contributed to the Granite Mountain Hotshots becoming trapped. Arizona's workplace safety commission also fined the state's forestry division for not pulling them out.Wildfires have erupted over the past week all across the West, fueled by months of dry weather and a record lack of snow in some places this past winter. Wildfire experts have warned for months that extreme fire dangers are likely this summer.U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said he would not speculate about whether the crew overrun by the weekend fire in Colorado should have been where they were.“I will say the fact that they were there was, I’m 100% sure, based on good decision-making,” Fennessy said during a news conference Monday. “The fires in this region over the decades, you know, killed many firefighters. They weren’t being foolish. They weren’t being careless. They were there because they thought they could do what needed to be done to suppress that fire. And many times the weather changes.”With more than two dozen large fires burning, almost 8,000 wildland firefighters and dozens of firefighting helicopters have been deployed. About half the largest blazes are in Alaska while the rest are mostly in Western states.Even as firefighting resources were increasingly strained, evacuations were ordered near seven fires, including in Arizona, Washington state, New Mexico and Utah. About 800 people living in and around the small town of Beulah in eastern Colorado were told to evacuate as a wildfire threatened the area on Monday afternoon, Gov. Jared Polis said.“We're really at the mercy of the winds,” Polis said.Firefighters were part of a specialized crewThe U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department identified the firefighters killed as Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 26, of Warrior, Alabama.Two others who were with them sustained burn injuries. They were in stable condition but remained hospitalized in the Denver area, officials said at Monday's news conference.“The loss we experience here is not felt by just one agency. It is felt by an entire wildland fire community,” Fennessy said. “We grieve together, we support one another and we continue the mission together.”A long line of fire trucks and vehicles from a wide array of emergency response agencies made their way slowly through Grand Junction, Colorado, Monday with their lights flashing. A scattering of people, some with their hands on their hearts, watched silently from the sidewalk as they passed.The procession ended at a cemetery, and the bodies of two of the firefighters draped in American flags were taken into a funeral home as officials from fire agencies saluted.The three killed were assigned to a Helitack crew that can be dropped into remote areas by helicopters and whose mission is to prevent new fires from growing into out-of-control blazes. But it can be extremely dangerous, often taking place in areas where fires are rapidly expanding.Watson worked for the Wildland Fire Service and the other two firefighters who died were assigned to the Forest Service. All were part of an interagency response to fires just west of Grand Junction.The Snyder Fire in the area has burned about 44 square miles (114 square kilometers), authorities said.Watson's death was the first within the the new Wildland Fire Service, which was created within the Department of Interior earlier this year to coordinate firefighting on public lands.The deaths are being investigated by the Forest and Wildland Fire services, a process that typically results in recommendations for how to prevent or reduce the risk of a similar accident. Agencies can also convene an accident review board to suggest any further actions. High wildfire threat for much of this weekMore hot, dry and windy weather across the Southwest will elevate the fire threat at least until the weekend, according to the national Storm Prediction Center.Among the concerns were high winds in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, in the Black Hills of South Dakota and across portions of the High Plains.Utah already has restricted firework usage going into the July Fourth holiday.The national “preparedness level” for wildfires was increased to a 4, on a scale of 1 to 5, the National Interagency Fire Center said Monday. That’s a sign resources are beginning to be strained, and officials warned of a high potential for new, large fires in multiple parts of the country in coming days.There are enough firefighting resources for now across the Rocky Mountains to deal with the blazes, said Mike Morgan, director of Colorado’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control. But that could change quickly if conditions worsen in other parts of the country, Morgan said, adding that crews that battle fires on the ground already are in short supply.“We know hand crews are always a hot commodity. We're getting a little short on those, so that would be one I would say we're a little concerned with,” Morgan said. “At the moment, I would say I feel pretty good about where we're at, but I'm very concerned about where we go.”So far this year, wildfires have burned more than 4,800 square miles (12,400 square kilometers) — the most by this point in the year since 2022 and significantly above the 10-year average. ___Brown reported from Billings, Montana, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/3-firefighters-killed-in-blazes-along-colorado-utah-border-are-identified/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:22:26.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBZ35CXICUZAYZAJUHTGOHW7E5A.jpg","slug":"3-firefighters-killed-in-western-wildfire-were-trying-to-shield-themselves-from-flames"},{"id":"qrmax4","title":"Houston’s 2026 Pride parade rescheduled for Aug. 15","excerpt":"The annual event celebrating the city's LGBTQ+ community and its allies, originally scheduled for early June in downtown Houston, was called off a couple hours beforehand because of inclement weather.","content":"The annual event celebrating the city's LGBTQ+ community and its allies, originally scheduled for early June in downtown Houston, was called off a couple hours beforehand because of inclement weather.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/lgbtq/2026/06/29/555783/pride-houston-parade-rescheduled-august-15-lgbtq/?utm_source=rss-lgbtq-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Adam Zuvanich","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:05:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F05101618%2FFU3A7332-450x300.jpg","slug":"houstons-2026-pride-parade-rescheduled-for-aug-15"},{"id":"ll6xtw","title":"One year after Texas Hill Country floods, UGRA and Kerr County roll out flood warning system","excerpt":"Central Texas residents got an update on a new flood warning system, but some still have questions about who will be responsible for it.","content":"Central Texas residents got an update on a new flood warning system, but some still have questions about who will be responsible for it.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/flooding/2026/06/29/555779/one-year-after-texas-hill-country-floods-ugra-and-kerr-county-roll-out-flood-warning-system/?utm_source=rss-flooding-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Jack Morgan, TPR","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:35:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29082651%2F9floods-450x232.webp","slug":"one-year-after-texas-hill-country-floods-ugra-and-kerr-county-roll-out-flood-warning-system"},{"id":"i4foxb","title":"Texas Democrats leave convention united in effort to end GOP’s 30-year hold on state politics","excerpt":"Texas Democrats spent their 3-day convention in Corpus Christi rallying party activists, training volunteers and making the case for Democratic policies and candidates across the state ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.","content":"Texas Democrats spent their 3-day convention in Corpus Christi rallying party activists, training volunteers and making the case for Democratic policies and candidates across the state ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2026/06/29/555770/texas-democrats-convention-2026/?utm_source=rss-politics-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Blaise Gainey, Texas Newsroom, Spencer Cihak, KEDT","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:21:34.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F29080331%2Fdsc-0965-450x299.webp","slug":"texas-democrats-leave-convention-united-in-effort-to-end-gops-30-year-hold-on-state-politics"},{"id":"z88qhr","title":"YMCA of Greater Houston promotes water safety for children to prevent drownings this summer","excerpt":"According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Harris County and Fort Bend County recorded a combined 18 child drownings last year.","content":"According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Harris County and Fort Bend County recorded a combined 18 child drownings last year.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2026/06/29/555718/ymca-of-greater-houston-promotes-water-safety-for-children-to-prevent-drownings-this-summer/?utm_source=rss-local-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Keenan Vaughan","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:00:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26152228%2FImage-2026-06-26T152008.134-450x338.jpg","slug":"ymca-of-greater-houston-promotes-water-safety-for-children-to-prevent-drownings-this-summer"},{"id":"ecxwmf","title":"Tire fire and air quality (June 29, 2026)","excerpt":"On Monday's show: We learn how last week's tire fire in southeast Houston may be affecting air quality. And we discuss how last week’s Supreme Court decision allowing the president to end the nation’s Temporary Protected Status program might affect Greater Houston.","content":"On Monday's show: We learn how last week's tire fire in southeast Houston may be affecting air quality. And we discuss how last week’s Supreme Court decision allowing the president to end the nation’s Temporary Protected Status program might affect Greater Houston.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/29/555210/impact-of-immigration-ruling-june-29-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-29T11:00:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"tire-fire-and-air-quality-june-29-2026"},{"id":"3xjbz2","title":"US and Iran pause strikes but disagree over next steps on talks","excerpt":"The United States and Iran on Monday separately announced they will send delegations to Qatar this week, though Tehran insisted it has not agreed to meet with the U.S. “at any level” after attacks across the Persian Gulf over the weekend challenged negotiations to end the war.U.S. President Donal...","content":"The United States and Iran on Monday separately announced they will send delegations to Qatar this week, though Tehran insisted it has not agreed to meet with the U.S. “at any level” after attacks across the Persian Gulf over the weekend challenged negotiations to end the war.U.S. President Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic had requested a meeting with U.S. counterparts and that they planned to convene Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. But one of Iran's senior negotiators denied talks had been scheduled. And the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tehran was sending its delegation to Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations, to discuss terms of the interim deal without involving the U.S.Hostilities mounted in recent days in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil had been shipped before war began. After four days of trading strikes, both sides appeared to pause their attacks Monday.The U.S. and Iran agreed to an interim deal earlier this month that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium. It also waives U.S.-backed oil sanctions on the country, calls for free traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and gives each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements.Confusion mounts over next round of Iran-US talksAfter Trump said Monday morning on social media that the U.S. and Iran planned to meet, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, were flying to Qatar. Pakistan, also a key mediator, had said talks between Iran and the U.S. would resume Tuesday. But Kazem Gharibabadi, a senior negotiator for Iran, said in comments published by Iranian state media that no talks had been confirmed. And Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said that its delegation was traveling to Qatar this week to discuss the planned release of frozen Iranian assets and other issues related to the deal.“There are no negotiation meetings with the U.S. side at any level scheduled in the coming days,” Baghaei said.However, that left open the possibility messages being passed to the Qataris between the two sides. Increased tension in waterway vital to world energy suppliesDuring the war that began Feb. 28, Iran’s attacks and threats stopped cargo ships and tankers from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a global energy crisis. In recent days, Iran has twice attacked vessels in the strait — including a tanker filled with Qatari crude — following efforts to open Oman’s territorial waters to both inbound and outbound traffic from the Persian Gulf. The attacks drew retaliatory American airstrikes and raised concerns that negotiations to reach a formal end to the war could be disrupted. Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday.The strait has long been considered an international waterway despite being in Iran and Oman’s territorial waters. The Trump administration was operating Monday on the understanding that the U.S. and Iran are standing down after the recent back-and-forth strikes and that vessels can move freely through the Strait of Hormuz, said a U.S. official who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.Iran's president, U.S. official say $6 billion coming to IranThe U.S. official also said that Qatar planned to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets that would be used to purchase U.S. food products for the Iranian people. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had announced the expected release of funds earlier Monday in comments published by the state-run IRNA news agency. Pezeshkian, a reformist within Iran's theocracy, is the highest-ranking official within Iran to reference the release of the funds held by Qatar.Oman, Iran discuss possible fees for ships transiting the straitOman's foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said Monday that Oman and Iran are considering charging service-related fees for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Al-Busaidi said services could include water safety measures, pollution prevention, navigational assistance and preparedness for incidents such as fires. He told Radio Monte Carlo that Oman does not support imposing transit fees on ships.“This is internationally forbidden,\" he said, \"and we are abiding by these rules.\"But there had never been any fees charged in the strait — and other Gulf Arab states and the U.S. firmly oppose the imposition of any costs for transit.Iran and France clash over clearing mines from straitAn Iranian official warned France against “provocations” Monday after French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X that France and others were coordinating efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Kazem Gharibabadi, an Iranian deputy foreign minister, said on X that under the interim deal “demining is carried out solely by Iran and by no other country.”Macron's post came after he greeted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman ahead of high-level diplomatic talks in Paris.Lebanon's president says it will deploy troops as part of deal with IsraelLebanese President Joseph Aoun separately said Monday that Lebanon is determined to deploy troops along its entire southern border as part of a framework agreement with Israel signed Friday. He made the remark while meeting with Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East. The deal was rejected by the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, which triggered the latest war with Israel on March 2 when it fired rockets across Lebanon's southern border and into northern Israel.The Israel-Lebanon deal calls for Hezbollah to be disarmed before Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. Israel agreed to withdraw initially from a couple of “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army would then deploy, but no details have been shared about how that will work in practice.Hezbollah officials have warned that attempts to implement the plan could lead to civil war. ___Boak reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran; Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut; Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/29/irans-president-says-6b-in-frozen-assets-in-qatar-to-be-released-as-us-talks-challenged/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jon Gambrell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:21:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3F3WIRRA2BBSNB6LLJMRQ4FEE4.jpg","slug":"us-and-iran-pause-strikes-but-disagree-over-next-steps-on-talks"},{"id":"c62nuw","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3384: Alien Life Forms","excerpt":"Episode: 3384 Further thoughts about the search for extra-terrestrial life. Today, Alien life forms.","content":"Episode: 3384 Further thoughts about the search for extra-terrestrial life. Today, Alien life forms.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/29/555192/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3384-alien-life-forms/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-29T05:01:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fassets%2Fimages%2FHPM-logo-OGimage-2.jpg","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3384-alien-life-forms"},{"id":"k4fplg","title":"A Chinese dissident recounts his perilous dinghy escape to South Korea and how he got to Canada","excerpt":"A roughly 40-hour sea journey on a dinghy with a dying phone. Detention in South Korea. That’s just part of what Chinese dissident Dong Guangping endured to escape his native country. He arrived late last week in Canada, a destination he had eyed for more than a decade.Dong had been locked up in ...","content":"A roughly 40-hour sea journey on a dinghy with a dying phone. Detention in South Korea. That’s just part of what Chinese dissident Dong Guangping endured to escape his native country. He arrived late last week in Canada, a destination he had eyed for more than a decade.Dong had been locked up in China several times, including for his activities commemorating the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and past efforts to flee. “It’s like living in a cage. Very suffocating,” he said in an online video interview with The Associated Press from Toronto, referring to the lack of freedom of expression in China. After his release from prison, the 68-year-old dissident said he was unable to receive retirement benefits or renew his passport and was under constant police monitoring.China's Foreign Ministry said the government handles the entry and exit of its citizens in accordance with the law and that Chinese citizens must abide by the Constitution and the law.Dong attempted to flee at least three previous times: in 2015 to Thailand, where authorities deported him back to China; in 2019 when he tried to swim to a Taiwanese island off China's east coast; and in 2020, when he reached Vietnam, only to be deported back again.Last month, he tried again. Dong says he shook off the fear of death In the early hours of May 24, he set off in a gray rubber dinghy fitted with an engine from Weihai, a coastal city in eastern China’s Shandong province, under fine weather. He was eyeing Japan, confident that the government there would not send him back to China. But the next day brought fog. When he noticed his phone, which he relied on for GPS navigation, was on its last bar, he became terrified. His power bank also died. He quickly switched to his contingency plan — South Korea. Dong recalled that dread ran deep because his tiny boat might capsize if the winds and waves picked up. But he had no way to return and shook off the fear of death. “Living conditions back in the country are so terrible that being alive is little different than being dead. So there is no point fearing death,” he said. “If you move forward, there’s a chance at life.” In the evening, he saw lights in the distance and moved toward them. The first vessel could not hear his cries for help and left. Later, he encountered a fishing boat that agreed to pull him on board. He asked the fishers to call the police to help him. The South Korean coast guard detained him for allegedly violating the country’s immigration law. They sought a warrant to formally arrest him, but a court refused, saying it’s “difficult to recognize sufficient grounds and necessity” for his arrest. From refugee center to Canada Dong was later sent to a refugee center in Incheon, a port city near Seoul. Earlier this month, the U.N. refugee agency contacted him via video call, he said. A refugee center manager later asked about his height, weight and his eye color. He was worried at first but it turned out to be a good sign. His lawyer told him it was at the request of the Canadian diplomatic mission, he said. About a week later, Dong boarded a flight and he arrived in Toronto Friday. He was still unclear what legal procedures were involved in his move, but guessed it was based on cooperation between the South Korean and Canadian governments and the U.N. agency. “I feel very surprised, extremely surprised. It's like still in a dream. It's very fast,” he said. He believed the resettlement status in Canada that his family secured in 2015, before Thai authorities deported him back to China, was still valid. The Canadian Embassy in South Korea declined to comment on Dong's case. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the country handled the case “in accordance with law and principle,” but did not specify Seoul’s role in arranging Dong’s transfer to Canada. The U.N. refugee agency declined to comment on individual cases for reasons of confidentiality and protection.Dong vows to press on with his activism Dong said he feels at home after arriving in Toronto, saying he finally tasted freedom for the first time in over a decade. “There’s not even a hint of fear,” he said. He hopes to make a living, possibly by being a truck driver or an Uber driver. But the joy doesn't help Dong let go of the deportations by the Thai and Vietnamese authorities. In 2015, Dong and his family went to Thailand to seek refugee status from the U.N. refugee agency, but Thai authorities later arrested him and returned him to China, according to Amnesty International. His ex-wife and daughter managed to settle in Canada.The activist fled to Vietnam in 2020, but was sent back in 2022. He was jailed each time he was returned to China. He said he plans to consult a lawyer to see if he can sue both Thailand and Vietnam. For Dong, the fight is far from over. He also plans to press on in his call for China's democratization. In the late 1990s, the former police officer distributed leaflets with his articles on topics such as the Tiananmen crackdown. He was imprisoned for three years in 2001 for inciting subversion of state power.He also spent more than eight months behind bars over his participation in a memorial for victims of the crackdown after being arrested in 2014, he said.“My ultimate goal is for China to achieve constitutional democracy,” he said. ___Associated Press writers Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/a-chinese-dissident-recounts-his-perilous-dinghy-escape-to-south-korea-and-how-he-got-to-canada/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kanis Leung, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T04:36:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOVFB6E3ZFNG6HBFETQVS52H23Q.jpg","slug":"a-chinese-dissident-recounts-his-perilous-dinghy-escape-to-south-korea-and-how-he-got-to-canada"},{"id":"74nkpd","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1595: Alfred Stieglitz","excerpt":"Episode: 1595 In which Alfred Stieglitz and 291 anticipate Modern. Today, Stieglitz and photography, art and reality.","content":"Episode: 1595 In which Alfred Stieglitz and 291 anticipate Modern. Today, Stieglitz and photography, art and reality.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/28/555187/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1595-alfred-stieglitz/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-28T05:01:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fassets%2Fimages%2FHPM-logo-OGimage-2.jpg","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1595-alfred-stieglitz"},{"id":"fes3mc","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1594: The Mad Scientist","excerpt":"Episode: 1594 The Mad Scientist — he keeps coming back. Today, the mad scientist.","content":"Episode: 1594 The Mad Scientist — he keeps coming back. Today, the mad scientist.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/27/554597/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1594-the-mad-scientist/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-27T05:01:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fassets%2Fimages%2FHPM-logo-OGimage-2.jpg","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1594-the-mad-scientist"},{"id":"s2cgue","title":"Cape Verde’s dream run continues in Houston as it becomes the smallest country into World Cup’s knockout stage","excerpt":"The next World Cup game in Houston is a round-of-32 match between Brazil and Japan on Monday, June 29.","content":"The next World Cup game in Houston is a round-of-32 match between Brazil and Japan on Monday, June 29.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/26/555763/cape-verde-world-cup-houston-stadium-knockout-stage/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kristie Rieken, AP","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:45:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26222944%2FAP26178077016080-450x300.jpg","slug":"cape-verdes-dream-run-continues-in-houston-as-it-becomes-the-smallest-country-into-world-cups-knocko"},{"id":"cxv7tu","title":"Fort Bend braces for legal fight over Daniel Wong’s status as county judge","excerpt":"Wong, the Republican nominee for county judge who was appointed to the role as part of a now-dismissed civil lawsuit, is at odds with the two Democrats on commissioners court who claim his appointment has been invalidated.","content":"Wong, the Republican nominee for county judge who was appointed to the role as part of a now-dismissed civil lawsuit, is at odds with the two Democrats on commissioners court who claim his appointment has been invalidated.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2026/06/26/555497/daniel-wong-fort-bend-county-judge-dispute-commissioners-court/?utm_source=rss-politics-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:02:51.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26094905%2FFort-Bend-County-Commissioners-Court-Wong-Removal-450x338.jpg","slug":"fort-bend-braces-for-legal-fight-over-daniel-wongs-status-as-county-judge"},{"id":"523ru7","title":"Ready for liftoff: Galaxy all-abilities park opens a new chapter in Fort Bend County’s inclusive playgrounds","excerpt":"The $1.6 million space-themed outdoor Sugar Land park marks the first all-abilities park funded and built by Fort Bend County. Families in the county, including children with disabilities, can now play in an accessible park.","content":"The $1.6 million space-themed outdoor Sugar Land park marks the first all-abilities park funded and built by Fort Bend County. Families in the county, including children with disabilities, can now play in an accessible park.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/fort-bend/2026/06/26/555530/galaxy-park-sugar-land-all-abilities-park/?utm_source=rss-fort-bend-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:55:29.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25100740%2FGalaxy-All-Abilities-Park-Sugar-Land-450x339.jpg","slug":"ready-for-liftoff-galaxy-all-abilities-park-opens-a-new-chapter-in-fort-bend-countys-inclusive-playg"},{"id":"ponsff","title":"Texas State Board of Education votes to add Christian texts to list of required reading materials","excerpt":"The board also approved changes to social studies curriculum that reframe history and minimize diversity.","content":"The board also approved changes to social studies curriculum that reframe history and minimize diversity.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/26/555733/bible-texas-public-school-curriculum-houston-isd-state-board-of-education/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Bianca Seward","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:44:58.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F11%2F19134308%2FAP24323852587468-450x300.jpg","slug":"texas-state-board-of-education-votes-to-add-christian-texts-to-list-of-required-reading-materials"},{"id":"bmtw90","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 26, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/26/555657/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-26-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:10:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-26-2026"},{"id":"ckitlh","title":"Hello Houston (June 26, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We receive an update on the spread of the New World screwworm, learn about the new podcast series “After the Flood,” break down recent Supreme Court decisions with former U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, and more.","content":"Today: We receive an update on the spread of the New World screwworm, learn about the new podcast series “After the Flood,” break down recent Supreme Court decisions with former U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, and more.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/26/555654/hello-houston-june-26-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:28:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-26-2026"},{"id":"4myr53","title":"Harris County immigrant legal services program paused as court battle continues","excerpt":"The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily blocked Harris County officials from financially supporting nonprofits that assist immigrants in deportation cases. The state is trying to permanently bar such programs.","content":"The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily blocked Harris County officials from financially supporting nonprofits that assist immigrants in deportation cases. The state is trying to permanently bar such programs.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/immigration/2026/06/26/555703/harris-county-immigrant-legal-services-program-paused-texas-supreme-court/?utm_source=rss-immigration-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Eleanor Klibanoff, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:11:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2F17081824%2FPersonInHandcuffsWithFolder-T-450x297.jpg","slug":"harris-county-immigrant-legal-services-program-paused-as-court-battle-continues"},{"id":"ptlrb9","title":"Galveston leaders narrowly advance controversial Discovery Sands development by approving zoning exemptions","excerpt":"The planned development would span 170 acres on the west end of Galveston Island with hundreds of housing units, a lagoon pool and lazy river.","content":"The planned development would span 170 acres on the west end of Galveston Island with hundreds of housing units, a lagoon pool and lazy river.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/galveston/2026/06/26/555699/discovery-sands-galveston-city-council-development-zoning-variance/?utm_source=rss-galveston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:43:55.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2F22153127%2FDSC_0904-450x300.jpg","slug":"galveston-leaders-narrowly-advance-controversial-discovery-sands-development-by-approving-zoning-exe"},{"id":"j2mqky","title":"The Saharan dust that’s headed to Houston is expected to cause hazy skies and reduced air quality","excerpt":"The National Weather Service warns the dust, expected to reach the Houston area late Sunday or early Monday, could cause allergies and potentially be unhealthy for those with underlying health conditions.","content":"The National Weather Service warns the dust, expected to reach the Houston area late Sunday or early Monday, could cause allergies and potentially be unhealthy for those with underlying health conditions.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/weather/2026/06/26/555669/saharan-dust-houston-weather-forecast-air-quality/?utm_source=rss-weather-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:15:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F10%2F04163029%2FHouston-does-not-meet-US-EPA-standards-for-ozone-pollution-450x258.jpg","slug":"the-saharan-dust-thats-headed-to-houston-is-expected-to-cause-hazy-skies-and-reduced-air-quality"},{"id":"361dic","title":"Texas’ refusal to plan for climate change created a crisis in Corpus Christi","excerpt":"Stubbornly unrealistic assessments of the region's reservoir system turned this year's drought conditions into an emergency.","content":"Stubbornly unrealistic assessments of the region's reservoir system turned this year's drought conditions into an emergency.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/climate-change/2026/06/26/555680/texas-unrealistic-plans-created-corpus-christi-water-crisis/?utm_source=rss-climate-change-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dylan Baddour, Inside Climate News","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:08:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26115856%2Ficn-062526-1-450x300.webp","slug":"texas-refusal-to-plan-for-climate-change-created-a-crisis-in-corpus-christi"},{"id":"gqqo1w","title":"Missing giraffe Gracie found safe in Texas Hill Country after nearly two weeks on the loose","excerpt":"Gracie was found safe Friday morning near Leakey after escaping from Cedar Hollow Ranch earlier this month.","content":"Gracie was found safe Friday morning near Leakey after escaping from Cedar Hollow Ranch earlier this month.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/animals/2026/06/26/555675/missing-giraffe-gracie-found-safe-in-texas-hill-country-after-nearly-two-weeks-on-the-loose/?utm_source=rss-animals-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Jerry Clayton, TPR","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:54:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26115334%2FGracieGiraffeCropped-450x303.jpg","slug":"missing-giraffe-gracie-found-safe-in-texas-hill-country-after-nearly-two-weeks-on-the-loose"},{"id":"b0jo9g","title":"Austin competing with Houston for an NHL team: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the week","excerpt":"The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.","content":"The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/26/555212/austin-competing-with-houston-for-an-nhl-team-the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-the-week/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:00:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2F17170313%2FAP23135776504461-450x247.jpg","slug":"austin-competing-with-houston-for-an-nhl-team-the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-the-week"},{"id":"3kczff","title":"S&P Global improves outlook on city of Houston’s finances","excerpt":"The credit ratings agency had lowered its outlook in 2024.","content":"The credit ratings agency had lowered its outlook in 2024.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/city-of-houston/2026/06/26/555631/credit-rating-houston-financial-outlook-sp-global/?utm_source=rss-city-of-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dominic Anthony Walsh","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:58:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F05%2F05102527%2FIMG_5399-450x300.jpg","slug":"sp-global-improves-outlook-on-city-of-houstons-finances"},{"id":"el0rgw","title":"Hundreds of data centers are coming to Texas. Here’s what you need to know","excerpt":"Texas is experiencing an AI-driven data center boom with at least 248 projects planned statewide. Here’s what to know about the industry’s rapid growth and the debate over its impact.","content":"Texas is experiencing an AI-driven data center boom with at least 248 projects planned statewide. Here’s what to know about the industry’s rapid growth and the debate over its impact.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/technology/2026/06/26/555637/texas-data-center-guide-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=rss-technology-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Alejandra Martinez, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:39:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26083828%2FStargateDataCenter-TT-450x299.jpg","slug":"hundreds-of-data-centers-are-coming-to-texas-heres-what-you-need-to-know"},{"id":"x31k65","title":"‘We are with you, Venezuela’: Houston community rallies after deadly earthquakes","excerpt":"Venezuelans living in the U.S organize donation drives in response to the devastating earthquakes.","content":"Venezuelans living in the U.S organize donation drives in response to the devastating earthquakes.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2026/06/26/555633/venezuela-houston-earthquake-katy/?utm_source=rss-local-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Lucio Vasquez, Texas Newsroom","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:26:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F26081307%2F173a2206-1-450x300.webp","slug":"we-are-with-you-venezuela-houston-community-rallies-after-deadly-earthquakes"},{"id":"i3irkz","title":"Bible-infused curriculum (June 26, 2026)","excerpt":"On Friday's show: HISD has approved Bible-infused curriculum for elementary school students and adopted a $2 billion budget. We get details on both. And our non-experts contemplate The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.","content":"On Friday's show: HISD has approved Bible-infused curriculum for elementary school students and adopted a $2 billion budget. We get details on both. And our non-experts contemplate The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/26/555208/hisds-new-budget-june-26-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-26T11:00:15.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"bible-infused-curriculum-june-26-2026"},{"id":"jkpag6","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1593: LST-325","excerpt":"Episode: 1593 The LST-325: Thirty old men and an old ship become young again. Today, the LST-325.","content":"Episode: 1593 The LST-325: Thirty old men and an old ship become young again. Today, the LST-325.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/26/554592/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1593-lst-325/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:01:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fassets%2Fimages%2FHPM-logo-OGimage-2.jpg","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1593-lst-325"},{"id":"boceqk","title":"Houston ISD board unanimously approves controversial Bible-infused curriculum for 2026-27 school year","excerpt":"Adopting the state-approved Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary students will come with a funding boost of more than $3 million for the district, which also approved a $2 billion operating budget on Thursday.","content":"Adopting the state-approved Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary students will come with a funding boost of more than $3 million for the district, which also approved a $2 billion operating budget on Thursday.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/26/555625/houston-school-district-bible-curriculum-hisd-bluebonnet-learning/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Bianca Seward","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:00:06.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25234312%2FImage-2026-06-25T222931.857-450x294.jpg","slug":"houston-isd-board-unanimously-approves-controversial-bible-infused-curriculum-for-2026-27-school-yea"},{"id":"vhv6wk","title":"Air Alliance Houston records spike in pollution following tire fire","excerpt":"Air Alliance’s community air monitoring program manager, Anthony D’Souza, said readings across the organization’s community air monitors suggest that the spike in pollution was created by the fire.","content":"Air Alliance’s community air monitoring program manager, Anthony D’Souza, said readings across the organization’s community air monitors suggest that the spike in pollution was created by the fire.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/06/25/555617/air-alliance-houston-records-spike-in-pollution-following-tire-fire/?utm_source=rss-energy-environment-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Natalie Weber","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:45:57.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25163315%2FImage-2026-06-25T163302.503-450x338.jpg","slug":"air-alliance-houston-records-spike-in-pollution-following-tire-fire"},{"id":"jrhs7q","title":"More than $721K seized from city of Hitchcock’s general fund as part of illegal gambling probe","excerpt":"The seizure by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office comes a few months after officials alleged that city money was tied to illegal gambling in Hitchcock. The money seized Wednesday makes up about 9% of the city’s annual revenue.","content":"The seizure by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office comes a few months after officials alleged that city money was tied to illegal gambling in Hitchcock. The money seized Wednesday makes up about 9% of the city’s annual revenue.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/galveston-county/2026/06/25/555592/hitchcock-city-money-seizure-gambling-galveston-county-sheriff/?utm_source=rss-galveston-county-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:23:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F02%2F20150933%2FDSC_0516-450x300.jpg","slug":"more-than-721k-seized-from-city-of-hitchcocks-general-fund-as-part-of-illegal-gambling-probe"},{"id":"d2w1tl","title":"Houston City Council approves $18 billion, 5-year capital improvement plan. Many existing projects are delayed","excerpt":"The city of Houston’s new Capital Improvement Plan outlines investments in infrastructure over the next five years. But projects in the plan are often delayed — and many Houstonians have trouble getting improvements to their neighborhoods added to the list.","content":"The city of Houston’s new Capital Improvement Plan outlines investments in infrastructure over the next five years. But projects in the plan are often delayed — and many Houstonians have trouble getting improvements to their neighborhoods added to the list.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/city-of-houston/2026/06/25/555599/houston-city-council-approves-18-billion-5-year-capital-improvement-plan-many-existing-projects-are-delayed/?utm_source=rss-city-of-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dominic Anthony Walsh","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:11:30.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F12124233%2FIMG_2112-450x300.jpg","slug":"houston-city-council-approves-18-billion-5-year-capital-improvement-plan-many-existing-projects-are-"},{"id":"1h4alj","title":"Underdog Cape Verde soccer team will make their final bid in Houston to advance in World Cup","excerpt":"Cape Verde began the 2026 FIFA World Cup ranked 67th in the world. Then it held off the number two team from scoring against them.","content":"Cape Verde began the 2026 FIFA World Cup ranked 67th in the world. Then it held off the number two team from scoring against them.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/25/555570/underdog-cape-verde-soccer-team-will-make-their-final-bid-in-houston-to-advance-in-world-cup/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:03:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F10162700%2FIMG_9486-450x338.jpeg","slug":"underdog-cape-verde-soccer-team-will-make-their-final-bid-in-houston-to-advance-in-world-cup"},{"id":"h24lkw","title":"Supreme Court undermines TPS program, putting 147,000 immigrants in Texas at risk of deportation","excerpt":"The decision focused specifically on Haitian and Syrian immigrants, but legal experts say it could apply to as many as 1.3 million immigrants in the U.S. on TPS, including those in Texas.","content":"The decision focused specifically on Haitian and Syrian immigrants, but legal experts say it could apply to as many as 1.3 million immigrants in the U.S. on TPS, including those in Texas.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/immigration/2026/06/25/555559/supreme-court-tps-ruling-trump-immigration-texas/?utm_source=rss-immigration-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:52:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F01%2F15073956%2FScreenshot-1111-450x300.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-undermines-tps-program-putting-147000-immigrants-in-texas-at-risk-of-deportation"},{"id":"5lg74v","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 25, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/25/555528/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-25-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:00:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-25-2026"},{"id":"wmla7y","title":"Houston police officer indicted for alleged sexual assault of a child","excerpt":"Pablo Diaz-Buscio, 36, is on administrative leave with pay, according to the Houston Police Department.","content":"Pablo Diaz-Buscio, 36, is on administrative leave with pay, according to the Houston Police Department.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/crime/2026/06/25/555567/houston-police-officer-indicted-child-sexual-assault-charge/?utm_source=rss-crime-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:57:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F10%2F16122628%2FCriminal_Justice_Center_Exterior_PYH_TT1-450x302.jpg","slug":"houston-police-officer-indicted-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-a-child"},{"id":"5sg5zb","title":"U.S. New World Screwworm cases rise to 20 as Texas outbreak expands","excerpt":"Federal and state officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has risen to 20, with all but one located in Texas.","content":"Federal and state officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has risen to 20, with all but one located in Texas.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/u-s-new-world-screwworm-cases-rise-20-texas-outbreak-expands","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T13:14:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282764485.jpg","slug":"us-new-world-screwworm-cases-rise-to-20-as-texas-outbreak-expands"},{"id":"wg02hh","title":"Houston weather forecast for Thursday: Summer heat, Saharan dust","excerpt":"More typical June heat continues across Southeast Texas. Saharan dust may also bring hazy skies at times while helping keep rain chances low.","content":"More typical June heat continues across Southeast Texas. Saharan dust may also bring hazy skies at times while helping keep rain chances low.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/weather/houston-weather-forecast-thursday-summer-heat-saharan-dust","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Mike.Iscovitz@fox.com (Mike Iscovitz)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:59:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fslot0-65.jpg","slug":"houston-weather-forecast-for-thursday-summer-heat-saharan-dust"},{"id":"y6roib","title":"Traffic alert: US-59 lanes at Bellaire closed after truck fire, hazmat spill","excerpt":"Multiple northbound lanes are impacted on US-59 Southwest Freeway after a heavy truck crashed and caught fire early Thursday morning.","content":"Multiple northbound lanes are impacted on US-59 Southwest Freeway after a heavy truck crashed and caught fire early Thursday morning.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/traffic-alert-us-59-lanes-bellaire-closed-truck-fire-hazmat-spill","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Terrian.Spurs@fox.com (Terrian Spurs)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:25:51.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvideo-6.jpg","slug":"traffic-alert-us-59-lanes-at-bellaire-closed-after-truck-fire-hazmat-spill"},{"id":"l7rygy","title":"Giraffe loose in Texas: $5K reward offered for information leading to capture, safe return","excerpt":"A giraffe is on the lam after escaping a Texas ranch.","content":"A giraffe is on the lam after escaping a Texas ranch.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/giraffe-gracie-real-county-cedar-hollow-ranch","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:13:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgracie-giraffe.jpg","slug":"giraffe-loose-in-texas-5k-reward-offered-for-information-leading-to-capture-safe-return"},{"id":"pu5cha","title":"Germany vs Ecuador preview: Ecuador’s World Cup survival on the line in NYC, NJ","excerpt":"Germany faces Ecuador at New York New Jersey Stadium in a Group E World Cup match with major stakes for Ecuador and a local connection for fans across New York and New Jersey.","content":"Germany faces Ecuador at New York New Jersey Stadium in a Group E World Cup match with major stakes for Ecuador and a local connection for fans across New York and New Jersey.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/germany-vs-ecuador-preview-ecuadors-world-cup-survival-line-nyc-nj","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Tyler.Thrasher@fox.com (Tyler Thrasher)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:56:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox5ny.com%2Fwww.fox5ny.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fchatgpt-image-jun-25-2026-07_54_13-am.png","slug":"germany-vs-ecuador-preview-ecuadors-world-cup-survival-on-the-line-in-nyc-nj"},{"id":"rofywv","title":"Husband dead after hit-and-run in north Harris County, driver at large","excerpt":"One man is dead after a hit-and-run in north Harris County and Houston police are searching for the suspect believed to be involved.","content":"One man is dead after a hit-and-run in north Harris County and Houston police are searching for the suspect believed to be involved.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/husband-dead-hit-and-run-north-harris-county-driver-large","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Terrian.Spurs@fox.com (Terrian Spurs)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:48:33.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-25-064605.png","slug":"husband-dead-after-hit-and-run-in-north-harris-county-driver-at-large"},{"id":"7kcghp","title":"Houston man arrested after SWAT standoff, allegedly held girlfriend hostage at hotel","excerpt":"One man has been placed in custody after holding his girlfriend hostage inside a hotel room in the South Acres area off Highway 288, Houston police report.","content":"One man has been placed in custody after holding his girlfriend hostage inside a hotel room in the South Acres area off Highway 288, Houston police report.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-swat-standoff-man-arrested-girlfriend-hostage-hotel","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Terrian.Spurs@fox.com (Terrian Spurs)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:18:08.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-25-061303.png","slug":"houston-man-arrested-after-swat-standoff-allegedly-held-girlfriend-hostage-at-hotel"},{"id":"ozmy0g","title":"Annelise Camp update: Texas AG says Louisiana hospital accepting transfer from Houston","excerpt":"According to a statement on Facebook by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a hospital in Louisiana has accepted her transfer to receive continued care and specialized treatment.","content":"According to a statement on Facebook by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a hospital in Louisiana has accepted her transfer to receive continued care and specialized treatment.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/annelise-camp-update-texas-ag-says-louisiana-hospital-accepting-transfer-from-houston","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:58:36.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-24-22h55m01s723.png","slug":"annelise-camp-update-texas-ag-says-louisiana-hospital-accepting-transfer-from-houston"},{"id":"8v9e7a","title":"Rosenberg ordinance allows residents to report illegal fireworks","excerpt":"In Rosenberg, city leaders passed a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on illegal fireworks. FOX 26’s Jillian Hartmann spoke with the police chief and residents about the changes.","content":"In Rosenberg, city leaders passed a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on illegal fireworks. FOX 26’s Jillian Hartmann spoke with the police chief and residents about the changes.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/rosenberg-ordinance-allows-residents-report-illegal-fireworks","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Jillian.Hartmann@fox.com (Jillian Hartmann)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:27:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ffireworks.jpg","slug":"rosenberg-ordinance-allows-residents-to-report-illegal-fireworks"},{"id":"6vxqwf","title":"Houston BARC Foundation receives $7,000 donation to help more shelter animals find homes","excerpt":"Randy Hartley gave a $7,000 check to Houston BARC Foundation Wednesday to,\" get as many animals adopted out as we can.\" That's what Hartley told BARC Foundation Executive Director Brittany Amend as he handed her the check.","content":"Randy Hartley gave a $7,000 check to Houston BARC Foundation Wednesday to,\" get as many animals adopted out as we can.\" That's what Hartley told BARC Foundation Executive Director Brittany Amend as he handed her the check.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-barc-foundation-receives-7000-donation-help-more-shelter-animals-find-homes","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Randy.Wallace@fox.com (Randy Wallace)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:26:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fbarc-donation.jpg","slug":"houston-barc-foundation-receives-7000-donation-to-help-more-shelter-animals-find-homes"},{"id":"8uxig4","title":"2 massive earthquakes rock Venezuela in less than a minute","excerpt":"In less than a minute’s time, two massive earthquakes shook the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, turning buildings into rubble as panicked people rushed onto the streets for safety.","content":"In less than a minute’s time, two massive earthquakes shook the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, turning buildings into rubble as panicked people rushed onto the streets for safety.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/2-massive-earthquakes-rock-venezuela-less-than-minute","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:00:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282641271.jpg","slug":"2-massive-earthquakes-rock-venezuela-in-less-than-a-minute"},{"id":"42llck","title":"Battle underway to remove Interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong","excerpt":"A battle is underway in Fort Bend County to remove Interim County Judge Daniel Wong from his appointed post as chief executive.","content":"A battle is underway in Fort Bend County to remove Interim County Judge Daniel Wong from his appointed post as chief executive.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/battle-underway-remove-interim-fort-bend-county-judge-daniel-wong","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Greg.Groogan@fox.com (Greg Groogan)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T01:59:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fwong.jpg","slug":"battle-underway-to-remove-interim-fort-bend-county-judge-daniel-wong"},{"id":"w5gw83","title":"TSA says more than 300 drones have been seized near World Cup sites","excerpt":"Hundreds of \"unauthorized\" drones have been seized at FIFA World Cup sites since the tournament began earlier this month. Here's what to know.","content":"Hundreds of \"unauthorized\" drones have been seized at FIFA World Cup sites since the tournament began earlier this month. Here's what to know.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tsa-300-drones-seized-world-cup-sites","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T01:01:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fclose-up-fans-world-cup-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"tsa-says-more-than-300-drones-have-been-seized-near-world-cup-sites"},{"id":"yps68i","title":"Oklahoma Arby's manager faces felony charge after allegedly spitting in food, transmitting herpes","excerpt":"An Oklahoma Arby's manager faces a felony charge after she allegedly spat in a woman's food, leading the woman to contract herpes.","content":"An Oklahoma Arby's manager faces a felony charge after she allegedly spat in a woman's food, leading the woman to contract herpes.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/oklahoma-arbys-manager-charged-after-allegedly-spitting-food-transmitting-herpes","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Catherine.Stoddard@fox.com (Catherine Stoddard)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:53:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Famanda-hendricks.jpg","slug":"oklahoma-arbys-manager-faces-felony-charge-after-allegedly-spitting-in-food-transmitting-herpes"},{"id":"2m609b","title":"Former Army soldier from Texas pleads guilty to child exploitation crimes","excerpt":"A former Army solider pleaded guilty last week to child exploitation crimes he committed while living in Alaska and Texas, the Department of Justice announced.","content":"A former Army solider pleaded guilty last week to child exploitation crimes he committed while living in Alaska and Texas, the Department of Justice announced.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/former-army-soldier-seth-herrera-texas-pleads-guilty-child-exploitation-crimes","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Steven.Ardary@fox.com (Steven Ardary)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:35:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2Fc48c63b7-gavelnew-1.jpg","slug":"former-army-soldier-from-texas-pleads-guilty-to-child-exploitation-crimes"},{"id":"ozv7a7","title":"Texas forecast to be hit by huge plume of Saharan dust","excerpt":"A large plume of dust from the Sahara Desert is forecast to hit Texas last this weekend or early next week.","content":"A large plume of dust from the Sahara Desert is forecast to hit Texas last this weekend or early next week.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/weather/texas-sahara-desert-dust-plume-june-2026","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:00:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F584a0672-dust-plume.jpg","slug":"texas-forecast-to-be-hit-by-huge-plume-of-saharan-dust"},{"id":"96rrvp","title":"Wendy’s stock surged so much that trading was halted multiple times","excerpt":"An explosive start to the trading day for Wendy’s meant that trading of the fast-food chain’s stock needed to be halted multiple times during the day.","content":"An explosive start to the trading day for Wendy’s meant that trading of the fast-food chain’s stock needed to be halted multiple times during the day.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/wendys-stock-surged-so-much-trading-was-halted-multiple-times","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:33:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fwendys-gettyimages-1225590770.jpg","slug":"wendys-stock-surged-so-much-that-trading-was-halted-multiple-times"},{"id":"aufwcs","title":"Florida man accused of kidnapping teen, hiding her in dryer","excerpt":"A Florida man was arrested after allegedly kidnapping a teenage girl and hiding her inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo home, authorities said.","content":"A Florida man was arrested after allegedly kidnapping a teenage girl and hiding her inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo home, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/florida-man-accused-kidnapping-teen-hiding-her-dryer","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:24:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-24-142051.png","slug":"florida-man-accused-of-kidnapping-teen-hiding-her-in-dryer"},{"id":"tejegh","title":"USDA: FY25 state payment error rates for SNAP benefits shows $10.1 billion in improper payments nationwide","excerpt":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rates (PER) for fiscal year 2025 on Wednesday, which shows nationwide, there were $10.1 billion in improper payments.","content":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rates (PER) for fiscal year 2025 on Wednesday, which shows nationwide, there were $10.1 billion in improper payments.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/usda-fy-25-state-payment-error-rates-snap-benefits-shows-10-1-billion-improper-payments-nationwide","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Mark.Richardson@fox.com (Mark Richardson)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:10:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Fgettyimages-2246730128-copy-scaled.jpg","slug":"usda-fy25-state-payment-error-rates-for-snap-benefits-shows-101-billion-in-improper-payments-nationw"},{"id":"6ju0jr","title":"Trump calls for investigation into gas price gouging","excerpt":"President Donald Trump is accusing major oil companies of failing to pass along falling crude oil prices to consumers, suggesting motorists are being overcharged at the pump.","content":"President Donald Trump is accusing major oil companies of failing to pass along falling crude oil prices to consumers, suggesting motorists are being overcharged at the pump.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/trump-calls-investigation-gas-price-gouging","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Jason.Gunn@fox.com (Jason Gunn)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:32:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-1391108725-scaled.jpg","slug":"trump-calls-for-investigation-into-gas-price-gouging"},{"id":"bhep46","title":"The best and worst tippers in America: Where each state ranks","excerpt":"Newly released data show the two states that tip the least sit alongside the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, the ones in the Ohio Valley have some of the best tippers, but not the best.","content":"Newly released data show the two states that tip the least sit alongside the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, the ones in the Ohio Valley have some of the best tippers, but not the best.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/best-worst-tippers-america-where-each-state-ranks","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:54:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftipping-gettyimages-2205584387.jpg","slug":"the-best-and-worst-tippers-in-america-where-each-state-ranks"},{"id":"hza5ai","title":"Special education parents in Houston ISD searching for answers ahead of changes in services","excerpt":"The district is consolidating special education services for the 2026-27 school year, which has prompted a federal civil rights investigation.","content":"The district is consolidating special education services for the 2026-27 school year, which has prompted a federal civil rights investigation.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/25/555577/hisd-special-education-houston-school-parents/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Bianca Seward","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:39:07.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25141145%2FIMG_3031-450x338.jpg","slug":"special-education-parents-in-houston-isd-searching-for-answers-ahead-of-changes-in-services"},{"id":"wt6hyp","title":"Water safety tips every Houston parent needs to know after toddler's drowning death","excerpt":"A toddler’s death in a swimming pool in Huffman is raising tough questions about water safety and what parents can do to protect their children.A 1-year-old was found unresponsive at a home in the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive in Huffman. While details surrounding the incident are still emerging,...","content":"A toddler’s death in a swimming pool in Huffman is raising tough questions about water safety and what parents can do to protect their children.A 1-year-old was found unresponsive at a home in the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive in Huffman. While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, KPRC 2 spoke with a local water safety expert about steps parents can take to prevent a similar tragedy from happening to another family.READ MORE: Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in swimming pool in Huffman area, HCSO saysLesley Zimmer, district executive director with the YMCA of Greater Houston, says water safety starts early — and it goes well beyond the pool itself.“Swim lessons are always important — any age, even as a toddler,” Zimmer said. “They’re going to learn safety, how to get in and out of the water, looking for the sides, floating on their back. Making sure that you’re prioritizing and teaching your child how to swim — not just recreationally, but with those skills in mind — because swim lessons and water safety are one in the same.”Zimmer says children can enroll in swim lessons as young as 6 months old. But even with formal training, she says supervision should always be the top priority.“88% of drownings happen with a caregiver nearby,” Zimmer said. “If you’re by a pool, even recreationally, having a water watcher — there’s no level of fencing or different devices that match watching your child in the water. Always have someone with eyes on kids in the pool, make sure you have the right flotation devices, wear bright colors and always know the depth of the pool. A toddler doesn’t know when they take a step off a step — so it’s good to always know what the water depth is and have someone watching at all times.”While nothing replaces supervision, there are additional tools parents can use to create an extra layer of protection. Pool fencing creates a physical barrier around the water, and pool alarms can alert parents or caregivers if a child or pet enters the pool unexpectedly. Both options are widely available at retailers like Home Depot and Amazon.Zimmer also says clear pool rules should be established early — starting with requiring children to always ask permission before getting into the water.“I have a toddler and you can’t keep her away from the pool,” Zimmer said. “Teaching her at that age that she has to ask permission so that she doesn’t get into a situation where we have to potentially save a life.”For Houston-area parents looking to enroll their children in swim lessons, the YMCA of Greater Houston offers programs starting at 6 months old. For more information, visit the YMCA of Greater Houston’s website.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/water-safety-tips-every-houston-parent-needs-to-know-after-toddlers-drowning-death/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bill Barajas","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:42:44.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F74988e52-3293-444b-a83a-1564df2b2a0b%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"water-safety-tips-every-houston-parent-needs-to-know-after-toddlers-drowning-death"},{"id":"s0zsfk","title":"New Zealand by train: Scenic journeys, culture and food","excerpt":"Train travel is hot right now — even here in the U.S., Amtrak set ridership records this year — and New Zealand is enjoying its own rail renaissance. Travel expert Gabe Saglie visits Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island to show how rail travel here mixes scenic views, comfort and unexpected...","content":"Train travel is hot right now — even here in the U.S., Amtrak set ridership records this year — and New Zealand is enjoying its own rail renaissance. Travel expert Gabe Saglie visits Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island to show how rail travel here mixes scenic views, comfort and unexpected on-the-ground experiences. A smooth start: planes, arrivals and a first impression Gabe’s flight to New Zealand included updated in‑flight services and some airline tech that made the long haul easier — a welcome start to a trip built for slow travel.Scenic journeys across two islands New Zealand’s rail network offers distinct experiences on both islands. On the North Island, rail routes thread through volcanic landscapes and cultural centers; on the South Island, journeys climb toward the Southern Alps, where glacier-fed rivers and sweeping valleys parade past the carriage windows. These are not just transportation routes — they’re curated sightseeing trips, often with commentary and locally sourced dining onboard that bring the landscape to life.Beyond the tracks: culture, canopy walks and tea Travel by train doesn’t mean missing local flavor. Gabe visits Te Pa Tu Indigenous (for authentic cultural performances and storytelling) and explores a treewalk experience with a NorCal connection that blends conservation and family-friendly adventure. He also stops at what’s touted as New Zealand’s only tea estate, where terroir and tiny-batch production make sipping a ceremony.A rising food scene on rails and in city kitchens New Zealand’s culinary scene is heating up — so much so that the Jano Bistro could be recognized when the MICHELIN Guide soon launches in the country. Onboard dining and station-side cafés are reflecting that push, turning rail travel into a tasting tour as much as a sightseeing route.Want to plan your own New Zealand rail adventure? Find out more at greatjourneysnz.com and gabethetravelguy.com.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/29/new-zealand-by-train-scenic-journeys-culture-and-food/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:43:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fc5156ec5-7e47-4db3-9757-a380710fe22d%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"new-zealand-by-train-scenic-journeys-culture-and-food"},{"id":"7za6z6","title":"2 Helps You: Fighting for Houston woman after $5K memorial to honor mother is delivered damaged to local cemetery","excerpt":"When Patrina Marshall lost her mother, she wanted to honor her memory with a permanent memorial.Instead, she says she’s been left grieving twice.According to her records, Patrina paid $5,455 to Headstone World for a memorial ledger to be placed at her mother’s gravesite at Golden Gate Cemetery. W...","content":"When Patrina Marshall lost her mother, she wanted to honor her memory with a permanent memorial.Instead, she says she’s been left grieving twice.According to her records, Patrina paid $5,455 to Headstone World for a memorial ledger to be placed at her mother’s gravesite at Golden Gate Cemetery. While the company eventually delivered the memorial months after the purchase, Patrina says it arrived damaged. According to Patrina, Headstone World removed the damaged piece and never replaced it.Today, the memorial space where her mother’s marker should be remains empty.“We don’t know what is going on,” Patrina said. “We just know that we are out over $5,000.”The ongoing delays have taken an emotional toll.“It’s sadness. It’s a little bit of anger,” Patrina said.After months of unanswered questions, Patrina turned to 2 Helps You for help.2 Helps You reviewed her documentation and went directly to Headstone World seeking answers. The company’s owner, Mai Le, declined an on-camera interview but acknowledged Patrina’s case. Following 2 Helps You’s visit, Patrina says the Le contacted her and promised a replacement memorial would be installed in two weeks.Patrina isn’t convinced.“I don’t believe her. I don’t,” she said.She says the cemetery has not yet been contacted to complete the required preparation before a memorial can be installed.“I asked her if she had even reached out to the cemetery to let them know they have to remark it and make it ready to place it,” Patrina said. “She said, ‘No, I haven’t.’ So I don’t believe her.”Patrina says she simply wants what she invested in, a proper memorial honoring her mother’s life.2 Helps You will stay on top of this and watching to see if that two-week promise is kept by Headstone World.This investigation began after Patrina reached out to the 2 Helps You team via the help desk. If you have an issue that you want Investigator Mario Diaz to look into, contact him through the help desk.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/2-helps-you-fighting-for-houston-woman-after-5k-memorial-to-honor-mother-is-delivered-damaged-to-local-cemetery/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mario Díaz, Gil Gredinger","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:38:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F52f5563a-b536-4a1f-8929-b34f7db0336b%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"2-helps-you-fighting-for-houston-woman-after-5k-memorial-to-honor-mother-is-delivered-damaged-to-loc"},{"id":"7n15a3","title":"Former NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis charged in gambling scandal","excerpt":"Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in the latest round of charges in the government's gambling investigation.","content":"Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in the latest round of charges in the government's gambling investigation.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/former-nba-players-malik-beasley-ed-davis-charged-gambling-scandal/19414598/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:02:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19414599_062926-kfsn-beasley-davis-ap-img.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"former-nba-players-malik-beasley-ed-davis-charged-in-gambling-scandal"},{"id":"hc14cj","title":"Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis","excerpt":"With the window for finding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-to-back earthquakes, and attention turned to the country's humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.Relief organizations say the first 72 ho...","content":"With the window for finding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-to-back earthquakes, and attention turned to the country's humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.Relief organizations say the first 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the effort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.Venezuelan government promotes its effortsFacing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government officials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue efforts. Police and military officers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira. In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search effort. “Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.Such bright spots are rare at the quake's epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”Aftershock rattles rescuersAfter what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday's quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 27 kilometers (17 miles) north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.Questions over extent of US helpDozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.In a briefing with reporters, a senior State Department official said 300 first responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an influx of relief supplies by sea and manage air traffic after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador. Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.Rescuers included a miner deported from the USAmong the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center. He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security officials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to Venezuela. Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people alive.Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”The full scale of damage remains unclearExperts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government's figures are a vast undercount. Many Venezuelans are skeptical of official pronouncements, particularly since Maduro's government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado. The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not offer evidence. Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had affected a total of 15,866 people. The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be affected — which could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.The updates to government figures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours.It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.\" The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs verified and timely information.”Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.Firefighter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,\" he said. “But what's in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”___DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Associated Press writers Jorge Rueda and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Gabriela Aoun Angueira in Tijuana, Mexico, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/venezuelans-search-more-earthquake-ruins-as-aftershock-rattles-rescuers-in-disaster-zone/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:18:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIIQZKNYZQRAZTP2YPMLNRMN6T4.jpg","slug":"venezuelans-search-more-earthquake-ruins-as-attention-turns-to-humanitarian-crisis"},{"id":"ensawn","title":"Nursing gains 'professional' label for student loans after judge's ruling, but theology now dropped","excerpt":"Students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy and several other fields will be eligible to take out higher federal student loan amounts — at least for now — after a federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration rule that held them to lower limits.The U.S. Education Depart...","content":"Students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy and several other fields will be eligible to take out higher federal student loan amounts — at least for now — after a federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration rule that held them to lower limits.The U.S. Education Department issued a revised rule on Monday designed to follow the judge's order from last week, officials told The Associated Press. Agency officials called it a temporary change while they fight in court to keep the original rule, which defined medicine, law and other fields as “professional programs” but excluded fields such as nursing.The department disagrees with the judge's order but will comply, even as officials plan to prevail in the case over which degrees are defined as “professional,” Undersecretary Nicholas Kent said in a statement. “We will continue to make the case that the definition is both lawful and appropriate,” he said.The change represents a short-term win for groups that sued to stop the rule. Eight groups challenged the department's definition in court, representing nurse practitioners, therapists, speech language pathologists and more.But in strictly applying the judge's order, the department is now striking some degrees from the list of professional programs, meaning those students will face lower loan limits. Theology studies programs are among the biggest to shift from professional to non-professional degrees in the shuffle, subjecting theology students to a lower student loan limit. The master of divinity degree — a common degree for pastors and ministers — remains on the professional list, with a more generous student loan limit.The new rule, which takes effect Wednesday, comes from a student loan overhaul passed in President Donald Trump's tax bill last year. Programs designated as professional degrees face federal loan caps of $200,000, while other graduate programs are capped at $100,000.Previously, graduate students had been able to take out federal loans up to the full cost of their degree. Trump officials pushed for new loan caps to rein in student debt and lower tuition prices that they said had grown out of control.The groups that brought the lawsuit said the rule would require students to forgo their studies or take out riskier private loans. Although many graduate nursing degrees fall within the lower loan limits, some can cost more than $100,000, including in high-demand fields like nurse anesthesia.In a notification to universities on Monday, the Education Department said it's confident the Trump administration's initial rule will ultimately be upheld in court. The amended rule is expected to remain in effect during the judge's preliminary stay, but the department warned that it “may change as litigation in the case proceeds.”The original rule included about a dozen programs that were deemed professional, which Trump officials had said was not a judgment on their importance but part of a technical definition dating to the 1960s. Along with law and medicine, that list also included theology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, clinical psychology and more.The temporary rule expands that list to 29 specific degree programs, including master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of nurse anesthesia practice. Others newly added to the professional list include degrees for physical therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician associates and anesthesiologist assistants.The department's communication listed about 25 programs that are now considered non-professional degrees. Along with theology, that list now includes applied psychology, pharmaceutical sciences and others. (The doctor of pharmacy degree remains professional.)Last week's court ruling blocked parts of the Education Department's definition that were added in a federal rulemaking process. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington called it a “misguided” interpretation that strayed from a longstanding definition created by Congress.The department's definition laid out several criteria used to weigh if degrees count as professional programs. It said those degrees generally take six years to complete and require licenses to begin practicing, among other requirements.It also said professional degrees cannot lead to employment that must be \"be supervised by another professional\" with “more education, training, and qualifications.”A separate lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic-led states challenging the loan caps is still pending.___Associated Press Writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed to this report from Kansas City.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/nursing-gains-professional-label-for-student-loans-after-judges-ruling-but-theology-now-dropped/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Collin Binkley, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:45:49.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F65HNF66WZVC5BENM7SWZZUHCK4.jpg","slug":"nursing-gains-professional-label-for-student-loans-after-judges-ruling-but-theology-now-dropped"},{"id":"tfefsk","title":"Shooting in northern Germany leaves 6 people dead. Suspected shooter arrested","excerpt":"A shooting at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany on Monday left six people dead in what officials believe may have stemmed from a custody dispute. The suspected shooter was arrested.Five people – four women and one man – died at the scene of the shooting in Stade, police said. A sixth, ...","content":"A shooting at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany on Monday left six people dead in what officials believe may have stemmed from a custody dispute. The suspected shooter was arrested.Five people – four women and one man – died at the scene of the shooting in Stade, police said. A sixth, also an adult, died later at a hospital. All six were employees of the youth center or its affiliates, they said.\"The police are investigating the motive and the exact course of events under high pressure,\" Daniela Behrens, interior minister for the Lower Saxony region, told a news conference, adding that it was an extremely violent crime in cold blood, “apparently in a custody dispute.” Police said several people were wounded, some of them seriously, German news agency dpa reported, but they did not give a specific figure or information on the victims’ identity. Police said the shooting took place in the facility on Dankersstrasse, a street south of the town center. The facility includes temporary accommodation for pregnant women or young mothers with children. A main suspect was arrested, while another two people were subject to “police measures” on suspicion of involvement, police said in a statement. They didn't elaborate. Video footage after the shooting showed a large police presence, along with other emergency service personnel and several ambulances on a residential street.Germany’s gun laws are more restrictive than those in the United States, and mass shootings are rare but not unheard of.Vitali Mertens, who lives across the street from the scene, said he heard gunshots and “the whole area was cordoned off right away.”Stade has about 50,000 inhabitants and is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Hamburg.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/5-people-have-died-in-a-shooting-in-stade-in-northern-germany-and-police-arrest-2/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:01:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOPXPJ3WT5VCANKPHTV4JD273SI.jpg","slug":"shooting-in-northern-germany-leaves-6-people-dead-suspected-shooter-arrested"},{"id":"6bfuyf","title":"Arkansas will move forward with a ban on using SNAP for candy and soda despite recent court ruling","excerpt":"Arkansas is moving forward with its plan to ban government food aid from being used to buy candy and soda beginning on Wednesday, even though a federal judge ruled last week that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Announcing the plan on Monday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ...","content":"Arkansas is moving forward with its plan to ban government food aid from being used to buy candy and soda beginning on Wednesday, even though a federal judge ruled last week that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Announcing the plan on Monday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited an urgent need to combat a “chronic disease epidemic” in America, including high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. On one floor of the state’s Department of Human Services, “our state has been approving food stamp purchases for soft drinks and candy, while on another floor, our state’s Medicaid program is paying to treat the chronic diseases those products can help create,” she said.Food stamps is an older name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The federally funded and state-run program provides a monthly stipend for low-income families to buy groceries. It is used by nearly 42 million Americans, or about one in eight.In a news release, the Arkansas governor's office cited Stanford University research that found restricting the purchase of sugary drinks with food stamps could reduce rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes. However, overall research remains mixed about whether restricting SNAP purchases improves diet quality and health. Debates over SNAP benefits are commonLawmakers at the state and federal level have long debated which foods should be eligible for purchase with SNAP. Currently, benefits cannot be used to buy hot prepared foods, but a bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill that would allow SNAP to be used to buy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Arkansas is one of 23 states to receive a waiver allowing it to restrict the purchase of some sugary foods and drinks. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have pushed for the ban as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. While the goals of the state restrictions are similar, the exact rules vary. Some states want to ban the purchase of both sugary drinks and candy using SNAP and others want to prohibit only the purchase of sugary beverages.The USDA acted illegally in approving waivers, judge findsLast week, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington vacated USDA approval of the pilot projects that allowed new SNAP restrictions in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.The judge said the ruling was not a reflection on the merits of the program, but said the projects were not permitted under the statute the USDA was citing. The agency also failed to follow its own regulations for implementing a pilot project, she ruled. The Arkansas program is being implemented under the same regulations as the programs that were vacated. David Super, a law professor at Georgetown University, said that after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, federal district courts generally no longer issue nationwide injunctions. Still, Arkansas’ decision to go forward with the program is “putting that to the extreme test.” Sanders noted the ruling in her announcement on Monday but said, \"Arkansas is moving full speed ahead, because we won’t wait around while our people get less and less healthy and we spend more and more taxpayer dollars trying to fix the problem.”Grocery stores are responsible for enforcing the SNAP restrictionsSteve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association, said that he “wouldn’t want to guess” at how prepared the state’s businesses are to implement the benefits changes this week.“SNAP benefits in retail have been the same for years,” he said, noting that this is going to be a “big change.”“Some of our members that have stores in other states have done this already and the results have been OK,” he said. Arkansas has helped by hiring a third-party vendor to create a list of banned items for the stores to reference, which hasn’t been the case in some other states.Meanwhile, the state has also created an app for SNAP beneficiaries to use that will help them determine which items are eligible for purchase and which aren’t.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/29/arkansas-will-move-forward-with-a-ban-on-using-snap-for-candy-and-soda-despite-recent-court-ruling/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Travis Loller, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:29:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNVYBFFVQI5BONL2CR6WCPYIZDY.jpg","slug":"arkansas-will-move-forward-with-a-ban-on-using-snap-for-candy-and-soda-despite-recent-court-ruling"},{"id":"1v83uc","title":"Director Carl Rinsch is sentenced to prison in $11M fraud case over unfinished Netflix show","excerpt":"Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million for a never-finished sci-fi series. Supporters including Keanu Reeves had asked the court to show him leniency.Rinsch, best known for the 2013 samurai...","content":"Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million for a never-finished sci-fi series. Supporters including Keanu Reeves had asked the court to show him leniency.Rinsch, best known for the 2013 samurai fantasy film “47 Ronin,” was convicted in December of federal wire fraud and other charges. According to prosecutors and trial testimony, he told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show called “White Horse” but diverted the money into a personal account and ultimately spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches, clothes and household goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.Rinsch, 48, and his lawyers told the court Monday that his behavior was fueled by mental health struggles and medication problems, which they said he is now addressing with a new care provider. “This process has forced me to confront things about my health, my judgment and my life,” Rinsch said. He apologized for his behavior, acknowledged that “real harm was caused,” and explained: “I failed to recognize the danger of the state I was in.”His psychological troubles weren't described in court, and he and his lawyers declined to detail them afterward. Prosecutors argued that Rinsch —- who also owes about $11 million in restitution — should serve five years in prison. “Mr. Rinsch had every possible advantage,” including family money, an elite education, famous friends and a high-flying career, prosecutor David Markewitz told the court. Rinsch's motive, the prosecutor said, “was naked greed.”Rinsch, who also has used the name Carl Erik Rinsch professionally, hails from the Los Angeles area and began making short films as a teenager. He later directed commercials, then got attention for “47 Ronin,” which stars Reeves. His character leads outcast samurai seeking to avenge their master's killing. Rinsch “bring exceptional joy and warmth to the people around him” and “creative inspiration to others through his creativity and vision,” Reeves told the court in a letter ahead of Rinsch's sentencing. The “Matrix” star said he didn't know the details of the case, but he acknowledged that Rinsch “can self-sabotage by amplifying the scale, scope and landscape of what had been negotiated.” He said he hoped the director’s sentence “might be tempered with measures of leniency and mercy as well as justice.”Prosecutors said Netflix initially paid Rinsch about $44 million for “White Horse” in 2018 and 2019, then provided another $11 million in 2020 after he said he needed more money to wrap up production. But instead of putting that money toward the show, Rinsch steered the cash to a personal account and made a series of failed investments, losing around half the $11 million in a couple of months, according to prosecutors and witnesses' testimony.They said he put the remaining funds into the cryptocurrency market, netting some profit, which Rinsch deposited into his own bank account.Then came the lavish purchases, prosecutors said, with Rinsch buying five Rolls-Royces, a red Ferrari, $652,000 worth of watches and clothes, and the pricey mattresses, plus another $295,000 on luxury bedding and linens. In addition, he used some of the money to pay off about $1.8 million in credit card bills, prosecutors said.U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff said Rinsch's mental health difficulties “may explain some of the excesses” but don't “detract from the court's conclusion that he was determined to lie to get substantial monies from Netflix, lie to cover it up.” As Rakoff announced the prison term, Rinsch wrote on a piece of paper on a table in front of him. One of his lawyers, Benjamin Zeman, patted the director's back. After court, Rinsch — who's due to report to prison in September — hugged several people who had come to support him. He and his lawyers declined to comment as they left, except that attorney Daniel McGuinness said they looked forward to appealing the case. Netflix declined to comment on his sentence. ___Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/29/director-carl-rinsch-is-sentenced-to-prison-in-11m-fraud-case-over-unfinished-netflix-show/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:26:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3WGCC4263FBT7M47FQ32GIHW3M.jpg","slug":"director-carl-rinsch-is-sentenced-to-prison-in-11m-fraud-case-over-unfinished-netflix-show"},{"id":"fk74yh","title":"Commercial truck driver charged in fatal crash that killed Montgomery County deputy","excerpt":"Officials with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office confirms a 20-year-old man, who was the driver of the commercial truck which struck and killed a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy over the weekend, has been arrested and charged in connection to her death.Ian Perez is charged with ...","content":"Officials with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office confirms a 20-year-old man, who was the driver of the commercial truck which struck and killed a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy over the weekend, has been arrested and charged in connection to her death.Ian Perez is charged with passing certain vehicles violation with bodily injury, which is a charge associated with a violation of the State of Texas’ Move Over/Slow Down law.RELATED: Deputy killed while helping at crash scene becomes latest victim on dangerous stretch of I-45The charge is typically used when a driver fails to move over or slow down when approaching certain stopped vehicles displaying emergency or warning lights, such as police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, TXDOT vehicles, or utility service vehicles, and that violation leads to another person being injured.Perez is being held on a $10,000 bond.The crash happened early Sunday morning on I-45 near The Woodlands Parkway. Deputy Erika Serrato, a six-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who had recently become a patrol deputy, was assisting at the scene of an earlier DWI crash on the northbound lanes and was directing traffic when investigators say she was struck and killed by the commercial truck.RELATED: Montgomery County deputy killed by vehicle on I-45 North near The Woodlands, officials sayAnother deputy was also injured by debris during the crash and is expected to recover.Along with Perez, the man alleged to be responsible for the initial crash which Deputy Serrato was at the scene assisting with, was also arrested. Ashton Jammer, 34, is charged with DWI. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail.The Montgomery County District Attorney says the investigation is still ongoing and additional charges could be added.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/commercial-truck-driver-charged-in-fatal-crash-that-killed-montgomery-county-deputy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry, Corley Peel","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:09:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSU2SF66SGVDEXPJ6N2TS4N3YQY.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"commercial-truck-driver-charged-in-fatal-crash-that-killed-montgomery-county-deputy"},{"id":"3h751n","title":"Echoes of deadly Arizona wildfire with 3 firefighters killed in Colorado-Utah blaze","excerpt":"A wildfire that killed three firefighters along the Colorado-Utah border is one of the deadliest for firefighters since an Arizona wildfire 13 years ago.The Yarnell Hill Fire that killed 19 firefighters on June 30, 2013, remains the deadliest event on record for U.S. firefighters since the Sept. ...","content":"A wildfire that killed three firefighters along the Colorado-Utah border is one of the deadliest for firefighters since an Arizona wildfire 13 years ago.The Yarnell Hill Fire that killed 19 firefighters on June 30, 2013, remains the deadliest event on record for U.S. firefighters since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the deadliest for U.S. wildland firefighters in over a century.The firefighters died 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Prescott, Arizona, after trying to escape flames fanned by shifting winds. They were deploying fire shelters — small, heat-resistant tents that can offer a chance at survival — when flames reached them in a brushy box canyon.Temperatures reached 2,000 degrees (1,100 Celsius).On Saturday, a wildfire west of Grand Junction, Colorado, killed three firefighters and injured two others. That fire has burned 44 square miles (114 square kilometers). The five firefighters were members of a Helitack crew who are dropped by helicopter into remote areas to saw and dig away vegetation and create fire-resistant barriers ahead of advancing flames.As at the Yarnell Hill Fire, the firefighters decided to stop fleeing and use fire shelters to try to survive.A complete investigation could take several months. Full knowledge of what happened could be elusive.Investigators of the Yarnell Hill Fire could not verify radio communications from the firefighters for a half-hour period that may have shed light on their decision-making process.The final investigation report ultimately did not fault the firefighters, saying they were fully qualified, staffed and trained and “followed all standards and guidelines.” Their commanders likewise made reasonable judgments and decisions in rapidly worsening conditions, according to the report.“Complexity can outpace organizational attempts to respond,” the report concluded.Fire shelters are a last resort, offering roll-of-the-dice odds under otherwise impossible circumstances. In a 2015 wildfire in Washington state, two firefighters who used such tents survived, while three who were in a truck died. How much the protection the tents provide depends on the conditions in which they are deployed. They are not designed to withstand direct flame, Riva Duncan, president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a firefighter advocacy group, said Monday.“It’s your last-ditch effort to try to survive,” Duncan said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/echoes-of-deadly-arizona-wildfire-with-3-firefighters-killed-in-colorado-utah-blaze/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mead Gruver, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:05:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJHWZZFDSABAN5ABKKBC72UVZGM.jpg","slug":"echoes-of-deadly-arizona-wildfire-with-3-firefighters-killed-in-colorado-utah-blaze"},{"id":"a90yib","title":"Free agency starts Tuesday in NBA, and LeBron James has all eyes on him once again","excerpt":"NBA free agency in 2010: Everyone waited for LeBron James to make a decision.NBA free agency in 2026: Everyone is waiting again for James to make a decision.James was the biggest domino to fall in the NBA's offseason player movement period 16 years ago when he decided to join Miami, and he may be...","content":"NBA free agency in 2010: Everyone waited for LeBron James to make a decision.NBA free agency in 2026: Everyone is waiting again for James to make a decision.James was the biggest domino to fall in the NBA's offseason player movement period 16 years ago when he decided to join Miami, and he may be the biggest domino to fall — at least in free agency — this summer as well. Free agency opens in the NBA on Tuesday evening, with James' future atop the list of most intriguing storylines that will be solved over the coming days and weeks.The one thing that seems clear when it comes to James: It seems like retirement isn't happening yet, which would mean the NBA's career leader in points scored, minutes played and games played coming back for a record-extending 24th season and potentially — when including playoff contests — appearing in his 2,000th game.The question is where.His options would figure to include staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to Miami or Cleveland (both would have interest for obvious reasons) or even thinking about moving elsewhere like Golden State and teaming up with longtime friends — and rivals, considering they've gone head to head in the NBA Finals on four occasions — Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to chase one more title.Green — who is not expected to leave Golden State — on Monday declined his $27.6 million option for next season, doing so to give the Warriors more maneuverability to add players in the coming days, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because that detail was not revealed publicly by the team, and it raises the possibility that the Warriors might now have more of a selling point to pitch to James.“When the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do,” James said when the Lakers were eliminated this spring by Oklahoma City in a 4-0 sweep.The time is coming.The window opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. EasternThe window when teams can begin officially talking with free agents — other than the ones on their own team, those talks could begin when the NBA Finals ended — opens at 6 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, and deals could be flying not long afterward.In most cases, any new deals cannot be executed until at least the end of the NBA's offseason moratorium on July 6.“This period we’re in right now, kind of from mid-May to mid-July, it’s a two-month sprint through the draft, combine, free agency, Summer League, all that,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said earlier this month. “We’re super busy right now. But it’s a fun time of year. This is where we get to make decisions, shape the roster, do all that stuff.”The NBA finalists — champion New York and runner-up San Antonio — both will have moves to make in the coming days, though they are expected to keep their cores largely intact. The Knicks were keeping Landry Shamet on a four-year deal, a person with knowledge of the details said Monday. And the Spurs announced Monday that sharpshooter Julian Champagnie, who came up big time and time again for San Antonio in the playoffs, signed a new deal with the club; a person with knowledge of the terms told AP it was a three-year deal for up to $45 million. Plenty of other decisions and roster-shaping already has happened around the league, either by trades (such as the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster by Miami last week or the Ja Morant deal between Memphis and Portland that went down Monday) or teams re-signing or extending their own players (such as Trae Young's $212 million deal with Washington and Austin Reaves' $185 million deal with the Lakers).Detroit has agreed with guard Kevin Huerter on a three-year, $27 million deal that keeps him with the Pistons, a person familiar with those terms told AP; the third year is an option. Sacramento traded former lottery pick Devin Carter and a future second-round pick to Atlanta in a salary dump, and Kings guard Zach LaVine picked up his $49 million player option, a person familiar with those moves said on condition of anonymity because they haven’t been finalized.Many moves still awaiting completionMiami will land Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in a trade that sends Tyler Herro, other players and draft capital to Milwaukee, but that won't be finalized until that moratorium date passes. But in the interim, the Heat will be looking to add shooters — Tim Hardaway Jr., whose father's number is retired in Miami, and longtime Antetokounmpo favorite Khris Middleton make a lot of sense.The Heat will be keeping Andrew Wiggins, who on Monday exercised his $30 million option for this coming season and, according to a person familiar with the talks between the sides, has agreed in principle on a $34 million deal for the following two seasons — with 2028-29 at his option.More trades could be coming, with a person familiar with the negotiations confirming to the AP that Toronto has spoken with the Los Angeles Clippers on the possibility of Kawhi Leonard — who led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title — returning to Ontario next season. And Boston is still believed to be holding talks about the possibility of trading 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who was the centerpiece of the Celtics' ultimately futile offer to land Antetokounmpo in trade discussions with Milwaukee.“Nobody has won more combined regular-season and playoff games since I entered the league 10 years ago,” Brown posted on social media over the weekend. He's right: The Celtics have won 523 games with Brown in the lineup, including playoff contests, which is six more than Denver has won with Nikola Jokic over that span.___AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney in New York and AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow in San Francisco contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/free-agency-starts-tuesday-in-nba-and-lebron-james-has-all-eyes-on-him-once-again/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tim Reynolds, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:36:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7GKGC2CT6NG2NHPR26FTARLKCU.jpg","slug":"free-agency-starts-tuesday-in-nba-and-lebron-james-has-all-eyes-on-him-once-again"},{"id":"xw80zc","title":"Colorado court rejects November ballot initiatives aimed at redrawing congressional districts","excerpt":"Colorado voters will not get a say this November on whether to replace the state's congressional districts with ones that could help Democrats win additional seats in future elections. The state Supreme Court on Monday struck down a series of proposed ballot initiatives that would have sidesteppe...","content":"Colorado voters will not get a say this November on whether to replace the state's congressional districts with ones that could help Democrats win additional seats in future elections. The state Supreme Court on Monday struck down a series of proposed ballot initiatives that would have sidestepped the state's independent redistricting commission and authorized new U.S. House districts for the 2028 and 2030 elections. The court said the measures addressed multiple subjects in violation of the state constitution. The rulings marked another setback for Democrats in a nationwide redistricting battle that could affect control of Congress. Earlier this year, courts also invalidated Democratic redistricting efforts in Virginia and New York that were aimed at the midterm elections, though Democrats could try again in those states before the 2028 elections. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for people of color, opening a pathway for Republicans in several Southern states to redraw majority-Black districts that had elected Democrats. Redistricting is typically done immediately after a census at the start of each decade. President Donald Trump kick-started an unusual mid-decade redistricting fight last year when he called on Republicans in Texas to redraw congressional districts in a bid to win several additional seats in the midterms and hold on to control of the closely divided chamber. Other Republican-led states followed, and several Democratic-led states tried to counter. Republicans prevailed in more states with new districts that they hope could net as many as 10 additional seats in November. Colorado’s U.S. House delegation is evenly split between four Democrats and four Republicans under a map drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission after the 2020 census. A constitutional amendment would be needed to draw different districts before the next census. A Democratic-backed amendment would have authorized mid-decade redistricting and created new districts that could have helped Democrats gain up to three seats. Supporters offered two options: a single amendment combining both proposals, and a pair of initiatives separating redistricting authorization from the new map that would take effect only if both passed. The Colorado Supreme Court said both versions violated the multi-subject prohibition. The court cited the same grounds while also invalidating identical Republican-backed ballot initiatives submitted to counter the Democratic ones. Coloradans for a Level Playing Field, which backed the Democratic redistricting initiatives, said it was disappointed the court thwarted its efforts.“While Trump and his MAGA allies regularly sidestep the law and ignore voters, efforts to respond have once again been dealt a legal setback over a technicality,” said Curtis Hubbard, a spokesperson for the group. Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment creating an independent redistricting commission in 2018. A group that backed that ballot measure praised the Supreme Court on Monday for not gutting the commission. “While other states stumble into the partisan abyss via gerrymandering warfare, Colorado is defending its reputation as a beacon for fairness and good government,\" said Frank McNulty, chair of Fair Maps Colorado.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/colorado-court-rejects-november-ballot-initiatives-aimed-at-redrawing-congressional-districts/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"David A. Lieb, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:03:03.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJ64WGSTBFFC5DDW2BDALGJGQL4.jpg","slug":"colorado-court-rejects-november-ballot-initiatives-aimed-at-redrawing-congressional-districts"},{"id":"z4nk56","title":"More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing","excerpt":"More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela, setting off a scramble to find survivors and bodies buried in the rubble, according to survivors.A deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela hours before Wednesday's ea...","content":"More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela, setting off a scramble to find survivors and bodies buried in the rubble, according to survivors.A deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela hours before Wednesday's earthquakes. On board were 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, according to ICE Flight Monitor, an initiative of Human Rights First, which tracks deportation flights. They were transported to a hotel in La Guaira.Lisbeth Portillo, 58, said she escaped the rubble from the hotel with about 20 other deportees who walked the streets looking for help. They saw people running, some naked and others barefoot as they emerged from the rubble of the building in La Guaira, one of the areas that was hardest hit in Wednesday’s 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.“We walked about five kilometers, and I cried and cried … there was no communication,” Portillo said in a phone interview from her home in Maracaibo, Venezuela. They reached a National Guard building, where they had a chance to call relatives.“I was born again; God gave me a second chance,” said Portillo. “I am traumatized,” she said after a pause, weeping.The Venezuelan government says more than 1,700 people were killed.They survived the earthquake the same day that were deported from the U.S.Portillo was caught up in the Trump administration's drive for mass deportations. In May, ICE Flight Monitor tracked 288 deportation flights to 38 countries, including Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile and the Ivory Coast.The U.S. ran 12 deportation flights to Venezuela in May, operating three days a week, according to ICE Flight Monitor. Deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a 13-month pause. Portillo said the government took them to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada, where they underwent medical exams and got identification documents. They were told they would go home the next day. Portillo was staying in a second floor room with 16 other women. She stepped onto a balcony to look at the sea and saw that the sky was black; it was very hot. She returned to the room, laid on a bed, and began to feel herself being shaken.“I started hearing ‘papa, papa papapa,’, and I saw the women next to me start to fall,” she said, describing the sounds from the earthquake. “They were all screaming for help.”And almost immediately, the second earthquake.\"I fall and end up buried and covered by a beam, but the shaking shifted everything where I was buried and I was able to get out,” said Portillo, who has bruises all over her body.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for information from the AP. A video from the Venezuelan government posted on social media showed images of the deportees being received by Venezuelan authorities upon their arrival at the Caracas airport on Wednesday.Jenny Rodriguez, 24, told the Telemundo network that she was on the flight and taken to the hotel.“I was trapped under the rubble. A colleague who had been on the same flight came by; I managed to free my hand from the debris, grabbed him by the trousers, and begged for help”, she said. “Thanks to God — and to him — I was able to get out of there.”Liliana Rojas told Telemundo that she has been trying to locate her 33-year-old partner. The detention center where he was held in El Paso, Texas, says only told that he was deported. “No one is giving an answer about anything,” Rojas said. Woman says she feels ‘born again’ after surviving Portillo, who crossed the U.S. border with Mexico in November 2021 and said had an pending asylum claim, couldn't remember her children's phone number. She called her husband in the United States.“I said to him, ‘Cesar, I’m alive. Help me.’ And my husband kept saying, ‘It can’t be,’” she said. “‘I’m alive, I made it out of the rubble, I’m alive,’ I told him.”Her husband called their children, who picked her up and were able to reunite with their mother the following night.“I was born that day; on the 24th, I was born again,” said Portillo, who lived in South Florida for more than four years. ___This version corrects the headline to say the hotel was in La Guaira.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/more-than-100-venezuelans-who-were-deported-from-the-us-hours-before-the-earthquakes-are-missing/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gisela Salomon, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:12:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK24ODHRDQFCQ3KPYXQDU5TF5X4.jpg","slug":"more-than-100-venezuelans-who-were-deported-from-the-us-hours-before-the-earthquakes-are-missing"},{"id":"48qntx","title":"Supreme Court ruling gives a reprieve to states with grace periods for receiving mail ballots","excerpt":"States that allow mail ballots to be counted after Election Day reacted with relief Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Republican effort to outlaw the practice.A decision favoring the state of Mississippi over the Republican National Committee delivered an immediate reprieve to the 14...","content":"States that allow mail ballots to be counted after Election Day reacted with relief Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Republican effort to outlaw the practice.A decision favoring the state of Mississippi over the Republican National Committee delivered an immediate reprieve to the 14 states with grace periods for regular mail ballots, as well as heading off what was expected to be a scramble to alter the practice and inform voters just months ahead of the midterm elections.At least one state, Ohio, had preemptively changed its law in anticipation of a different result from the high court, and 15 other states have such grace periods specifically for military and overseas voters.Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the ruling means \"the thousands of voters whose ballots are postmarked on time but received after Election Day still have their voices heard.”Mail ballots, also called absentee ballots, have been the source of conspiracy theories from President Donald Trump, who groundlessly blames them for his loss in the 2020 election. The RNC and Libertarian Party had sued to overturn a Mississippi law that permits the counting of mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and arrive up to five days later, on grounds that it violated federal law. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, wrote for the majority that the practice is legal.\"Nothing in the federal election-day statutes requires ballots to be received by Election Day,” she wrote, adding that the court considered that very narrow question without wading into more sweeping declarations about absentee voting in general or the authority of Congress versus states over election law.In Illinois, where mail-in ballots accounted for up to a quarter of this year's primary vote, the state elections board had budgeted $300,000 for a television and radio ad campaign to educate voters about potential changes to the mail ballot deadline. Spokesman Matt Dietrich said that campaign will be called off after the court's ruling. Illinois allows mail ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days.“Anytime you have a change in the administration of elections that affects voters, it is a big challenge to us to make sure that voters understand what that change is,” he said.California, which has a seven-day grace period, has been a regular target of Trump and other Republicans who criticize the state's slow-counting of late-arriving ballots and have used the gap to spread conspiracy theories about voter fraud.California Secretary of State Shirley Weber called Monday's ruling \"a win for voters, for the rule of law, and for the future of our democracy.”Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson called the decision a victory for states' rights, including the ability to set election rules as long as they don't conflict with federal law.In addition to California, Illinois and Mississippi, the other states that count regular mail ballots received after Election Day are Alaska, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.Data shows that mail ballots are popular options across all 50 states for both Republican and Democratic voters.Although the RNC was party to the case and not the Trump administration itself, national party committees of a sitting president’s party typically operate in concert with the president’s political strategies. Trump also has effectively taken over operations of the RNC, the GOP's main fundraising and political operation.Calling Monday's ruling “a tremendous loss,” Trump used it as a way to push his sweeping election law bill that has stalled on Capitol Hill despite Republican control in both chambers of Congress.In a Truth Social post, the president declared it “more important than ever to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT,” his name for legislation that would require voters nationally to document their U.S. citizenship to register to vote, show certain photo identification to cast ballots and limit who can vote with a mail ballot. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters issued a statement aligning with Trump, saying Monday's ruling was justification to pass the congressional proposal.Lower federal courts have issued rulings blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to impose new restrictions on mail ballots and to create a national voter list, among other proposed changes. Judges in those cases have consistently said the Constitution vests authority for setting election rules with Congress and the states, not the president.While Barrett framed Monday’s opinion on the narrower question of the mail ballot deadline, the decision could bolster hopes among Democrats that the high court will look skeptically on the president’s assertion of power over elections if other cases land before it.Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin said he was relieved because the ruling was a potential sign that other cases could go Democrats' way. But he accused the president and RNC of trying to disenfranchise voters and said he was alarmed by the narrow 5-4 decision in the case.“What’s troubling was that so many of the other justices were willing to sacrifice the rights of voters,” said Galvin, a Democrat.Perhaps nowhere was the case being watched more closely than Alaska, where Native and rural communities dotted across a vast landscape rely on the state's grace period to ensure their ballots get counted. Planes are often the only way ballots can get from polling locations to counting locations.Jacqueline De León, a senior staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, was among the attorneys who filed a brief with the Supreme Court on behalf of Alaska Native and Native American groups. The brief highlighted the challenges they face, in particular where many communities are accessible only by air or water and rely on air service for mail.“For many Native communities, voting by mail is shaped by long distances to election offices, no home mail delivery, unreliable postal service, lack of access to transportation, and the realities of living in rural and remote areas,” she said. “Ballots cast by election deadlines should not be discarded simply because substandard service or weather delays cause them to arrive after Election Day.”___Associated Press writers Bill Barrow and Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta, Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, Josh Kelety in Phoenix, Ali Swenson in New York and graphic artist Kevin Vineys in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/supreme-court-ruling-gives-a-reprieve-to-states-with-grace-periods-for-receiving-mail-ballots/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:14:04.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBZTQKVTRRREFTESL6N323BGFJ4.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-ruling-gives-a-reprieve-to-states-with-grace-periods-for-receiving-mail-ballots"},{"id":"6cjlin","title":"Woman killed by alligator while swimming in Florida's Econlockhatchee River: Officials","excerpt":"A 31-year-old woman was killed by an alligator while swimming in a river in Florida, officials said.","content":"A 31-year-old woman was killed by an alligator while swimming in a river in Florida, officials said.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/woman-killed-alligator-swimming-floridas-econlockhatchee-river-officials/19414560/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:01:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19414549_062926-wpvi-cnn-fl-alligator-attack-pkg.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"woman-killed-by-alligator-while-swimming-in-floridas-econlockhatchee-river-officials"},{"id":"wx771d","title":"Disney Celebrates America: What to expect on July 3 and 4 as ABC marks America's 250th anniversary","excerpt":"ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called \"Disney Celebrates America.\"","content":"ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called \"Disney Celebrates America.\"","url":"https://abc13.com/post/disney-celebrates-america-what-expect-july-3-4-abc-marks-americas-250th-anniversary/19414491/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:50:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19220528_060226-cc-abcn-disney-celebrates-america-250-graphic-img.jpg","slug":"disney-celebrates-america-what-to-expect-on-july-3-and-4-as-abc-marks-americas-250th-anniversary"},{"id":"yxgxdh","title":"Supreme Court says Fed’s Cook can keep her job for now, but it upholds other Trump firings","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Monday dramatically expanded presidential power, upholding President Donald Trump’s firings of the heads of independent federal agencies with one important exception: the Federal Reserve.The justices allowed Fed governor Lisa Cook to stay in her job while she fights the Repub...","content":"The Supreme Court on Monday dramatically expanded presidential power, upholding President Donald Trump’s firings of the heads of independent federal agencies with one important exception: the Federal Reserve.The justices allowed Fed governor Lisa Cook to stay in her job while she fights the Republican president’s effort to fire her over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she has denied. But other than at the nation’s central bank, with its role of setting interest rates, the court held that presidents have free rein to fire agency heads at will, despite federal laws that require a cause for such dismissals and a 91-year-old decision that had limited executive authority.With the six conservative justices in the majority, the nine-member court jettisoned its unanimous decision in Humphrey’s Executor that had limited when presidents can fire agencies’ board members — in part to try to ensure decision-making free of political influence.“We hold that such protection from removal is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court. Support for Trump’s positionThe justices ruled in the case of former Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, whom Trump fired without cause despite a provision of federal law that requires a reason. The logic of the decision extends to other agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where Trump also has fired board members.Trump voiced his approval in a Truth Social post. “It is such an Honor to be the sitting President who won this Historic and Unprecedented Ruling, one of the most important ever given with respect to Presidential Powers,” he wrote.The court already had signaled its support for the Trump administration’s position, over the liberals’ objection, by allowing Slaughter and the board members of other agencies to be removed from their jobs even as their legal challenges continued.No president before Trump had sought to wrest control of the agencies that regulate wide swaths of American life, including nuclear energy, product safety and labor relations. But at arguments in Slaughter's case in December, the six conservatives, including three appointed by Trump, seemed more concerned about issuing a ruling that would endure than handing too much power to Trump.Their rhetoric was reminiscent of the presidential immunity case in 2024 that allowed Trump to avoid prosecution for his efforts to undo his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. The court is writing a decision “for the ages,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said then.Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a dissent she summarized aloud in the courtroom, said the ruling could lead to “submission, instability, and even oppression.” “The president, to be sure, emerges with more power than ever before. That power was given to him by six justices on this court, not the people or the Constitution,” Sotomayor said.Fed governor Cook's caseIn Cook’s case, the court voted 5-4 to reject the Trump administration’s effort to get Cook out of her job now. Roberts, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the three liberal justices were in the majority.Allowing Cook to be ousted now, Roberts wrote, “would allow the President to remove a member of the Federal Reserve at any time, for any reason, without any notice before, and without any judicial check after. That would turn for-cause protection into little more than at-will employment.”Roberts did include a footnote in his opinion noting that nothing forbids Trump from “trying again” to fire her, provided she is given proper notice and a chance to contest it.Trump suggested he would take Roberts up on the offer, saying on Truth Social that “we will take appropriate action immediately to make sure that someone who has committed wrongdoing will not be making vital decisions concerning the Welfare of the United States of America!”Cook, who was nominated to the Fed’s Board of Governors by Biden, can continue in her post at least as long as her lawsuit challenging her firing goes on, the court said. The Trump administration is appealing a lower-court ruling in her favor.Besides trying to fire Cook, Trump had threatened to fire former Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell if he didn’t leave the board when his term as chairman ended in mid-May. Powell has remained as a governor, even as Kevin Warsh has replaced him as chairman.Judges on lower courts have allowed Cook to remain in her post as one of seven central bank governors. The true motivation for trying to fire Cook, Trump’s critics say, is the Republican president’s desire to exert control over U.S. interest rate policy. If Trump succeeds in removing Cook, the first Black woman to be a Federal Reserve governor, he could replace her with his own appointee and gain a majority on the Fed’s board. The case is being closely watched by Wall Street investors and could have broad impacts on the financial markets and the U.S. economy.Cook said her case was “never about mortgage documents signed years before I became a Federal Reserve governor.”\"It was an attempt to remove me on a manufactured pretext because I refused to bow to political pressure and continued to set interest rates based only on what would best serve the American people. That is the most fundamental obligation of a Federal Reserve governor,” Cook said in a statement.Trump's confrontation with the FedTrump has been dismissive of worries that cutting rates too quickly could trigger higher inflation. He wants dramatic reductions so the government can borrow more cheaply and Americans can pay lower borrowing costs for new homes, cars or other large purchases, as worries about high costs have soured some voters on his economic management.The Fed has left its key rate unchanged this year, but a growing chorus of policymakers is expressing concern about persistently high inflation and suggesting the central bank could raise its benchmark rate by the end of this year or leave it unchanged.While Cook’s case was under review at the high court, Trump dramatically escalated his confrontation with the Fed. The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation of Powell and served the central bank with subpoenas. The investigation ended in late April, the department said. The announcement cleared a major roadblock to the confirmation of Warsh as Powell’s successor.The case against Cook stems from allegations she claimed two properties, in Michigan and Georgia, as “primary residences” in June and July 2021, before she joined the Fed board. Such claims can lead to a lower mortgage rate and smaller down payment than if one of them was declared as a rental property or second home.Those applications, Solicitor General D. John Sauer said in January, are evidence of “gross negligence at best” and give Trump reason to fire her. In any event, he argued, courts shouldn’t be reviewing his decision and Cook has no right to a hearing.Cook has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.___Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/29/supreme-court-says-feds-cook-can-keep-her-job-for-now-but-it-upholds-other-trump-firings/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:24:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFS7XKQJRJRG4JKJG4MX6NIWFDE.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-says-feds-cook-can-keep-her-job-for-now-but-it-upholds-other-trump-firings"},{"id":"n3j9da","title":"Serena Williams' return at Wimbledon is 'the ticket to have' for the grass-court Grand Slam","excerpt":"Anticipation is building at Wimbledon for Serena Williams’ first singles match in nearly four years.The 44-year-old Williams is scheduled to play an opponent less than half her age, 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia, in the third match Tuesday on Centre Court — the patch of grass where the Amer...","content":"Anticipation is building at Wimbledon for Serena Williams’ first singles match in nearly four years.The 44-year-old Williams is scheduled to play an opponent less than half her age, 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia, in the third match Tuesday on Centre Court — the patch of grass where the American standout won seven of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles.“I think everyone’s feeling the same way: Cannot wait to be watching Serena back on Centre Court again,” Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Club, said Monday.Wimbledon organizers took the unusual step of holding up an eighth and final wild card spot for Williams until she accepted the invitation at almost the last possible moment the weekend before qualifying began.“We were all sitting there sort of quietly keeping our fingers crossed that that’s what would happen,” Bolton said when asked by The Associated Press how anxious the club was while Williams pondered her decision.“She is such an icon of the sport and particularly here at the championship she’s one of our most special champions,” Bolton added. “So it really will be the ticket to have tomorrow when she walks back on Centre Court.”Whether it was related to Williams or not, the queue (line) of would-be-spectators camping out overnight for the daily batches of Wimbledon tickets on offer had reached 10,000 people by Monday morning.“We are advising people if they haven’t already set off to travel, not to travel because the queue is effectively full,” Bolton said. “By comparison to last year, it is really busy.”Williams will also play doubles with older sister Venus Williams later in the week.Since Serena last won Wimbledon a decade ago, eight different women have won the title.“It was needed a wee bit to kind of reinvent the women’s game,” said Lauren Byrne, a 26-year-old spectator at Wimbledon from near Dublin. “She’s definitely going to bring a bit more excitement back.”Added Byrne’s father, Anthony: “It’s just great to see her. She still has the appetite, hasn’t she, to play at this level? … Age isn’t a barrier.”Gibran Chenia, a London resident who described himself as “50-plus,” called Williams “a legend.“And if she’s half as good as she was, she is going to be great for tennis,” Chenia said. “It’s great to have legends back.”___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/serena-williams-return-at-wimbledon-is-the-ticket-to-have-for-the-grass-court-grand-slam/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Dampf, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:24:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDBQMIY7235BA7MV2D7CMGVSTHM.jpg","slug":"serena-williams-return-at-wimbledon-is-the-ticket-to-have-for-the-grass-court-grand-slam"},{"id":"mwq084","title":"Royalties. Teaching gigs. A concert in Puerto Rico. Financial forms offer view inside Supreme Court","excerpt":"Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was gifted concert tickets in Puerto Rico last year as members of the high court continued to accept paid teaching gigs and receive royalties for books they have written, according to financial disclosure forms released Monday that provide insight into how th...","content":"Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was gifted concert tickets in Puerto Rico last year as members of the high court continued to accept paid teaching gigs and receive royalties for books they have written, according to financial disclosure forms released Monday that provide insight into how the justices spend time off the bench.Sotomayor’s disclosure form says she and unidentified guests attended the concert last August while she was on a private trip to Puerto Rico. The paperwork does not identify the performer, but Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny is known to have performed a series of shows on the island that month and the $4,333 gift she disclosed was provided by Rimas Entertainment, Bad Bunny's record label.The justices' ethical practices away from the court have received additional scrutiny in recent years because of media coverage, including by The Associated Press, that has highlighted their lucrative book deals, gifts they have received and travel they have taken. Among the revelations was a series of stories by ProPublica that revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas had failed to report luxury travel paid for by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.The forms underscore the extent to which book-writing remains a lucrative source of income for members of the court.Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who in 2024 released a memoir titled “Lovely One,” disclosed $1.81 million in book advances, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett reported more than $849,000 in royalties. They both reported more than a dozen events or discussions, including for their books, at which a combination of food, travel or lodging was provided. Justice Neil Gorsuch also disclosed receiving $300,000 in royalty income. Several justices also reported paid teaching assignments. Chief Justice John Roberts, for instance, reported $25,000 in teaching income for a brief course at New England Law School, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh received $33,285 for teaching at Notre Dame. Gorsuch taught for roughly two weeks last July at a George Mason University campus in Prague, records show.Kavanaugh also delivered a speech last September — his meals, transportation and lodging were provided — at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, which the AP earlier reported had invited Thomas to headline a 2017 event. The court released disclosure forms for eight of the nine sitting justices. Justice Samuel Alito, as he has previously done, requested a 90-day extension, the court said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/royalties-teaching-gigs-a-concert-in-puerto-rico-financial-forms-offer-view-inside-supreme-court/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eric Tucker, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:52:06.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYCKZGFFZCBBK3NYMALSDTEGI3M.jpg","slug":"royalties-teaching-gigs-a-concert-in-puerto-rico-financial-forms-offer-view-inside-supreme-court"},{"id":"kyx9uy","title":"Trump's power, birthright citizenship, trans sports among cases Supreme Court will rule on this week","excerpt":"Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, fire the heads of most independent agencies at will and remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor are among the remaining eight cases the justices are expected to decide this week.","content":"Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, fire the heads of most independent agencies at will and remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor are among the remaining eight cases the justices are expected to decide this week.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/supreme-court-nears-end-term-momentous-cases-trumps-power-decided/19414197/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:35:11.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19414291_062926-ktrk-supreme-court-ap-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"trumps-power-birthright-citizenship-trans-sports-among-cases-supreme-court-will-rule-on-this-week"},{"id":"l5c05r","title":"Former NFL RB Chris Johnson, known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yards for Titans in '09, reveals he has ALS","excerpt":"Chris Johnson, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years with the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he has ALS.Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last pl...","content":"Chris Johnson, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years with the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he has ALS.Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last played in 2017 for the Arizona Cardinals. He said on ABC's “ Good Morning America ” that he was diagnosed with the fatal nervous system disease last year.“Honestly, I don’t know if you really fully process it,” he said, using his eyes to communicate through a computerized speech-generating device during the interview with Michael Strahan. “At first you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices: You can give up or you can fight. I chose to fight.”Johnson, a first-round draft pick out of East Carolina in 2008, rushed for 7,965 yards over six seasons with the Titans. The native of Orlando, Florida, had 2,006 yards in 2009 to earn the nickname “CJ2K” and ingratiate himself with the Tennessee fan base.Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, in a statement released Monday, said the organization is holding Johnson, his wife and four children close.“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise,\" Adams Strunk said. “Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey.\"ALS, which is an acronym for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cell communication with muscles throughout the body. The disease leads to muscle weakness and can cause deterioration of the ability to move, speak and breathe.Tim Shaw, who had a six-year career as a linebacker in the NFL and was a teammate of Johnson's with the Titans from 2010-12, was diagnosed in 2014 at age 30 with ALS and is still alive.Johnson, who also played one season for the New York Jets, first noticed weakness in his right hand and trouble with his grip. He was still working out daily a year ago. Now he can't hold a cup or speak on his own.“Your mind stays sharp. People sometimes look at a person with a physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside,” Johnson said. “I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”Johnson was joined for the interview by his wife, Brittany, who has become his primary caregiver.“She hasn’t left my side through any of this. My kids are also a huge part of why I keep going,” Johnson said. “Every day I wake up wanting more time with them to make more memories and just be their dad. They give me a reason to keep fighting.”Johnson has been participating in experimental treatments with the goal of extending his life and helping the medical field move closer to a cure for the disease.“If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or gives another family hope,” he said, “then it's worth it.”Johnson didn’t discuss his playing career in the interview. In a later post on his Instagram account he acknowledged the unknown about how he developed the disease but referenced research that has linked repetitive head trauma to ALS. That includes a 2021 study that found NFL players were nearly four times more likely to develop the disease than the general male population.“I hope the NFL steps up, invests in research, and continues working to protect players — both now and for generations to come,” Johnson said. “Together, we can push toward better treatments and, one day, a cure.”___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/former-nfl-rb-chris-johnson-known-as-cj2k-for-his-2000-yards-for-titans-in-09-reveals-he-has-als/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:10:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFAB2ISIOOZEDZLQDJUK6IOLM4M.jpg","slug":"former-nfl-rb-chris-johnson-known-as-cj2k-for-his-2000-yards-for-titans-in-09-reveals-he-has-als"},{"id":"jda868","title":"Falling tree damages vehicle traveling on Louetta Road in Cypress, leads to minor injuries","excerpt":"Authorities say the occupants of a vehicle sustained minor injuries and are being evaluated after a tree fell onto it while it was driving.The incident happened on Louetta Road at Wrightsboro Drive in the Cypress area.The Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office says the vehicle was traveling on L...","content":"Authorities say the occupants of a vehicle sustained minor injuries and are being evaluated after a tree fell onto it while it was driving.The incident happened on Louetta Road at Wrightsboro Drive in the Cypress area.The Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office says the vehicle was traveling on Louetta Road when the tree fell on top of it. OSHA proposes $3.5M in fines after Channelview sulfuric acid spill injured workersImages shared by the constable’s office shows damage to the front of the vehicle.Emergency crews are working to clear the scene.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/falling-tree-damages-vehicle-traveling-on-louetta-road-in-cypress-leads-to-minor-injuries/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:40:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOUKDWM3TGFH7ZEC3777H7HEETE.png","slug":"falling-tree-damages-vehicle-traveling-on-louetta-road-in-cypress-leads-to-minor-injuries"},{"id":"yqteeo","title":"JetBlue pilot reports hitting drone as flight approached landing at JFK Airport","excerpt":"A JetBlue Airways pilot reported hitting a drone as the flight was on approach for landing at JFK Airport on Monday morning.","content":"A JetBlue Airways pilot reported hitting a drone as the flight was on approach for landing at JFK Airport on Monday morning.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/jetblue-pilot-reports-hitting-drone-flight-approached-landing-jfk-airport/19414185/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:01:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19414162_062926-wabc-jfk-file-vid-img.jpg","slug":"jetblue-pilot-reports-hitting-drone-as-flight-approached-landing-at-jfk-airport"},{"id":"28zwhm","title":"Sewing Patriotism and Opportunity","excerpt":"Bestwork Industries for the Blind in Cherry Hill, New Jersey is a nonprofit dedicated to serving, training and employing those with visual impairments","content":"Bestwork Industries for the Blind in Cherry Hill, New Jersey is a nonprofit dedicated to serving, training and employing those with visual impairments","url":"https://abc7.com/videoClip/military-blind-factory-textile/19373964/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"CCG","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:49:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"sewing-patriotism-and-opportunity"},{"id":"koloaa","title":"Live updates: Supreme Court lets Trump fire agency heads, a dramatic expansion of presidential power","excerpt":"President Donald Trump has won and lost some as the Supreme Court wraps its final week of a term focused on executive power.The justices said Monday that Trump can fire leaders of independent agencies with one exception, ruling that central banker Lisa Cook can keep her job at the Federal Reserve...","content":"President Donald Trump has won and lost some as the Supreme Court wraps its final week of a term focused on executive power.The justices said Monday that Trump can fire leaders of independent agencies with one exception, ruling that central banker Lisa Cook can keep her job at the Federal Reserve for now. Trump said he would still seek to remove her.The court said states can count late-arriving mailed ballots, rejecting a Trump-led challenge. It declined to consider Trump’s push to toss a $5 million jury verdict that he sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll. And it turned away Trump defender Alan Dershowitz ’s effort to rewrite the U.S. libel law standards.Here's the Latest:More than 100 Venezuelans deported from the US hours before earthquakes are missing after their hotel collapsesThe people were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela, setting off a scramble to find survivors and bodies buried in the rubble, according to survivors.A deportation flight from Miami arrived in Caracas hours before Wednesday’s earthquakes. On board were 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, according to ICE Flight Monitor, an initiative of Human Rights First, which tracks deportation flights.Lisbeth Portillo, 58, said she escaped the rubble from the hotel with about 20 other deportees who walked the streets looking for help. They saw people running, some naked and others barefoot as they emerged from the rubble of the building in La Guaira, one of the areas that was hardest hit in Wednesday’s 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.Portillo was caught up in the Trump administration’s drive for mass deportations. In May, ICE Flight Monitor tracked 288 deportation flights to 38 countries, including Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile and the Ivory Coast.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for information from the AP.▶ Read moreAlaska senators support Supreme Court ruling on mail-in ballotsAlaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski applauded the Supreme Court’s decision allowing states to continue counting late arriving mail ballots, saying it “recognizes that states face unique circumstances in administering their elections.”“In Alaska, voting is not as simple as driving down the road to a neighborhood polling place. Many Alaskans live in remote communities that are not connected to the road system, requiring ballots to travel by bush plane or boat, which means volatile weather conditions and limited infrastructure can determine whether those ballots arrive on time,” she said in a statement.In Alaska, ballots are counted if postmarked by Election Day and received within 10 days — or 15 days for overseas voters in general elections.The office of Alaska GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan, who faces reelection this year, says he has a record of defending voting rights and believes “every eligible vote cast before or on Election Day should be counted.”Feds to buy back North Carolina offshore wind lease from Duke EnergyDuke Energy is the latest utility to bow to pressure from the Trump administration to cancel offshore wind leases in return for money.The $129 million deal by the Interior Department brings the total amount spent on these agreements to about $2.7 billion. The Trump administration has been buying back the leases as it seeks to discourage the expansion of wind energy in favor of more traditional energy sources such as natural gas, coal and nuclear power.Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke said the deal will allow it “refocus” the money in range of ways, including new nuclear or natural gas generation, or grid enhancements to strengthen reliability.French energy giant TotalEnergies, which had partnered with Duke on the North Carolina project, took a similar deal in March.Mississippi official sued over mail ballots says Supreme Court ruling was win for states’ rightsMississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said the Supreme Court Monday confirmed the right of states to administer elections.Watson, a Republican running for lieutenant governor in Mississippi, was sued by the Republican National Committee in 2024 over Mississippi’s policy of counting absentee ballots received after Election Day. The justices in a 5-4 ruling sided with Watson.Watson said in a statement after the decision that he opposed the practice of counting ballots received after Election Day, but deeply valued the rights of states to “govern themselves, including the administration of elections.”He said the Supreme Court ruling confirms election policy is a “decision to be made by Congress or, in its absence, state legislatures.”Trump equivocates on importance of Qatar talksHe said U.S. delegates had either just left or were getting ready to leave for negotiations to end the war with Iran. But he offered a lukewarm view of the talks.“The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not — we’re going to find out,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.Trump calls bill aimed at addressing housing affordability ‘a yawn’ and says he doesn’t know if he’ll sign itTrump last week abruptly canceled a ceremony to sign the bill, saying he would not approve the bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering the cost of housing until Congress acts on legislation to require proof of citizenship to vote.House Speaker Mike Johnson said over the weekend he would send Trump the bill on Monday anyway. When asked by reporters about whether he’d sign it, Trump gave an exasperated response and drew out his words, saying, “I don’t knooow.”He proclaimed to have more knowledge about housing than anyone in the history of the presidency, but said the bill was “so unimportant” compared to the voting legislation.“When I look at that bill, it’s a bill,” Trump said. “But when I look at the Save America Act, it’s about saving America.”Rubio meets with son of Libyan military strongman as signs of a potential unification deal emergeSecretary of State Marco Rubio has met with the son of a powerful Libyan warlord as signs grow that the U.S. is intensifying efforts to broker a unity agreement between the Libya’s fractured eastern and western factions.Rubio met on Monday with Saddam Hifter, the deputy general commander of the self-styled Libyan national army, based in the east of the country. Hifter is the son of Khalifa Hifter, widely seen as the most powerful figure in eastern and southern Libya.The two men “discussed ongoing Libyan-led efforts to unify the country’s military, economic, and political institutions” and “possible avenues for cooperation to advance unity and peace in Libya,” the State Department said.The U.S. is reportedly pushing an initiative under which Saddam Hifter would head a presidential council in a new unified administration that would also include Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who runs the government in western Libya.Monday’s meeting came after a senior official from Dbeibah’s defense ministry met with U.S. officials in Washington last week.Trump signs memo telling EPA that people can fix their autos as they see fitThe U.S. president said he signed a memo to allow Americans to fix their own vehicles, saying that people had been arrested for trying to do so.“It came to my attention because they noticed they were arresting people for fixing their car,” Trump said.The president appeared to be referencing a diesel mechanic, Troy Lake, who violated the Clean Air Act by disabling emissions monitoring systems on trucks. Trump pardoned Lake last November.The memo also addresses the use of aftermarket auto parts. It would supersede the ability of the California Air Resources Board to evaluate parts that affect vehicle emissions.Schumer blasts Supreme Court decision on independent federal agenciesSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says the Supreme Court’s decision giving presidents free rein to fire agency heads at will gives Trump a “permission slip to turn independent federal agencies into members-only clubs for his golf buddies and cronies.”The justices ruled in the case of former Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, whom Trump fired without cause despite a provision of federal law that requires a reason. The logic of the court’s decision extends to other agencies where Trump has fired board members.Slaughter once served as Schumer’s chief counsel. Schumer says she was fired for no other reason than doing a good of a job protecting consumers.“Instead of preserving independence intended to keep markets fair and protect consumers, Trump’s instead catering to fraudsters and monopolists. And the Supreme Court is giving him a green light to do it,” Schumer said.Top California election official says mail-in ballot ruling is a win for democracyCalifornia’s Secretary of State hailed Monday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court as a win for voters, the rule of law and democracy.Shirley Weber, California’s first Black secretary of state, said in a statement the court “protected an important safeguard” that helps make sure voters are not disenfranchised by mail delays.“This ruling makes one thing clear,” the Democrat said in a statement. “Our elections belong to the people, not to partisan agendas.”Under California law, ballots received within seven days of an election are counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.FCC’s sole Democrat warns of Supreme Court ruling’s impactAnna Gomez is one of the few Democrats who have held onto their seats at federal agencies after Trump fired most of them, partly because her presence allows for a quorum that allows Chairman Brendan Carr to enact his agenda.She warned the Supreme Court’s ruling “puts at risk how Congress intended independent agencies to function in American democracy.”“Those who argue these agencies are unaccountable misunderstand how they were designed, as the FCC answers to Congress, the democratically elected body that created it, through oversight, appropriations, and legislation,” she said in a statement following the Court’s ruling. “When commissioners can be removed for their policy views rather than for cause, the inevitable result is an agency that pulls its punches and defers to political winds rather than the record before it.”She said consumers “will pay the price” in higher costs, fewer choices and slower progress toward connectivity.Republican chairman follows Trump’s lead on mail-in ballot rulingRNC Chairman Joe Gruters said the court’s decision upholding state practices of accepting all ballots postmarked by Election Day is a reason to pass the president’s proposed elections bill that is stalled on Capitol Hill.“If we want fair and secure elections, Election Day should mean exactly what it says, which is why this decision makes it even more imperative that Congress pass the SAVE America Act,” Gruters said.RNC aides distributed the statement after Trump made the same argument Monday morning. Trump’s proposal would virtually eliminate absentee voting nationally, require voters to provide citizenship documentation to register and then present certain photo identification at polling places.Gruters said Democrats “are inviting chaos at the ballot box by allowing elections to drag on.” He did not offer any examples of such chaos, and it was the original plaintiffs who wanted the court to overturn long-established rules months before November’s elections.America 250 celebrations bring extraordinary security challenge to WashingtonFederal law enforcement is preparing for one of the capital’s largest and most complex security operations as hundreds of thousands of people visit Washington for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s freedom.The security challenge comes amid rising political violence, including recent incidents near the White House, and a president who enjoys being at the center of public pomp yet has repeatedly faced attempts on his life.The nation’s capital “is a target-rich environment” on a normal day, said Darren B. Cox, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “We are prepared for any threats.”The throngs will be joined by thousands of law enforcement officers and agents and 5,000 National Guard troops, along with military-style vehicles and other hardware not often seen on American streets.▶ Read moreTrump says he will keep fighting Carroll case after court declines to take it upThe president said in a social media post that it was “a Fake Case” brought against him by a woman he claims he never met.“I will continue the fight against this Weaponization and Lawfare Case against me, including the ridiculous claim of Defamation, with all of my power and strength,” Trump wrote.He also said the case, in which a jury found that he sexually abused the writer E. Jean Carroll in New York City in the 1990s and later defamed her, is “really against the United States of America, and all it stands for.”In a statement Monday, Carroll said the decision affirms the jury’s verdict will stand. “His multiple efforts to appeal that verdict have all failed and today’s ruling ends his quest to avoid accountability for his actions,” she said.Trump says he'll seek to remove Cook despite court rejection of his initial attemptTrump said he lost his effort to remove the Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook “on a strictly procedural basis” and would still seek to remove the central bank governor.The court ruled 5-4 that the Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook can remain on the Fed board as she challenges the administration’s attempts to fire her over claims of mortgage fraud, which she has denied.Trump said in a social media post that “we will take appropriate action immediately to make sure that someone who has committed wrongdoing will not be making vital decisions concerning the Welfare of the United States of America!”In light of Supreme Court rejection, Trump renews push for his voter ID billTrump called a Supreme Court ruling that ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted days after an election a “tremendous loss.”Trump posted on social media that the decision makes it more important for his SAVE America Act to pass. The measure would require proof of citizenship and include a ban on mail-in ballots unless that person is sick, disabled, traveling or deployed by the military, Trump noted.“There is only one reason to oppose — CHEATING!” Trump said.The president then called out Republican senators who have objected to the measure: Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.Cook says her attempted firing was about ‘political pressure’ on the FedThe firing attempt “was never about mortgage documents signed years ago” but rather “was an attempt to remove me on a manufactured pretext because I refused to bow to political pressure” from Trump, who has long sought lower interest rates from the central bank, Cook said in a written statement reacting to the court’s ruling.Trump fired Cook last August, citing allegations that she had committed fraud in mortgage documents she signed in June and July of 2021. The Biden appointee sued to keep her job, and lower courts ruled she could remain while the case is litigated. The Supreme Court Monday upheld those rulings.“Today’s ruling affirms a principle that has underpinned sound economic stewardship for generations: that the Federal Reserve must make all its policy decisions guided by evidence and independent judgment, free from political interference,” Cook’s statement said.Trump applauds ruling empowering him to fire independent agency leadersA majority of the justices ruled presidents have free rein to fire agency heads at will, despite federal laws that require a cause for such dismissals and a previous court ruling from 91 years ago.“It is such an Honor to be the sitting President who won this Historic and Unprecedented Ruling, one of the most important ever given with respect to Presidential Powers,” Trump posted on social media.The justices ruled in the case of former Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter. The decision’s logic extends to National Labor Relations Board, the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Trump did not acknowledge that the court recognized some limits on his authorities by also ruling 5-4 that Lisa Cook can remain a central bank governor while challenging unproven mortgage fraud allegations, which she has denied.Supreme Court says Fed’s Cook can keep her job for nowThe Supreme Court on Monday dramatically expanded presidential power, upholding Trump’s firings of the heads of independent federal agencies with one important exception, the Federal Reserve.The justices allowed Fed governor Lisa Cook to stay in her job while she fights the Republican president’s effort to fire her over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she has denied.But other than at the nation’s central bank, with its role of setting interest rates, the court held that presidents have free rein to fire agency heads at will, despite federal laws that require a cause for such dismissals and a 91-year-old decision that had limited executive authority. That decision, Humphrey’s Executor, was overturned.Witkoff and Kushner going to Qatar for talks with IranWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Steve Witkoff, who is the special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, are flying to Qatar to meet with the Iranians.Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” that those talks would be “high level” and that technical negotiations would occur on the sidelines. Iran has denied that the talks are happening.Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by attacking a ship last week in Strait of Hormuz, but so far the interim deal for negotiations to take place appears to have held.Court rules states can count late-arriving mailed ballotsThe Court said states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day, a persistent target of Trump.The decision Monday rejects a Republican-led attack on laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive and be counted some number of days after the election, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. The outcome spares officials the headache of changing their ballot rules just a few months before the 2026 midterm congressional elections.In just over half those states, the more forgiving deadlines apply only to ballots cast by military and overseas voters.Trump has claimed most mail balloting breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and years of experience. He keeps repeating that fraud caused his loss to Joe Biden in 2020 even though more than 60 court decisions and his own attorney general said that argument had no merit.▶ Read more___This story has been corrected to show Trump saying hosing bill was “unimportant.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/the-latest-trump-says-iran-wants-a-meeting-tehran-says-nothings-scheduled/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:33:46.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKVZWTOISPND2JIFZ6SUHPAM5HY.jpg","slug":"live-updates-supreme-court-lets-trump-fire-agency-heads-a-dramatic-expansion-of-presidential-power"},{"id":"fm4acn","title":"Defending champion Sinner comes back to beat Kecmanovic in 5 sets in 1st round of Wimbledon","excerpt":"Defending champion Jannik Sinner had to come back from a set down twice and regain his composure following a worrisome tumble to the grass in a five-set victory over 50th-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday.A month after his French Open meltdown, the top-ranked Sinn...","content":"Defending champion Jannik Sinner had to come back from a set down twice and regain his composure following a worrisome tumble to the grass in a five-set victory over 50th-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday.A month after his French Open meltdown, the top-ranked Sinner produced a 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 win that lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes in the opening match on Centre Court, which by custom is reserved for the past year’s men’s singles champion.Sinner said he was “a little tight in the beginning,” noting that it was his first grass-court match of the season.“I’m happy that I turned it around,” Sinner said.Lleyton Hewitt, the 2002 champion, remains the only Wimbledon men’s singles winner in the professional era (since 1968) to lose in the first round the following year. The Australian was defeated by Ivo Karlovic in his 2003 opener.In another Centre Court match, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic had Bad Bunny cheering him on during a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 102nd-ranked Wu Yibing that ended with the retractable roof closed and the lights turned on due to darkness. Djokovic improved to a perfect 21-0 in the opening round at Wimbledon.Serena Williams will play her opening match on Tuesday against 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia — marking the first time she competes in singles in nearly four years.Ideal conditionsSinner hadn’t played an official match since he struggled with dizziness during a heat wave at Roland Garros, where after being within one game of concluding his second-round match in straight sets, he was beaten by Juan Manuel Cerundolo in five.The match with Kecmanovic was played in ideal conditions, with sunny skies and the temperature 24 degrees Celsius (75 Fahrenheit).Sinner is a big favorite to repeat as Wimbledon champion since his main rival Carlos Alcaraz, who he beat in last year’s final, is missing the championships due to a right wrist injury.Sinner felt the pressure from the honors reserved for the defending champion.“It was a very, very different feeling,\" he said. \"There’s a lot of nerves when you go down the stairs behind the court. Also mentally knowing it’s such a prestige court and such a historical court.”Bloody shoeEarly in the third set, Sinner drew a loud applause when he executed a sliced stop-volley drop shot that was so good Kecmanovic didn’t even run for it. But in the same game, Sinner then fell hard to the grass when he lost his footing trying to change directions. He went down on his knees and fell backwards grimacing in pain as he grasped what appeared to be his left hip area. But he quickly got up and resumed playing.As the match wore on, Sinner appeared to be bleeding through his right shoe.“I’m good,” Sinner said. “It just seems much worse than it is. … It’s just a nail.”Kecmanovic saved a set point in the third-set tiebreaker with a wild point that ended with Sinner down on the ground again after he first retrieved a short ball and then retreated to run down a ball over his shoulder into the corner. It evened the tiebreaker at 6-6 and Sinner and Kecmanovic slapped hands on the ensuing change of ends as the players appeared to appreciate each other’s effort.Two points later, a backhand from Sinner sailed long and Kecmanovic had a two-sets-to-one lead.“The third set,\" Sinner said, \"was a very tough one to swallow.”But Sinner cleaned up his game in the final two sets to earn his first five-set victory since he came back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev for his first Grand Slam trophy in the 2024 Australian Open final.Beckham does the waveWhen Sinner held for a 5-2 lead in the fifth, David Beckham in the Royal Box was among the spectators taking part in a Centre Court wave.Sinner has now won all five of his career meetings with Kecmanovic but this one was nothing like a straight-sets victory in the third round at Wimbledon in 2024 and the players shared a friendly embrace at the net when it was over.Sinner produced 72 winners to Kecmanovic's 20 but also had many more unforced errors: 52 to 33. The serve was a weapon for Sinner, cranking out 31 aces to Kecmanovic's one.“We will try to aim for a couple of improvements for the next match,” Sinner said.Kecmanovic had to regroup recently after Viktor Troicki left him to coach another Serbian — someone by the name of Novak Djokovic.Osaka's kimonoIn other matches, Medvedev defeated Marin Cilic 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a matchup of Grand Slam champions; 12th-seeded Andrey Rublev was beaten by Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-7 (6), 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12); and rising Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar, in his Wimbledon debut, beat Felix Gill 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.In women's action, Naomi Osaka made another fashion statement by wearing a flowing kimono for her walk-on before a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Elsa Jacquemot; top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka beat Teodora Kostovic 6-2, 6-3; Coco Gauff beat Tamara Korpatsch 6-2, 6-1 in 54 minutes; and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva beat Magda Linette 7-5, 6-4.French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska, who needed a wild-card entry, was beaten 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 by Mananchaya Sawangkaew.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/play-is-underway-in-ideal-conditions-on-the-opening-day-of-wimbledon/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Dampf, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:43:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNSNGPYG6A5FIXFXOXKO46QAAMM.jpg","slug":"defending-champion-sinner-comes-back-to-beat-kecmanovic-in-5-sets-in-1st-round-of-wimbledon"},{"id":"4q0j7q","title":"Fourth of July forecast: Houston stays hot while East Coast braces for record-breaking heat","excerpt":"If you’re traveling for the Fourth of July, prepare for more than just crowds—you may also be walking into some dangerous heat.A large dome of high pressure will dominate much of the country through Independence Day, bringing widespread above-average temperatures from the Plains to the East Coast...","content":"If you’re traveling for the Fourth of July, prepare for more than just crowds—you may also be walking into some dangerous heat.A large dome of high pressure will dominate much of the country through Independence Day, bringing widespread above-average temperatures from the Plains to the East Coast. Many cities will climb into the upper 90s or above 100 degrees Saturday afternoon, making it one of the hottest holiday weekends of the summer so far.Triple-digit heat from the Plains to the East Coast:Forecast highs on Saturday include:Dallas: 101° Oklahoma City: 101° Raleigh: 105° Phoenix: 105° Las Vegas: 103° Washington, D.C.: 99° New York City: 95° Houston: 96° While Houston’s high of 96 degrees is certainly hot, it won’t be among the nation’s hottest locations this holiday. Instead, the most intense heat will shift east, where cities unaccustomed to prolonged heat could experience dangerous conditions.Heat risk reaches dangerous levels:The National Weather Service’s Heat Risk forecast paints an even more concerning picture. Much of the eastern half of the country is expected to experience Major to Extreme Heat Risk on Saturday.This forecast doesn’t just consider the afternoon high temperature. It also accounts for humidity, warm overnight lows, and how long the heat has persisted—all factors that increase stress on the human body.For vulnerable groups, including older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those without reliable air conditioning, prolonged time outdoors could become dangerous.Why it’s so hot:The culprit is a sprawling area of high pressure centered over the Southeast.High pressure causes air to sink, and sinking air warms and dries as it compresses. That suppresses widespread thunderstorm development while allowing abundant sunshine to heat the ground efficiently throughout the day.Around the edges of the high, temperatures ease slightly, but much of the central and eastern U.S. will remain locked in summer heat through the holiday weekend.Houston’s forecast:Houston will also be hot for Fourth of July celebrations, with afternoon temperatures reaching the mid-90s and heat index values likely climbing into the low 100s. A few isolated showers may develop during the afternoon, but many communities will stay dry for fireworks and evening festivities.If you’re celebrating outdoors—whether in Houston or traveling elsewhere—drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Even a short time inside a hot car can quickly become life-threatening.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/29/fourth-of-july-forecast-houston-stays-hot-while-east-coast-braces-for-record-breaking-heat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:34:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO6ZERCA6PZD6LBJXKQLPSPTJJM.png","slug":"fourth-of-july-forecast-houston-stays-hot-while-east-coast-braces-for-record-breaking-heat"},{"id":"y4bu7i","title":"Gabriel Martinelli scores late in injury time to help Brazil beat Japan 2-1 at World Cup","excerpt":"With Brazil trailing for much of the game and with extra time looming, Gabriel Martinelli came through in a big, big way at the World Cup.Martinelli entered the game as a second-half substitute and put an end to Japan’s near-upset on Monday, scoring the winning goal late in injury time to give fi...","content":"With Brazil trailing for much of the game and with extra time looming, Gabriel Martinelli came through in a big, big way at the World Cup.Martinelli entered the game as a second-half substitute and put an end to Japan’s near-upset on Monday, scoring the winning goal late in injury time to give five-time champion Brazil a 2-1 victory and a spot in the round of 16.The result was a showcase of Brazil’s Italian connections. Martinelli holds dual citizenship in Italy and Brazil, and the man who made the decision to change the team’s makeup was Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian who is the first European to coach the South American country’s national team.“Above all else we wanted to freshen up the field because Martinelli has a lot of intensity as a player,” Ancelotti said through a translator. “When he goes in the match he’s always on his top game.”Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.“We can never be content with what we’re doing,” Ancelotti said. “We’re doing a good job. We are performing. But you can never be content because we want to play better. We want to play at the highest level.”Casemiro had earlier equalized for Brazil on a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhães after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of the reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle put Japan ahead in the 29th minute.“There is not not making mistakes because nobody is perfect,” Ancelotti said. “But you have to overcome it and you have to push it forward. The team did a good job of that in the second half.”Vinícius Júnior, who has scored four goals so far in this year's tournament, had a chance to put Brazil on top in the 58th minute but his shot from the left box was deflected by Suzuki and went off the far post.Casemiro left in the first minute of second-half stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury.Brazil had two chances to even the score early in the second half before breaking through. On the first one, Suzuki blocked a header from Bruno Guimarães in the 52nd minute. Soon after, Casemiro’s header bounced off a defender’s head and Suzuki’s face. Suzuki finished with four saves.Brazil great Neymar didn’t play Monday after making his first appearance for the team since 2023 in the last game against Scotland. He played only 14 minutes in that 3-0 win after missing the first two group matches at the World Cup with a right calf injury.“I was seriously considering putting him on the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “In the end, we did not need him.”Japan has never won a knockout match at the World Cup, going 0-4 in the round of 16 — including also taking the lead the last two times in 2018 and 2022 before losing.The win was Brazil’s 12th in 15 games against Japan. The teams have also played to two draws while Japan got its first win in the series in a friendly in Tokyo in October.“The gap between us is closing now,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. “Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level.”Then he mentioned the loss in Qatar four years ago before adding: “We have to up our game.”This was a matchup between two countries with deep ties, with Brazil being home to about 2.7 million Japanese descendants, which is the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.Those ties extend to soccer where Brazil superstar Zico moved to Japan in 1991 to play for Kashima Antlers and help build Japan’s professional soccer network. He coached the Japan national team from 2002-06, leading the team to the World Cup in 2006.That team lost to Brazil 4-1 in the only previous meeting between the teams at the World Cup.Brazil won Group C after a draw with Morocco and victories over Haiti and Scotland. Monday’s victory came on the anniversary of their first World Cup championship in Sweden in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pele scored two goals in the final against the host country.Japan reached the round of 32 as runner-up in Group F after a draws with the Netherlands and Sweden and a win over Tunisia. The loss snaps a 10-game unbeaten streak dating back to a 2-0 loss to the United States in September.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/gabriel-martinelli-scores-late-in-injury-time-to-help-brazil-beat-japan-2-1-at-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kristie Rieken, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:03:34.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEREJQPR4BJACPM6M7PG3KTWFSE.jpg","slug":"gabriel-martinelli-scores-late-in-injury-time-to-help-brazil-beat-japan-2-1-at-world-cup"},{"id":"hyywa7","title":"Jackie and Shadow's eaglet Sandy falls out of nest in accidental fledge in Big Bear","excerpt":"Jackie and Shadow's eaglet Sandy fell out of her nest on Sunday morning in an accidental fledge, video from the beloved Big Bear bald eagle nest shows.","content":"Jackie and Shadow's eaglet Sandy fell out of her nest on Sunday morning in an accidental fledge, video from the beloved Big Bear bald eagle nest shows.","url":"https://abc7news.com/post/california-eagles-jackie-shadows-eaglet-sandy-falls-nest-accidental-fledge-big-bear/19413944/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KABC","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:23:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19409028_062826-kabc-big-bear-fall-tn-img.jpg","slug":"jackie-and-shadows-eaglet-sandy-falls-out-of-nest-in-accidental-fledge-in-big-bear"},{"id":"3khbdy","title":"Former NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis are latest to be charged in gambling scandal","excerpt":"Former NBA player Malik Beasley has been indicted in the government’s sprawling investigation of illicit gambling on basketball games, accused of tailoring his 2024 performance with the Milwaukee Bucks to reward bettors and chip away at his own financial problems, authorities said Monday.Beasley ...","content":"Former NBA player Malik Beasley has been indicted in the government’s sprawling investigation of illicit gambling on basketball games, accused of tailoring his 2024 performance with the Milwaukee Bucks to reward bettors and chip away at his own financial problems, authorities said Monday.Beasley has been out of the NBA since playing with the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25. Another former NBA player, Ed Davis, was also charged in the indictment unsealed in Brooklyn federal court against six people.U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said they “turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation.”The schemes, he added, “erode the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public.”Nocella said hundreds of thousands of dollars were wagered through popular gambling sites. The indictment says Beasley had financial woes, including millions of dollars in gambling losses, and had relied on Davis, a former teammate, for help.“Malik maintains his presumption of innocence throughout this two-year investigation,” Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, said. “We ask that people reserve judgment until all the facts are known.”Feds say Beasley tipped others about his playIn return for fixing his performance, Beasley got paid by his money-winning co-conspirators and his debts to Davis were reduced or eliminated, the indictment alleges.In one example, according to the court filing, Beasley informed Davis that he would try to outperform the 3.5 prop line bet for rebounds in Milwaukee's game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024.With a second left, and the Bucks ahead by seven points, any shot by the Clippers would not have affected the outcome. But Beasley challenged the shot and then dashed past four players to grab the rebound as the horn sounded.Beasley finished with four rebounds that night — an overperformance and a winning prop bet, the indictment states.“What's funny is after he got it he had a big sigh of relief,” a co-conspirator said in a text message, according to the indictment.In other games, Beasley told Davis that he would underperform certain statistics, the government alleges.The NBA said it would continue to cooperate with authorities.“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” spokesperson Mike Bass said.Investigation has kept Beasley on sidelinesBeasley last played in the NBA for the Pistons in 2025, averaging 16 points per game. He is one of five players in NBA history with more than 300 3-pointers in a season, but he did not play in the league last season because of the investigation.Beasley's financial problems have been widely reported, including disputes with a Detroit landlord, a Milwaukee barber and a Minnesota dentist. In 2025, when the Pistons were in New York for a playoff game, he was served with a lawsuit from a local sports marketing agency, which subsequently got a $1 million default judgment against Beasley.Davis' attorney did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. He was an NBA journeyman who was primarily a backup in a 12-year career that got him roughly $48 million in gross salary. Davis and Beasley were teammates in Minnesota in 2020-21.Paolo Zamorano, a sports agent who formerly represented Davis, was also charged with placing bets based on Beasley's information. Defense attorney Ken Breen said Zamorano denies wrongdoing and “looks forward to his day in court.”Other NBA figures arrested in 2025Authorities last fall announced a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and well-known basketball figures such as Chauncey Billups, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and coach of the Portland Trail Blazers at the time.Billups is accused of conspiring to fix high-stakes card games tied to La Cosa Nostra organized crime families that cheated unsuspecting gamblers out of at least $7 million. He has pleaded not guilty.In April, former NBA player Damon Jones, 49, became the first person to plead guilty. He was accused of defrauding major sportsbooks, including DraftKings and FanDuel, and filching millions of dollars from unwitting poker players.Jones was charged with selling or attempting to sell insider information to bettors based on his relationships in the NBA.Terry Rozier is accused of conspiring with friends to help them win bets on his performance during a 2023 game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. He, too, has pleaded not guilty. He was on the Miami Heat when he was charged in 2025. In 2024, former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter pleaded guilty in a separate gambling case. Porter, who had gambling debts, said he took himself out of games early so co-conspirators could win bets on his performance.___Associated Press writers Tim Reynolds in Miami and Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/former-nba-players-malik-beasley-ed-davis-are-latest-to-be-charged-in-gambling-scandal/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:33:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVQBVHDHSPNB2XIOPSOBDK7M4WE.jpg","slug":"former-nba-players-malik-beasley-ed-davis-are-latest-to-be-charged-in-gambling-scandal"},{"id":"j4ra37","title":"Volunteers needed for “Freedom Over Texas” 4th of July event","excerpt":"Freedom Over Texas, the Gulf Coast’s largest 4th of July celebration, is seeking volunteers.The event is on Saturday, July 4, and runs from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks. It has an average attendance of 35,000 each year. This year, performers include Los Lonely Boys, C...","content":"Freedom Over Texas, the Gulf Coast’s largest 4th of July celebration, is seeking volunteers.The event is on Saturday, July 4, and runs from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks. It has an average attendance of 35,000 each year. This year, performers include Los Lonely Boys, Collective Soul and then the headliner, Keith Urban.Those who sign up to volunteer will either assist with greeting or help run one of the event’s booths. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer.Volunteer shifts include:2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.The volunteer headquarters will be at the Fonde Community Center on 110 Sabine St. Volunteers will be given free parking, event shirts, food and refreshments. Visit https://www.houstontx.gov/july4/ to sign up to volunteer, and assignments will be distributed via email.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/volunteers-needed-for-freedom-over-texas-4th-of-july-event/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ava Popovits","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:59:25.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6CAEHXT4QVB5FAZUKAKY2N6BOA.jpg","slug":"volunteers-needed-for-freedom-over-texas-4th-of-july-event"},{"id":"vyqen8","title":"FDA panel on peptides will include experts who promote the unproven chemicals favored by RFK Jr.","excerpt":"When U.S. health officials meet next month to reconsider a list of controversial peptide drugs, they will hear from a new set of voices: doctors and pharmacists with deep financial ties to the burgeoning industry of unproven chemicals.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday released its list o...","content":"When U.S. health officials meet next month to reconsider a list of controversial peptide drugs, they will hear from a new set of voices: doctors and pharmacists with deep financial ties to the burgeoning industry of unproven chemicals.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday released its list of participants for an upcoming meeting to reconsider the safety and effectiveness of several popular peptide injections, including some that have been praised by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Previous FDA panels on the topic have been composed of academics and researchers. The agency’s new group mainly includes health professionals who prescribe, produce or promote peptides, which have become a wellness trend among athletes, influencers and celebrities.The two-day meeting is the latest example of how Kennedy and his deputies are trying to reshape U.S. health policy in the mold of the Make America Healthy Again movement. Some of the biggest supporters of the movement sell peptide formulas, though many pharmaceutical industry experts consider them illegal, unapproved drugs.The substances are sold online and promoted by wellness clinics as a means to build muscle, heal injuries and look younger, though there’s little evidence behind those claims. Peptide sellers often skirt U.S. regulations by labeling their products as \"for research use only,” since the FDA doesn’t regulate research chemicals.FDA has raised safety concerns about peptidesMany of the injectable peptides sold in the U.S. are produced by compounding pharmacies, which mix custom medications that aren’t available from traditional drug manufacturers. For several years, the FDA has warned Americans about the risks of injecting chemicals with names like BPC-157 and TB-500, which have not been extensively studied in humans. Both drugs are considered doping substances by international sports authorities. They are among seven peptides set for review in July.Previous versions of the FDA’s panel on drug compounding — the group that will meet next month — have voted against a string of peptide ingredients brought forward by compounding pharmacies, declaring all of them too risky to be offered to patients. Those panels were mostly composed of experts from universities including Duke, Harvard and Johns Hopkins.New FDA panel includes peptide proponentsThe FDA's new group includes more than a half-dozen panelists who run clinics, online businesses or pharmacies specializing in peptides, which are often given alongside other unapproved therapies, including vitamin infusions.For example, panel member Dr. Haleem Mohammed runs clinics in Florida that sell injections of peptides, vitamins, testosterone and weight loss medications. The business is part of a national chain of clinics dubbed Gameday Men's Health. The company's website states, \"compounded medications offered through our services are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not verify their safety.\"Another panelist, Dr. Gabriel Alizaidy, charges $500 for “peptide and hormone” consultations, including advice on “where to safely get each peptide or compound.” Alizaidy promotes BPC-157, GHK-Cu and other peptides to thousands of followers through his accounts on Instagram and TikTok.His website contains the disclaimer that each consultation “is educational in nature and does not constitute medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.”Another member is Bobby Harshbarger, a Tennessee state senator who has multiple connections to the industry. Harshbarger is a pharmacist at his family's business, Premiere Pharmacy, which sells compounded medications for weight loss, longevity, pain and other conditions.His mother, Rep. Diana Harshbarger, is also a pharmacist and a Republican member of U.S. Congress from Tennessee. Last year she sent a letter to Kennedy calling on him to relax FDA restrictions on a half-dozen peptides.President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Harshbarger's support of his “Make America Great Again” agenda. Last year, the president pardoned her husband, Robert Harshbarger Jr., who pleaded guilty more than a decade ago to substituting an unapproved drug from China for one used by patients on kidney dialysis. He was stripped of his pharmacy license and sentenced to four years in prison, which he served.Mohammed and Alizaidy did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press Monday afternoon. A spokesperson for Harshbarger could not immediately provide comment when reached by phone.Kennedy and his allies previously criticized government panelsThe FDA has more than 30 panels of experts who advise the agency on various drugs, vaccines, food ingredients and other products.Advisory meetings are subject to strict government transparency rules in terms of panel composition and financial disclosures. Experts who have a financial stake in a company or industry are permitted to serve on the panels, but the relationship must be disclosed and regulators are supposed to explain why the person's expertise outweighs their potential conflict of interest.Kennedy and his allies have been highly critical of federal expert panels, often alleging that they are riven with conflicts of interest, despite federal data showing otherwise.Last year, Kennedy fired the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's entire 17-member vaccine panel and replaced it with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices. A federal judge later said that action likely violated federal rules.Kennedy told podcast host Joe Rogan earlier this year that he is “a big fan of peptides,” and described using them to recover from injuries.Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary — who resigned in May — was also highly critical of FDA advisory panels, complaining that they were expensive, time-consuming and subject to too many financial conflicts. The number of such meetings plummeted during Makary's tenure. Instead, the FDA held a number of ad hoc meetings with handpicked experts on topics favored by Kennedy, including the risks of talc powder and antidepressants. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/29/fda-panel-on-peptides-will-include-experts-who-promote-the-unproven-chemicals-favored-by-rfk-jr/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Perrone, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:59:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMUAEEQZB7JE3VNH6ALHD7EVE3E.jpg","slug":"fda-panel-on-peptides-will-include-experts-who-promote-the-unproven-chemicals-favored-by-rfk-jr"},{"id":"6wsi7z","title":"Democrats in half of states sue Trump administration over Medicaid work rules","excerpt":"Democrats in 25 states and the District of Columbia on Monday sued the Trump administration over its recent guidance on new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the strict rules will prevent eligible Americans from accessing the care they need.The attorneys general and governors who filed the laws...","content":"Democrats in 25 states and the District of Columbia on Monday sued the Trump administration over its recent guidance on new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the strict rules will prevent eligible Americans from accessing the care they need.The attorneys general and governors who filed the lawsuit allege that an interim final rule released earlier this month by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversteps the text of the law last summer that set in motion the changes to Medicaid. They claim the Republican administration’s narrow interpretation of parts of the statute, including new limits to a medical frailty exemption, will create harmful coverage barriers and chaos in states that have been rushing to implement new systems by the January deadline.“Added administrative burdens will cause individuals who are eligible for Medicaid to lose or be denied coverage,” the plaintiffs write. “People with disabilities, patients in the middle of cancer treatment, or those struggling with another serious or complex health condition, shouldn’t be at risk of losing the care that helps maintain their health.”Spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS, the agencies named in the lawsuit, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration has promoted the new rules as commonsense measures to eliminate government freeloading and preserve benefits for those who need them most.The new Medicaid restrictions, which Democrats have criticized, were part of Trump’s big tax and policy law in 2025. The change affects those covered through an expansion in most states that gave more lower-income people access to the government’s safety net healthcare program.Starting Jan. 1, expansion enrollees age 19 to 64 will have to show that they work or do community service at least 80 hours a month or are in school at least half the time. There are exceptions for those considered medically frail or in addiction treatment programs, among others.This month’s announcement from CMS caught states off guard with a new definition of medical frailty. The law had said medically frail people include those who have substance use disorders, disabilities or serious medical conditions. But the CMS rule went further, saying someone’s condition must “significantly impair” their ability to work, volunteer or attend school at the rates required in the law for them to be granted an exemption.In 2027 and once in 2028, the patient can attest that they meet this definition. But when they try to renew coverage in 2028, they’ll need to prove it. Health analysts and state Medicaid directors have said they aren’t clear on what existing documentation could prove that point.In the lawsuit, states allege that this change came “contrary to months of regular communications with CMS and preliminary guidance materials upon which Plaintiff States based their implementation plans.” They say CMS has still not provided states with enough clarity on how they can update their systems appropriately.Kinda Serafi, a partner at the legal and consulting firm Manatt Health who is working with states to make the changes, said the administration “moved the goalposts” with its rule on medical frailty.“By going beyond the clear language of the statute, CMS opened the door to this court challenge,” she said.New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the Democrats suing the administration, said the new rule puts thousands of her state's residents at risk.“New Yorkers who are battling cancer, living with a disability, managing a serious mental health condition, or recovering from addiction should be able to get the health care they need without being buried in paperwork,” she said in a statement.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/29/democrats-in-half-of-states-sue-trump-administration-over-medicaid-work-rules/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ali Swenson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:41:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCVLSZBZLRJHZRFZVVK724JA75Y.jpg","slug":"democrats-in-half-of-states-sue-trump-administration-over-medicaid-work-rules"},{"id":"yyqwtp","title":"Professor known for 'torture memos' will advise conspiracy probe focused on perceived Trump foes","excerpt":"A law professor known for his expansive views of presidential power and for decades-old memos that justified harsh interrogation techniques after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks says he will be advising a team of prosecutors investigating whether former law enforcement and intelligence official...","content":"A law professor known for his expansive views of presidential power and for decades-old memos that justified harsh interrogation techniques after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks says he will be advising a team of prosecutors investigating whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against President Donald Trump.John Yoo confirmed in an email to The Associated Press on Monday that he would be assisting Joe diGenova in an ongoing investigation into whether officials who over the last decade scrutinized Trump participated in a criminal conspiracy against the Republican president.“He’s a lawyer. He's going to be helping us,” diGenova said in a brief telephone interview about Yoo. diGenova served as the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia between 1983 and 1988 and was enlisted in April to return to government as a counselor to the attorney general.A law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Yoo was a senior Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration who served as an author of the so-called “torture memos” that government officials used to justify using “enhanced interrogation” techniques on potential terror suspects. The Justice Department later rescinded the memos.In the years since, he's remained a prominent proponent of broad executive authority, telling the AP in 2020 that he had told Trump administration officials that a Supreme Court ruling that rejected Trump’s effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, opened the door to enormous new presidential power.The conspiracy investigation is being conducted in Florida, but the scope is unclear, as is whether any criminal charges will be brought. Prosecutors have centered at least part of the probe on the long-concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Investigators have issued a broad swath of subpoenas to former officials for records and conducted interviews related to the creation of an intelligence community assessment, released in January 2017, that found that Russia engaged in wide-ranging election interference to boost Trump over his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. A 2019 report by special counsel Robert Mueller affirmed that Russia interfered on Trump's behalf and that the Trump campaign repeatedly welcomed the assistance, but it did not find sufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign.Several subsequent investigations into the Russia probe have identified multiple errors into how it was conducted, and a former FBI lawyer pleaded guilty in 2020 to doctoring an email during the course of the inquiry. But none of the reviews have identified criminal misconduct by any senior law enforcement or intelligence official involved in the investigation.Trump has nonetheless continued to demand retribution and has sought to punish top officials from that time at the FBI and CIA.Asked in a Fox News Channel interview in May what the Justice Department had done to address claims of a long-running conspiracy to bring down Trump, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “That's exactly what we're investigating right now.”Yoo's involvement in the investigation was earlier reported by Politico and CNN.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/professor-known-for-torture-memos-will-advise-conspiracy-probe-focused-on-perceived-trump-foes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eric Tucker, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:51:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQUVF45JSBBAKBGYLJ3T2IEKIQE.jpg","slug":"professor-known-for-torture-memos-will-advise-conspiracy-probe-focused-on-perceived-trump-foes"},{"id":"o39u7j","title":"Authorities end a takeover at a North Carolina jail hours after inmates overpowered the guards","excerpt":"Inmates overpowered correctional staff and took over parts of a jail in eastern North Carolina early Monday, but the siege ended hours later when law enforcement officers entered the facility and seized control.Three guards and 88 inmates were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in...","content":"Inmates overpowered correctional staff and took over parts of a jail in eastern North Carolina early Monday, but the siege ended hours later when law enforcement officers entered the facility and seized control.Three guards and 88 inmates were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor when the takeover began at about 5 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local, state and federal authorities, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement posted on social media.By early afternoon, the Bureau of Investigation and the FBI had “cleared the facility,” the state bureau said in a statement. ”All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment.”Inmates have been transferred to other facilities and the jail will remain secured while the damage is assessed, the Bureau of Investigation said. The 90-bed jail located about 120 miles (190 kilometers) east of Raleigh houses pretrial detainees and short-term inmates for Bertie and Martin counties.Inmates took two guards captive and the third guard escaped. Negotiations led to the release of the two guards along with 80 inmates, leaving only eight inmates inside, Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said at a news conference.Ruffin said the two guards who were released were undergoing medical treatment but he had no details about their injuries.Most of the remaining inmates “complied and exited the facility as soon as entry was made,” said Chad Flowers, a spokesperson for the State Bureau of Investigation.It wasn’t immediately known whether officers fired any lethal or non-lethal rounds upon entering the jail. In a telephone interview, Flowers said law enforcement officials were in a meeting about the incident and unavailable late Monday afternoon. Flowers also referred questions about the facility's security to a jail administrator, who did not immediately return a telephone message. Authorities have not addressed why there were three guards overseeing the jail at the time of the takeover. “The perpetrators must be held accountable for this horrifying action,\" Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, said on the social platform X. \"We also must do everything in our power to ensure this doesn’t happen again — and that includes doing more to recruit, retain, and compensate the county and state officials who are charged with keeping our jails and prisons safe.”Ruffin did not indicate what caused the takeover.“Right now we have a lot going on that we're trying to get under control,\" he said. \"I will release that information to the public as soon as I can.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/authorities-end-a-takeover-at-a-north-carolina-jail-hours-after-inmates-overpowered-the-guards/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:51:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZBZ7CCYISNECHIDFIYB6SAHLL4.jpg","slug":"authorities-end-a-takeover-at-a-north-carolina-jail-hours-after-inmates-overpowered-the-guards"},{"id":"bzzwgl","title":"US and Iran pause strikes but disagree over next steps on talks","excerpt":"After four days of trading strikes, both sides appeared to pause their attacks Monday.","content":"After four days of trading strikes, both sides appeared to pause their attacks Monday.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/trump-says-iran-has-requested-meeting-iranian-officials-say-nothing-been-scheduled/19412646/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:11:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19412731_062926-cc-abcn-iran-monday-gma-video.jpg","slug":"us-and-iran-pause-strikes-but-disagree-over-next-steps-on-talks"},{"id":"no412a","title":"Alex Murdaugh’s second trial will start next spring after South Carolina Supreme Court overturned double murder conviction, judge rules","excerpt":"Alex Murdaugh was back in court again Monday on charges he killed his wife and son","content":"Alex Murdaugh was back in court again Monday on charges he killed his wife and son","url":"https://abc13.com/story/alex-murdaugh-back-court-south-carolina-supreme-overturned-double-murder-conviction/19412468/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:55:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19412531_AP26177648571523.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"alex-murdaughs-second-trial-will-start-next-spring-after-south-carolina-supreme-court-overturned-dou"},{"id":"qnq5gk","title":"The full strawberry moon will rise in the night sky this week","excerpt":"The strawberry moon, which will be visible in the sky this week, will mark the first full moon of the summer.","content":"The strawberry moon, which will be visible in the sky this week, will mark the first full moon of the summer.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/full-strawberry-moon-will-rise-night-sky-week/19413737/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:44:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19413738_062926-wpvi-strawberry-moon-641a-vo-video-vid.jpg","slug":"the-full-strawberry-moon-will-rise-in-the-night-sky-this-week"},{"id":"73fuqq","title":"Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in swimming pool in northeast Harris Co., HCSO says","excerpt":"A 2-year-old boy was found unresponsive in a swimming pool and later pronounced dead in northeast Harris County, the sheriff's office said.","content":"A 2-year-old boy was found unresponsive in a swimming pool and later pronounced dead in northeast Harris County, the sheriff's office said.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/toddler-dies-being-found-unresponsive-swimming-pool-northeast-harris-hcso-says/19408923/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:40:43.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"toddler-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-in-swimming-pool-in-northeast-harris-co-hcso-says"},{"id":"n59iwx","title":"US stocks rise and recover some of their losses from a rare losing week","excerpt":"U.S. stocks rose Monday and recovered some of their losses from a rare losing week.The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% and broke a five-day losing streak. It was coming off just its second losing week in the last 13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 306 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite rallie...","content":"U.S. stocks rose Monday and recovered some of their losses from a rare losing week.The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% and broke a five-day losing streak. It was coming off just its second losing week in the last 13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 306 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 2.1%. Several stocks boosted by the artificial-intelligence  boom rose after Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix said they will invest roughly $518 billion in a new chipmaking hub in South Korea, as its president hopes to capitalize on surging AI demand. Applied Materials, whose equipment helps make semiconductors, rallied 10.8% to vault its gain for the year so far above 170%. AI stocks have been on a roller-coaster ride recently after soaring to tremendous heights. They’re under pressure  because of worries that their profits can’t possibly keep pace with the huge gains for their stock prices. And the moves have an outsized effect on investors because AI stocks have become some of Wall Street’s largest and most influential, giving them more weight on indexes than others.Nvidia was one of the strongest forces lifting the S&P 500, for example, after its stock rose 1.3%. That’s because it’s Wall Street’s biggest stock with a total value of more than $4.7 trillion.SpaceX, which owns the xAI business along with rockets, has already become worth more than $2 trillion after its stock's ballyhooed debut on the Nasdaq earlier this month, with sharp rises and falls along the way. It’s become big enough that Nasdaq said Elon Musk’s company will join the Nasdaq 100 index before trading begins on July 7, which will force funds tracking the index to buy the stock. SpaceX climbed 7.2%. Outside of AI, Comcast rose 4.5% after saying it will split off its NBCUniversal media business and Sky from its broadband and wireless business. Its stock came into the day with a loss of 17.3% for the year so far. That helped offset a 5.2% drop for Verizon Communications, which said it’s paying $625 million as part of a deal to combine its international wireline connectivity and managed network services business with some of London-based BT Group’s subsidiaries in a joint venture.All told, the S&P 500 rose 86.41 points to 7,440.43. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 306.63 to 52,182.74, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 522.53 to 25,820.14.The gains for the stock market came even though oil prices rose. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 1.8% to $73.91, pulling back above where it was before the war with Iran began. Benchmark U.S. crude for August delivery rose 2.2% to settle at $70.75 per barrel.Following attacks across the Persian Gulf over the weekend, the United States and Iran on Monday separately announced they will send delegations to Qatar this week, though Tehran insisted it has not agreed to meet with the United States “at any level.” The hope is that an end to the war with Iran will give oil tankers full access again to the Strait of Hormuz, allowing them to exit the Persian Gulf and deliver crude to customers worldwide. That would help lower the price of oil, whose jumps because of the war have sent a punishing wave of inflation  around the world. If oil prices do recede and stay low enough, it could keep enough pressure off inflation to allow the Federal Reserve  and other central banks to keep interest rates steady or even cut them instead of hiking them.Higher interest rates can keep a lid on inflation, but they also slow the economy and hurt prices for all kinds of investments. High yields worldwide have been rattling investors after oil prices burst above $100 per barrel because of the war.The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.37% from 4.38% late Friday and from 4.56% early this month. In stock markets abroad, indexes dipped modestly in Europe following mixed performances in Asia.Stocks jumped 1.6% in Hong Kong and 1.2% in Shanghai for two of the world’s biggest gains, while South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.2%. ___AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Matt Ott contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/29/asian-shares-are-mixed-as-tech-stocks-in-japan-and-south-korea-extend-losses/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Chan Ho-Him, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T05:08:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZ4K3QEAHGNCKLDCC6C26MG2TIY.jpg","slug":"us-stocks-rise-and-recover-some-of-their-losses-from-a-rare-losing-week"},{"id":"7f5ohd","title":"Alex Murdaugh's true crime saga returns as the date for his new murder trial is set","excerpt":"Alex Murdaugh was back in court Monday on charges he killed his wife and son, appearing silently at a pretrial hearing that was mostly short on substance but long on spectacle as the true crime sensation continues to captivate.Murdaugh’s murder convictions and sentence of life in prison were over...","content":"Alex Murdaugh was back in court Monday on charges he killed his wife and son, appearing silently at a pretrial hearing that was mostly short on substance but long on spectacle as the true crime sensation continues to captivate.Murdaugh’s murder convictions and sentence of life in prison were overturned last month by the South Carolina Supreme Court. On Monday, a new judge laid out a timeline for hearings and set the retrial to start April 5. She also nailed down deadlines for making sure the defense and prosecution have exchanged evidence, a process called discovery.Dozens of media outlets, from international agencies and local TV stations to podcasters, were inside the 200-person Lexington County courthouse to again chronicle every forehead rub and quizzical look from the once-rich and imposing Southern lawyer.“I see we have a full house,” Judge Debra McCaslin said as the hearing began.For many, it was a rare glimpse of how life in state prison has changed the 58-year-old Murdaugh. After pleading guilty to stealing about $12 million from clients and his family’s law firm, he is serving a 40-year federal sentence at the same time as a 27-year state sentence.Unlike just about everyone else in the courtroom, the judge said she was new to the story, which combines a grisly double murder with the fall of a powerful legal dynasty.“I don’t know anything about the first trial, so when you tell me something, please be complete,” McCaslin told the lawyers.Prosecutors say Murdaugh shot his wife Maggie and younger son Paul, age 22, because he believed sympathy over their deaths would buy him time to fix his financial crimes. At that point in 2021, he was close to being exposed by both his law firm and the family of a teen who filed a wrongful death suit after Paul crashed a boat while drinking.A jury convicted Murdaugh of two counts of murder in 2023. While admitting he is a thief, insurance cheat, bad lawyer and longtime opioid addict, he has adamantly denied the killings.Murdaugh wore an orange prison jumpsuit Monday, listening with his mouth set in a tight line. At one point, as defense attorney Dick Harpootlian was asking the judge to let Murdaugh wear civilian clothes in court, he told his client to stand. “Chains around the hands, chain around the waist, chains on his feet,” Harpootlian noted, saying a jury would see Murdaugh shackled like a dangerous criminal when he’s only been convicted of financial crimes. Prosecutor Creighton Waters said it's important for incarcerated defendants to wear restraints and jumpsuits. “Every time someone is transferred out of court, it is a security risk,” he said.Defense lawyers want Murdaugh, who was disbarred during his legal troubles, to have access in prison to a laptop without internet, so his team wouldn't have to print and deliver evidence to him. Harpootlian said Monday there are more than 20,000 pages of documents.“Well surely, Mr. Harpootlian, he reviewed those before his first trial, did he not?” the judge asked.“Five years ago,” the lawyer replied.Another pretrial motion asks prosecutors to turn over DNA found under Murdaugh’s wife’s fingernails for testing at a private lab. Investigators said it was from an unknown and unrelated man. The defense said they would cover the cost of testing.“I’m gonna let you pay for it,” the judge quipped, drawing a chuckle from the courtroom.Murdaugh was grimacing and biting his lower lip during the exchange.The defense also wants to hold the next trial outside Colleton County, where the killings happened and the first trial took place. That matter was not decided Monday.Investigators and armchair detectives alike have spent hours poring over alibis, timelines and digital breadcrumbs, including a cellphone video that prosecutors say cracked the case. They allege Murdaugh’s voice can be heard on the video, which was taken by his son shortly before the shootings at dog kennels on the family’s sprawling property. Murdaugh had initially claimed he was asleep at the time.During the first trial, a few jurors said the Colleton County clerk of court, who is assigned to oversee the evidence and the jury during the trial, told them to watch Murdaugh’s body language when he testified in his own defense and to not be fooled, confused or thrown off by what he might say.The state Supreme Court ruled this was a suggestion Murdaugh was guilty, and overturned his convictions.The justices were also concerned there had been too much testimony around how Murdaugh stole from clients, many of them in dire straits.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/alex-murdaughs-true-crime-saga-continues-as-he-heads-to-court-for-hearing-on-murder-retrial/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jeffrey Collins, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T04:07:55.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLGA5QFOQKNHMXJKXTHQDTEB6BU.jpg","slug":"alex-murdaughs-true-crime-saga-returns-as-the-date-for-his-new-murder-trial-is-set"},{"id":"rc1k7u","title":"From Houston to American homes: Good Ranchers celebrates America’s 250th with homegrown meat","excerpt":"Houston-based company Good Ranchers is helping families rethink the way they buy meat while supporting American farmers and ranchers at the same time.Co-founders Ben and Corley Spell joined Houston Life to share how the company was born out of a desire for greater transparency in the food they we...","content":"Houston-based company Good Ranchers is helping families rethink the way they buy meat while supporting American farmers and ranchers at the same time.Co-founders Ben and Corley Spell joined Houston Life to share how the company was born out of a desire for greater transparency in the food they were feeding their own family. After discovering there was no country-of-origin labeling requirement for some meats sold in grocery stores, they set out to create a business focused exclusively on American-raised products.Today, Good Ranchers partners with independent farms and ranches across the Midwest, handling the marketing, distribution, and logistics so producers can focus on raising livestock. The company, headquartered in the Houston area, now delivers beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and other products to customers nationwide.The Spells say supporting American agriculture is especially important as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. They encourage consumers to look for products that are born, raised, and harvested in the United States or to support local ranchers whenever possible.In addition to premium cuts of meat, Good Ranchers offers family-friendly items like seed oil-free chicken nuggets cooked in avocado oil. The nuggets are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from common allergens, making them a convenient option for many households.Other customer favorites include all-beef hot dogs made without added hormones or nitrates, premium steaks, burgers blended with Angus and Wagyu beef, and a variety of chicken and seafood options. The company says every product is one they would proudly serve to their own family and friends.Good Ranchers delivers directly to customers through a subscription service designed to make stocking the freezer as easy as shopping online. Houston Life viewers can receive free meat for life and $50 off their first order by visiting HERE and using the promo code ‘HOUSTONLIFE’ at checkout.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/29/from-houston-to-american-homes-good-ranchers-celebrates-americas-250th-with-homegrown-meat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Javana Vela","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:06:53.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F9173c7a8-52d4-4304-a6d1-0a7f424bc8b4%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"from-houston-to-american-homes-good-ranchers-celebrates-americas-250th-with-homegrown-meat"},{"id":"vgsm6t","title":"Meet the cast of ‘Young Washington’ ahead of the film’s July 3rd release","excerpt":"Just in time for Independence Day, a new historical drama is taking audiences back to the remarkable story of the man who would become America’s first president.‘Young Washington’ hits theaters this Friday, July 3, exploring the untold early years of George Washington, long before he became a Fou...","content":"Just in time for Independence Day, a new historical drama is taking audiences back to the remarkable story of the man who would become America’s first president.‘Young Washington’ hits theaters this Friday, July 3, exploring the untold early years of George Washington, long before he became a Founding Father. Rather than focusing on the presidency Americans know from history books, the film follows a young Washington as he navigates war, impossible decisions, and the experiences that helped shape one of the nation’s most influential leaders.Set during the French and Indian War, the story follows Washington as a young soldier thrust into a dangerous global conflict where his courage, leadership, and character are tested. Along the way, he must overcome setbacks, earn the trust of those around him, and discover the qualities that would eventually define his legacy.The film features an impressive ensemble cast, directed by Jon Erwin, and starring William Franklyn-Miller as George Washington, alongside Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Mary-Louise Parker, Joel Smallbone, and Kelsey Grammer. ‘Young Washington’ opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, July 3.Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with some of the cast for a preview.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/29/meet-the-cast-of-young-washington-ahead-of-the-films-july-3rd-release/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lauren Kelly","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:59:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F6fa210f9-5537-4e54-98e0-ba48ccb3b652%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"meet-the-cast-of-young-washington-ahead-of-the-films-july-3rd-release"},{"id":"co0zyl","title":"Luigi Mangione gets stuck in an elevator as judge delays his federal trial until January","excerpt":"Luigi Mangione’s federal trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will now begin in January instead of the fall, a judge said Monday at a hearing that started late because Mangione got stuck in a courthouse elevator.U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett said she was postponing t...","content":"Luigi Mangione’s federal trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will now begin in January instead of the fall, a judge said Monday at a hearing that started late because Mangione got stuck in a courthouse elevator.U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett said she was postponing the federal trial so Mangione’s lawyers can focus on his state murder trial, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.Jury selection in the federal case will begin on Jan. 5, instead of Oct. 13, followed by opening statements and testimony on Jan. 25, instead of Nov. 4, Garnett said at a hearing in Manhattan.Garnett said she will not release the questionnaire that prospective jurors will be required to fill out until after the panel is chosen. Having it circulating online for months before jury selection “would only make what promises to be a difficult task more difficult,” she said.Wearing a beige jail suit, Mangione looked bemused as a pair of deputy U.S. Marshals led him into the courtroom about 20 minutes after the hearing was supposed to start. He briefly gazed at the courtroom gallery, where about two dozen of his supporters were sitting.“Mangione was late due to elevator problems,” the court said in a statement.It was the second mishap involving Mangione’s arrival to a court hearing in recent weeks. A June 16 hearing in the state case was delayed a day after prosecutors failed to inform his jail that he was needed in court.Garnett said she had hoped “with perhaps undue optimism” to hold the federal trial in the fall but that “we can no longer wait to see what happens” in the state case.“In my view it’s simply impossible to be moving through the jury selection process in this case while the defendant and his counsel are fully occupied by conducting the state trial,” Garnett said.Mangione’s lawyers declined to comment to reporters afterward.Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the Dec. 4, 2024, killing. He could spend his life in prison if convicted in either case.The 28-year-old Ivy League graduate appeared energetic and engaged during Monday's brief hearing. He watched intently at times, knitting his fingers and resting his chin on them.He spoke animatedly with his lawyers, Karen Friedman Agnifilo and Marc Agnifilo, before the proceeding began, gesturing with his hands as he sat between them at the defense table.Mangione’s federal charges allege that he traveled across state lines by bus to stalk and kill Thompson. He's accused of using a cellphone, the internet and interstate highways, among other means, while planning and carrying out the attack, as well as staying at a hostel that serves out-of-state customers.At a hearing in the state case in February, Mangione spoke out against the prospect of two trials, telling the judge: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”Mangione’s lawyers had argued that back-to-back trials on a compressed timeline would violate his constitutional rights.Thompson, 50, was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police say “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.Mangione was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan.In January, Garnett took the death penalty off the table but ruled that prosecutors could use items collected from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest as evidence against him.They included a 3D-printed pistol that investigators said matched the one used to kill Thompson and a notebook in which authorities say Mangione described his intent to “wack” an insurance executive.Earlier this month, Mangione’s lawyers said they would pursue a psychiatric defense in the state case, but reversed course a day later. The defense, involving claims that he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the killing, isn’t allowed in federal court.Mangione has become a cause célèbre for people upset with the health insurance industry. An online fundraiser for his legal defense fund has raised more than $1.5 million and his court appearances have attracted a cadre of supporters, some of whom have worn “FREE LUIGI” T-shirts and green clothing — the color worn by the Mario Bros. video game character Luigi.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/luigi-mangione-gets-stuck-in-an-elevator-as-judge-delays-his-federal-trial-until-january/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael R. Sisak, Larry Neumeister And Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:21:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FE6LVDQCS7RHKBAW3BD47YSUYLA.jpg","slug":"luigi-mangione-gets-stuck-in-an-elevator-as-judge-delays-his-federal-trial-until-january"},{"id":"lik4ah","title":"DC will pay $50,000 to man detained while protesting guard patrol with 'Star Wars' song, record says","excerpt":"The District of Columbia has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a resident who accused police officers of illegally detaining him for following an Ohio National Guard patrol while playing Darth Vader’s theme song from “Star Wars” on his cellphone, according to a document released ...","content":"The District of Columbia has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a resident who accused police officers of illegally detaining him for following an Ohio National Guard patrol while playing Darth Vader’s theme song from “Star Wars” on his cellphone, according to a document released Monday.The plaintiff, Sam O’Hara, sued the district, four Metropolitan Police Department officers and a guard member from Ohio over what he says was his act of protest against President Donald Trump's federal law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C.A court filing on Thursday disclosed the settlement but didn't specify any monetary terms. The amount is included in a copy of the settlement agreement that D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb's office provided to The Associated Press.The $50,000 settlement includes attorney's fees and costs. O'Hara is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia. In an email on Friday, an ACLU spokesperson referred to the settlement’s financial terms as “a significant amount” that O’Hara “is pleased with” but said they weren't disclosing the dollar figure to protect his privacy. O’Hara, an artist who works in the hospitality industry, agreed to drop his claims against the district and the MPD officers within three business days of receiving the settlement payment. The settlement isn't an admission of wrongdoing by the district, the agreement says.O'Hara's settlement with the district doesn’t resolve his related claims against an Ohio National Guard member, Sgt. Devon Beck, who has asked a judge to dismiss O’Hara’s claims against him.O’Hara said in a statement that he is satisfied with the settlement but conflicted that taxpayers are footing the bill.“Those who actually violated my constitutional rights should be the ones paying the price, like taking the money from their pensions. That’s what real accountability looks like,” he said. “This settlement is a reminder that our freedoms are worth fighting for, especially when the powerful would rather we suffer in silence.”O’Hara sued the district in October, claiming police officers violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizures and excessive force.O’Hara played “The Imperial March” theme from “Star Wars” on his phone as he followed several National Guard troops down a public street on Sept. 11, 2025. One of the troops summoned police officers, who stopped O’Hara and kept him handcuffed for 15 to 20 minutes before releasing him without charges, according to the lawsuit.Trump’s ongoing deployment of guard members in Washington began last August after the Republican president issued an executive order declaring a crime emergency in the nation's capital. The surge inflamed tensions with residents of the heavily Democratic district. Hundreds of guard members remain deployed in the district nearly a year later, with no clear end in sight.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/29/dc-will-pay-50000-to-man-detained-while-protesting-guard-patrol-with-star-wars-song-record-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:17:23.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUAAUDUW3JRCLFNPJPPF6IHLIIE.jpg","slug":"dc-will-pay-50000-to-man-detained-while-protesting-guard-patrol-with-star-wars-song-record-says"},{"id":"18pme2","title":"A timeline of events in the cases against Alex Murdaugh","excerpt":"A judge has set April 5 as the start date for the retrial of disgraced ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh on two counts of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions in May, ruling the court clerk at the trial “egregiously attacked M...","content":"A judge has set April 5 as the start date for the retrial of disgraced ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh on two counts of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions in May, ruling the court clerk at the trial “egregiously attacked Murdaugh’s credibility” by suggesting to jurors his testimony could not be trusted. The once-prominent lawyer was known for his family lineage and million-dollar judgments in rural South Carolina. He worked for his family's century-old law firm and his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were elected county prosecutors. Murdaugh, the subject of numerous documentaries and true crime podcasts, will remain imprisoned on federal convictions for stealing millions from clients.Here is a look at the events leading up to Murdaugh's retrial:June 7, 2021: Murdaugh calls police to report his wife Maggie, 52, and their son Paul, 22, have been fatally shot near dog kennels on their property.Sept. 4, 2021: Alex Murdaugh attempts to arrange his own death in a plan to secure his surviving son a $10 million life insurance payment, officials say. The plot fails when the gunshot by a Murdaugh associate only grazes Murdaugh’s head. Oct. 14, 2021: Police arrest Murdaugh at a drug rehab facility in Florida on charges he stole insurance settlements totaling more than $4 million intended for the sons of his late housekeeper.Nov. 17, 2021: Prosecutors reveal 27 new charges against Murdaugh, saying he stole nearly $5 million in settlement money. Prosecutors allege Murdaugh was hiding money from lawyers who sued him over the death of a teenager killed when authorities say an intoxicated Paul Murdaugh wrecked the boat he was driving.Jan. 18, 2022: Additional indictments mean Murdaugh now faces 71 charges that he stole nearly $8.5 million in wrongful death and wreck settlements from more than a dozen people.May 4, 2022: Russell Laffitte, the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank before his firing earlier that year, is indicted on charges that he conspired with Murdaugh to defraud victims of $1.8 million. June 28, 2022: Prosecutors outline an eight-year money laundering and painkiller ring in new indictments. July 14, 2022: Murdaugh is charged with murder in the deaths of his wife and son. The indictments issued by the grand jury contend Murdaugh killed his wife with a rifle and his son with a shotgun.Jan. 23, 2023: Murdaugh goes on trial for double murder in the killings of his wife and son. Feb. 23, 2023: Murdaugh denies killing them after taking the witness stand at his murder trial. But he admits lying to investigators about when he last saw them alive.March 2, 2023: A jury convicts Murdaugh on two counts of murder after a six-week trial. The jury deliberated for less than three hours. March 3, 2023: A judge sentences Murdaugh to life in prison.Jan. 29, 2024: A South Carolina judge denies Murdaugh’s bid for a new trial after his defense team accused a clerk of court of tampering with a jury. April 2, 2024: Murdaugh is sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for stealing from clients and his law firm. Feb. 11, 2026: Murdaugh asks the South Carolina Supreme Court to throw out his murder convictions. May 13, 2026: The South Carolina Supreme Court overturns Murdaugh's murder convictions and life sentence. In a unanimous ruling, the justices said the conduct by the court clerk “egregiously attacked Murdaugh’s credibility” by suggesting to jurors his testimony could not be trusted.June 29, 2026: Newly appointed Judge Debra McCaslin sets an April 5 date for the start of jury selection in Murdaugh's retrial on the two murder charges as well as an August 14 date to hear pretrial motions. The defense has requested Murdaugh be allowed to wear regular clothes in court, not an orange prison jumpsuit and shackles. They also want to move the trial out of Colleton County, where the killings and the first trial took place.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/a-timeline-of-events-in-the-cases-against-alex-murdaugh/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:14:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FREDBWBACDZE3PLYBD5CLKYBQUM.jpg","slug":"a-timeline-of-events-in-the-cases-against-alex-murdaugh"},{"id":"2jze08","title":"Deion Sanders says he feels like his old self a year after surgery: 'I consider myself cancer-free'","excerpt":"Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders says he feels like his old — and younger — self again a year after undergoing surgery to remove his cancerous bladder.“I consider myself cancer-free,\" thanks to robotic surgery that also reconstructed his bladder using part of his intestine, Sanders told The Associated...","content":"Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders says he feels like his old — and younger — self again a year after undergoing surgery to remove his cancerous bladder.“I consider myself cancer-free,\" thanks to robotic surgery that also reconstructed his bladder using part of his intestine, Sanders told The Associated Press after getting a tutorial in the surgical system that was used in his operation.This being Men's Health Awareness Month, the University of Colorado football coach wanted to get a first-hand look at the Intuitive Da Vinci System, which is less invasive than open surgeries and cuts down on hospital stays and speeds recoveries.“I was fighting” last year at this time, Sanders recalled. \"I was walking out on the property with a bag of blood and also urine and trying to get back. But this expedited the process. Last year at this time I was in a whole different place, and I'm just thankful.”Sanders missed football camps last summer in Boulder as he went through cancer treatments. The Buffaloes finished with a 3-9 mark a year after making a bowl game behind Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. This summer he appears much fitter and energetic as he oversees offseason training.\"If I pull my shirt up, I'm not scarred, it's not flawed. I'm not embarrassed by anything that transpired. I'm elated by everything that transpired,” Sanders said.At a routine checkup last spring, a CT scan showed a mass on Sanders' bladder. He was referred to the University of Colorado Anschutz, where he met Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.Sanders, who turns 59 later this summer, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his bladder. Although the tumor hadn't reached the muscle layer in his bladder, it was considered “very high risk,” with a 50-50 chance of recurring or progressing after treatments. Kukreja is among the small group of surgeons in the U.S. who perform robotic removal of the entire cancerous bladder — called a radical cystectomy — and robotic reconstruction of the organ, which involves having a section of intestine function as a bladder.“It got me back in the game, got me back on my feet and got me out of the darn hospital and back into the normalcy of my life,\" Sanders said. “I'm here to let people know there's another option if you need surgery.\"He called the robotic system his time machine. ”I'd be a fool to be blessed the way I was blessed and not sound alarms,\" Sanders said. “When I opened up a club years ago I went to the mountaintop and told all the stations come on to the nightclub. So, why wouldn't I do this? Saved me time so I could get back on the field, get back on my game instead of sitting up there in the hospital having a pity party. It saves you time. That’s what we’re all fighting for is time. We never know how much we get.”Football past and presentSanders has spent time recently with his son Shedeur, who's entering his second year with the Cleveland Browns and who will compete for the starting job with Deshaun Watson in training camp.“He's on vacation, but he's going to the hills in St. Croix right now doing gassers,\" Sanders said. Asked what he thought about Hunter, entering his second season in Jacksonville, possibly focusing on playing defensive back after pulling double duty as a DB and wide receiver in college, Sanders said: “I just want him to be happy. I can't tell those coaches how to coach and Travis what he's gifted to do. I just want him happy; that's all I want.”As for Julian “JuJu” Lewis, the Buffs' starting quarterback and former five-star recruit out of Carrollton, Georgia, who took over the starting role as a freshman late last season, Sanders said those cameos will pay dividends in 2026.“I think the entire team is benefiting\" from lessons learned last year and new faces arriving this spring, Sanders said. “I have the best coaching staff I've ever featured. Everybody's unified. I just walked out of the weight room. They're lifting their butts off and they can't wait to go to camp. It's going to be phenomenal.”___AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/deion-sanders-says-he-feels-like-his-old-self-a-year-after-surgery-i-consider-myself-cancer-free/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:49:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FI7SWM3GZQVABBJFM447DR75YK4.jpg","slug":"deion-sanders-says-he-feels-like-his-old-self-a-year-after-surgery-i-consider-myself-cancer-free"},{"id":"gxysss","title":"Construction worker hits, kills co-worker on Gulf Freeway, Houston police say","excerpt":"A construction worker was hit and killed by a co-worker along the Gulf Freeway, Houston police said.","content":"A construction worker was hit and killed by a co-worker along the Gulf Freeway, Houston police said.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/construction-worker-hits-kills-gulf-freeway-houston-police-say/19412332/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:36:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"construction-worker-hits-kills-co-worker-on-gulf-freeway-houston-police-say"},{"id":"q1nqi6","title":"After an earthquake, how long can trapped victims survive?","excerpt":"For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air.If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say.In Venezuela, rescue teams have bee...","content":"For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air.If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say.In Venezuela, rescue teams have been racing against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira last Wednesday. More than 770 buildings were totally or partially collapsed from the earthquakes, and aftershocks continued to shake the region. Most rescues happen in the 24 hours after a disaster. The chances of survival drop with each day after that, experts say. Most victims are badly injured or buried by falling stones or other debris.What factors affect earthquake survival?Trapped victims are more likely to survive if they are in a debris-free pocket that prevents major injury while they await rescue, like under a sturdy desk, said geophysicist Victor Tsai from Brown University. Experts call this a survivable void space.If fire, smoke or hazardous chemicals were released as a result of the building collapse, they may decrease a person's survival odds, said emergency response expert Dr. Joseph Barbera, an associate professor at George Washington University.Beyond that, having air to breathe and water to drink are crucial as the days go on.“You could survive a while without food,” Barbera said. “You could survive less without water.”Temperatures where someone is trapped may affect survival, and temperatures outside the rubble can affect rescue missions. More than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world arrived in Venezuela with trained search dogs and machinery, the government said. And rescue efforts in La Guaira, the hardest-hit area, appeared significantly more organized on Sunday, after residents expressed frustration and anger about the level of response in the days before.It can be important for survivors to receive vital medical care before they are removed from the rubble, Barbera said. If not, the buildup of toxins from crushed muscles could make them go into shock after they are rescued.After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a teenager and his 80-year-old grandmother were found alive after nine days trapped in their flattened home. And the year before, a 16-year-old Haitian girl was rescued from earthquake rubble in Port-au-Prince after 15 days.What to do during an earthquakeThe best practices for survival during an earthquake depend on where you are in the world. Building codes in regions with active fault lines are often designed to withstand earthquakes, but that doesn't hold true everywhere.In many countries, including the United States, the best practices are to drop, seek cover and hang on unless you are close to a building exit. Seek shelter under a heavy table or near sturdy furniture that may yield a survivable pocket if the roof collapses. Cover your face with cloth or a mask to protect from dust and debris.If you are trapped in the rubble after an earthquake, save your energy and don't overexert. Ration food and water, listen for rescue calls and search for something near you to make noise. If you have a phone with you, conserve its battery and try for help in short spurts each day.—-The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/tech/2025/03/31/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-victims-survive/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:32:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVEVKVWBN6RFYPJWDVDIDJFTTH4.jpg","slug":"after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-victims-survive"},{"id":"ovyfbt","title":"Hello Houston (June 25, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We share advice on how to stay safe during the summer, learn about the independent coming-of-age film “Sugar Beach,” and talk with area relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles. Plus, we share our latest Current Obsessions.","content":"Today: We share advice on how to stay safe during the summer, learn about the independent coming-of-age film “Sugar Beach,” and talk with area relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles. Plus, we share our latest Current Obsessions.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/25/555526/hello-houston-june-25-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-25T18:43:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-25-2026"},{"id":"5haeel","title":"The Supreme Court says the U.S. can turn away asylum seekers at the border","excerpt":"By a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled that federal law allows the government to stop asylum seekers from physically setting foot in the United States, effectively keeping them from applying for asylum.","content":"By a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled that federal law allows the government to stop asylum seekers from physically setting foot in the United States, effectively keeping them from applying for asylum.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/immigration/2026/06/25/555551/supreme-court-asylum-policy/?utm_source=rss-immigration-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Grady Martin, NPR, Nina Totenberg, NPR","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:43:10.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25123614%2Fgettyimages-2159564157-450x300.webp","slug":"the-supreme-court-says-the-us-can-turn-away-asylum-seekers-at-the-border"},{"id":"2sblw0","title":"A rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica is found tucked away in a drawer","excerpt":"Scientists have stumbled on a rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica, tucked away for decades in a drawer.The bone comes from the tail of a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur called a titanosaur. Scientists haven't yet identified the species it belongs to. It was discovered in 1985 during an expedi...","content":"Scientists have stumbled on a rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica, tucked away for decades in a drawer.The bone comes from the tail of a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur called a titanosaur. Scientists haven't yet identified the species it belongs to. It was discovered in 1985 during an expedition to Antarctica's James Ross Island and collected by geologist Mike Thomson. Working with the British Antarctic Survey, Thomson was mapping the area's rock layers and collected marine reptile fossils to help with future dating efforts. He recorded the find as a large reptile.Decades later, paleontologist Mark Evans spotted the bone in the British Antarctic Survey's collections and wondered whether it might be a dinosaur. He and other researchers analyzed the shape of the bone and compared it to other more complete dinosaur remains, confirming their discovery. The findings were published on Monday in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, when this dinosaur lived, the region was populated by lush forests — a “rather different and much more hospitable place than we think of today,” said study co-author Paul Barrett with the Natural History Museum in London.At about 23 feet (7 meters) long, the dinosaur was small for its group and may have been young when it died. Scientists don't know how the creature met its end, but they think its body floated away from the coast and sank to the sea floor, becoming fossilized in marine rock.Technology has come a long way since the dinosaur tail bone was first found, allowing researchers to peer inside bones and gain even more detailed information about ancient creatures. Thomson died in 2020 before the fossil was identified as belonging to a dinosaur. “If he were still with us, he would be delighted to know what this was,” Evans, a study co-author, said.___An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified paleontologist Mark Evans as Mike Evans in one reference.___AP video producer Havovi Todd in London contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/weird-news/2026/06/29/a-rare-dinosaur-fossil-from-antarctica-is-found-tucked-away-in-a-drawer/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:19:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDFQVJ5IQEBA4BEUVNHSABUNVMM.jpg","slug":"a-rare-dinosaur-fossil-from-antarctica-is-found-tucked-away-in-a-drawer"},{"id":"jktwjp","title":"Pride Houston announces new date for parade after initial event was cancelled due to severe weather","excerpt":"The Pride Houston 365 parade was postponed back in early June due to inclement weather.","content":"The Pride Houston 365 parade was postponed back in early June due to inclement weather.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/pride-houston-365-parade-postponed-due-weather-plans-reschedule-world-cup-games-organizers-say/19413160/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:19:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F18996531_BIGFREEDIAWITHCREDIT.jpg","slug":"pride-houston-announces-new-date-for-parade-after-initial-event-was-cancelled-due-to-severe-weather"},{"id":"z91jy5","title":"Strawberry Moon 2026: June’s full moon is also one of the smallest of the year called a micromoon","excerpt":"Skywatchers will have a chance to see June’s full moon Monday night, commonly known as the Strawberry Moon. Despite its name, the Moon won’t actually appear pink or red. Instead, the name comes from the time of year when wild strawberries traditionally ripened and were ready for harvest in parts ...","content":"Skywatchers will have a chance to see June’s full moon Monday night, commonly known as the Strawberry Moon. Despite its name, the Moon won’t actually appear pink or red. Instead, the name comes from the time of year when wild strawberries traditionally ripened and were ready for harvest in parts of North America.This year’s Strawberry Moon also comes with a unique distinction: it’s a micromoon.Why is it called a micromoon?The Moon follows an elliptical orbit around Earth, meaning its distance from us changes throughout the month.The point where the Moon is farthest from Earth is called apogee. This month’s full moon occurs just one day after apogee, making it one of the most distant full moons of the year.Because it’s slightly farther away than average, the Moon will appear just a bit smaller in the sky. However, the difference is subtle—only a few percent—and is nearly impossible to notice without comparing photographs side by side.June’s Strawberry Moon is expected to be the second-smallest full moon of 2026.The lowest full moon of the yearAnother interesting feature of tonight’s full moon is the path it takes across the sky.Around the summer solstice, the Sun follows its highest arc of the year across the Northern Hemisphere. A full moon always appears opposite the Sun in the sky, so June’s full moon takes the opposite path—staying unusually low above the horizon.As a result, the Strawberry Moon will trace the lowest trajectory of any full moon this year.When the Moon is near the horizon, it can also appear much larger than it really is. This is known as the Moon Illusion, an optical illusion caused by our brain comparing the Moon to familiar objects like trees, buildings and the horizon. Even though the Moon looks enormous, its actual size hasn’t changed.When to lookThe Strawberry Moon will rise around sunset Monday evening and remain visible throughout the night, weather permitting.Whether you’re hoping to spot one of the year’s smallest full moons or simply enjoy a beautiful summer night, June’s Strawberry Moon offers a great excuse to look up.If you snap a great photo of the Strawberry Moon we’d love to see it! Send it to us to be featured on air or online at Click2Pins.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/29/strawberry-moon-2026-junes-full-moon-is-also-one-of-the-smallest-of-the-year-called-a-micromooon/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:25:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLKEZTCH22FFZZFHCZNKC352ZEI.jpg","slug":"strawberry-moon-2026-junes-full-moon-is-also-one-of-the-smallest-of-the-year-called-a-micromoon"},{"id":"uqpc44","title":"A hazy day from Saharan Dust, plus one area of potential tropical development","excerpt":"Saharan dust is here, bringing some air quality issues with it.","content":"Saharan dust is here, bringing some air quality issues with it.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/tropical-weather-update-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season-begins-june-1/19125766/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Travis Herzog","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:19:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19412733_062926-MON-TROP-UPDATE-KRO--vid.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"a-hazy-day-from-saharan-dust-plus-one-area-of-potential-tropical-development"},{"id":"mmtu45","title":"FULL LIST: Several Houston streets will be closed this 4th of July","excerpt":"The City of Houston is preparing for one of its most anticipated events of the year, Freedom Over Texas, this Saturday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day. The event will feature live music, including headliner Keith Urban, and a spectacular fireworks show.If you’re planning to celebrate Indep...","content":"The City of Houston is preparing for one of its most anticipated events of the year, Freedom Over Texas, this Saturday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day. The event will feature live music, including headliner Keith Urban, and a spectacular fireworks show.If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day or attend Freedom Over Texas, be prepared for several road closures. MORE INFO: Keith Urban to headline Houston’s ‘Freedom Over Texas’ celebration for Fourth of JulyHere’s a breakdown of when and where streets will be closed:Freedom Over Texas street closuresJuly 2 at 7 a.m. through July 5 at 9 a.m.Allen Parkway northbound and southbound exit ramps from I-45 The Allen Parkway inbound exit ramp will reopen at 5 p.m. on July 5. Allen Parkway outbound at Bagby Street Allen Parkway inbound at Taft Street This closure will reopen at 5 p.m. on July 5. Sabine Street at Memorial Drive and at the bridge Sabine Street at the bridge, blocking southbound traffic to Allen Parkway Gillette Street (mid-block) by the federal building, after the apartment entrance Walker Street and Sabine Street access to Allen Parkway and Sabine Street Crosby Street at West Dallas Street Heiner Street at West Dallas Street July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.Bagby Street northbound at Dallas Street Lamar Street between Smith Street and Bagby Street Brazos Street at Dallas Street July 4 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.Bagby Street southbound at Rusk Street July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.Sawyer Street at Washington Avenue Allen Parkway inbound at Waugh Drive Allen Parkway service road at Montrose Boulevard (residents will always have access) Memorial Drive inbound at Waugh Drive Memorial Drive outbound at Bagby Street July 4 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (during the fireworks display)Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.Buffalo Bayou Waterway between the Capitol Street Bridge and Montrose Boulevard/Studemont Street Parking closuresThe following parking areas will be closed from June 30 at 6 a.m. through July 5 at 7 a.m.:Gillette Street between West Dallas Street and Allen Parkway (east curb lane) Crosby Street between West Dallas Street and Allen Parkway (north of the Allen Parkway Apartments only) Heiner Street between inbound Allen Parkway and West Dallas Street (west curb lane) Sabine Street between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway (both sides) West Dallas Street between I-45 and Waugh Drive (both sides) Memorial Drive between Waugh Drive and Bagby Street (inlet parking areas) Taft Street between West Dallas Street and Allen Parkway (both sides) Temple Terrace neighborhood: all cross streets on Taft Street between West Dallas Street and Allen Parkway North Memorial Way between Hemphill Street and Sabine Street (south side) Hemphill Street between Washington Avenue and North Memorial Way (both sides) State Street between Hemphill Street and Sabine Street (south side) Lubbock Street between Sawyer Street and Sabine Street (south side)","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/full-list-several-houston-streets-will-be-closed-this-4th-of-july/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Fatima Lumbreras","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:04:48.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FA5OJEQAF4JATXKWZ5JVZ6CYIOU.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"full-list-several-houston-streets-will-be-closed-this-4th-of-july"},{"id":"j59v5z","title":"Naomi Osaka wows Wimbledon crowd with kimono inspired by Lucy Liu’s character in ‘Kill Bill'","excerpt":"Wimbledon's strict rules about all-white clothing didn't prevent Naomi Osaka from making another fashion statement as she walked onto the grass at the All England Club on Monday.Osaka, who has made a habit of creating a buzz with her creative outfits at recent Grand Slam tournaments, wore a flowi...","content":"Wimbledon's strict rules about all-white clothing didn't prevent Naomi Osaka from making another fashion statement as she walked onto the grass at the All England Club on Monday.Osaka, who has made a habit of creating a buzz with her creative outfits at recent Grand Slam tournaments, wore a flowing kimono with swinging sleeves and elaborate embroidery as she walked onto No. 3 Court for her first-round match against Elsa Jacquemot.After winning 6-1, 7-5, Osaka said she got the inspiration for the outfit from a Quentin Tarantino movie.“For me, my Japanese heritage means a lot. They say all white at Wimbledon and I thought it would be really cool to come out in a kimono,\" Osaka said in an on-court interview. \"I just get inspired by a lot of different things, and for me, one of my favorite movies is ‘Kill Bill.' So I really love Lucy Liu's character, O-Ren Ishii, and she comes out in this really iconic white kimono. I always tell people I like to be like a video game character sometimes, I don't want to be myself when I'm playing on the court. And I kind of try to embody her a little.”The Japanese player's latest creation drew a rave reaction from the crowd, many of whom were eagerly waiting with their phones aloft to record her entrance. One female fan shouted “C'mon queen!” as Osaka walked out.“It’s something that we’ve been waiting for all day, right, what Naomi Osaka is going to appear in at Wimbledon,\" said Alicia Molik, the former top-10 ranked player who is doing commentary for the BBC.Osaka kept her robe on as she bounced on her toes at the net while listening to instructions from the chair umpire. She then removed it and placed it on her chair to begin warmups before the match started.Osaka is far from the first player to make a fashion statement at Wimbledon, and wasn’t the only one to do so on Monday. Seven-time men’s champion Novak Djokovic, for instance, walked out for his match on Centre Court in a white blazer with green details.But the four-time Grand Slam champion’s fashion creations and walk-ons are becoming an eagerly anticipated ritual at both Grand Slam tournaments and other events.At the Australian Open this year, Osaka walked onto court wearing a wide-brim hat, a veil and holding a white parasol. At the French Open, she came out for her opening match in a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice, which she removed to reveal a sequined gold playing dress.And at the Met Gala in New York, Osaka stunned in a edgy Robert Wun white sculptural fitted dress featuring exaggerated shoulders and adorned with red feathers and a matching headpiece. To complete her look, she wore two-toned red gloves.The latest ensemble turned plenty of heads even before she stepped onto the grass.Playing on No. 3 Court meant Osaka had to walk through part of the Wimbledon grounds to get to the stadium, giving some fans a sneak peak of her outfit.“I could feel, when I walked by someone, they would physically turn their whole body,” Osaka said. “I thought that was really fun.”Fellow players, meanwhile, have been full of questions about the kimono.“I got asked if I only have one, because it’s all white, and what happens if I stain it,” Osaka said.At her post-match news conference, Osaka sported a lot more color to show off the Haitian side of her heritage. She wore a red-and-blue Haiti soccer jersey after the country played at a World Cup for the first time since 1974.“I felt really proud of them,” she said. ___AP Sports Writer Ken Maguire contributed to this report.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/naomi-osaka-wows-wimbledon-crowd-with-kimono-inspired-by-lucy-lius-character-in-kill-bill/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mattias Karén, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:28:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKALNCUTR5ZF5BAKAW5YJIJ7SDA.jpg","slug":"naomi-osaka-wows-wimbledon-crowd-with-kimono-inspired-by-lucy-lius-character-in-kill-bill"},{"id":"vv5vpw","title":"Man killed, another injured in northwest Harris County shooting, HCSO says","excerpt":"Deputies said they found a car crashed into a ditch while responding to the shooting, which left a man dead and another injured.","content":"Deputies said they found a car crashed into a ditch while responding to the shooting, which left a man dead and another injured.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/man-killed-another-injured-nw-harris-county-shooting-little-york-hcso-says-deputies-find-car-crashed-ditch/19412810/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:15:08.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"man-killed-another-injured-in-northwest-harris-county-shooting-hcso-says"},{"id":"neupa1","title":"Supreme Court will weigh Trump-backed Republican appeal to enforce Arizona voting laws","excerpt":"The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider a Republican push to enforce strict Arizona voting laws passed in the swing state after the 2020 election.The high court has allowed some similar rules to take effect as lawsuits play out, including Arizona's proof-of-citizenship requirement for stat...","content":"The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider a Republican push to enforce strict Arizona voting laws passed in the swing state after the 2020 election.The high court has allowed some similar rules to take effect as lawsuits play out, including Arizona's proof-of-citizenship requirement for state and local elections and a Virginia purge of voter rolls that the state said was aimed at keeping noncitizens from voting. The appeal was filed by the Republican National Committee after lower courts found the measures violated federal voting laws, and it was joined by GOP President Donald Trump’s administration. “The RNC is proud to lead this effort, and we will keep fighting nationwide to defend election integrity and ensure only eligible citizens cast a ballot,” said Chairman Joe Gruters.The high court is expected to hear arguments in the fall and likely hand down an opinion after the midterm elections. The Republican-controlled legislature passed the laws in 2022, part of a wave of similar proposals around the country after Trump falsely claimed widespread voter fraud was responsible for his narrow defeat there to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump reclaimed the state in 2024, helping secure his return to the White House. One measure requires people to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote using a state form. Another calls for regular purges of the voter rolls to remove people if their citizenship could not be confirmed, including within 90 days of an election.The case reached the Supreme Court's emergency docket in 2024. The justices gave the GOP a partial victory, allowing Arizona to require proof of citizenship for registration in state and local elections but not federal races. Also that year, the high court allowed Virginia to continue a purge of voter rolls shortly before the election. Citizenship is required to vote across the country, and people must attest they are citizens under penalty of perjury to register. Arizona is among only a handful of states that require additional proof, like a driver's license or passport. Data indicates that voting by noncitizens is rare.Arizona tried to impose proof requirements for national elections in 2013, but the law was struck down by the Supreme Court. Now, people can register as “federal only” voters without providing proof of citizenship, but Arizona requires additional proof for state and local election participation. Just over 19,000 people were registered as active federal-only voters in 2023. ___Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/supreme-court-will-weigh-trump-backed-republican-push-to-enforce-arizona-voting-laws/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:43:34.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMX4CNUUZ75H7FI4Y4EYPHEGJLI.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-will-weigh-trump-backed-republican-appeal-to-enforce-arizona-voting-laws"},{"id":"9o8qyz","title":"Zelenskyy condemns 'horrific attacks' as Russian strikes kill 12 and wound 40 in Ukraine","excerpt":"Russian missiles and drones killed at least 12 civilians and injured 40 others in Ukraine on Monday in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as “horrific attacks.”Since Russia launched its all-out invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago, its forces have conducted bombing in an ef...","content":"Russian missiles and drones killed at least 12 civilians and injured 40 others in Ukraine on Monday in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as “horrific attacks.”Since Russia launched its all-out invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago, its forces have conducted bombing in an effort to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure and sap morale. More than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, according to the U.N.A Russian missile targeting infrastructure struck the central city of Dnipro, killing six people and wounding 29, Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said. Russian drones also hit a passenger minibus in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three and wounding six, including a child, Zelenskyy said on social media.Russian drones also killed a 69-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man in the northeastern Sumy region, National Police said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a daytime Russian strike killed one person and wounded five others in the northeastern city.Other deadly attacks occurred in at least six other regions of Ukraine, authorities said. No further details were immediately available.Strikes leave some Ukrainians without powerSome customers in eight Ukrainian regions were left without power Monday after Russian strikes, while hot weather drove up electricity use as people turned on air conditioners, grid operator Ukrenergo said.Zelenskyy renewed his plea for Europe to step up its development of air defenses to block Russia’s ballistic missiles.“People need greater protection from such horrific attacks,” Zelenskyy said. “Above all, we need anti-ballistic capabilities. It is essential that Europe is as active as possible in developing its own anti-ballistic defense — its own systems and missiles.”Putin says expanding Ukrainian drone attacks won't stop the warA marked shift has taken place in the war in recent months, Western officials say, as Ukraine’s expanding drone strikes have brought fuel shortages in Russia and Russia-occupied territory. The attacks have weakened the Russian military’s supply lines to the front in eastern and southern Ukraine, slowing their advance, according to analysts.Ukraine’s innovative drone engineering has given it an edge and made it a world leader in the technology’s military use. It is now helping partner countries after previously pleading for foreign military support.Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday acknowledged that Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russia’s oil facilities have caused fuel shortages. The scarcity has triggered public anger and frustration as people wait in line for hours at gas stations.But Putin ruled out making concessions to end the invasion and insisted that Russia will ultimately prevail in the war despite what he called “temporary” setbacks.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting that Russian troops are continuing their front-line offensive.Their effort “makes us confident that our goals will be achieved,” Peskov told reporters.Russia's battlefield progress is waning, analysts sayThe Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said the Kremlin's stance is an attempt to push the West and Ukraine to give in to Russia’s demands.But, it added, “Russia’s battlefield performance continues to decline in 2026 and Russia’s ability to seize its objectives militarily is in question.”Russia’s Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 209 Ukrainian drones from late Sunday through early Monday.Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 82 of the 108 drones that Russia launched overnight.___Hatton reported from Lisbon.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/zelenskyy-condemns-horrific-attacks-as-russian-strikes-kill-11-and-wound-40-in-ukraine/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Hanna Arhirova And Barry Hatton, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:29:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO7IXKQPV2RETJFAPWD2VKJEXSA.jpg","slug":"zelenskyy-condemns-horrific-attacks-as-russian-strikes-kill-12-and-wound-40-in-ukraine"},{"id":"zeawx0","title":"Israeli strikes kill at least 8 in Gaza, including 2 children, health officials say","excerpt":"Israeli strikes in southern and central Gaza on Monday killed at least eight people, including two children, and wounded at least 20 others, according to health officials and emergency services.In Khan Younis, a strike hit a tent in the Al-Mawasi neighborhood after a warning call, killing a 23-ye...","content":"Israeli strikes in southern and central Gaza on Monday killed at least eight people, including two children, and wounded at least 20 others, according to health officials and emergency services.In Khan Younis, a strike hit a tent in the Al-Mawasi neighborhood after a warning call, killing a 23-year-old mother and her one-year-old daughter west of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital.Another strike on the town of Qarara, northwest of the city earlier in the day killed a 31-year-old man, according to Nasser Hospital. The hospital said he had married only a few months ago and left behind a pregnant wife.In a separate incident in the same area, a strike hit a tent sheltering displaced people along the coastal area of Khan Younis, killing two people and wounding 13 others, according to Nasser hospital and the Palestinian Red Crescent. The wounded were transferred to a field hospital run by the Palestinian Red Crescent in Al-Mawasi.In central Gaza, a drone strike hit a tent in Deir al-Balah, killing at least three Palestinians, including an 8-year-old boy and his grandfather, medical officials said.Health authorities in the coastal enclave said the drone strike hit a neighborhood in Deir al-Balah, one of the least damaged towns in central Gaza. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said the fatalities were Hassan al-Hanagra and his 8-year-old grandchild, Malik Abu Shawish, along with another man.Abu Shawish, whose parents are divorced, was visiting his mother’s tent at the time of the strike, and his mother was among seven people wounded in the strike, hospital officials said. Israel’s military said the strike was targeting a militant, but did not immediately name him or say if he was killed.A strike in southern Gaza on Sunday killed Zaher Abu Salem, the Israeli military said, describing him as a member of Islamic Jihad who was involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war. A total of four people were killed Sunday in a flurry of strikes around Gaza, including a 13-year-old girl, Eileen al-Farra, who was hit by shrapnel from Israeli tank shelling and was buried Monday.While the heaviest fighting has subsided since a ceasefire took hold in October, Israeli forces have carried out near-daily strikes, killing 1,045 Palestinians, including more than 360 women and children, according to health officials in Gaza. Israel says it is targeting militants, often saying they were planning attacks on Israeli troops who hold more than 60% of the Gaza Strip. Five Israeli soldiers have been killed in militant attacks since the ceasefire. The Gaza Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it does not give a breakdown of civilians and militants. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,058 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.Palestinian teen killed near RamallahMeanwhile, Israeli forces raided locations throughout the occupied West Bank, including near Ramallah, where the Palestinian Health Ministry reported a 15-year-old from Jerusalem was killed by a gunshot to the head. Emergency crews transported Amir Jaber to the hospital from the al-Bireh area after attempting to resuscitate him at the scene, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said. It also reported two injured by Israeli fire in a raid near Hebron, the West Bank's most populous city.The Israeli military did not comment immediately.The raid near Ramallah — the Palestinians' administrative capital in the West Bank — was among half a dozen reported across the territory Monday by WAFA, the Palestinian news agency.At least 59 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers in the West Bank this year, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported last week.___Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank. Associated Press writer Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report. ___Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/29/israeli-strike-hits-a-tent-in-central-gaza-killing-3-including-a-child/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Wafaa Shurafa And Samy Magdy, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:20:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZH5XV4XI6NAXRIXEY2NKJAZHPY.jpg","slug":"israeli-strikes-kill-at-least-8-in-gaza-including-2-children-health-officials-say"},{"id":"qpeukr","title":"After fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling, Houston advocacy group says monitors detected elevated particulate pollution","excerpt":"It has been three days since a massive fire at a recycling facility in Houston’s East End.Over 100 firefighters fought the flames at Mammoth Metal Recycling, which burned overnight and into Tuesday. While no injuries were reported and the exact cause remains under investigation, another topic of ...","content":"It has been three days since a massive fire at a recycling facility in Houston’s East End.Over 100 firefighters fought the flames at Mammoth Metal Recycling, which burned overnight and into Tuesday. While no injuries were reported and the exact cause remains under investigation, another topic of concern is the potential for negative health impacts to residents in the immediate vicinity of the fire and beyond.RELATED: East Houston residents demand air quality answers after Mammoth Metal Recycling tire fireThe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring air quality and water runoff in the surrounding area.But Air Alliance Houston, a clean air advocacy group, is pressing state environmental officials for more and wants to know exactly how air quality is being tested and where that data is.The group says its closest air monitor, located 4 miles from the fire site, detected elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. State environmental regulators, however, have yet to share their findings.What is PM2.5?A pollutant that was specifically mentioned by Air Alliance Houston was PM2.5.PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particulate matter that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says this type of particulate is 30 times smaller than a human hair. This means they can be easily inhaled, going deep into the lungs or even the bloodstream.Dr. Denae King, Associate Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, says those that are exposed to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution could have trouble breathing or get a respiratory illness.“If you have long-term exposure to things like PM2.5 and even smaller sizes of particulate matter, it can result in things like lung cancer and COPD and other long-term respiratory illnesses,” she said.Cardiovascular concerns can also be associated with exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 for a long-term period.Air monitoring explanationKing explained the network of air monitoring sites that have been placed around Houston and the differences between what state agencies use.“TCEQ has regulatory or reference-grade monitors and those monitors are extremely expensive, monitors that the state uses when we think about enforcement or when we think about regulatory agencies, confines of setting regulations and those kind of things, but those are placed very far and few and so in order to make sure that communities can understand what particulate matter really looks like in their communities, they have now really worked together to put together networks or monitors in their neighborhoods, and at their homes, at daycares and churches, public places.” she said.RELATED: Houston recycling company had history of illegal burning citations before massive fireKing says these neighborhood monitors are helping give communities a better picture of particulate pollution in their neighborhoods and also giving a better picture about potential health impacts.“We dodged a major bullet”King says despite how large the fire was and how close it was to a neighborhood, it could have been much worse.“We dodged a major bullet on Monday when you think about it, I mean there’s a neighborhood there,” she said. “For the most part, we have not heard of any major illnesses that resulted from the fire.”King hopes that this event will lead to conversations about where else facilities like this could be placed.“We don’t have zoning here in Houston, but that doesn’t mean that we can place any type of an industrial facility next to a community, so I think it gives us an opportunity to take some time to stop and think about where facilities are placed and how we really prioritize our residents and our health,” she said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/after-fire-at-mammoth-metal-recycling-houston-advocacy-group-says-monitors-detected-elevated-particulate-pollution/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:02:18.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG6GONMRY5NFLHEFXV6JQABRRRA.png","slug":"after-fire-at-mammoth-metal-recycling-houston-advocacy-group-says-monitors-detected-elevated-particu"},{"id":"zabnb3","title":"The death toll rises to 164 after major Venezuela earthquakes topple many buildings","excerpt":"Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Thursday that at least 164 people were killed and 971 were injured after two major, back-to-back earthquakes struck northern Venezuela.","content":"Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Thursday that at least 164 people were killed and 971 were injured after two major, back-to-back earthquakes struck northern Venezuela.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/international/2026/06/25/555521/2-major-earthquakes-strike-northern-venezuela-near-caracas/?utm_source=rss-international-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"EMMA BOWMAN, NPR","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:07:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25090604%2FVenezuelaEarthquakes-450x298.jpg","slug":"the-death-toll-rises-to-164-after-major-venezuela-earthquakes-topple-many-buildings"},{"id":"5ik5u3","title":"The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?","excerpt":"Faced with a modern outbreak that could endure for decades, historical documents are offering officials solutions to eradicate the parasite again.","content":"Faced with a modern outbreak that could endure for decades, historical documents are offering officials solutions to eradicate the parasite again.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/animals/2026/06/25/555518/texas-screwworm-history-eradication/?utm_source=rss-animals-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Jayme Lozano Carver, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:02:08.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25085740%2FScrewworm1960s-TT-450x299.jpg","slug":"the-us-last-beat-screwworm-in-1966-can-current-leaders-learn-from-the-pasts-playbook"},{"id":"z1j86a","title":"‘No credibility’: FBI Houston releases statement on alleged threats against Houston Stadium during FIFA World Cup","excerpt":"Officials with the FBI’s Houston field office have released a statement regarding alleged threats made against Houston Stadium as the venue hosts FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.Shortly after noon on Monday, FBI Houston released the following statement:“FBI Houston is aware of a threat to Houston sta...","content":"Officials with the FBI’s Houston field office have released a statement regarding alleged threats made against Houston Stadium as the venue hosts FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.Shortly after noon on Monday, FBI Houston released the following statement:“FBI Houston is aware of a threat to Houston stadium circulating online. We are working with our local, state, and federal public safety partners to investigate who is behind the communication. At this time, there is no credibility to the threat. We continue to analyze and assess the situation. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to law enforcement immediately.”ALSO READ: FBI officials taking steps to prevent ‘lone offender’ threats ahead of FIFA World Cup matches in HoustonFBI Houston was made aware of the threats Thursday morning, authorities confirmed to KPRC 2.The statement was released as Houston hosts its sixth of seven World Cup matches, with Brazil taking on Japan in the Round of 32.KPRC 2 is working to learn more about the nature of the alleged threat and the circumstances surrounding it.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/no-credibility-fbi-houston-releases-statement-on-alleged-threats-against-houston-stadium-during-fifa-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:45:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZKRBA6I66NFT7IOVOQNSD233JI.jpg","slug":"no-credibility-fbi-houston-releases-statement-on-alleged-threats-against-houston-stadium-during-fifa"},{"id":"4mb00w","title":"Supreme Court rules constitutional privacy protections apply to cellphone users location history","excerpt":"The Supreme Court held Monday that constitutional privacy protections extend to cellphone location information, ruling in the case of a bank robber whose identity was discovered through a geofence warrant.Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the 6-3 court that people don’t forfeit expectations of privac...","content":"The Supreme Court held Monday that constitutional privacy protections extend to cellphone location information, ruling in the case of a bank robber whose identity was discovered through a geofence warrant.Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the 6-3 court that people don’t forfeit expectations of privacy even when they opt into Google’s location history.“A cellphone user is not to be viewed as sharing private information with third parties—which then can be freely passed on to the government—just by doing the ordinary things cellphone users do,” Kagan wrote.Justice Samuel Alito wrote in dissent that Okello Chatrie had no expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turned over to Google.The decision is the court’s latest effort to apply a constitutional provision ratified in 1791 to technology the nation’s founders could not have envisioned.Police obtained a geofence warrant after a bank robbery in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, and used it to locate cellphones that were near the bank around the time it was robbed in May 2019.One of those phones belonged to Chatrie, who had eluded the police until they turned to the powerful technological tool.The warrant kick-started the investigation. After determining that Chatrie was among those near the Call Federal Credit Union in Midlothian at the time, police obtained a search warrant for his home. They found nearly $100,000 in cash, including bills wrapped in bands signed by the bank teller.Chatrie pleaded guilty to robbing the bank and was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison. His lawyers argued on appeal that none of the evidence should have been used against him.They challenged the warrant as a violation of his privacy because it allowed authorities to gather the location history of people near the bank without having any evidence they had anything to do with the robbery. Prosecutors argued that Chatrie had no expectation of privacy because he voluntarily opted into Google’s location history.The Supreme Court did not decide Monday whether the search complied with the Fourth Amendment, which bans unreasonable searches and seizures. It sent the case back to a lower court for more work.A federal judge had ruled that the search violated Chatrie’s rights, but allowed the evidence to be used because the officer who applied for the warrant reasonably believed he was acting properly.The federal appeals court in Richmond upheld the conviction in a fractured ruling. In a separate case, the federal appeals court in New Orleans ruled that geofence warrants “are general warrants categorically prohibited by the Fourth Amendment.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/supreme-court-rules-constitutional-privacy-protections-apply-to-cellphone-users-location-history/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:37:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F744NCQ7UWZE25GOQJSLZFPMTW4.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-rules-constitutional-privacy-protections-apply-to-cellphone-users-location-history"},{"id":"p7pseo","title":"Supreme Court rules states can count late-arriving mailed ballots, rejecting Trump-led challenge","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day, a persistent target of President Donald Trump.The 5-4 decision rejected a Republican-led attack on laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive an...","content":"The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day, a persistent target of President Donald Trump.The 5-4 decision rejected a Republican-led attack on laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive and be counted some number of days after the election, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. The outcome spares officials the headache of changing their ballot rules just a few months before the 2026 midterm congressional elections.In just over half those states, the more forgiving deadlines apply only to ballots cast by military and overseas voters.Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the court's majority opinion, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices.Federal laws setting a single Election Day “leave open when those votes must be received,” Barrett wrote.Congress could change the law, she said. “If varied deadlines for ballot receipt similarly call for a national solution, the American people must choose it through their elected representatives,” Barrett wrote.Justice Samuel Alito wrote the dissent for four justices. “Not only is today’s decision inconsistent with statutory text, legal context, historical practice, and precedent; it also threatens to produce lamentable consequences,\" Alito wrote. “The majority’s holding spawns a slurry of troubling election-law questions and risks further undermining Americans’ confidence in election integrity.”The legal challenge was part of Trump’s broader attack on most mail balloting, which he has said breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and years of experience in numerous states. Trump has repeatedly claimed that his loss to Joe Biden in 2020 resulted from fraud even though more than 60 court decisions and his own attorney general said that argument had no merit.Trump called the court ruling a “tremendous loss” and renewed his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which has made it through the House of Representatives but not the Senate.“There is only one reason to oppose — CHEATING!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Among other changes, the legislation would limit who is able to receive a mail ballot and impose a documentary proof-of-citizenship requirement for registering to vote.“If we want fair and secure elections, Election Day should mean exactly what it says, which is why this decision makes it even more imperative that Congress pass the SAVE America Act,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement.The court heard arguments in March in a case from Mississippi pitting the state against Trump’s Republican administration and the Republican and Libertarian parties. At issue was whether federal law sets a single Election Day that requires ballots to be both cast by voters and received by state officials.The federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down a Mississippi law allowing ballots to be counted if they arrive within five business days of the election and are postmarked by Election Day.The outcome is a “sigh of relief” for a lot of election administrators, said Stephen Richer, a Republican and the former top election administrator in Arizona’s Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix.A ruling in favor of the Republican National Committee \"would have created a whole host of administrative challenges for the affected states,” said Richer, who is now a legal fellow at the Cato Institute.RNC officials did not immediately respond Monday to email and telephone requests for comment.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/supreme-court-rules-states-can-count-late-arriving-mailed-ballots-rejecting-trump-led-challenge/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:08:08.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHD7Z4PZBY5DSVGPWEZK4RS4AWU.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-rules-states-can-count-late-arriving-mailed-ballots-rejecting-trump-led-challenge"},{"id":"x6r6u6","title":"Comcast plans to split into two public companies by spinning off NBCUniversal and Sky","excerpt":"Communications giant Comcast is planning to split itself into two: one media-centered business that would include brands like NBCUniversal and Sky and a separate company focused on broadband and wireless services.In a Monday announcement, Comcast said the breakup will put both of these operations...","content":"Communications giant Comcast is planning to split itself into two: one media-centered business that would include brands like NBCUniversal and Sky and a separate company focused on broadband and wireless services.In a Monday announcement, Comcast said the breakup will put both of these operations in a better position to pursue their own priorities and growth. The move arrives as communications companies continue to wrestle with years of cord-cutting, and shifting habits in how consumers now buy subscriptions for anything from their phone plans to streaming budgets more broadly.“The world is changing faster than ever,” Comcast Chairman and co-CEO Brian Roberts said on a Monday call — adding that it “has become clear” the company’s technology and media businesses each “have compelling opportunities in front of them that are distinct in nature and best pursued with dedicated focus.”Upon the spinoff’s completion, both businesses would become their own publicly-traded companies. Comcast said it expects to complete the process in about a year, pending regulatory approvals and a final greenlight from its board.That means consumers shouldn’t feel immediate impacts. But a host of major brands currently sit under Comcast’s umbrella — from internet and wireless provider Xfinity to streaming platform Peacock, NBC News and Universal Studios. And analysts are eyeing what those businesses could look like farther down the road.What could be in store for NBCUniversal and Comcast“In the short term, bundles, pricing, and distribution will likely hold,” said Mike Proulx, a vice president and research director at market research firm Forrester. For NBCUniversal — set to head the media-centered company Comcast is spinning off — the split in itself carries little effect on its current business, he noted, and is “more to do with what it becomes longer term.”Proulx is bracing for future acquisitions in this space, adding that “Comcast is following a playbook we have already seen.” He pointed to Warner Bros. Discovery, which announced its own intention to split just last June — before becoming a takeover target that erupted into a messy tug-of-war between Netflix and Skydance-owned Paramount. Paramount eventually became victorious, and is now edging closer to closing its $81 billion buyout of Warner’s entire company.Comcast executives have appeared to so far dismiss the possibility of heading toward a similar fate. When asked on Monday’s call whether investors should view the separation as a step toward “potential strategic transactions” for either business, Roberts said: “Absolutely not.”His co-CEO Mike Cavanagh — who is set to become the chief executive of the NBCUniversal spinoff — echoed that sentiment. Cavanagh reiterated plans to “build and invest for growth” with more freedom as a standalone business.Still, analysts like Proulx speculate that even if NBCUniversal doesn’t become a takeover target, “it’ll likely be the company doing the acquiring.”“As it stands, traditional TV is dying, and Peacock alone isn’t enough to compete at scale against the biggest streaming services,” Proulx said via email. “One way or the other, NBCU’s entertainment business will look different within the next couple of years.”This isn’t the first spinoff for ComcastLike other companies, Comcast in recent years has shifted its business emphasis away from traditional cable toward streaming and other sources of revenue, such as its movie studio, theme parks and home wireless and internet services.NBCUniversal includes that theme parks division, Universal film and television studios, NBC and Telemundo networks, Peacock, and Bravo — and with the spinoff, European media business Sky will also be part of that portfolio led by Cavanagh.Meanwhile, Philadelphia-based Comcast will continue providing internet services to residential and business customers. Comcast’s former Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis will become the CEO of that company following its separation.Comcast has split off assets before. Monday’s move arrives just months after the company officially completed its separation of Versant Media Group — which, as first announced in November 2024, is the new home of networks like USA, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, as well as CNBC and MSNBC (now MS NOW). Movie ticketing platform Fandango and the Rotten Tomatoes movie rating site were also included.Once the latest split is complete, Comcast shareholders will own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal. Comcast expects to keep a stake of up to 19.9% ownership position in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spinoff is complete. Comcast jumped more than 6% as of midday trading following Monday’s announcement. Shares still are down over 10% since the start of 2026.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/29/comcast-plans-to-split-into-two-public-companies-by-spinning-of-nbcuniversal-and-sky/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michelle Chapman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:29:49.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZ65CIFR3KZCAHJEOUB4PRGBQUE.jpg","slug":"comcast-plans-to-split-into-two-public-companies-by-spinning-off-nbcuniversal-and-sky"},{"id":"a35aj2","title":"1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in northwest Harris County","excerpt":"Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting left one man dead and another injured in northwest Harris County.The shooting happened Monday morning in the 7700 block of W. Little York Road, according to the sheriff’s office.\nInvestigators said two men were inside a...","content":"Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting left one man dead and another injured in northwest Harris County.The shooting happened Monday morning in the 7700 block of W. Little York Road, according to the sheriff’s office.\nInvestigators said two men were inside a vehicle when they were shot. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and detectives have not said what may have prompted the gunfire.Both victims were taken to a hospital for treatment. One man was listed in fair condition, while the other was pronounced dead.Authorities have not released the identities of the victims.The investigation remains in its early stages, and no suspect information has been released.Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/1-dead-1-injured-after-shooting-in-northwest-harris-county/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:21:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBOQTC6JL5JAPVNJXMTDOJTRAGE.png","slug":"1-dead-1-injured-after-shooting-in-northwest-harris-county"},{"id":"uqgit4","title":"10-year-old faces murder charge in baby girl's shooting death, police say","excerpt":"A 7-month-old girl was killed following a shooting in St. Louis on Friday, according to police.","content":"A 7-month-old girl was killed following a shooting in St. Louis on Friday, according to police.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/st-louis-missouri-shooting-10-year-old-faces-murder-charge-7-month-olg-baby-girl-kiyomi-parker-shot-death-police-say/19403835/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:45:10.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19403554_062826-wls-mo-10-yo-charged-63a-vid.jpg","slug":"10-year-old-faces-murder-charge-in-baby-girls-shooting-death-police-say"},{"id":"guzlws","title":"Best times to be outside in Houston during summer heat","excerpt":"The summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can become dangerous fast.Whether you’re planning a barbecue, taking the kids to the splash pad or training for a marathon, timing can make a huge difference during a Houston summer.With temperatures regularly climbing into the mid-to-upper 90s and hea...","content":"The summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can become dangerous fast.Whether you’re planning a barbecue, taking the kids to the splash pad or training for a marathon, timing can make a huge difference during a Houston summer.With temperatures regularly climbing into the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values soaring above 105 degrees, doctors and meteorologists recommend scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day whenever possible.Here’s when experts say it’s safest, and riskiest, to be outside.Running or jogging✅ Best times5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. After 8 p.m. (if routes are well-lit) Morning temperatures are usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the afternoon, and the sun is less intense.The CDC recommends scheduling outdoor workouts earlier or later in the day, rather than during the middle of the day when temperatures and solar radiation are typically highest. In Houston, that generally means taking advantage of the early morning hours before temperatures climb and waiting until after sunset for evening exercise❌ Avoid11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is when pavement temperatures can exceed 140 degrees, increasing both heat stress and burn risk.While no federal agency sets a specific hour when people should stay indoors, the CDC advises limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest. For Houston, that’s often between late morning and early evening, when the heat index routinely exceeds 100 degrees during the summer.TipsSlow your pace. Carry water. Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing. Stop immediately if you become dizzy or nauseated. Walking the dog✅ BestBefore 8 a.m. After sunset ❌ AvoidLate morning through early evening Sidewalks and asphalt become hot enough to burn paws within seconds.Bike rides✅ BestSunrise to 9 a.m. Evening after 7:30 p.m. Cycling creates airflow, but riders still lose large amounts of sweat without realizing it.❌ AvoidNoon to 5 p.m. Heat radiating from roads can make conditions significantly hotter than the air temperature.Kids at the playground✅ BestBefore 10 a.m. After 6:30 p.m. ❌ Avoid11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Playground slides, swings and metal equipment can become dangerously hot.Children also overheat faster because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently as adults.Water parks and splash pads✅ BestOpening until about 11 a.m. After 4 or 5 p.m. Many people assume they’re safe because they’re in the water.But water parks can actually increase dehydration because visitors often don’t realize how much they’re sweating.❌ Highest riskNoon to 4 p.m. Swimming pools✅ BestMorning Late afternoon Evening Pools help cool you down, but swimmers can still become dehydrated and sunburned.Don’t skip drinking water just because you’re in the pool.Barbecues and backyard parties✅ BestStart around 6 p.m. If hosting an afternoon gathering:Provide shaded seating. Keep coolers stocked with water. Take breaks indoors. Limit alcohol in extreme heat. ❌ Toughest hoursNoon through 5 p.m. Standing over a grill can increase your body’s heat load even more.Yard work✅ BestBefore 9 a.m. ❌ Avoid10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Lawn mowing is one of the leading summertime activities associated with heat illness because it combines heavy exertion with direct sunlight.Outdoor sportsBestBefore 9 a.m. After sunset Teams should schedule frequent water breaks and allow athletes to acclimate gradually to the heat.General outdoor festivals or eventsIf you’re attending festivals, farmers markets or community events:Go early if possible.If you’re outside during the afternoon:Find shade every 20-30 minutes. Drink water before you’re thirsty. Wear a wide-brim hat. Apply sunscreen every two hours. The hours everyone should pay attention toTimeHeat Risk5:30-9 a.m.Best time for nearly every outdoor activity9-11 a.m.Generally safe but warming quickly11 a.m.-4 p.m.Highest heat risk, avoid strenuous activity4-6 p.m.Still very hot despite lowering sun angleAfter 7 p.m.Better, though humidity remains highKnow the warning signsHeat exhaustion symptoms include:Heavy sweating Weakness Dizziness Headache Muscle cramps Nausea Cool, clammy skin Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:Confusion Loss of consciousness Hot, dry skin (or profuse sweating in some cases) Body temperature of 104 degrees or higher Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/best-times-to-be-outside-in-houston-during-summer-heat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:23:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXZ22CPJ5RJDTNNAJKEPGR43JDE.jpg","slug":"best-times-to-be-outside-in-houston-during-summer-heat"},{"id":"9tkq7u","title":"Thousands of immigrants got scammed by an attorney exploiting humanitarian visas, lawsuits say","excerpt":"An attorney in Washington state promised “miracles” to tens of thousands of immigrants seeking legal status in the United States.Instead, Alexandra Lozano created fake stories of domestic abuse and human trafficking to apply for humanitarian visas without her clients' knowledge, according to seve...","content":"An attorney in Washington state promised “miracles” to tens of thousands of immigrants seeking legal status in the United States.Instead, Alexandra Lozano created fake stories of domestic abuse and human trafficking to apply for humanitarian visas without her clients' knowledge, according to several lawsuits and a legal ethics investigation. They say she preyed on immigrants’ desperation to drain their bank accounts while leaving them at risk of deportation.She is accused of hiring workers who didn’t have proper legal credentials and building an assembly-line system to rush through applications, even copying clients’ signatures onto documents they never saw.“I put the trust of my family with her,” 30-year-old Gabriel Martinez Garcia said. After they paid $30,000, he said Lozano duped his family and got his mother placed in removal proceedings despite her marriage to a naturalized U.S. citizen. “We believed in her and then she just let us down.”Lozano's firm, Luz del Camino Legal, closed this month amid a barrage of allegations. She permanently surrendered her law license rather than face discipline from the bar association, and denies wrongdoing.While federal data shows immigration service scams are rising sharply, Lozano’s alleged scheme stands out for its scale. The bar says her signature is on more than 53,000 pending cases.It's unclear how many cases were fraudulent or to what extent her clients were complicit. The ones suing her say they had no idea.The consequences of her downfall are hitting the immigration system “like a tidal wave,” said Erika Gonzalez, an attorney with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.The Trump administration last year started overhauling the humanitarian programs Lozano allegedly exploited, claiming a surge in applications since 2020 was a sign of widespread fraud. The administration tightened the programs' restrictions and slowed processing rates, which advocacy groups say will hurt legitimate victims.The visas are meant for people who were trafficked or abusedLozano specialized in getting visas through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, which covers all genders.These programs seek to protect victims from having their immigration status weaponized by abusers. Evidence standards are more flexible, making the system more accessible to victims. But it's also easier for an unscrupulous firm to exploit, immigration attorneys say.Lozano's firm probed clients for issues at home or work, then spun them as abuse cases that didn't meet the threshold for these humanitarian programs, according to attorneys representing dozens of her old clients.Although clients quickly secured work permits, they often faced trouble years later when seeking permanent residency and their claims faced greater scrutiny.Lozano denies mass immigration fraudAngelo Calfo, an attorney representing Lozano, said clients were expected to review their applications before signing and blamed them for any false statements.“Alexandra’s practice has always been to fight for her clients, zealously pursue every lawful option available to them, and support their efforts to build lives in this country,” his statement said.The bar accused Lozano of fraud in May and her firm shut down June 10. She’s being investigated by the fraud unit of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to emails obtained by The Associated Press. The Department of Homeland Security, which runs the immigration agency, declined to comment. At least 920 immigration service scams were reported in 2025, which is more than the first three years of the Biden administration combined, according to Federal Trade Commission data analyzed by the AP. Experts say that's probably an undercount, given immigrants’ reluctance to come forward.Clients say foreign workers, not US-licensed lawyers, handled casesLozano is accused of enlisting hundreds of employees in Colombia, Mexico and Argentina to provide legal advice to clients and handle visa applications. That would mean clients never got consultations from a U.S.-licensed attorney.“Alexandra was telling us to please invent more information about the abuse because it is not real abuse,” said Rafael Alvarez, who worked for Lozano from 2022 to 2024 in Colombia. “There were a lot of cases that were not true.”Lozano's former chief operating officer, Amy Rios, testified in 2024 that the firm earned $1.7 million teaching other law firms its legal strategies for humanitarian visas and “changed the way many attorneys now approach immigration law.” Recent lawsuits accuse at least two other firms in Texas and Ohio of replicating Lozano’s tactics, which they deny.Immigrants say they didn't know about the liesErika Sanchez and her husband entered the U.S. unlawfully. Multiple lawyers told them there was no way to adjust their status from within the country.But Lozano promised a successful outcome after just one consultation in 2020, according to a lawsuit the couple filed in May alongside seven other former clients. The couple trusted the firm when it asked for their signatures on blank paper, Sanchez said, and lived on a tight budget to pay Lozano more than $32,000. “We truly did believe that she was doing the right thing,” Sanchez said.She added that they never saw the application submitted by the firm for her husband, which they later learned contained false claims that his teenage daughter abused him. He is now in removal proceedings. Some former clients say they didn't discover the alleged fraud for years. Nora Murillo Moreno said the firm told her about the fake abuse claims on the day before her green card interview. She panicked. “Should I say what really happened, or what is written?” Murillo Moreno said. “I knew things didn’t match.”Trump administration says visa surge indicates ‘rampant fraud’Attorneys suing Lozano say her rise parallels an exponential increase in visa applications for trafficking and domestic abuse cases.Domestic abuse claims more than tripled between the 2020 and 2025 fiscal years, from nearly 15,000 applications to upward of 53,000 per year, according to immigration agency data. There were also nearly twelve times as many applications from parents alleging their child abused them.During that same period, human trafficking claims jumped from around 1,000 applications to more than 37,000. In December, the immigration agency said it would overhaul its domestic violence visa program due to “rampant fraud\" based on the increase in filings, without offering other evidence. The changes include narrowing definitions of abuse and giving greater weight to evidence supplied by alleged abusers. Cecelia Levin, an attorney with the nonprofit Alliance for Immigrant Survivors, said making these visas harder for actual abuse victims isn't the answer. Instead, the Trump administration should focus on enforcing the law against attorneys running scams, she said.An earlier ethics complaint was dismissedImmigration attorneys say Lozano’s social media was filled with red flags, like claiming the Virgin Mary blessed all her cases.In 2023, the Washington bar said it had concerns about Lozano’s law practice but dismissed an ethics complaint against her, according to a document obtained by the AP. The complaint alleged deceptive advertising and other misconduct, but the bar said she was protected by disclaimers.Sara Niegowski, a spokesperson for the bar, said it blocked Lozano from practicing law “as quickly as possible.”Lozano’s ex-clients are in a legal messFormer clients are now scrambling to get their case files from the defunct firm. Hundreds showed up for recent consultations with volunteer attorneys in Washington and Oregon.Many applied to join a lawsuit seeking financial compensation for legal malpractice. Another class action lawsuit aims to recoup their attorney fees. On Friday, a statement from the federal immigration agency told ex-clients how to withdraw their cases or update their addresses so processing could continue.Vicente Omar Barraza, an attorney behind the malpractice lawsuit, said hundreds of former clients told him they still don't know what Lozano's firm wrote in their applications. He’s worried many people lost viable pathways to legal status.Garcia Martinez, who says his mother is in removal proceedings because Lozano mishandled her case, lives every day in fear that she will be deported.“I’m just praying really, really, really hard for her,” Garcia Martinez said. “None of this should have happened.”___Associated Press writer Jesse Bedayn in Austin, Texas, and data journalist Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/thousands-of-immigrants-got-scammed-by-an-attorney-exploiting-humanitarian-visas-lawsuits-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jack Brook, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T07:17:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMPNWVYFRVVD6PD4ON7JOBTYXRI.jpg","slug":"thousands-of-immigrants-got-scammed-by-an-attorney-exploiting-humanitarian-visas-lawsuits-say"},{"id":"s1wruv","title":"Texas Democrats head to convention with optimism, but questions about November remain","excerpt":"The Texas Democratic Convention begins Thursday in Corpus Christi. The three-day convention features several national and statewide figures in the party — this while polls show Democratic candidate James Talarico essentially even with his Republican opponent for U.S. Senate, Attorney General Ken ...","content":"The Texas Democratic Convention begins Thursday in Corpus Christi. The three-day convention features several national and statewide figures in the party — this while polls show Democratic candidate James Talarico essentially even with his Republican opponent for U.S. Senate, Attorney General Ken Paxton.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2026/06/25/555514/texas-democrats-statewide-optimism-november/?utm_source=rss-politics-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Blaise Gainey, Texas Newsroom","publishDate":"2026-06-25T13:54:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25084644%2FTexasDemConvention-TTN-450x301.jpg","slug":"texas-democrats-head-to-convention-with-optimism-but-questions-about-november-remain"},{"id":"gvk044","title":"Trump official suggests U.S. takeover of Greenland could bring back Red Lobster's endless shrimp: Report","excerpt":"A Trump-appointed official suggested to The New Yorker that if the United States were to take over Greenland, it could bring back the all-you-can-eat shrimp offer at Red Lobster.","content":"A Trump-appointed official suggested to The New Yorker that if the United States were to take over Greenland, it could bring back the all-you-can-eat shrimp offer at Red Lobster.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/trump-official-suggests-u-s-takeover-greenland-could-bring-back-red-lobster-endless-shrimp","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Catherine.Stoddard@fox.com (Catherine Stoddard)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:28:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fred-lobster-tom-dans.jpg","slug":"trump-official-suggests-us-takeover-of-greenland-could-bring-back-red-lobsters-endless-shrimp-report"},{"id":"yb54wm","title":"Penelope Keith, star of classic British sitcom 'The Good Life,' dies at 86","excerpt":"Penelope Keith, a comic performer who shone as flinty but loveable upper-crust characters in British sitcoms “The Good Life” and “To the Manor Born,” has died aged 86.Keith’s family said Monday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and died at her home in Surrey, near London.Keith began her act...","content":"Penelope Keith, a comic performer who shone as flinty but loveable upper-crust characters in British sitcoms “The Good Life” and “To the Manor Born,” has died aged 86.Keith’s family said Monday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and died at her home in Surrey, near London.Keith began her acting career onstage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963. But she found her greatest fame on television.She won a BAFTA award in 1977 for “The Good Life,” playing Margo Leadbetter, a snobbish suburbanite appalled by her back-to-the-land neighbors Tom and Barbara Good, played by Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal.Kendal called Keith a “comic genius.”“She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed,” Kendal said.Keith displayed a similar mix of imperiousness and deadpan wit in “To the Manor Born,” broadcast between 1979 and 1981 and brought back for a 2007 Christmas special. Keith played cash-strapped aristocratic widow Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her country estate to a nouveau millionaire, played by Peter Bowles, with whom she has a love-hate relationship.Keith's velvet tones featured on children’s show “Teletubbies” and in ads for everything from Pimm’s to Parker Pens. She also presented cozy documentary TV series, including “Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages.”Keith continued to perform in stage roles into her 80s. Theaters in London’s West End will dim their lights on Wednesday evening in tribute to her.In 2014 she was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, for services to the arts and to charity.She is survived by her husband, Rodney Timson, and their two adopted sons.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/29/penelope-keith-star-of-classic-british-sitcom-the-good-life-dies-at-86/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:36:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJBY3OK6ZORGLPKSEQQZS2DYWVY.jpg","slug":"penelope-keith-star-of-classic-british-sitcom-the-good-life-dies-at-86"},{"id":"t74hzd","title":"Viktor Hovland wins Travelers in Monday playoff when Scheffler misses short birdie putt","excerpt":"Viktor Hovland got all the validation he needed Monday that his game was on track again, and a whole lot more.He beat Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the Travelers Championship, had both parents from Norway watch him win for the first time and even did the “row” with the Norwegian soccer fans w...","content":"Viktor Hovland got all the validation he needed Monday that his game was on track again, and a whole lot more.He beat Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the Travelers Championship, had both parents from Norway watch him win for the first time and even did the “row” with the Norwegian soccer fans who cheered him all the way to the surprising end.Hovland capped off a gritty rally when he made a 7-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole and won the Travelers when Scheffler missed a 4-foot birdie putt.“Winning in the playoff against Scottie — best player in the world — that was pretty satisfying,” said Hovland, who won for the first time since the Valspar Championship in March 2025.The surprise was Scheffler going from a big advantage — an 8-iron to 4 feet on the 18th on the first playoff hole — to missing a hard-sliding putt on the high side that made Hovland a winner.“Maybe I hit it a little firmer than I intended to,” said Scheffler, whose putt caught the left edge and rolled out some 7 feet by the hole. “It looked like it got pretty far by the hole and I was playing it outside the hole, so I hit it down my line, just maybe the speed was a touch off.”It was a big disappointment for Scheffler, who made Monday possible by making an 8-foot par putt on the 72nd hole in near darkness to force the playoff.He was first to hit from the 18th fairway and some 3,000 fans on the hillside around the green erupted in cheers. Hovland responded, just like the 28-year-old Norwegian had done on the back nine Sunday when he rallied from a two-shot deficit.Hovland's birdie putt was snapping off to the right when it curled in the right side and he let out a big fist pump.“It’s one of those putts that if I make mine, his gets significantly tougher, and if I miss, he probably will make his,” Hovland said. “Yeah, it was definitely no gimmies there, so to put the pressure on him was awesome.”It was the first Monday finish on the PGA Tour since The Players Championship in 2025, which involved a three-hole aggregate playoff won by Rory McIlroy. This turned out to be one hole and 15 minutes, but it did not lack for drama, or atmosphere.There was lively banter for the playoff. A group of Norwegian fans, who had been in Boston for the World Cup, wore their soccer jerseys and chanted, “Hov-land!” as he approached his golf ball in the fairway. The Americans began the “Scot-tie Scheff-ler!” chants to drown them out.The Norwegians also brought the “row,” which has gone viral in the stadium and subway stations and wherever they go. They sit shoulder to shoulder, arms out and then forcefully pull them in. Hovland had never seen it in person until Saturday.When it was over, he sat with his people and they showed him how it's done.“You definitely get adrenaline from it,” he said.Hovland had plenty of that Sunday afternoon when he returned from a 90-minute rain delay and made three straight birdies to catch up to Scheffler and eventually get into the playoff. He closed with a 69, while Scheffler had a 68. They finished at 21-under 259.Hovland is rarely satisfied with a swing that has given him a reputation for making solid contact. He felt it gaining momentum with a third-place finish in Canada, and even in the U.S. Open despite missing the cut. There was always one bad swing that allowed doubts to creep in.Those were gone at the TPC River Highlands, particularly at the end. He was first to hit in the playoff and drilled it down the middle, just as he had done all week.“I’ve been playing golf with Viktor for a long time. We’ve had some good battles in college and out here as a pro,\" Scheffler said. “He’s a guy that has a lot of talent and works really hard. So those are the types of guys you like to see have success.”For Scheffler, it was his fourth runner-up finish this year after opening his season with a victory at The American Express in the California desert. But he felt a little momentum, even in a playoff loss, as he gets ready a three-week stretch that includes the British Open, the final major of the year.“Ball striking is definitely in a good spot. That was some of the best I hit it all season,” Scheffler said. “Obviously I think just a little disappointed with the results of today. But, yeah, I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament last night, made the nice putt to close out last night, and so trying to remember that one.”Hovland headed home for Norway with his parents. As for his throng of flag-waving, rowing supporters? Norway plays Ivory Coast on Tuesday in Dallas, the hometown of Scheffler.“That was probably more coincidental,” Hovland said with a laugh. “That should be a good game.”___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/viktor-hovland-wins-travelers-in-monday-playoff-when-scheffler-misses-short-birdie-putt/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Ferguson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:37:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJ2IVAAUOGZGI7DFPXPK2O5D524.jpg","slug":"viktor-hovland-wins-travelers-in-monday-playoff-when-scheffler-misses-short-birdie-putt"},{"id":"k00ywd","title":"Supreme Court rejects Trump’s push to toss $5 million verdict in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a push by President Donald Trump to throw out a jury’s $5 million finding that he sexually abused the writer E. Jean Carroll at a New York City department store in the mid-1990s and later defamed her.The high court declined to take up the case in a brief, unex...","content":"The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a push by President Donald Trump to throw out a jury’s $5 million finding that he sexually abused the writer E. Jean Carroll at a New York City department store in the mid-1990s and later defamed her.The high court declined to take up the case in a brief, unexplained order, as is typical. There were no noted dissents. Trump also plans to appeal another $83.3 million verdict awarded to Carroll by a different jury after a second defamation trial, his lawyers have said.The decision comes as the court hands down its biggest opinions, including a ruling that expands his firing power over the federal bureaucracy with the exception of the Federal Reserve. Trump called the decision to pass on the Carroll case “surprising” in a social media post, and he said he would continue to fight the defamation claims. “This Case is really against the United States of America, and all it stands for,” he wrote. Trump’s lawyers had argued that allegations leading to the verdict were propped up by “highly inflammatory” evidentiary rulings, including those that allowed the testimony of two other women who accused Trump of sexual abuse decades ago. Trump has denied all three women’s allegations.Trump's attorneys argued the judge broke federal evidence rules in the case. They framed it as a distraction from Trump’s unique duties as president, though the verdict came before his return to the White House. “This mistreatment of a President cannot be allowed to stand,” Attorney Justin D. Smith wrote in court documents. Trump, a Republican, has since nominated Smith to be an appeals court judge. His lawyers called the case “Liberal Lawfare\" in a statement on Monday. Carroll's lawyers had urged the justices to pass on the case. They argued that the women's testimony was relevant because the allegations were similar and that Judge Lewis Kaplan’s decisions were in line with others around the country. “This question is not worthy of review,” wrote attorney Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge. Monday's decision affirms the jury's verdict will stand, she said in a statement Monday. “His multiple efforts to appeal that verdict have all failed and today’s ruling ends his quest to avoid accountability for his actions,” she said. Carroll, a longtime advice columnist and former TV talk show host, testified at a 2023 trial that Trump turned a friendly encounter in spring 1996 into a violent attack in the dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury retailer across the street from Trump Tower in Manhattan. The jury also found Trump liable for defaming Carroll when he denied her allegation in 2022. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll has done.Trump has successfully fended off other hefty court judgments, including a New York civil fraud penalty of over $500 million thrown out by a New York appeals court. The Supreme Court also granted him broad immunity  from criminal prosecution in 2024, though it later narrowly rejected his bid to halt sentencing in his New York hush money case. ___Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York and Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report.___Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/supreme-court-rejects-trumps-push-to-toss-5-million-verdict-in-e-jean-carroll-sexual-abuse-case/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:37:01.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMXM3PLLULFFUVOBJCPRLPSAW7M.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-rejects-trumps-push-to-toss-5-million-verdict-in-e-jean-carroll-sexual-abuse-case"},{"id":"hsqyxj","title":"Teams scramble to locate survivors four days after Venezuela earthquakes","excerpt":"Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira.","content":"Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-earthquake-update-teams-scramble-locate-survivors-days-earthquakes-death-toll-rises/19407667/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T07:45:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19407661_3bd4679a-87b6-4d6a-9944-970dfd84df4e.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"teams-scramble-to-locate-survivors-four-days-after-venezuela-earthquakes"},{"id":"mcmzxj","title":"Skydiving plane crashes in northeastern France, killing all 11 people on board","excerpt":"A skydiving plane has crashed in northeastern France, killing all 11 people on board.","content":"A skydiving plane has crashed in northeastern France, killing all 11 people on board.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/france-skydiving-crash-plane-crashes-nancy-essey-airfield-killing-11-people-board/19404869/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-29T03:17:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19409415_062826-kabc-france-skydiving-crash-tn-img.jpg","slug":"skydiving-plane-crashes-in-northeastern-france-killing-all-11-people-on-board"},{"id":"660sm4","title":"Houston named one of the best large cities for recent college graduates, new study says","excerpt":"Houston is one of the nation’s best large cities for recent college graduates looking to launch their careers, according to a new study, though another Texas city landed much higher on the list.A report from CoworkingCafe ranked Houston No. 30 among the country’s best large cities for recent grad...","content":"Houston is one of the nation’s best large cities for recent college graduates looking to launch their careers, according to a new study, though another Texas city landed much higher on the list.A report from CoworkingCafe ranked Houston No. 30 among the country’s best large cities for recent graduates, evaluating places based on factors such as employment opportunities, salaries, cost of living, access to coworking spaces, health insurance coverage and entertainment options.Houston earned high marks for its growing number of coworking spaces, ranking 15th nationally with 6.9 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents. The city also ranked 19th for leisure establishments, with 301.6 entertainment and recreation businesses per 100,000 residents, and posted a Regional Price Parity score of 98.6, suggesting living costs are close to the national average.Austin leads Texas among large citiesAustin was the highest-ranked Texas city on the list, coming in at No. 6 among large cities.The study found that:More than 53% of residents ages 18 to 34 hold a bachelor’s degree.Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median income of $80,920.The unemployment rate for people ages 20 to 29 is 5.2%.The city offers nearly 363 leisure establishments per 100,000 residents.Nearly 65% of residents have employer-sponsored health insurance.Dallas also made the rankings, placing No. 25 among large cities. Researchers highlighted the city’s relatively low unemployment rate for young adults and strong access to coworking spaces.Other Texas cities that made the listSeveral other Texas communities ranked among the nation’s best places for recent graduates.Mid-sized cities:Plano: No. 17Frisco: No. 28McKinney: No. 33Small cities:Richardson: No. 10Round Rock: No. 26League City: No. 33League City stood out for having one of the highest rates of employer-sponsored health insurance in the nation, with nearly 80% of residents covered. Richardson ranked in the top 10 among small cities thanks to its high median salaries for bachelor’s degree holders and highly educated young adult population.The rankings were based on factors including educational attainment, median earnings, unemployment among young adults, health insurance coverage, coworking availability, cost of living and access to leisure and entertainment.Readers can explore the complete rankings and methodology in the CoworkingCafe study.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/houston-named-one-of-the-best-large-cities-for-recent-college-graduates-new-study-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:16:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSQ6Z7PWPIBDQTDOBUAZUPDLABM.jpg","slug":"houston-named-one-of-the-best-large-cities-for-recent-college-graduates-new-study-says"},{"id":"4mlg6","title":"America 250 celebrations bring extraordinary security challenge to Washington","excerpt":"Federal law enforcement authorities are preparing for one of Washington, D.C.'s, largest and most complex security operations as the nation’s capital gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s freedom.With rising political violence, including recent incidents near the White House...","content":"Federal law enforcement authorities are preparing for one of Washington, D.C.'s, largest and most complex security operations as the nation’s capital gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s freedom.With rising political violence, including recent incidents near the White House, and a president who enjoys being at the center of public pomp yet has repeatedly faced attempts on his life, a major security challenge awaits.“It comes as no surprise to you that D.C. on a normal day is a target-rich environment,” said Darren B. Cox assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office at a recent press conference detailing the security preparations. “We are prepared for any threats.”Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks for the festivities. The throngs will be joined by thousands of law enforcement officers and agents and 5,000 National Guard troops, along with military-style vehicles and other hardware they don’t often see on the streets of America.Authorities are preparing for a major security operationThe largest crowds are expected July 4, with multiple events happening simultaneously, including the Great American State Fair, a showcase for each state and a signature attraction of the celebrations that stretches across the National Mall. The annual fireworks display that night is designated a National Security Special Event for the first time by the Department of Homeland Security, granting it the highest classification for federal security coordination.For visitors, that means strict ID requirements, long lines and magnetometers, similar to air travel security. Snipers are also expected to be deployed at some events. Flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is across the Potomac River from Washington, will be suspended longer than in other years because of the scope of the celebrations — from noon on July 4 until the next day. Other America 250 events that include flyovers or parachute jumps could prompt more flight disruptions.The FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Park Police and D.C. National Guard have all been involved in security coordination for the events. At the press conference earlier this month, equipment that could be deployed to guard the city was on display, including BearCat armored SWAT vehicles, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, known as MRAPs, as well as communication vans and FBI diving boats.“Our protective model is meant to adjust to any type of direct or indirect threats that we come across,” said Tara McLeese, special agent in charge of the Secret Service Washington Field Office. “I can assure you that we have no lack of imagination as to the potential threats out there.\" Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, interim commander of the D.C. National Guard, said the planning had been underway for months and included rehearsals.Blanchard said the guard members would continue the roles they have served the last 10 months as part of a deployment to the city President Donald Trump says is meant to fight crime. Blanchard highlighted that guard members, including military police officers, would be helping with duties like traffic and crowd control as well as responding to emergencies around the events. President Trump, who has already attended several events leading up to July 4, including the kickoff rally last week launching the Great American State Fair, has said on Truth Social that he would hold a rally on the National Mall.Speaking at a press conference Monday updating the upcoming security preparations, Cox reiterated that “at this time we are not tracking any credible threats related to the July 4th event, but we always remain vigilant.” Recent violence has shaped the threat pictureThe festivities come at a fraught moment, with recent political violence creating a complex threat environment for authorities. One man, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president after he sprinted past security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April. Allen has pleaded not guilty.In the following weeks, two men on two separate occasions opened fired at Secret Service officers, the service said. Each incident happened in the vicinity of the White House. More recently, the FBI announced it had thwarted a planned attack targeting Trump’s UFC cage-fighting show at the White House. Several suspects have been arrested in that case. Security was already enhanced on the National Mall ahead of the launch of festivities, as Trump claimed without providing evidence that vandals had damaged the Reflecting Pool that he had recently renovated. Matt Dallek, a political scientist at George Washington University who studies extremism, said Trump posed a unique security challenge because he is “both an accelerant and a target of political violence.”The nation’s bicentennial offers a historical parallelObservers draw some parallels to the 1976 bicentennial. The nation was coming off Watergate and Vietnam and 10 months before the celebration there were two assassination attempts against then-President Gerald Ford.“There was a lot of sourness in the country in ’76, a lot of cynicism about the direction of the country,” Dallek said. But both Ford and his democratic opponent Jimmy Carter understood the threat political divisions posed and “were looking to bring down the level of vitriol.”Angelyn Spaulding Flowers, Professor of Homeland Security & Administration of Justice at the University of the District of Columbia, said the amount of security was unparalleled for the city, citing the ongoing and open-ended National Guard presence that has flooded Washington with additional security patrols for months.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/29/america-250-celebrations-bring-extraordinary-security-challenge-to-washington/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gary Fields, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:25:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FP4KOP5NYIFDGVIYZEGDKXXQ744.jpg","slug":"america-250-celebrations-bring-extraordinary-security-challenge-to-washington"},{"id":"5z96e1","title":"Gotham signs Australian striker Sam Kerr through the 2030 season","excerpt":"Australian striker Sam Kerr is joining Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer league after spending the past six-plus seasons with Chelsea.Gotham announced signing Kerr on Monday to a deal that will keep her with the team through 2030. The move marks a return to the NWSL for Kerr, who previousl...","content":"Australian striker Sam Kerr is joining Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer league after spending the past six-plus seasons with Chelsea.Gotham announced signing Kerr on Monday to a deal that will keep her with the team through 2030. The move marks a return to the NWSL for Kerr, who previously played for Sky Blue — which later became Gotham — from 2015-17.She also played for the Chicago Red Stars before moving to Chelsea in November 2019. Kerr remains the NWSL's top regular-season scorer with 77 career goals and led the league in scoring for three straight seasons from 2017-19. She won league MVP awards in 2017 and 2019.Kerr, 32, also is the all-time leading scorer for the Australia, among men or women, with 75 international goals, surpassing men's leader Tim Cahill with 51. She led the Matildas to the semifinals of the 2023 Women's World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand.“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr said in a statement released by the team. “This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”Known for her backflip goal celebrations, Kerr is widely considered one of the best strikers in the world. She's the only player to have won a Golden Boot in three different leagues.“Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football,” said Yael Averbuch West, president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “Her winning mentality, relentless competitiveness and ability to decide matches in an instant make her one of the most impactful players in the game. Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.”Gotham won the league title last year and in 2023. The team’s loaded roster already includes such players as Esther González, who won the 2023 World Cup with Spain, German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, U.S. midfielder Rose Lavelle and England defender Jess Carter.Kerr finished with 17 goals last season for Chelsea. She scored 65 goals in the Women’s Super League and won the league’s Golden Boot twice. She scored 116 goals in all competitions, tying Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer Fran Kirby. Chelsea won five WSL titles, three FA Cups and three League Cups during Kerr’s tenure with the club.She also played professionally in the W League in Australia.Kerr is married to American Kristie Mewis, who also played in the NWSL and the English WSL, as well as for the U.S. national team. The couple have a son, Jagger Mewis-Kerr, who was born in May 2025. ___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/gotham-signs-australian-striker-sam-kerr-through-the-2030-season/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:04:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNYPKDBTKI5CABC7BJ73KIOLYQY.jpg","slug":"gotham-signs-australian-striker-sam-kerr-through-the-2030-season"},{"id":"ipzjuh","title":"17-year-old's body found in water near Texas City Dike following search, EquuSearch says","excerpt":"The Texas EquuSearch team said they found a teen's body in the water near the Texas City Dike the day after he was reported missing while rafting.","content":"The Texas EquuSearch team said they found a teen's body in the water near the Texas City Dike the day after he was reported missing while rafting.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/search-17-year-old-rafter-underway-texas-city-dike-equusearch-says/19399334/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Sarah Al-Shaikh","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:40:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19400520_062726-ktrk-TN-missing-teen-equusearch-composite-img.png","slug":"17-year-olds-body-found-in-water-near-texas-city-dike-following-search-equusearch-says"},{"id":"qfaoq0","title":"Montgomery Co. deputy struck and killed while investigating DWI crash on North Freeway, sheriff says","excerpt":"A Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy was struck and killed early Sunday while investigating a suspected drunk driving crash along Interstate 45, authorities said.","content":"A Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy was struck and killed early Sunday while investigating a suspected drunk driving crash along Interstate 45, authorities said.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/montgomery-county-sheriffs-office-deputy-killed-another-injured-responding-multi-vehicle-crash-north-fwy-mcso-says/19403575/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Tony Atkins","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:36:57.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19406531_mcso-crash-deputy-killed-TN-img.png","slug":"montgomery-co-deputy-struck-and-killed-while-investigating-dwi-crash-on-north-freeway-sheriff-says"},{"id":"vapu2a","title":"Less diverse history, more Bible stories in public schools get initial OK by Texas board","excerpt":"The State Board of Education will hold a final vote Friday on incorporating more Christian stories into classrooms and deemphasizing race and cultural diversity in history lessons.","content":"The State Board of Education will hold a final vote Friday on incorporating more Christian stories into classrooms and deemphasizing race and cultural diversity in history lessons.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/25/555511/texas-votes-bible-history-lessons-public-schools/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Jaden Edison, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-25T13:40:20.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25083336%2FSBOECurriculum-TT-450x298.jpg","slug":"less-diverse-history-more-bible-stories-in-public-schools-get-initial-ok-by-texas-board"},{"id":"meiexg","title":"US government to oppose plan to sell Titanic artifacts","excerpt":"The federal government argues that a plan to auction hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic would violate court orders, while the company that owns salvage rights to the Titanic wreck contends that it would not.","content":"The federal government argues that a plan to auction hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic would violate court orders, while the company that owns salvage rights to the Titanic wreck contends that it would not.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/us-government-oppose-sell-titanic-artifacts","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Daniel.Miller@fox.com (Daniel Miller)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:32:50.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftitanic.jpg","slug":"us-government-to-oppose-plan-to-sell-titanic-artifacts"},{"id":"a1j5it","title":"Texas, Oklahoma transportation agencies to share real-time traffic data under new agreement","excerpt":"The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced Monday they have launched a new data-sharing agreement that will allow the two states to exchange real-time transportation information to improve traffic operations, traveler information ...","content":"The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced Monday they have launched a new data-sharing agreement that will allow the two states to exchange real-time transportation information to improve traffic operations, traveler information and emergency response.According to the agencies, the agreement creates a system-to-system connection that shares critical transportation data along major corridors connecting Texas and Oklahoma, helping both states better monitor road conditions and respond to incidents.“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when states work together to deliver better outcomes for the traveling public,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a statement. “By sharing data across state lines, we are improving situational awareness, supporting faster response to incidents and providing more reliable travel information.”ODOT Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said the collaboration will help build a more connected transportation network across the region.“By aligning our systems and sharing critical data, we are better equipped to serve the public and respond to both everyday conditions and emergency situations,” Gatz said.The agencies said the agreement aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Digital Corridors Initiative, which encourages states to modernize transportation systems through connected technology.What information will be shared?Under the agreement, TxDOT and ODOT will exchange a wide range of real-time transportation data, including:Traffic camera status and imagesCrash, stalled vehicle and roadway hazard informationDynamic message sign status and messagesTraffic speeds, volumes and lane-level conditionsLane closures and work zone informationTravel timesEnvironmental sensor dataOfficials said the data exchange is powered through a center-to-center connection, allowing each agency to integrate and display the information within its traffic management system.Timed ahead of World Cup travelTransportation officials said the agreement was implemented in time to support increased travel expected during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing both states to better coordinate traffic operations during periods of high demand.The agencies are also exploring additional features for the future, including:Truck parking availabilityFreight corridor restrictions and routing informationSpecial event traffic coordinationEmergency and evacuation route dataOfficials said travelers are already benefiting from improved visibility into traffic conditions along shared highways, with additional enhancements planned as the partnership expands.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/texas-oklahoma-transportation-agencies-to-share-real-time-traffic-data-under-new-agreement/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:48:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7FTODLFOHNA6JAJUKV7MAEIGRI.png","slug":"texas-oklahoma-transportation-agencies-to-share-real-time-traffic-data-under-new-agreement"},{"id":"dmc1du","title":"Star-maker Clive Davis honored at funeral that draws Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick and others","excerpt":"Kenny G played a mournful sax solo, Jennifer Hudson's voice soared and Bruce Springsteen spoke glowingly at the funeral Monday for music legend Clive Davis, as pop royalty honored a man who championed so many of their careers.Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Ja Rule and Stevie Wonder w...","content":"Kenny G played a mournful sax solo, Jennifer Hudson's voice soared and Bruce Springsteen spoke glowingly at the funeral Monday for music legend Clive Davis, as pop royalty honored a man who championed so many of their careers.Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Ja Rule and Stevie Wonder were among the other musical stars at the service. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Adrien Brody, Hoda Kotb and Gayle King were among the other notables.Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl said Davis would have been thrilled by the turnout. “Clive would have loved this,” she said. “He’d have been touched to have filled the house, thrilled by the superstars who have come to share tributes to him.”The service was closed to the public but was livestreamed from Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Davis, a record company lawyer who rose to become one of music’s most influential figures, launched the careers of numerous stars, including Whitney Houston, Springsteen, Keys and Kenny G, and influenced others such as Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead.Springsteen called him big, bombastic and brave. “He was born to run everything,” The Boss said. He remembered meeting him at age 22 in 1972, his anxiety rising. “I can’t wait to hear you,” Davis told him. After his audition, the executive simply said: “Welcome to Columbia Records.\" \"In those few words, he changed my life forever,” Springsteen said.Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 94, a few weeks after he was hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue.Buchdahl asked what song Davis most admired that was not something he had a hand in and was told “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg in 1938 for the film “The Wizard of Oz.” Buchdahl then sang a soaring version. “You have a home at Sony Music Classics,” joked Rob Stringer, the CEO of Sony Music Entertainment.Warwick told a story about how Davis urged her to work with Manilow in the late 1970s, which she initially resisted. But Davis’ suggestion was fruitful: Their partnership, the album “Dionne,” went platinum and earned two Grammy Awards. “So Barry and I became very, very good friends that day,” she said to laughter.Manilow recalled Davis urging him to record the rock song “Brandy,” written by Scott English and Richard Kerr. Manilow turned it into a love song and played it for Davis. “Just do that,” Davis told him. They renamed it “Mandy.” It went to No. 1. “He believed in me from the very beginning,” Manilow said.Hudson sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and then grew emotional as she transitioned to “I Will Always Love You,” a hit for Houston. ”We love you, Clive\" she said before getting a standing ovation.While many record execs saw their influence wane as they grew older, Davis' seemed to grow. He breathed new life into the careers of established artists such as Aretha Franklin and Santana, and helped launch Keys and several early “American Idol” winners' careers, including Kelly Clarkson's.Springsteen said a world had died with Davis' passing — the record executive-led top-down changemakers that also included such visionaries as Berry Gordy, Ahmet Ertegun, Mo Ostin and Jerry Wexler: “Men who defined, loved and sustained the record business.”“There isn’t a day when I don’t sit on my big front porch in my big house, surrounded by my big cars with my big family, looking out over my big yard, and Clive doesn’t come somewhere whistling around the top of my brain,” Springsteen said.Keys was in tears when she approached the podium and borrowed a handkerchief. “I'm actually not a crier. I'm in a strange place,” she told the crowd. She recalled being 15 when she first met Davis, running because she was late, and playing songs for him on a piano. “You saw something in me that I was just beginning to see in myself,” she read in a letter to Davis.“In a world that so often reduces art to commerce, and genius to product, you held the line. You reminded me again and again that what we were doing was about truth and legacy, and about the human heart reaching out to another human heart and saying, ’You are not alone.”Davis is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. An instrumental version of Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” played as Davis coffin was carried out of the synagogue.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/29/star-marker-clive-davis-to-be-honored-at-funeral-heres-how-to-watch/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:32:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMFFMQZMHHZAJTPHQTZ4ETIK4MM.jpg","slug":"star-maker-clive-davis-honored-at-funeral-that-draws-bruce-springsteen-dionne-warwick-and-others"},{"id":"lu2dlw","title":"300 free A/C units distributed to Precinct 4 families, commissioner says","excerpt":"Commissioner Lesley Briones and her team distributed the A/C units to pre-selected Precinct 4 families as part of the Cool 4 the Summer program.","content":"Commissioner Lesley Briones and her team distributed the A/C units to pre-selected Precinct 4 families as part of the Cool 4 the Summer program.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/300-free-ac-units-distributed-precinct-4-families-commissioner-says/19408492/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:16:55.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19408624_062826-ktrk-portable-ac-unit-distribution-pct-4-img.png","slug":"300-free-ac-units-distributed-to-precinct-4-families-commissioner-says"},{"id":"bntidh","title":"The ultimate guide to America 250 merchandise for an epic celebration","excerpt":"Show off your patriotic spirit with America 250 merchandise you can't miss.","content":"Show off your patriotic spirit with America 250 merchandise you can't miss.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/america-250-merchandise-celebrate-us-anniversary-4th-july-year-have-items/19313465/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-29T00:58:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.abcnewsfe.com%2Fa%2F1b12b45f-d475-47cb-92ee-5d74b4ddbafc%2Famerica-graphic-abc-jef-260602_1780400776905_hpMain.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-america-250-merchandise-for-an-epic-celebration"},{"id":"9aqre6","title":"Americans' pride in US history and democracy drops, and fewer are proud to be American, polls find","excerpt":"Americans have grown less proud of their country's history or the way its democracy works over the past decade, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Americans’ pride in the U.S. on several key attributes has dropped since 2017 — including the nation's military and its political influence around the g...","content":"Americans have grown less proud of their country's history or the way its democracy works over the past decade, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Americans’ pride in the U.S. on several key attributes has dropped since 2017 — including the nation's military and its political influence around the globe — according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This poll was conducted in April, as the United States and Iran fought over the Strait of Hormuz in a prolonged war that started with the U.S. and Israel launching strikes on Iran. New Gallup polling also finds that only 53% of U.S. adults are “extremely” or “very” proud to be an American, the lowest reading in the trend dating back to 2001. The findings point to a broad decline in patriotic sentiment over a tumultuous period that included most of President Donald Trump's first term, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation that contributed to a backlash against President Joe Biden. That timeframe also covers Trump's return to the White House, where he's taken more aggressive actions on immigration and issues abroad.Much of the falling positivity comes from Democrats, who have become increasingly disenchanted with the country since Trump's first term.At the same time, most U.S. adults say that being an American is “extremely” or “very” important to their identity, highlighting an enduring connection, even as some become increasingly critical of the country's past or the government’s current actions. American pride declines on the armed forces and democracyAmericans' pride in the way democracy works in the U.S. has declined 14 percentage points, falling from 42% in February 2017 to 28% now. In addition, Americans' pride in their armed forces has dropped 19 percentage points since 2017, and pride in the U.S.’s history has declined 14 percentage points. In each case, the drop is largely driven by Democrats, with some movement among independents as well.Karla Galdamez — a 48-year-old Democrat who used to teach U.S. history — believes America has regressed under the Trump administration. While the Californian is not proud of Trump, she is pleased with how far the U.S. has come in 250 years. “It’s a country that really wanted to be different and really wanted to be better,\" she said. \"Despite some of the very ugly history that we have of segregation and slavery ... if you look at the trajectory of the last 250 years, we’ve done nothing but get better and move toward a more egalitarian nation.”Only 14% of Democrats and 28% of independents say they are “extremely\" proud to be an American, according to Gallup's new poll, compared with 70% of Republicans. The AP-NORC poll found that Republicans are especially likely to be proud of the nation's armed forces. About 9 in 10 Republicans say the military makes them “extremely” or “very” proud, compared with about 6 in 10 U.S. adults.Samantha Fulks, a 40-year-old in San Antonio, Texas, says she’s proud to be an American and doesn't hide it. The Texas Republican showcases that pride with an American flag in her front yard — as well as Trump flags in the back yard — and she plans to wear red, white and blue on the Fourth of July. Fulks comes from a military family, and while she believes the country's involvement in Iran is unnecessary, she remains a proud supporter of the military. “I still support our troops no matter what they do,” Fulks said. Being an American matters more for personal identity among Republicans and older adultsMatt Stafford, a 39-year-old in Massachusetts, is proud of being an American, even if the U.S. political system frustrates him. He has a bald eagle tattooed on his back to represent the United States, its freedoms and “all the things we’re supposed to stand for as a country.” But despite that national pride, he often finds himself frustrated by politicians on both sides. Stafford — a centrist who identifies as “politically homeless” — wants Democrats and Republicans to come together to look out for their constituents in middle America.“I love America, but our biggest problem is how we’re pushing both sides — like the left and the right — to the extremes,\" he said.For many Americans, their partisanship is often intertwined with their national identity. The poll finds that Republicans are much likelier than Democrats or independents to say being an American is “extremely” or “very” important to their personal identity.Younger people are also much less likely than older people to say being an American is highly important to their personal identity. About three-quarters of Americans ages 60 and older say being an American is highly important to them, compared with only about one-third of U.S. adults under 30.Race or ethnicity matters more to many Black AmericansThe AP-NORC survey found that the vast majority of Black Americans — 73% — say their race or ethnicity is “extremely” or “very” important to how they see themselves, higher than the share that say that about being an American. Vincent Harris, a 60-year-old in California, says his identity as a Black man rises above other attributes for him because of how Black men are treated in America.“A lot of people are scared of Black men just because we are Black and we are male. And that's crazy,” Harris said. “People don't even take you for who you are as a person; they just look at your race.”About half of Hispanic Americans say their race or ethnicity is highly important to them, compared with 22% of white Americans. Black and Hispanic adults are also more likely than white adults to say their family’s ancestry or country of origin is highly important to their personal identity. Harris, who identifies as a gay man, says being an American is “a wonderful thing” because of the freedoms that Americans have, despite the obstacles he's had to overcome. “It’s great to be an American — regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or whatever. As long as you have that freedom of choice as an American, that’s a great thing,\" Harris said. \"Right now, I wouldn’t live in any other country in the world. I’m here. I love it.”___The AP-NORC poll of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/americans-pride-in-us-history-and-democracy-drops-and-fewer-are-proud-to-be-american-polls-find/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Linley Sanders, Simran Parwani And Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:02:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLEJ77JEFLNEZ7OO3YQKKAUC5MI.jpg","slug":"americans-pride-in-us-history-and-democracy-drops-and-fewer-are-proud-to-be-american-polls-find"},{"id":"gw4kau","title":"Power outages in Fort Bend County neighborhoods due to knocked down power lines, Precinct 1 says","excerpt":"According to CenterPoint, 5,300 customers were impacted after a truck hit and pulled down power lines in Brookshire, adding that as of 1 p.m., only four customers remained without power.","content":"According to CenterPoint, 5,300 customers were impacted after a truck hit and pulled down power lines in Brookshire, adding that as of 1 p.m., only four customers remained without power.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/power-outages-fort-bend-county-neighborhoods-due-knocked-down-lines-precinct-1-constable-says/19405307/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-28T19:39:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19405276_fort-bend-co-power-outage-w-credit-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"power-outages-in-fort-bend-county-neighborhoods-due-to-knocked-down-power-lines-precinct-1-says"},{"id":"6w392g","title":"Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval","excerpt":"Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump's presence wasn't far away. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the ...","content":"Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump's presence wasn't far away. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the stage and, in Trump's voice, joked that he would accept the award himself. Trump was a punchline for other comedians and entertainers, including Whitney Cummings, Jay Leno and Woody Harrelson. For the most part, the barbs weren't particularly biting. Cummings, for instance, said that under Trump's influence, the Kennedy Center would host “white ‘Hamilton.’” And once Friend left the stage, Maher largely steered clear of hitting the president. The commentary was nonetheless notable for unfolding in an iconic performing arts venue that Trump has gone to extraordinary lengths to bend to his favor, leaving its future in the coming years uncertain.Accepting the award, Maher derided extremes in both political parties, rejecting what he called “groupthink.” “If you hang around long enough and create something important enough, everyone hates you at some point,” Maher said.The ceremony in the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall wasn't purely political. There were plenty of jokes about Maher's fondness for marijuana, his rejection of organized religion and his penchant for controversy, including comments he made shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that led to the cancellation of his television show, “Politically Incorrect.” The Kennedy Center's uncertain future hangs over eventBut the future of the Kennedy Center hung most prominently over the event.Shortly after Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, the Republican president fired much of the center's leadership and installed a board largely composed of allies. It named Trump as chairman and his name was added to the building's iconic facade, prompting a legal battle that became a proxy fight over the extent of the president's power.Trump later said the Kennedy Center would close in July for a two-year renovation. But U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper upended those plans in May by ruling that Trump's name was illegally added to the building, ordering it removed. The judge also has blocked the closure.Trump's name has come down from the building, in compliance with the judge's order. But the part of the building once covered with letters spelling the president's name is now shrouded in a tarp. The full closure is on hold. Lawyers for the Kennedy Center have said they are not planning for now to build out programming.Cooper has asked for an update next month on how long the tarp will remain on the building. For now, the final event scheduled for the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall is “The Freedom Gathering: A Musical Celebration” on July 3. The legal fight has turned into a saga that at points became fodder for jokes at the Twain gala. At one point, Harrelson joked “we fixed that\" in a nod to the court order calling for Trump's name to be removed from the building.Ahead of the ceremony, Lutnick said Trump “wants to make this building sensational.”But others were more skeptical. As he walked the red carpet ahead of the ceremony, Leno said Trump’s moves at the Kennedy Center were both “hilarious” and about “vanity.”“It's not a war,” he said. “It's not people getting killed. It's not antisemitism. It's a silly thing covering a name. I mean what's funnier than that? I mean it's just like, you know it's high school with money.” Friend said he felt there was a “hunger games vibe” as he entered the building. “It's crazy,” he said of the changes Trump has pushed for.Maher has a fraught relationship with TrumpGiven Trump's sway over the Kennedy Center, Maher's selection for the award was notable because the two men have long had a fraught relationship. Before he entered politics, Trump filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher in 2013 for breach of contract. Appearing on Leno’s “The Tonight Show,” Maher said he would give $5 million to the charity of Trump’s choice if Trump could prove he was not “the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.”Trump claimed that when he provided his birth certificate, Maher did not pay up, prompting the lawsuit. Trump ended up dropping it.The Trump-Maher relationship exploded again earlier this year, when the president claimed on social media that he wasted time sitting down for a meal with the comedian last year. Lutnick noted that Trump had written out all the critical comments he'd made about Maher over the years and autographed the document.“You've got to be able to laugh at it,” Lutnick said. “The president can laugh at it. Bill Maher can laugh at it. And that's what makes tonight great.”Maher hosted Vice President JD Vance on his show heading into the weekend. Vance, who is promoting a book, said he watches the show and laughed at Maher's monologue “even though you were making fun of me.” During the interview, Maher pressed Vance on the Iran war, immigration enforcement and election conspiracy theories.“You guys have two outcomes that an election can be,” Maher told Vance. “Either we win or they cheated. That s—- has to stop.”The Twain prize ceremony will air on Netflix on July 21.___Associated Press videojournalist John Carucci contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/28/humor-laurels-for-comedian-bill-maher-as-the-kennedy-center-navigates-trump-era-upheaval/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steven Sloan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:37:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRLVKHIR5SZD75GCTHU2C7AP2BY.jpg","slug":"bill-maher-accepts-twain-humor-prize-as-the-kennedy-center-navigates-trump-era-upheaval"},{"id":"5hodi9","title":"OSHA proposes $3.5M in fines after Channelview sulfuric acid spill injured workers","excerpt":"The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed more than $3.5 million in penalties against three companies after federal investigators found they failed to protect workers during cleanup efforts following a massive sulfuric acid spill at an industrial facility in Channelview.The department’s Occupatio...","content":"The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed more than $3.5 million in penalties against three companies after federal investigators found they failed to protect workers during cleanup efforts following a massive sulfuric acid spill at an industrial facility in Channelview.The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched three inspections after a Dec. 27, 2025, sulfuric acid spill at the BWC Terminals facility that injured multiple employees.PREVIOUS: Channelview chemical spill lawsuit alleges safety failures by BWC TerminalsAccording to OSHA, BWC Terminals mixed fresh and spent sulfuric acid despite safety warnings, causing a tank to become overpressurized. Investigators said the pressure ruptured a supply line, releasing about 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid and injuring multiple workers.After the spill, BWC Terminals hired Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. to oversee hazardous waste cleanup. Coastal Environmental Solutions then subcontracted One Way Environmental Services LLC to provide laborers for the cleanup and remediation work.“Despite having full knowledge of the severe hazards involved in the spill and cleanup response, these three employers chose to bypass OSHA requirements and put their workers at serious risk,” Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling said in a statement. “Their joint failure to protect workers was not an oversight, it was a choice that resulted in preventable employee injuries and environmental impacts. We will not hesitate to hold employers accountable when they ignore federal laws that are in place to protect workers safety and health.”RELATED: 1M gallons of sulfuric acid spilled, some into ship channel from Channelview chemical leakOSHA cited One Way Environmental Services LLC with 18 willful egregious violations and five serious violations, alleging the company sent workers to clean up the chemical spill without adequate training, respirator fit testing or other required safety measures. The agency proposed $3,045,452 in penalties.Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. faces $392,501 in proposed penalties for two willful and five serious violations. OSHA said the company failed to provide adequate worker training, establish a safety and health program, develop an emergency response plan for hazardous waste operations and ensure proper respirator use.BWC Terminals received six serious citations, with OSHA alleging the company exposed workers to chemical burns, failed to provide hazardous materials training and had deficiencies related to respirator use. The agency proposed $82,750 in penalties.Combined, OSHA is seeking $3,520,703 in proposed penalties against the three employers.The companies have 15 business days after receiving the citations to comply with OSHA’s findings, request an informal conference with the agency’s area director or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/osha-proposes-dollar35m-in-fines-after-channelview-sulfuric-acid-spill-injured-workers/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-29T14:56:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2BODM4GHWNDCVC3GGO64ZFKZFU.jpg","slug":"osha-proposes-35m-in-fines-after-channelview-sulfuric-acid-spill-injured-workers"},{"id":"58m1h7","title":"Andy Burnham says he’d hand more power to local governments if he becomes UK leader","excerpt":"Andy Burnham, likely the next U.K. prime minister, pledged Monday to give away a chunk of his power by handing greater autonomy to local leaders in a “circuit-breaker” for the sclerotic British state.The former mayor of Greater Manchester also said he would move part of the prime minister’s offic...","content":"Andy Burnham, likely the next U.K. prime minister, pledged Monday to give away a chunk of his power by handing greater autonomy to local leaders in a “circuit-breaker” for the sclerotic British state.The former mayor of Greater Manchester also said he would move part of the prime minister’s office from London’s 10 Downing St. to northwest England as part of “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen.”“Growth cannot be ordered from the top down. Instead, it can only be nurtured from the bottom up,” Burnham said in a speech aimed at bringing voters, Labour Party colleagues and financial markets up to speed with his economic vision. Burnham is the strong favorite to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation last week.“If councils can’t fix potholes, what chance do they have of bringing forward major regeneration schemes to get growth going?” Burnham said. He set out a 10-year plan to get “good growth in every postcode,” in a country where wealth and power are concentrated in London and the south of England.He said he would reverse almost two decades of low growth since the 2008 financial crisis through an approach dubbed “Manchesterism” — harnessing private and public money to invest in areas like transport, housing and infrastructure. He also pledged to create new industrial jobs and better educational opportunities, and to reform the U.K.’s inefficient and expensive privatized water and energy utilities.Moving the new ‘No. 10 North’ to ManchesterDuring the speech at the People’s History Museum in the city where he spent nine years as mayor, Burnham said a new government office in Manchester – dubbed “No. 10 North” — would oversee regional development and become “the nerve center of a rewired Britain,” tasked with equalizing living standards across the country. Regional mayors would get more power over housing, welfare and education as part of his planned reforms.Burnham’s rousing speech was short on specifics about where the government would find more money, and he didn’t take questions from journalists.Burnham won praise for his role in revitalizing and regenerating Manchester, but he has not served in a U.K. government for almost two decades, and may struggle to replicate “Manchesterism” on a U.K.-wide scale.The Institute for Public Policy Research, a left-leaning think tank, said Burnham is right to focus on “rebalancing Britain.\"“The U.K.’s concentration of power and opportunity in Westminster has held back growth, productivity and living standards for too long,” said IPPR Executive Director Harry Quilter-Pinner. “The real test now is delivery.”Matthew Flinders, a politics professor at the University of Sheffield, said replicating Burnham’s Manchester approach on a national level would require “a fundamental shift\" in the way politics is done in Britain.“And at the heart of that would be moving from a very traditional, elitist, centralized model of politics toward something that is in many ways far more European, far more based on power-sharing in order to develop long-term policymaking capacity,” he said.Burnham is likely to inherit Starmer's challengesBurnham will be aware that Starmer also announced a 10-year mission — the equivalent of two full terms in government —- to transform Britain soon after he was elected in a landslide in July 2024. Starmer is leaving after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.Burnham won a special election for a seat in Parliament on June 18 and was sworn in as a lawmaker on June 22, the same day Starmer announced that he will resign as soon as a successor is chosen. Burnham is so far the only contender in the Labour Party leadership contest. If no one challenges him, he will become prime minister by July 20.While Burnham is considered more charismatic than the stolid Starmer, he will face many of the same political and economic challenges, including a sluggish economy, tattered public services and a cost-of-living squeeze. He will also be constrained by the platform the center-left Labour Party was elected on in 2024, with its pledges not to increase taxes on working people.And like other NATO countries, the U.K. is under pressure to dramatically increase defense spending to counter a more aggressive Russia and less reliable United States. The government’s long-awaited defense investment plan — which sparked the resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey on June 11 — is expected to be published before a NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8. Starmer’s successor will be expected to stick to the commitments in the plan.“Andy Burnham’s big idea is to shuffle power between politicians,” said opposition Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake. “Not fix the welfare system. Not cut the taxes strangling working families and British business. Not fund the defense our country desperately needs.”___Lawless reported from London. Associated Press Writer Brian Melley contributed to this story.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/29/andy-burnham-says-hell-deliver-a-circuit-breaker-to-transform-the-uk-economy-if-he-becomes-leader/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alastair Grant And Jill Lawless, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:00:18.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTERGHQDKNJDQHB4DNIFJ64FBXM.jpg","slug":"andy-burnham-says-hed-hand-more-power-to-local-governments-if-he-becomes-uk-leader"},{"id":"aqzgh7","title":"Happy birthday, 2000 Year Old Man. Mel Brooks is turning 100","excerpt":"Mel Brooks turns 100 today - a century of comedy from a Brooklyn legend who never stopped making us laugh.","content":"Mel Brooks turns 100 today - a century of comedy from a Brooklyn legend who never stopped making us laugh.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/Mel-Brooks-turns-100-Happy-birthday-comedian-filmmaker-2000-Year-Old-Man/19403840/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:48:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19403815_AP26021205230898.jpg","slug":"happy-birthday-2000-year-old-man-mel-brooks-is-turning-100"},{"id":"sx39fs","title":"Supreme Court won't revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million suit against CNN","excerpt":"The Supreme Court refused Monday to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit filed against CNN over its coverage of a prominent attorney's remarks made while defending President Donald Trump during his 2020 impeachment.The majority declined to take up the case in a brief, unexplained order. Justi...","content":"The Supreme Court refused Monday to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit filed against CNN over its coverage of a prominent attorney's remarks made while defending President Donald Trump during his 2020 impeachment.The majority declined to take up the case in a brief, unexplained order. Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented, calling on the court to reconsider the legal standards for public figures who claim defamation. Alan Dershowitz said the news network aired only a portion of the comment made during his defense of the president, distorting his meaning to make him look like he’d “lost his mind,” according to court documents.The network said that multiple outlets had interpreted his remarks in a similar way, and Dershowitz couldn’t show CNN was trying to mischaracterize what he said.In his appeal, Dershowitz had urged the court to reconsider New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. The landmark First Amendment case that made it harder for public figures to win libel lawsuits because it requires proof that an outlet knowingly published something false, or showed a reckless disregard for the truth.Dershowitz, a retired Harvard Law School professor and legal commentator, was part of Trump's defense team during his impeachment trial over allegations that Trump wanted political favors from Ukraine in return for U.S. military aid. Trump was acquitted by the Senate.Dershowitz responded to a question at one point by saying, “the only thing that would make a quid pro quo unlawful is if the quo were somehow illegal.\" Providing arms to Ukraine, he said, isn't illegal.He alleged that CNN only played what he said moments later: “Every public official that I know believes that his election is in the public interest and, mostly, they are right, your election is in the public interest, and if the president does something which he believes will help him get elected in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment.”Dershowitz said the edit made it seem like he was arguing a president could avoid impeachment for illegal acts as long as he was doing it to get reelected – a concept his original suit called “preposterous and foolish on its face.”CNN countered by saying it did air his full remarks during its live coverage, and invited him on twice more to expand on his meaning.Lower courts tossed out the suit, finding that Dershowitz hadn’t shown CNN acted with “actual malice” in its reporting, making it fall short of the standard set by New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/supreme-court-wont-revive-alan-dershowitzs-300-million-suit-against-cnn/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T13:53:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO5L5QNWEGFHMDEUH3DUVMSFYCA.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-wont-revive-alan-dershowitzs-300-million-suit-against-cnn"},{"id":"isb3u","title":"Woman shot near downtown Houston, suspect fled, police department says","excerpt":"A woman was shot near downtown Houston while the suspect fled the scene in an unknown vehicle, according to police.","content":"A woman was shot near downtown Houston while the suspect fled the scene in an unknown vehicle, according to police.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/woman-shot-downtown-houston-suspect-fled-investigation-underway-police-department-says/19405727/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:21:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"woman-shot-near-downtown-houston-suspect-fled-police-department-says"},{"id":"nir43d","title":"List: Houston’s top watch parties for Brazil vs. Japan that feel like home","excerpt":"Houston has just one week of FIFA action left in town, ending on Independence Day, and it all kicks off with one of the tournament’s biggest matchups: Brazil vs. Japan.Whether Brazilian or Japanese, or simply looking for a place to celebrate at places that feel like home with fans who share your ...","content":"Houston has just one week of FIFA action left in town, ending on Independence Day, and it all kicks off with one of the tournament’s biggest matchups: Brazil vs. Japan.Whether Brazilian or Japanese, or simply looking for a place to celebrate at places that feel like home with fans who share your vibe, Houston is bringing it. Here’s a list of the top places to watch.BrazilEmpório Brazilian Grill & Green12288 Westheimer Rd. #210A, Houston, TX 77077Hours: Monday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Empório is one of the longtime favorite spots for Brazilians to find community in H-Town, and this place is going all out for the World Cup. The venue will feature fresh, made-from-scratch Brazilian dishes, drink specials, appetizers and live music. Menu items represent cuisine from every part of Brazil. It will be a hot spot, and reservations are required with a 170-person capacity limit.Fabian’s Latin Flavors        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by U E A Multi Media Agency (@uehtx)\n301 Main St., Houston, TX 77002Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. every match day.Fans can expect this place to get pumping very quickly. The live match screenings, Brazilian dancers, music, vendors and an energetic after-party make it a destination spot to have some fun. The venue has multiple viewing areas, including some indoor and outdoor spaces featuring a large courtyard. Food specials for FIFA will be available, as well as bottle service specials.Tourão Brazilian Churrascaria        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Tourão Brazilian Churrasqueria (@mytourao)\n4412 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006Hours: Mon.-Thu.: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.At this spot, you can fill up like a balloon while watching these games, as Tourão is offering a $44.95 all-you-can-eat World Cup special during Monday’s matches. The food comes fresh off the fire with a variety of great Brazilian meats.JapanDamn Good Game        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Marissa Fiala | Houston, TX (@houstonhotspots)\n1919 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77008Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.This retro-inspired sports bar is teaming up with TokyoX to bring the biggest Japanese party to Houston. The bar brings the flavor to life with endless special options from the West and East, with flavors like Japanese curry flatbread and edamame. Fans can also enjoy the matches with drink specials that include Japanese whisky and other alcoholic beverages.Know of another World Cup Japan vs. Brazil watch party?Let us know, and we will add it to this continuously updated list of all the FIFA fun happening in Houston","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/list-houstons-top-watch-parties-for-brazil-vs-japan-that-feel-like-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Zion Webb","publishDate":"2026-06-27T01:31:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJCMJ7MZE6VHL3JU5MHLSH3X4N4.jpg","slug":"list-houstons-top-watch-parties-for-brazil-vs-japan-that-feel-like-home"},{"id":"3p853o","title":"Gender-bending is now part of menswear. Paris runways show how mainstream it has become","excerpt":"This was men’s fashion season. The women were everywhere.They walked the coed Paris runways at Amiri and Ami. At Vetements, women modeled many of the “menswear” looks, and Sharon Stone closed the show in thigh-high boots.Inside fashion, none of this was eyebrow-raising.The gender blur was not hap...","content":"This was men’s fashion season. The women were everywhere.They walked the coed Paris runways at Amiri and Ami. At Vetements, women modeled many of the “menswear” looks, and Sharon Stone closed the show in thigh-high boots.Inside fashion, none of this was eyebrow-raising.The gender blur was not happening on the margins. It was built into Paris Men’s Fashion Week, which ended Sunday, where a multibillion-dollar luxury industry shows what it thinks men will want next.It has reached menswear advertising, too. A pregnant Rihanna became the face of Pharrell Williams’ first Louis Vuitton men’s campaign in 2023, appearing on a giant Paris billboard with her baby bump exposed and arms full of Vuitton bags.“It’s not something completely new,” said Joseph McBrinn, art historian at Ulster University.Women have paraded through menswear collections for so many seasons that it barely registers with fashion insiders anymore — even as a Gen Z mainstream, only now catching up to the gender-bending David Bowie flaunted in the ’70s, treats it as the cutting edge.In recent decades, he said, fashion has moved “from very binary understandings of gender and fashion to something which is today very fluid” — reflective, he added, of how younger people now think.The deeper confusion: They do not always travel together.At Issey Miyake’s IM Men, by the brand’s account, the cast was entirely male — yet the show still read as androgynous.The border between his and hers keeps eroding, on the body and on the calendar. It has not vanished, and its erosion owes as much to money as to gender.“Androgyny only works because people understand what is being crossed,” said Andrew Groves, menswear systems professor at the University of Westminster. The real story is not that menswear has escaped its rules, but that designers are finding new freedom inside one of fashion’s narrowest rule books, Groves added.The runways look like they are erasing gender; the categories are exactly what make the gesture legible.This season's men's clothes borrowed freely from womenswearFor Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s first ever designer to oversee both its men’s and women’s lines, models wore pearls, pink and sheer blouses with soft bows at the throat; the collection, he told reporters, was about how he \"connects with the feminine.”At Saint Laurent, men bared their chests in second-skin tops, wore briefs cut from leather and walked in transparent shoes lifted from the women’s runway. The house opened Paris Men’s Week, and its menswear push is not only aesthetic: Saint Laurent has reportedly set a target of doubling men’s sales by 2030. Many houses have folded men’s and women’s collections into one coed runway. Once provocations, such shows became a calendar strategy by the late 2010s — part creative, part convenient, mostly commercial.When Anthony Vaccarello took over Saint Laurent in 2016, he scrapped its separate menswear show and sent men down the women’s runway, restoring a men’s show only in 2018; Vetements and Balenciaga merged theirs around then too.“I don’t think having men and women on the same runway means a greater belief in nonbinary genders,” said Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “That’s really more of an economic thing.”One show costs less than twoA mixed approach consolidates the media moment and lets a designer tell a single story. That matters in a luxury market under pressure – it’s been a weaker period for the sector in the last couple of years.Women already buy menswear, which helps explain why Ami, founded in 2011 as a men’s brand, added womenswear.The blurring of the clothes is the older story. Long before “nonbinary” was common usage, Yves Saint Laurent put women in men’s tailoring in 1966, Bowie smudged the line in the ’70s and Jean Paul Gaultier sent men out in skirts in the ‘80s. Fashion ran years ahead of the language.Suzy Menkes, the veteran fashion critic, sees the history stretching even further back. Men once wore “the most dramatic, precious, glamorous and priceless jewels,” she noted, without doubting that they were suitable for men. The 20th century, she said, narrowed that idea of male dress before fashion began reopening it.The exchange has never been equal: A woman in a man’s suit is, 60 years on, unremarkable; a man in a skirt or heels still reads as transgression.“Women’s bodies are still consumed in ways that men’s bodies are not,” McBrinn said.Men, he added, “can still be seen as deviant” when they cross the line.Off the runway, the moment is volatile: combative online masculinity, “manosphere\" influencers like the Tate brothers, a wave of anti-trans laws.Last year, J.Crew set off a conservative uproar by marketing a pink sweater to men — even as Dior, Paul Smith and Willy Chavarria sent pink down their own runways. The fight was cultural, but not only: reports said pink apparel sellouts rose 17% year-on-year in spring-summer 2025.Menkes said color is part of the same story. Postwar Europe helped harden the idea that some colors were “suitable” for men, she said, and it took “a surprisingly long time” for shades such as lilac or pale pink to be accepted as male choices.Steele said openness to androgyny crested in the 1920s, the ’70s and the ’90s, then receded each time.“Everything is moving to the right,” McBrinn said. “Fashion may go back to being much more entrenched within gender binary” — perhaps, he warned, within five to 10 years.The stakes run past the runwayAfter years of expanding legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, progress is reversing in many countries, with transgender people at the center of the fight.“We are seeing tremendous backlash internationally against trans people,” Steele said.In the end, Steele said, the runway matters less than the office and the dinner table. People shift when they see androgynous clothes on friends, colleagues or men around them.Increasingly, they are just clothes.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/gender-bending-is-now-part-of-menswear-paris-runways-show-how-mainstream-it-has-become/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Thomas Adamson And Emma Carmichael, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:50:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK7ACJ3HO4RCAJOSAOTPMLGFD4U.jpg","slug":"gender-bending-is-now-part-of-menswear-paris-runways-show-how-mainstream-it-has-become"},{"id":"7jrmeo","title":"Pakistani airstrikes kill 36 civilians in Afghanistan and wound 160, officials say","excerpt":"Pakistani forces' ground operations and strikes killed at least 36 civilians in Afghanistan overnight and wounded more than 160 others, Afghan officials said Monday, as tensions between the neighbors escalated. One Afghan official said the attacks would be met with retaliation.Pakistan said the o...","content":"Pakistani forces' ground operations and strikes killed at least 36 civilians in Afghanistan overnight and wounded more than 160 others, Afghan officials said Monday, as tensions between the neighbors escalated. One Afghan official said the attacks would be met with retaliation.Pakistan said the operations were launched in response to militant attacks across Pakistan. Security forces carried out a ground operation along the border late Sunday, followed by strikes against militant hideouts and safe havens, killing 29 fighters, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.Afghanistan condemned the strikes in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces as a “cowardly act of aggression” and an “act of brutality.” Hayatullah Mohajer Farahi, the deputy minister for publications at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said Afghanistan would respond “in due time.”Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said Pakistani forces targeted a home in Paktia's Chamkani district, killing an older man and a child, while other family members were wounded. When residents gathered to rescue people, the area was struck again, killing 28 villagers and wounding 158, he said.Six people, mostly women and children, were killed in a village in Giyan district, Paktika province, when another home was struck, he said. A civilian home in Kunar province was also hit, causing no casualties but killing some 30 livestock.The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan independently confirmed that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others were wounded in the strikes, including women and children. It added that the figures were preliminary and could increase.Pakistani officials said an uneasy calm prevailed along the border Monday, with security forces remaining on high alert. Envoys are summoned over the attacksOn Monday, Afghanistan and Pakistan summoned each other's top diplomats to protest the attacks.Zia Ahmad Takal, the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry's deputy spokesperson, accused Islamabad of repeatedly blaming Afghanistan for security incidents inside Pakistan without “credible evidence.”Pakistan’s behavior “seriously harms the atmosphere of trust between the two countries, good neighborly relations and the security and stability of the region,” Takal said.Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it summoned Afghanistan’s top diplomat in Islamabad to protest the involvement of Afghan nationals in recent attacks, including one in Karachi over the weekend.Militant attacks targeting Pakistan’s police and security forces have surged in recent years. Authorities have blamed the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, and allied militant groups for most of the violence. The Pakistani Taliban are separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban that returned to power in 2021.Tarar, the Pakistani information minister, shared three videos on X that he said showed projectiles striking sprawling camps and safe havens of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces. Tarar said the overnight strikes killed “terrorists” and destroyed weapons and ammunition stockpiles.Pakistan uses the phrase “Khawarij” to refer to Indian-backed Pakistani Taliban and other militants. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar is a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban.Tarar said Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign “will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.”India, however, denied any involvement, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling the statements “baseless allegations.” Pakistan should “look inwards, take credible action against the terror infrastructure on its territory,” he said.Pakistan launches operation after assault in KarachiThe Pakistani security operation followed a militant attack targeting the regional headquarters of the paramilitary Rangers in Karachi that killed three soldiers. Security forces killed three attackers and arrested another assailant, whom the military identified as a wounded Afghan national.Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the Karachi attack.Officials in Pakistan claimed one Afghan suspect was captured following the attack, saying that “Afghan soil and Afghan nationals continue to be used to orchestrate terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.” Police later released the statement of the wounded Afghan detainee, who said the Karachi attack was planned by Jamaat‑ul‑Ahrar, though it was unclear if the confession was made under duress.Sunday’s cross-border strikes and ground operation came less than three weeks after Pakistan’s military launched airstrikes on what it said were militant hideouts in Afghanistan. They ended about a month of relative calm following what Islamabad had described as an “open war” between the neighboring countries, despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace.The escalation follows months of military action. Hundreds of people have been killed in cross-border fighting since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory.Multiple rounds of talks have failed to secure a lasting ceasefire. China hosted the two sides in April and Beijing later said Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed not to escalate their conflict and to explore a solution.___Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed contributed from Islamabad.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/pakistani-airstrikes-kill-36-civilians-in-afghanistan-and-wound-160-officials-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T07:04:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXK65BLXSABCVFGE5YHS4HEI5QU.jpg","slug":"pakistani-airstrikes-kill-36-civilians-in-afghanistan-and-wound-160-officials-say"},{"id":"nxu23m","title":"Trump names Lance Schroyer as new ICE director nominee","excerpt":"President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he's nominating Lance Schroyer, a longtime law enforcement officer from Oklahoma, to be his nominee for ICE director.","content":"President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he's nominating Lance Schroyer, a longtime law enforcement officer from Oklahoma, to be his nominee for ICE director.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/trump-names-lance-schroyer-new-ice-director-nominee/19398551/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:06:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19405309_062826-kabc-9am-cnn-ice-director-vid.jpg","slug":"trump-names-lance-schroyer-as-new-ice-director-nominee"},{"id":"5n5iri","title":"Get a load of this: Humans and great apes share similar giggles","excerpt":"Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those...","content":"Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those decades-old recordings and compared them with the newly captured giggles of four young children while they were being tickled and playing at home.It turns out that the chuckles of humans and great apes follow similar rhythms, with regular timing between their laughs, a uniting thread that likely reflects their ties to a common ancestor, researchers said.“In a way, we are very similar to other great apes because we’ve been laughing in a similar way for 15 million years,” said study author Chiara De Gregorio, a primatologist at the University of Warwick in England.Laughter communicates a playful, happy feeling without using words. Many animals can laugh too, but the giggles don’t follow human patterns as closely. When researchers tickle rats, for example, they respond with ultrasonic squeaks.Scientists trying to uncover how laughter evolved have picked apart animals’ facial expressions, but less work has been done on how laughs sound. And compared with apes, human laughter has become faster and more complex. For one, our laughs sound different based on context — from a polite chuckle among colleagues to a full-bodied guffaw with close friends.“We are like the masters of laughter, I would say,” said De Gregorio, whose findings were published Thursday in the journal Communications Biology.These giggles evolved to best suit animals’ different social lives, said Brittany Florkiewicz, who studies animal communication at Lyon College and had no role in the new research. She said the study’s findings make sense, and point to a need for more investigation.Florkiewicz said she’d like to hear comparable recordings of other animals with playful facial expressions, like dogs, horses and cats. That could tell us more about how laughter evolved, so we can “understand what makes us uniquely human, but also what is similar between humans and other animals.”Studying the origins of laughter may seem corny, but it’s one aspect of human communication that can help us understand others — including how we learned to speak. Because sounds don’t fossilize, scientists are using the evidence we do have to trace things back, one chuckle at a time.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/tech/2026/06/25/get-a-load-of-this-humans-and-great-apes-share-similar-giggles/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:05:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYIYXMOBFNRGLFFJKOYJE2OHIWU.jpg","slug":"get-a-load-of-this-humans-and-great-apes-share-similar-giggles"},{"id":"1xni5p","title":"Kara Swisher took Silicon Valley by force. Now she's eyeing influence in the 2028 campaign","excerpt":"Kara Swisher is everywhere.She's filling in for Joy Behar on ABC's “The View.” Appearing alongside Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Starring in a CNN documentary. Preparing a national tour. And churning out four podcasts most weeks featuring long-form interviews and commentary.It's a ub...","content":"Kara Swisher is everywhere.She's filling in for Joy Behar on ABC's “The View.” Appearing alongside Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Starring in a CNN documentary. Preparing a national tour. And churning out four podcasts most weeks featuring long-form interviews and commentary.It's a ubiquity born of more than three decades chronicling the technology industry with a professed indifference to power that vaulted her into a rare echelon of journalism celebrity. She harnessed that reputation to persuade rivals Steve Jobs and Bill Gates to appear onstage together and make Mark Zuckerberg so uncomfortable under questioning that he broke out into a sweat. She had Elon Musk's cellphone number — the two aren't currently speaking — and often texts tech and business leaders. She's betting the influence that made her a Silicon Valley force will translate into politics as podcasts supplant traditional media as a destination for candidates seeking attention.During Republican President Donald Trump's second term, potential Democratic presidential candidates ranging from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris to onetime Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel have appeared on Swisher's shows. She expects that roster to grow. “We get called by all the presidential candidates,” the 63-year-old Swisher said in an interview at her home in a leafy corner of Washington, where her trademark high self-regard was on display. “We’re going to get to all of them.”Swisher is hardly the only podcaster talking politics. Conservatives like Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson and some liberals like the former Barack Obama aides who host “Pod Save America” have larger audiences. They're all dwarfed by Joe Rogan. But Swisher, who has evolved from a traditional print journalist to business owner and podcast host, has few rivals who can match her technology expertise and connect those observations to the broader political debate. “When I first went on her podcast when I just got into Congress in 2017, she was very well respected in tech circles,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat whose district includes Silicon Valley. “But now she's emerged as a larger cultural force, especially at a time where there's such anger at the tech billionaires and tech arrogance.” Interviews that produce revealing momentsWhen she's not on the road, Swisher typically records from a basement studio in the Washington home she shares with her wife, children and a cat named Lovely. The conversations on her interview podcast “On with Kara Swisher” are often referenced later on “Pivot,” which she co-hosts with entrepreneur Scott Galloway. They frequently produce revealing moments, as when Newsom filled in for Galloway on “Pivot.” Swisher derided him for being too easy on Steve Bannon when the longtime Trump aide appeared on Newsom's own podcast. “You had an opportunity to engage,” Swisher pressed. “Why not engage?”The typically self-possessed Newsom conceded, “I'm not the pro that some of these others are, but I appreciate the insight.”Swisher pushed Buttigieg on why he took so long to say President Joe Biden, a fellow Democrat, shouldn't have sought reelection. Buttigieg said he wasn't consulted.“Sure, but you have eyes,” Swisher responded.Her interview with Harris captured the former vice president's tenacious side as she called policies from Trump's Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., “f----- up.” Harris said gravely that she “can't laugh” about such matters, though Swisher noted on a later podcast that the two had just joked about Kennedy backstage.“Be the person backstage because that's the person who gave a great answer,” Swisher said in the later podcast.In an interview, Newsom said Swisher “calls out my bulls—-.”“She'll send me missives unsolicited,” he said. “She's usually right, and it drives me crazy.”Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who has long known Swisher, agreed that being interviewed by Swisher is “not a layup.”Even Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a rare Republican to go on her show, said it was a worthwhile experience despite being pressed on whether his willingness to speak out against the Trump White House emerged only after he opted against reelection.“If you’re a politician, you should be able to walk up anywhere and hold your own,” Tillis said. “Do the prep, get on the show. You may end up having an opportunity, like in my experience, to give a completely different perspective.”‘Pivot’ was initially focused on tech and businessShaping the political conversation wasn't the objective when “Pivot” launched in 2018. Galloway, who hosts his own “Prof G” and “Raging Moderates” podcasts, recalled the idea for “Pivot” was to focus on the intersection of technology and business. That's still much of the show's focus, but the biggest stories in those spaces, such as the initial public offering for Musk's SpaceX or the rise of artificial intelligence, are now inevitably linked to politics.“Show me a big business or tech story, and I'm going to show you a political overlay,” Galloway said. The expansion converges with a sense of urgency among Democrats to be more aggressive on digital platforms, where audiences are increasingly concentrated. “The single most important quality that every candidate needs to have is the ability to talk and the ability to talk anywhere,” said Teddy Goff, the co-founder of Precision Strategies and the digital director for Obama's 2012 presidential campaign. “That might mean a two-hour podcast interview. It might mean a 15-second digital video.”Democrats are still stung by Rogan's nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. Rogan, who doesn't consider himself a journalist, has said Harris' campaign didn't agree to his terms. Harris has described being spurned by Rogan.Swisher agreed Democrats should embrace podcasts but insisted she's not a left-leaning counter to Rogan. “You can’t manufacture this stuff,” she said. “It just doesn’t work, right? The kids like what the kids like.”Still, the podcasts add up to influence and financial success.Galloway said “Pivot,” which is effectively a joint venture between himself, Swisher and Vox Media, will be a $15 million to $20 million business this year. With a staff of just five, that's a robust moneymaker as media is disrupted by a wave of mergers and acquisitions.Vox Media itself has been reborn after a recent acquisition by James Murdoch, who swept New York magazine, the Vox Media Podcast Network and the Vox editorial brand into a single company where podcasts are the fastest-growing business.“Podcasts are the NBA,” Galloway said. “There’s a small amount of people making a lot of money.” A goal to be popular ‘among the entire populace’While Swisher largely hosts Democrats, she's recently interviewed Tillis and Scott Jennings, a conservative CNN commentator. She hopes to soon bring on additional Republicans and said she texted Steve Hilton's wife, a former Google executive, in hopes of booking him shortly after he advanced in California's governor's race.“What we’re going for is to be popular among the entire populace,” she said. “So that people who don’t feel they want to be in a constant state of anger, whether it’s on the left or the right, can have a place to go.”But her barbed comments about Trump and other Republicans could complicate that goal. Kelly McBride, an ethics expert at the Poynter Institute, a journalism think tank, said shows like Swisher’s can sometimes “butt right up against the type of podcasts that I would not consider journalism.”“The way you separate them out is that the intention and the system surrounding the podcast is engineered in a way to create fact-based information,” she said.Swisher describes her work as “reported analysis,” citing tech writer Om Malik, who died last week, as an inspiration. As for the tone of the podcasts, it's all part of the authenticity that is central to Swisher's brand. Beyond the takes on the day’s news, she and Galloway have developed a strong — if unlikely — chemistry in which his penchant for vulgarities can make her seem almost highbrow.“We don’t shy away from our faults,” she said. “We don’t shy away from our biases. You know, we don’t shy away from things that most people try to.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/kara-swisher-took-silicon-valley-by-force-now-shes-eyeing-influence-in-the-2028-campaign/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steven Sloan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:44:29.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK2PJU6N3CRDLLOJGXER5VTXQAE.jpg","slug":"kara-swisher-took-silicon-valley-by-force-now-shes-eyeing-influence-in-the-2028-campaign"},{"id":"6dqovl","title":"Europe's record heat has overwhelmed Paris mortuaries and left families in distress","excerpt":"Every few minutes, the mortuary owner's phone rings. Since a record-smashing heat wave started taking lives and storage space for bodies in Paris and beyond, the funeral directors and mourning families calling him mostly have the same question: Do you have room for one more? With all 32 places in...","content":"Every few minutes, the mortuary owner's phone rings. Since a record-smashing heat wave started taking lives and storage space for bodies in Paris and beyond, the funeral directors and mourning families calling him mostly have the same question: Do you have room for one more? With all 32 places in his cold room taken, Zouhaeir Hertelli reluctantly has to gently say “Non,” over and over and over again.“We're facing a really catastrophic situation,\" he said. “I'm getting hundreds of calls.\" As the historic heat wave shifted its deadly temperatures eastward this weekend to other parts of Europe, France began counting the human cost it left in its wake. Tallying heat-related deaths could take timeThe statistical and public health work of tallying heat-related deaths could take weeks or months. But it's already apparent that the toll exacted by the intense, unrelenting extreme temperatures was terrible in France, the first country hit from mid-June, particularly among older people who died at home.“We're dealing with an enormous spike of deaths because of the heat wave and we're really full, full, full,” Hertelli said. In its first preliminary estimate, the national public health agency said deaths surged during the heat wave's peak in France last week, which roasted most of Europe's largest country with temperatures that soared in many places above 40C (104 F) and also broke records for nighttime highs — an exhausting one-two punch for fatigued bodies.Public Health France said there were more than 1,200 deaths last Wednesday, when France registered its hottest-ever day, breaking a record that had been set just the previous day. By way of comparison, the pre-heat wave death rate in April and May was around 900 to 1,000 per day, it said.There were more than 1,400 deaths on Thursday and another 1,400 on Friday, it said.The agency cautioned that its estimate of at least 1,000 additional deaths during those three sizzling days is expected to increase as more death certificates come in for people who died at home and in care facilities for older people, where most deaths are still not registered electronically.\"Mortality will as a consequence be higher than these first figures,” the agency said. Many who died were 65 and olderIt said that 85% of the deaths registered so far during the three days it studied involved people aged 65 and above and that there was a sharp increase in deaths at home — up by about 40% — particularly in the Paris region.Hertelli and others in the funeral industry said Paris mortuaries quickly ran out of storage space. City Hall said two temporary storage units, with 20 places each, were installed for municipal mortuaries and that city hospitals provided another 50 additional places.Still, Hertelli said funeral directors he spoke to told him they were having to store bodies as far away as Chartres — 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Paris — and in other regions around the capital. To open more space, he said he has asked authorities for permission to temporarily install refrigerated containers outside his mortuary, which is next to Paris' Orly airport, but is still waiting for a green light.“Families are suffering,” he said. “We have no solution to offer them, because the funeral homes are full. So we are deeply affected, we have empathy for them, but there’s nothing we can offer. We are really facing a problem, a big problem,\" he said.Temperatures reached historic highsHistoric high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit. More than 5,700 deaths were also attributed to heat during an exceptionally hot summer last year. Véronique Bertrand, a Paris funeral director, said she fears that lessons have been forgotten. “Most of the deaths that we are dealing with at the moment were people who were living alone at home, isolated. Given the circumstances in which they were found, there can be no other conclusion than that these were deaths caused by the heat,\" Bertrand said. “I think people absolutely need to wake up, that solidarity needs to come back, that what happened in 2003 led to a movement in that direction, with people thinking about their neighbors, of those around them who live alone and perhaps checking from time to time that they're drinking water and are being looked after,\" she said. \"With the passing years, we’ve perhaps forgotten that it could happen again and that things would even perhaps be worse.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/europes-record-heat-has-overwhelmed-paris-mortuaries-and-left-families-in-distress/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"John Leicester And Jeffrey Schaeffer, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T05:06:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIVTQCCSH6JG6TPA7FPFIXAX3VI.jpg","slug":"europes-record-heat-has-overwhelmed-paris-mortuaries-and-left-families-in-distress"},{"id":"mij2lt","title":"Dwayne Johnson is \"protective\" of 'Moana' live-action because \"the animated film was so good\"","excerpt":"Dwayne Johnson explains why he's \"protective\" of live-action \"Moana!\" 🏝️🍿🌊","content":"Dwayne Johnson explains why he's \"protective\" of live-action \"Moana!\" 🏝️🍿🌊","url":"https://abc7.com/post/dwayne-johnson-is-protective-moana-live-action-because-animated-film-was-good/19375481/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:30:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19375482_vert-062426-otrc-moana-artistryfeaturette-vid.jpg","slug":"dwayne-johnson-is-protective-of-moana-live-action-because-the-animated-film-was-so-good"},{"id":"lg1hce","title":"The heartbeat of Hunt: Why rebuilding the Hunt store means rebuilding a community","excerpt":"Long before it became a symbol of recovery, the Hunt Store was the center of daily life in Hunt.“It was the one-stop shop,” said co-owner Vikki Dunn. “It had fuel, banking, groceries, food. People would leave packages here. Everybody came through the Hunt Store.”For nearly 80 years, the store has...","content":"Long before it became a symbol of recovery, the Hunt Store was the center of daily life in Hunt.“It was the one-stop shop,” said co-owner Vikki Dunn. “It had fuel, banking, groceries, food. People would leave packages here. Everybody came through the Hunt Store.”For nearly 80 years, the store has served as far more than a business.“The store became the anchor of the Hunt community,” said co-owner John Dunn. “It’s the only year-round, consistent food, fuel and community gathering space.”When floodwaters tore through the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, it didn’t just destroy buildings. High water damaged a place woven into generations of family memories.Today, much of the building remains gutted. Entire walls were ripped away. The covered patio where families once gathered vanished. Yet somehow, pieces of the Hunt Store survived.The iconic front doors are still standing.The stone fireplace remains.Several of the massive cypress tables where generations of campers, families, and locals shared meals also survived.“Those walls are what identify the Hunt Store,” Vikki Dunn said. “The Hunt Store is what is most identifiable to Hunt.”As she walks through the remains, Dunn points to where children once gathered after school to play on a small stage, where families celebrated anniversaries and reunions, and where generations of campers stopped for burgers and milkshakes after long summer days.John Dunn says that connection extends far beyond Kerr County.“The tentacles, as my wife likes to say, reach literally around the world,” he said. “Campers come from all over the country. People have a connection to this place that lasts a lifetime.”The store’s history dates back to 1946. Over the decades, it became a grocery store, fuel stop, post office, restaurant, meeting hall, and gathering place. When John and Vikki bought the store in 2013, they were given advice from a previous owner that has stayed with them ever since.“You’re not the owner. You’re the steward,” Dunn recalled. “Take care of the store. Take care of the community.”That responsibility took on new meaning after the flood.In the days that followed, the Hunt Store property became a hub for recovery efforts. Volunteers gathered here. Fuel trucks supplied heavy equipment. Relief organizations coordinated assistance. Churches nearby distributed food and clothing.“This was really the command center for flood recovery,” Dunn said.As the community began rebuilding, a new phrase emerged from the wreckage.“Hunt Strong.”Community members rearranged letters salvaged from the damaged Hunt Store sign, creating what would become a rallying cry for recovery.“We adopted ‘Hunt Strong’ because we knew we would come back,” Vikki Dunn said.The slogan reflects the determination that still defines the community today.“We will rebuild,” she said. “There’s no question. This is the heart and soul of Hunt.”For John Dunn, the future of Hunt is closely tied to the future of the store itself.“Hunt will not get back to normal until the Hunt Store is back,” he said. “That’s just a fact.”SEE MORE: After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill CountryOne year later, the scars remain visible. So do the reminders of what made this place special.The front doors.The fireplace.The cypress tables.And the people determined to restore the place they consider the heartbeat of their community.KPRC 2’s documentary explores the flood, the recovery, and the people working to ensure the spirit of Hunt survives long after the floodwaters recede.Watch After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country on July 1 on KPRC 2’s YouTube.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/11/the-heartbeat-of-hunt-why-rebuilding-the-hunt-store-means-rebuilding-a-community/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Beth Peak, Andrea Slaydon","publishDate":"2026-06-29T12:21:08.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO2TN3ZMUIREODDSGXCX3HQPMY4.png","slug":"the-heartbeat-of-hunt-why-rebuilding-the-hunt-store-means-rebuilding-a-community"},{"id":"3hhqc9","title":"Looking at NRG Stadium's future as Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Texans build new facilities","excerpt":"With the Texans building a new practice facility near Bridgeland and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo just announcing a new complex off Highway 288, the question remains of what will become of NRG Stadium?","content":"With the Texans building a new practice facility near Bridgeland and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo just announcing a new complex off Highway 288, the question remains of what will become of NRG Stadium?","url":"https://abc13.com/post/looking-nrg-stadiums-future-houston-livestock-show-rodeo-texans-building-new-facilities/19396401/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Bob Slovak","publishDate":"2026-06-28T15:49:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19396375_NRG-RELIANT-STADIUM-FILE-img.png","slug":"looking-at-nrg-stadiums-future-as-houston-livestock-show-rodeo-and-texans-build-new-facilities"},{"id":"ep5ez0","title":"New rodeo complex (June 25, 2026)","excerpt":"On Thursday's show: We learn how the city plans to spend $18 billion worth of capital projects approved this week. And we get details on the new arena complex the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo plans to build.","content":"On Thursday's show: We learn how the city plans to spend $18 billion worth of capital projects approved this week. And we get details on the new arena complex the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo plans to build.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/25/555206/new-rodeo-complex-june-25-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:00:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"new-rodeo-complex-june-25-2026"},{"id":"opj2xr","title":"Saharan dust is back! How it will impact traveling, hurricanes, air quality, and sunsets in Texas","excerpt":"Saharan dust is back!It is something we talk about almost every summer in the Houston forecast, but it’s often misunderstood. Each year, plumes of dust from the Sahara Desert travel thousands of miles across the Atlantic and sometimes reach the Gulf Coast. While it can create hazy skies and lower...","content":"Saharan dust is back!It is something we talk about almost every summer in the Houston forecast, but it’s often misunderstood. Each year, plumes of dust from the Sahara Desert travel thousands of miles across the Atlantic and sometimes reach the Gulf Coast. While it can create hazy skies and lower air quality, Saharan dust also plays a surprising role in our weather, from hurricane activity to vibrant sunsets and even ocean ecosystems. Let’s break down how it works. What is Saharan Dust?At its most basic, Saharan dust is exactly what it sounds like, dust from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. Every summer, large amounts of this dust are kicked up during the West African monsoon season.The West African monsoon is an active storm period in early summer. During this time warm, moist air moves inland from the Atlantic and collides with hot, dry desert air over the Sahara. This creates powerful thunderstorms and strong wind gusts across the region. Those gusty outflow winds can lift huge amounts of loose desert dust into the atmosphere.Once the dust is lifted high into the atmosphere, it becomes embedded in a layer of very dry, warm air called the Saharan Air Layer. Strong easterly trade winds then carry this dusty air mass westward across the Atlantic. In about a week or so, the dust can travel thousands of miles and reach the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and even Texas.Air quality impact:When Saharan dust arrives, it can reduce air quality because the tiny particles stay suspended in the air we breathe. This dust can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. During thicker dust events, we often recommend limiting time outdoors if you’re sensitive. You may also notice the sky looking milky or hazy instead of its usual bright blue.Suppresses tropical development:Saharan dust can suppress tropical development because the dry air within the dust layer absorbs moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. With less moisture available, thunderstorms struggle to organize and strengthen into tropical storms or hurricanes. A helpful way to picture it is like cedar wood chips on a wet floor, they soak up the water, leaving the surface drier. In the same way, the dusty air pulls moisture out of the tropics and makes storm development harder.More vibrant sunrises and sunsets:Saharan dust can make sunrises and sunsets more vibrant because the tiny particles scatter sunlight as it passes through the atmosphere. Dust tends to scatter shorter blue wavelengths, allowing more reds, oranges, and pinks to reach our eyes. When the Sun is low on the horizon, its light travels through more of this dusty air, enhancing those warm colors. The result is often brighter and more colorful sunrise and sunset displays.Supports our marine ecosystem:As Saharan dust travels across the Atlantic, some of the particles slowly settle onto the ocean’s surface. Over thousands of miles, this creates a steady supply of dust falling into the water.That dust is rich in minerals, including important nutrients like iron and phosphorus. When these particles reach the ocean, they act almost like a natural fertilizer.Those nutrients help fuel the growth of phytoplankton, tiny plant-like organisms that live near the ocean surface. With extra nutrients available, phytoplankton populations can grow quickly, creating blooms.Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food chain. They feed zooplankton, which are eaten by small fish and other marine life. Those animals then support larger predators like tuna, seabirds, and whales. In this way, dust from Africa helps support marine ecosystems across the Atlantic.Dust summary:Saharan dust begins in the deserts of North Africa and can travel thousands of miles across the Atlantic before reaching the Caribbean and Gulf Coast. When it arrives, it can reduce air quality and create hazy skies. But the dust also has big global benefits. The dust can suppress tropical development, create more vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and deliver nutrients that help support marine ecosystems.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/24/saharan-dust-is-back-how-it-will-impact-traveling-hurricanes-air-quality-and-sunsets-in-texas/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown, Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:56:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCNPII25OLJHG5BO4LIET2MPOHU.png","slug":"saharan-dust-is-back-how-it-will-impact-traveling-hurricanes-air-quality-and-sunsets-in-texas"},{"id":"z25kph","title":"2 Newsletter: Saharan dust returns this week. What you need to know if you have allergies","excerpt":"Good morning, Houston.☀️I hope you’re having a beautiful Monday morning. It’s the start of a new week, and idk, I feel really good about it. Let’s get right into some news of the day. We currently have one of our reporters headed to a breaking news scene where two men were shot while sitting insi...","content":"Good morning, Houston.☀️I hope you’re having a beautiful Monday morning. It’s the start of a new week, and idk, I feel really good about it. Let’s get right into some news of the day. We currently have one of our reporters headed to a breaking news scene where two men were shot while sitting inside a vehicle. One of the men died, while the other is expected to survive. The scene is still developing, and we are working to learn more. As always, follow us with the latest on Click2Houston.com and watch us live on KPRC 2+.➡️ Love our morning newsletter? Share it with your family and friends!Weather ⛅TODAY: 95° TONIGHT: 80°KPRC Meteorologists Justin Stapleton and Caroline Brown say:“A strengthening ridge of high pressure is in control, bringing hot temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The high pressure will move east into the Midwest and East Coast for 4th of July weekend, boosting temperatures above average from Chicago to Baltimore. As the high pressure moves east, heat remains in for Houston but shower and storm chances return for the start of July.”Bonus weather note: Saharan dust is back— expect hazier skies at times, potentially lower air quality for sensitive groups, and the chance for more vibrant sunrises/sunsets.➡️ More weather headlines? Check them out hereGet your forecast details here.Houston’s Top Headlines 📰TODAY: Brazil and Japan face off in Houston as FIFA World Cup Round of 32 arrives; road closures in effectThe FIFA World Cup knockout stage arrives in Houston on Monday as Brazil and Japan square off in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at Houston Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.FIFA World Cup’s Round of 32 is the first knockout round of the tournament. The stage features the 32 teams that advanced from the group stage, with each team playing in a win-or-go-home matchup. If a match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation, it goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine which team advances to the Round of 16.Deputy killed while helping at crash scene becomes latest victim on dangerous stretch of I-45A 24-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being remembered for her dedication to public service after she was struck and killed while directing traffic along Interstate 45 early Sunday morning.Deputy Erika Serrato, a six-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who had recently become a patrol deputy, was killed while assisting at the scene of an earlier DWI crash on the northbound lanes of I-45 near The Woodlands Parkway after investigators say a heavy-duty truck pulling a trailer struck her.Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in swimming pool in Huffman area, HCSO saysA toddler has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the Huffman area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive toddler in a swimming pool at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday.After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill CountryNearly a year after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country, signs of recovery are everywhere.Homes are being rebuilt. Businesses are reopening. Communities are finding ways to move forward.But for many who lived through the disaster, the memories remain as vivid as ever.On July 1, KPRC 2 premieres After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country, a documentary exploring the flood, the rescue efforts, the recovery, and the people whose lives were forever changed.You Got a Text! 💌Introducing KPRC 2’s newest show... The Villa Verdict!Love Island is more than just a reality show; it’s a cultural phenomenon.The Villa Verdict is KPRC 2’s weekly Love Island USA recap series, where we break down the biggest villa moments, debate the hottest takes, rank the strongest couples, and explore the social, cultural, and relationship trends driving the conversation. Whether you’re rooting for love, calling out red flags, or just here for the drama, this is your place to join the discussion. 🌴❤️📱New episodes every week. Check them out here.Things 2 Know 💡Airbnb activates anti-party technology in Houston ahead of Fourth of July, World Cup crowdsProtect your dog’s paws: Learn the 7-second test for hot pavement2 Helps You: Fort Bend County residents tired of neglected eyesore impacting their community without accountabilityIn case you missed it... 👀StubHub canceled her World Cup tickets days before the match, 2 Helps You Mario Diaz: ‘Cancel Culture, Heck No!’Scheffler makes clutch putt to force Monday playoff against Hovland in Travelers ChampionshipMost Texas Hill Country summer camps reopen one year after deadly floodsShare your Pins! 📷See a news story in your neighborhood? Capture a great weather moment? Just want to share a photo of your pet? Send your photos and videos to Click2Pins, and you may see them on air and online!Don’t miss a minuteWe’re tracking your forecast, bringing you traffic solutions, and covering important news LIVE from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KPRC 2 and the KPRC 2+ livestream. Join us today!","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/meta/newsletter/2026/06/29/2-newsletter-saharan-dust-returns-this-week-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-have-allergies/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:35:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXCNZPD5XORAXBASKIPDRYMS2BY.jpg","slug":"2-newsletter-saharan-dust-returns-this-week-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-have-allergies"},{"id":"5p9xhf","title":"Construction worker killed in work-zone crash on Gulf Freeway","excerpt":"A construction worker was killed Sunday night after being hit by a work vehicle in a construction zone along the Gulf Freeway, according to the Houston Police Department.The crash happened around 11 p.m. on the southbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway near the Dixie Farm Road exit.Deputy killed while...","content":"A construction worker was killed Sunday night after being hit by a work vehicle in a construction zone along the Gulf Freeway, according to the Houston Police Department.The crash happened around 11 p.m. on the southbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway near the Dixie Farm Road exit.Deputy killed while helping at crash scene becomes latest victim on dangerous stretch of I-45Investigators said a construction crew was in the process of closing lanes when a work vehicle backed up and struck a construction worker.The worker died at the scene.Police said the driver of the work vehicle and a passenger remained at the scene and are cooperating with investigators.Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in swimming pool in Huffman area, HCSO saysAuthorities have not released the identity of the worker, and it is unclear whether any charges will be filed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/construction-worker-killed-in-work-zone-crash-on-gulf-freeway/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:16:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fce7bc31e-3e62-4052-875b-4a3b79b6ae6f%2Fimage.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"construction-worker-killed-in-work-zone-crash-on-gulf-freeway"},{"id":"3l3vov","title":"Brazil and Japan face off in Houston as FIFA World Cup Round of 32 arrives; road closures in effect","excerpt":"The FIFA World Cup knockout stage arrives in Houston on Monday as Brazil and Japan square off in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at Houston Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.FIFA World Cup’s Round of 32 is the first knockout round of the tournament. The stage features the 32 teams that adva...","content":"The FIFA World Cup knockout stage arrives in Houston on Monday as Brazil and Japan square off in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at Houston Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.FIFA World Cup’s Round of 32 is the first knockout round of the tournament. The stage features the 32 teams that advanced from the group stage, with each team playing in a win-or-go-home matchup. If a match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation, it goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine which team advances to the Round of 16.Deputy killed while helping at crash scene becomes latest victim on dangerous stretch of I-45The winner will advance to the Round of 16 as thousands of fans from around the world are expected to pack the stadium.Other World Cup matches scheduled for Monday include:Germany vs. Paraguay at 3:30 p.m. in Foxborough, Massachusetts.Netherlands vs. Morocco at 8 p.m.Road closuresDrivers should expect traffic impacts near Houston Stadium before kickoff.From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., the following roads will be closed:Fannin Street between Old Spanish Trail and Holly HallGreenbriar Drive between Old Spanish Trail and Fannin StreetMotorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.Houston World Cup by the numbersThe tournament continues to generate record crowds across the city. According to Houston World Cup officials:557,979 total participants have attended FIFA World Cup-related events.273,860 fans have attended matches at Houston Stadium.21 goals have been scored across Houston’s first four World Cup matches.246,169 riders have used METRORail during the tournament.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/brazil-and-japan-face-off-in-houston-as-fifa-world-cup-round-of-32-arrives-road-closures-in-effect/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-29T10:15:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F34abcb1c-4e90-4dd0-b8b3-a3e3fa407041%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"brazil-and-japan-face-off-in-houston-as-fifa-world-cup-round-of-32-arrives-road-closures-in-effect"},{"id":"ulabqm","title":"Will Texas’ new top voting official be a ‘disruptor’? Locals are preparing for it","excerpt":"Just ahead of closely contested midterms, Texas is about to get a new top voting official. Many locals there fear the frontrunner is a state lawmaker and pastor with no election experience.","content":"Just ahead of closely contested midterms, Texas is about to get a new top voting official. Many locals there fear the frontrunner is a state lawmaker and pastor with no election experience.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/06/25/555505/texas-secretary-of-state-schatzline/?utm_source=rss-election-2026-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Miles Parks, NPR","publishDate":"2026-06-25T10:00:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24230118%2Fap25060022580069-450x300.webp","slug":"will-texas-new-top-voting-official-be-a-disruptor-locals-are-preparing-for-it"},{"id":"4rsim0","title":"A long-awaited Australia-Vanuatu pact blocks China from building a military base","excerpt":"Australia and Vanuatu signed a long-awaited bilateral security and economic treaty Monday that prevents China creating a military base on the South Pacific island nation.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the so-called Nakamal Agreement with his Vanuatu counterpart, Jotham Napat, i...","content":"Australia and Vanuatu signed a long-awaited bilateral security and economic treaty Monday that prevents China creating a military base on the South Pacific island nation.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the so-called Nakamal Agreement with his Vanuatu counterpart, Jotham Napat, in the Australian capital nine months after the Vanuatuan government rejected an earlier draft. Vanuatu had feared the deal would limit its ability to attract infrastructure investment.“Our agreement reflects and confirms Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest and most comprehensive economic, security and development partner, a responsibility that we take seriously,” Albanese told reporters.Natap said the pact “reaffirms our shared commitment to continuing and strengthening the comprehensive partnership between our two countries, founded on mutual respect, trust and our common vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.”Under the agreement, Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base or infrastructure in its territory and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarization, foreign interference or unauthorized access, a government statement said.The agreement is one of several Australia has struck or is negotiating with regional neighbors to prevent China from gaining security influence in the region.Vanuatu will consult with Australia when it considers third-party engagement in its critical infrastructure, but there is no power of veto as originally proposed.China expressed concern that the agreement may be targeted at it.“We hope that cooperation between relevant countries and Pacific Island countries will contribute to the development and stability of the island region, not target any third party or be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalry,” said Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Vanuatu committed to prioritize policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members, a collection of 18 countries and territories that includes Australia. But the agreement does not exclude Chinese police. China does not have a permanent police presence in Vanuatu, but Chinese police personnel often visit the nation of 350,000 people.Vanuatu also agrees to come to Australia, New Zealand and France first in response to major natural disasters.Australia had proposed to provide Vanuatu with 500 million Australian dollars ($344 million) over a decade under the terms of the agreement as originally drafted.Albanese said the cost of the latest agreement would be made public by December.Napat said a bilateral agreement Vanuatu is negotiating with China would be made public once the pact had “clearance from Beijing.”Napat has previously described the so-called Namele Agreement with China as a “comprehensive development cooperation” deal. He said it was not a security pact.Vanuatu has received large loans and aid from China for buildings, wharves and other infrastructure.“Currently, it’s not yet signed. We will share the (Namele) agreement. There is nothing to hide. Our government is transparent and I am so grateful that the Prime Minister (Albanese) has also given me the clearance to share with them (China) the Nakamal Agreement,” Napat said. China did not say whether it would reveal the details of the agreement when asked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday in Beijing.In September last year, Albanese was notified that a previous draft of the pact had been rejected hours before he was to fly to Vanuatu for the signing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/a-long-awaited-australia-vanuatu-pact-blocks-china-from-building-a-military-base/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rod Mcguirk, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T06:04:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXHNPAA6P3JA7ZBKQWVADVWW3PE.jpg","slug":"a-long-awaited-australia-vanuatu-pact-blocks-china-from-building-a-military-base"},{"id":"746d4j","title":"China imposes export controls on 40 Japanese entities as tensions with Tokyo rise","excerpt":"China imposed new export controls Monday on 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to the country’s “remilitarization,” as tensions with Tokyo rise.Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been increasingly tense since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year implied Japan could in...","content":"China imposed new export controls Monday on 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to the country’s “remilitarization,” as tensions with Tokyo rise.Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been increasingly tense since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year implied Japan could intervene if China used military force against Taiwan, an island democracy China claims as its own.Meanwhile, Japan has accelerated its military expansion, especially by adding offensive capabilities, which Beijing has condemned.China's Commerce Ministry on Monday placed 20 Japanese entities, including multiple divisions of Mitsubishi Corporation, on a control list, which prohibits Chinese and foreign exporters from selling to them dual-use items made in China. Dual-use items can be used for both civilian and military purposes.Additionally, 20 other entities have been added to a watch list for dual-use items, according to the ministry. It includes Mitsui E&S, which makes engines and other equipment for ships, as well as divisions of Fujitsu and Komatsu corporations.Chinese companies exporting to these firms will be required to apply for special licenses, submit risk assessment reports on the Japanese companies and written pledges that the dual-use items will not be used for military purposes.Beijing and Tokyo spar over export measuresThe export controls are “entirely justified, reasonable and lawful,\" the Chinese Commerce Ministry said, adding they are aimed at \"firmly deterring Japan’s reckless pursuit of ‘new militarism.’” “We hope Japan will recognize its mistakes, reverse its wrongful course, genuinely reflect on its past and return to the right track,” it added.Japan’s top government spokesperson called the curbs as “unacceptable and extremely regrettable,” while calling on Beijing to retract the measures.Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Monday that Japan would take necessary countermeasures after thoroughly assessing the curbs and their impact.Under Takaichi, Japan's military has been equipped with more offensive capabilities, including long-range missiles on remote islands. Exports of lethal weapons are now allowed under a new policy. Japan will revise its defense and security documents by December, which could further increase its defense budget. On Monday, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force announced the deployment of a Type-12 missile launcher on the southernmost remote island of Minamitorishima, an apparent response to China’s growing activity expanding into the Pacific.The curbs serve as a diplomatic message, an expert saysIn February, China put 20 Japanese companies on an export control list and 20 others on a watch list.The Commerce Ministry said that since then, “instead of reflecting on its past and correcting its course, Japan has continued down the wrong path” by accelerating remilitarization, deploying offensive weapons and launching missiles.The ministry emphasized the curbs affect only a small number of Japanese entities, and the measures only apply to dual-use items. “They do not affect normal Sino-Japanese economic and trade exchanges, and honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have absolutely nothing to worry about.” The measures function more as a \"diplomatic message” as Beijing steps up its pressure on Tokyo, said George Chen, partner for Greater China at the advisory firm The Asia Group.“From Beijing’s perspective, Japan has not taken meaningful actions to stabilize bilateral ties,” Chen said. “And concerns are growing in China about deeper defense cooperation between Japan, the United States, and potentially other partners.”In the short term, Japan–China relations will likely remain fragile “and at risk of slipping further if neither side moves to arrest the downward trend,” he added.For Beijing, the issue of Taiwan is particularly sensitive. China considers the self-ruled island its own territory, to be retaken by force if necessary, and has increased military pressure on it.Earlier this month, the Chinese coast guard conducted patrols east of Taiwan in what state media described a “pointed warning” to Japan and the Philippines following an announcement that the countries would discuss their maritime boundaries in waters that Beijing views as its own.The United Kingdom, Germany and France in a rare joint statement last week condemned Chinese activities in the waters east of Taiwan, adding they opposed any change of the status quo between China and Taiwan.___Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Kanis Leung and Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/29/china-imposes-export-controls-on-40-japanese-entities-as-tensions-with-tokyo-rise/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Simina Mistreanu, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T05:16:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4MPKHJUD3JEDXH52OK2C5HHVXI.jpg","slug":"china-imposes-export-controls-on-40-japanese-entities-as-tensions-with-tokyo-rise"},{"id":"dfi6zk","title":"Iran attacks Bahrain and Kuwait following US strikes and threatens to halt talks to end the war","excerpt":"The statement issued Sunday also threatened a \"complete halt\" to negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.","content":"The statement issued Sunday also threatened a \"complete halt\" to negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/iran-attacks-bahrain-kuwait-following-us-strikes-threatens-halt-talks-end-war/19403300/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:36:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19403298_062826-wls-iran-war-pkg-5a-vid.jpg","slug":"iran-attacks-bahrain-and-kuwait-following-us-strikes-and-threatens-to-halt-talks-to-end-the-war"},{"id":"2qpmam","title":"US airstrikes again hit Iran as Tehran strikes Bahrain and Kuwait, further imperiling interim deal","excerpt":"The U.S. military has launched a second round of airstrikes targeting Iran at President Donald Trump's direction.","content":"The U.S. military has launched a second round of airstrikes targeting Iran at President Donald Trump's direction.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/iran-war-news-iranian-drones-attack-bahrain-ship-is-struck-strait-hormuz-us-strikes/19395146/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-28T07:04:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19394981_1f14527f-08b9-4ec9-81e8-22d5ce203031.jpg","slug":"us-airstrikes-again-hit-iran-as-tehran-strikes-bahrain-and-kuwait-further-imperiling-interim-deal"},{"id":"sef8uj","title":"Lauryn Hill honored, Janet Jackson stuns Teyana Taylor and Druski makes history at BET Awards","excerpt":"After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience Sunday with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.”Introdu...","content":"After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience Sunday with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.”Introduced by Ice Cube, the eight-time Grammy winner was honored with performances at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, her children Selah Marley and Zion Marley, who revisited songs from Hill’s stellar catalog while she stood smiling, singing along and applauding throughout the tribute.After she accepted the honor, Hill encouraged artists to embrace their gifts and remain true to their purpose.“I fight for y’all,” Hill said. “And fighting for y’all is me fighting for myself, it’s me fighting for my children, it’s me fighting for my community.”The Living Legend Icon Award recognizes pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. Hill first emerged as a member of the Fugees before releasing her landmark solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” featuring classics including “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything.”Janet Jackson surprises Teyana Taylor with honorTeyana Taylor fought back tears Sunday after an emotional surprise at the BET Awards:Janet Jackson walked onto the stage to present Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award.Taylor, visibly stunned as Jackson received a standing ovation, embraced the music legend before thanking one of her biggest inspirations.“They did not tell me Janet was coming,” Taylor said through tears. “There will be no me without you.”Presenting the award, Jackson praised Taylor’s relentless work ethic and artistic range, highlighting her Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in “One Battle After Another” and calling her gifts “God-given.”The Icon of the Year Award recognizes a creative force whose influence is shaping culture. Taylor has evolved from a multiplatinum recording artist into an award-winning actor, director, producer and choreographer.Accepting the honor, Taylor reflected on her two-decade career. “I worked my (expletives) off 20 years,” she said. “So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”BET Awards remembers Clive Davis, Richard Smallwood and other trailblazersThe BET Awards paused to honor influential figures from music and entertainment who died over the past year during an emotional in memoriam tribute.Erica Campbell of Mary Mary introduced the segment by reflecting on the enduring legacies left behind by those who died, paying special tribute to the late gospel composer Richard Smallwood, whose music she said strengthened her faith. She also remembered the late music executive Clive Davis, who died earlier this week at 94, before performing Whitney Houston’s “I Love the Lord” with Le’Andria Johnson.The tribute remembered Smallwood, Davis, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and others whose contributions left a lasting mark on music, television and culture.D’Angelo honored with all-star tributeThe show also celebrated the late D’Angelo’s legacy with a star-studded tribute that opened with appearances by his three children.Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton and RAYE were among the artists who honored the singer with performances of his music, celebrating the enduring influence of one of R&B’s most acclaimed voices.Sylvia Rhone honored for shaping generations of artistsMusic executive Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award in recognition of her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the music industry.Presented by Kelly Rowland, the honor celebrated Rhone’s trailblazing career as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. A video tribute featured messages from artists including Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, highlighting her role in helping develop the careers of performers such as Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator.While accepting the award, Rhone dedicated the honor to the artists and creative teams she has worked alongside throughout her career.“Tonight’s honor bears my name, but it really belongs to all of us who create culture,” she said.Rhone also used the moment to urge the music industry to protect artists as artificial intelligence reshapes the business.“We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us,” she said. “We must honor the musician. We must compensate the creator.”She concluded by calling on the industry to ensure the next generation of artists has the opportunity to create “the songs that will change the world.”Druski opens BET Awards with dramatic entranceDruski made a grand entrance to kick off the BET Awards on Sunday, descending from the rafters in a harness as a choir filled the theater with a rendition of Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution,” setting the tone for a night celebrating music, comedy and culture.The comedian and digital creator made history by becoming the youngest host of the ceremony. The show's opening performances featured Kehlani, who sang “Folded” with Jamie Foxx and his daughter, Anelise Estelle Foxx, on guitar. Don Toliver also performed his hits “E85” and “Body.” Accepting the award for best female R&B/pop artist, Kehlani admitted she hadn’t prepared a speech, instead marveling that “Janet Jackson is here,” before telling the icon she was “really honored to be here” among the night’s talent.Druski, 31, surpassed Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction as the BET Award’s youngest host when he emceed in 2011.Throughout the night, Druski leaned into his comedic persona with appearances alongside Martin Lawrence and Latto. Lawrence jokingly shut down Druski’s pitch to appear in the next “Bad Boys” film before teasing his upcoming Paramount+ series, while Latto playfully poked fun at the host during one of the show’s transitions. Druski also spoofed Jay-Z's Roots Picnic freestyle.Druski became one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars through his viral sketches before expanding into sold-out comedy tours and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg, as well as appearances alongside figures like Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte returned as the show’s announcer.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/28/bet-awards-druski-to-make-history-as-youngest-host-as-show-honors-lauryn-hill-and-teyana-taylor/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T01:22:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F64XN4EDJQ5AYTFSRV56J356ETM.jpg","slug":"lauryn-hill-honored-janet-jackson-stuns-teyana-taylor-and-druski-makes-history-at-bet-awards"},{"id":"i2joo","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2608: Maria Telkes","excerpt":"Episode: 2608 Maria Telkes: Solar Energy Pioneer. Today, here comes the sun.","content":"Episode: 2608 Maria Telkes: Solar Energy Pioneer. Today, here comes the sun.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/25/554589/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-2608-maria-telkes/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. Andy Boyd","publishDate":"2026-06-25T05:01:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-2608-maria-telkes"},{"id":"4g4fzy","title":"Money can't buy success in World Cup for gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar","excerpt":"Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport's biggest stage.Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Again. Bottom of a group tha...","content":"Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport's biggest stage.Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Again. Bottom of a group that included tiny Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation ever to compete on this stage and into the knockouts for the first time. By signing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema as part of a spectacular recruitment drive in recent years, Saudi Arabia has been a major disruptor of club soccer. But on the international stage it still has a long way to go eight years out from hosting the World Cup in 2034. On Sunday, Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal resigned. Taking full responsibility for the failed World Cup campaign, he said that stepping aside will allow for a “new phase” of leadership within Saudi football.Qatar, the host four years ago, is also on its way home after just three games, so too are the other gulf nations Iran and Iraq. Compared to the success of African teams at this World Cup, with nine out of 10 advancing to the round of 32, gulf nations are struggling mightily to make their mark. A goalless draw against Cape Verde ended Saudi Arabia's hopes of advancing from the group phase for the first time since 1994. “It was not what we wanted because when playing in such a match against a team that is more or less the same level as us, our performance was not good. So this gives rise to concern,” Saudi coach Georgios Donis said.Qatar made history with its first point at a World Cup, scoring a dramatic late equalizer against Switzerland. But it was another disappointingly early exit after it was eliminated just two games into its home tournament in 2022. “I think that they show that at least we were able to compete in these kind of matches,” coach Julen Lopetegui said. The appointment of Lopetegui — the former Spain and Real Madrid coach — is evidence of the type of investment Qatar has made to try to boost its performance on the global stage. Unlike Saudi Arabia, it has not embarked on such an audacious drive to attract aging stars from Europe to its domestic league. Despite a population of 3 million people and only around 300,000 citizens, it has managed to develop enough homegrown players to win back-to-back Asian Cups in recent years and assert its dominance on a region that includes powers like Japan and South Korea. But it has not been able to translate those performances to the World Cup, and such an early exit marks a disappointment less than four years after hosting the tournament and spending billions of dollars to create eight state-of-the-art stadiums.“You compare with other countries ... for sure we know who we are,” said Lopetegui. \"But at the same time I think that this is one little country but with a big passion, a big investment ... we have to improve every day and they did this.“We look to the future being optimistic about this for sure.”It's all about the future for Saudi Arabia, too, after winning the right to host the World Cup in 2034. It has been on a mission to wield influence in sports around the world, from buying Premier League Newcastle to launching LIV Golf and hosting world title boxing matches and Formula 1. The World Cup would be its standout achievement as it looks to move away from its heavy reliance on oil and explore other revenue-generating sectors. It will want its national team to make a statement at its home tournament and while superstar signings like Ronaldo have raised the profile of its league, the hope is that they will also raise standards. Yet after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating eventual champion Argentina four years ago, there was no standout moment this time — failing to advance beyond the group phase for the sixth time in a row. “When we have these stars in the Arabian League, I think that the more competitive the competition, the better our players will be,” said Donis. “But it’s different when we’re playing for the national team because in the national team, these experiences, there needs to be a certain mentality.”Focus on development of homegrown talent is clear as 2034 approaches. Star signings from overseas have slowed and some big names, including Neymar, have departed. U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker was lured away to head up talent development in Saudi Arabia and youth investment is said to have doubled over the past three years.If Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been disruptors with their sudden mega spending, Iran has been competing in World Cups since 1978.It had to contend with difficulties regarding preparation and travel in the wake of war with the United States and only narrowly missed out on advancing as a best third place team after three draws. In seven appearances at the World Cup it has never gone beyond the groups. Likewise for Iraq in its two appearances 40 years apart. At a time when a supersized 48-team World Cup has opportunities for the likes of Cape Verde and Congo to make history, gulf nations are still waiting for their moment. ___James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/money-cant-buy-success-in-world-cup-for-gulf-nations-like-saudi-arabia-and-qatar/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"James Robson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T19:59:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4OX2OZXYAJCN5GYDJIGWGRO3HQ.jpg","slug":"money-cant-buy-success-in-world-cup-for-gulf-nations-like-saudi-arabia-and-qatar"},{"id":"uzycbr","title":"Parades in NYC and San Francisco wrap up LGBTQ+ Pride Month","excerpt":"Pride Month celebrations peaked Sunday with big parades in New York, San Francisco and some other cities on the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which accelerated and transformed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride events often mix celebration and calls to action, reflecting the p...","content":"Pride Month celebrations peaked Sunday with big parades in New York, San Francisco and some other cities on the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which accelerated and transformed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride events often mix celebration and calls to action, reflecting the political winds, cultural climate and news around LGBTQ+ rights. This month's parades and festivals around the U.S. have unfolded as President Donald Trump works to roll back transgender rights and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Among other moves, the Republican's administration removed a rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument earlier this year, then ultimately relented amid a lawsuit. “As LGBTQIA+ events and symbols are being erased, it’s vital that our community have safe spaces to show up and march to make clear: We are here,” Chris Piedmont, a spokesperson for New York parade organizers Heritage of Pride, said in a statement Friday. “We will not be erased.”Carlos Duarte came in from Long Island to attend New York's parade.“It’s very important for us to be here … to be all together for love, peace and to show the world who we are,” Duarte said.Meanwhile, multiple Republican governors have promulgated conservative-friendly designations for June, such as “Nuclear Family Month,” sometimes openly describing them as a counter to Pride. Other prominent Republican politicians, including Vice President JD Vance, criticized Major League Baseball 's response to some San Francisco Giants players who added Bible verses to the rainbow-themed Pride Night caps they were issued.Against that backdrop, the NYC Pride March and the San Francisco Pride Parade set out to further their legacies as some of the world's largest and oldest such celebrations. Both trace their roots to events held in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall rebellion on June 28, 1969, when patrons of a New York gay bar called the Stonewall Inn resisted a police raid and ended up kindling a wave of activism. The Stonewall Inn still is a bar; the Stonewall monument centers on a small park across the street, about half a mile (about 0.8 km) from the Pride March route at its closest point. The newer Queer Liberation March, founded by activists who saw the Pride March as too corporate and official, also was held in Manhattan on Sunday.This year, some transgender rights activists pressured Pride organizers to bar some New York City hospitals' contingents from marching because the institutions announced in recent months that they would stop providing transgender youth treatments.Christen Clifford, a mother of two trans children, said during a news conference before the parade that New York City needs to enforce state laws that protect gender-affirming care.“How can you let institutions that are actively harming queer kids march in Pride?” Clifford said. “I hope that New York City Pride will ban these hospitals from any future Pride parades until they restart care and so that families like mine know that you are listening to our concerns.”The cutoff came amid funding threats from the Trump administration, and at least some of the hospitals also got federal Justice Department subpoenas for transgender patients' medical records. A judge has temporarily blocked the document demand.Heritage of Pride said it has been talking with the hospitals about the issue. The group also noted the parade contingents are organized by LGBTQ+ employee groups, not by the top administrators responsible for decisions about care. A message was sent to San Francisco Pride organizers about whether they faced similar questions.Other cities with Pride parades Sunday include Seattle, where a World Cup soccer match Friday took on a Pride dimension after the countries whose teams involved — Iran and Egypt — triedunsuccessfully to get the celebrations canceled.___Fischer reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/28/lgbtq-pride-parades-set-for-sunday-in-nyc-and-san-francisco/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"The Associated Press, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T04:01:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBJX2RLSRGNDGFMAG5L6ZPYQ3I4.jpg","slug":"parades-in-nyc-and-san-francisco-wrap-up-lgbtq-pride-month"},{"id":"p2e45n","title":"4 dead amid flooding caused by heavy rains in Kentucky, governor says","excerpt":"At least four people are dead amid flooding caused by heavy rains in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said Saturday.","content":"At least four people are dead amid flooding caused by heavy rains in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said Saturday.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/4-dead-amid-flooding-caused-heavy-rains-kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-says/19400124/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-28T03:21:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19400521_062726-wls-kentucky-floods-10p-vo-vid.jpg","slug":"4-dead-amid-flooding-caused-by-heavy-rains-in-kentucky-governor-says"},{"id":"3wrv46","title":"Republican Daniel Wong, Democratic commissioners at odds about his status as interim Fort Bend County judge","excerpt":"Wong’s appointment is tied to a civil lawsuit filed against suspended county judge KP George. The suit was dismissed on June 17. Wong is facing Dexter McCoy in November's election for county judge.","content":"Wong’s appointment is tied to a civil lawsuit filed against suspended county judge KP George. The suit was dismissed on June 17. Wong is facing Dexter McCoy in November's election for county judge.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/fort-bend/2026/06/24/555427/fort-bend-county-judge-dispute-daniel-wong-dexter-mccoy-kp-george/?utm_source=rss-fort-bend-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:54:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24142146%2Fdaniel-wong-fort-bend-county-450x343.jpg","slug":"republican-daniel-wong-democratic-commissioners-at-odds-about-his-status-as-interim-fort-bend-county"},{"id":"9kxc0w","title":"Mediterranean-style mansion in Piney Point Village lands among top Houston sales week of June 14 (PHOTOS) - The Business Journals","excerpt":"<a href=\"https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxPM3kxMTNJUUZhb3dUSEx4MkJBeEFkWkNuTUVVQXN3QnpPUW5nMW14T1V0VU1yQW9jckk2TzFmTEtRR19aQUJ6NTAxVG5qcHV1S0p5Ti1HbDhmdFdCLVVYWlR3Qm5NaFlTMl9lTUdnOHMwbG42emNKQVQ4YzB3bXhrTEVOSGdEWDFlMDZwMVMtbEJxSWVyb2FjRU5SNVdwUVJsNEdDQmF3SmZXQQ?oc=5\" target=\"_b...","content":"<a href=\"https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxPM3kxMTNJUUZhb3dUSEx4MkJBeEFkWkNuTUVVQXN3QnpPUW5nMW14T1V0VU1yQW9jckk2TzFmTEtRR19aQUJ6NTAxVG5qcHV1S0p5Ti1HbDhmdFdCLVVYWlR3Qm5NaFlTMl9lTUdnOHMwbG42emNKQVQ4YzB3bXhrTEVOSGdEWDFlMDZwMVMtbEJxSWVyb2FjRU5SNVdwUVJsNEdDQmF3SmZXQQ?oc=5\" target=\"_blank\">Mediterranean-style mansion in Piney Point Village lands among top Houston sales week of June 14 (PHOTOS)</a>  <font color=\"#6f6f6f\">The Business Journals</font>","url":"https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxPM3kxMTNJUUZhb3dUSEx4MkJBeEFkWkNuTUVVQXN3QnpPUW5nMW14T1V0VU1yQW9jckk2TzFmTEtRR19aQUJ6NTAxVG5qcHV1S0p5Ti1HbDhmdFdCLVVYWlR3Qm5NaFlTMl9lTUdnOHMwbG42emNKQVQ4YzB3bXhrTEVOSGdEWDFlMDZwMVMtbEJxSWVyb2FjRU5SNVdwUVJsNEdDQmF3SmZXQQ?oc=5","source":"Google News - \"Piney Point Village\"","author":"Google News - \"Piney Point Village\"","publishDate":"2026-06-28T15:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":2,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2FJ6_coFbogxhRI9iM864NL_liGXvsQp2AupsKei7z0cNNfDvGUmWUy20nuUhkREQyrpY4bEeIBuc%3Ds0-w300","slug":"mediterranean-style-mansion-in-piney-point-village-lands-among-top-houston-sales-week-of-june-14-pho"},{"id":"iiiufg","title":"Israel moves to formally recognize Armenian WWI deaths as a genocide","excerpt":"Israel’s Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal on Sunday to designate violence against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as a genocide.The step, which still needs approval in Parliament, reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey. Turkey has fiercely lobbied to preve...","content":"Israel’s Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal on Sunday to designate violence against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as a genocide.The step, which still needs approval in Parliament, reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey. Turkey has fiercely lobbied to prevent countries from officially recognizing the mass deaths of Armenians around 1915 as a genocide, even as Armenians have pushed for it.Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks around the time of World War I, an event widely viewed by scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey denies that the deaths constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on. “Despite the extensive and unambiguous historical documentation, the Armenian Genocide remains to this day the subject of an institutionalized campaign of denial and minimization, including a manipulative rewriting of history, mainly by the Turkish government,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who brought the decision to the government.He noted that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously described the violence against Armenians as a genocide. But it has never been formally recognized in a vote by Israel’s Knesset.“It is never too late to do the right thing,” Saar said Sunday, calling it a “moral and historical duty.” He noted that 32 countries, including the United States, Syria and Lebanon, have also classified the violence as a genocide. It was not immediately known when Sunday's decision, approved unanimously by Israel's Cabinet, would go to the parliament for approval. Turkey called Israel’s move a “politically motivated” step meant to distract from the country’s own actions against Palestinians.“The Israeli government, which systematically persecutes the Palestinian people in full view of the world and is being tried at the International Court of Justice for genocide against the people of Gaza, aims to cover up its own crimes,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This malicious attempt, which disregards legal and historical facts, reveals the predicament of Netanyahu and his accomplices, who have arrest warrants against them in connection with the investigation into crimes committed against Palestinians at the International Criminal Court,” the statement added.Israel and Turkey were once close allies, but relations soured during the rise of Turkey’s Islamist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leading Israel to reconsider its position. Israel has faced repeated accusations, including from the United Nations and Turkey, that its offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide. Israel, founded in the wake of the Holocaust, denies the accusations.Israel launched the war in response to Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Gaza's Health Ministry, part of the Hamas government, says over 73,000 people have been killed, roughly half of them women and children. Israel says it does not target civilians and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.Last week, a team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations accused Israel of deliberately shooting children in Gaza and repeated accusations that Israel has carried out a genocide. Israel called the report a “libelous sham.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/israel-moves-to-formally-recognize-armenian-wwi-deaths-as-a-genocide/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T14:10:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGON6IJGI6JA2ZFFYU4PBGGYD4U.jpg","slug":"israel-moves-to-formally-recognize-armenian-wwi-deaths-as-a-genocide"},{"id":"sechqx","title":"Brazil and Japan will play in Houston to open the World Cup’s knockout rounds","excerpt":"The two national soccer teams are expected to bring with them to Houston a broad base of supporters for the round-of-32 match, scheduled for noon Monday, June 29, at NRG Stadium.","content":"The two national soccer teams are expected to bring with them to Houston a broad base of supporters for the round-of-32 match, scheduled for noon Monday, June 29, at NRG Stadium.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/24/555490/brazil-world-cup-houston-stadium/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-25T01:12:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24195018%2FAP26176011601415-450x300.jpg","slug":"brazil-and-japan-will-play-in-houston-to-open-the-world-cups-knockout-rounds"},{"id":"81n2fo","title":"Sonny Gray loses no-hit bid against Yankees in 8th but Red Sox rally in 10th to finish 4-game sweep","excerpt":"Sonny Gray was almost overloaded with reasons to celebrate. As if taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning and reaching 2,000 career strikeouts weren't enough, his brilliant outing Sunday night for Boston came against the rival New York Yankees — a team Gray once pitched for and hasn't been shy ...","content":"Sonny Gray was almost overloaded with reasons to celebrate. As if taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning and reaching 2,000 career strikeouts weren't enough, his brilliant outing Sunday night for Boston came against the rival New York Yankees — a team Gray once pitched for and hasn't been shy about disliking.So after winning in a wild ending, Gray and the Red Sox were reveling in a four-game sweep at Fenway Park that marked their longest winning streak this season. “They’re at the top of our division right now. They are where we hope to be. So yeah, it was a good series and it was a pretty sick finish to the series for us,” Gray said after the Red Sox rallied for a 5-4 victory in 10 innings.Actually, the Yankees fell a game behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East, thanks in large part to Boston's first four-game sweep in the rivalry since 2018. Finishing it off proved difficult when New York scored two runs in the ninth to tie it and then two more in the 10th to take a 4-2 lead. But the Red Sox responded with three in the bottom half and walked off with a rousing win on Jarren Duran's game-ending single. The chaotic conclusion nearly overshadowed what Gray had done earlier, striking out nine and shutting down the Yankees emphatically for 7 1/3 innings as Boston clung to a 2-0 advantage. “I was just trying to do my part to win the game. That’s all I was thinking about other than executing a pitch,\" Gray said. “I just felt very focused. I wanted to come out and win the game and we did that.” Gray didn't dwell much on the opponent despite his history with New York. He pitched for the Yankees after a trade-deadline deal with the Athletics in 2017, but the following season ended up losing his spot in the rotation and being left off the postseason roster. His time in New York ended with an offseason trade to Cincinnati.Stops in Minnesota and St. Louis followed before the three-time All-Star arrived in Boston this season, and he said he never really wanted to play for the Yankees in the first place. While the last-place Red Sox (36-46) are still 10 games below .500, Gray said it felt pretty special getting to that point after what it took to win Sunday night. The veteran right-hander tipped his cap to Boston fans as he left to a standing ovation in the eighth after Amed Rosario ended the no-hit bid with a one-out single up the middle on Gray’s 97th pitch. “I think in the sixth inning or something they started really like getting into it and it was cool. I appreciated that,” Gray said. “I appreciate them and it seemed like they appreciated the outing tonight. We need them. If we’re going to get back into this thing, we need them. And they were here for us this weekend, so I appreciated that.”It was the first time since 1963 the Yankees were held hitless through the first four innings of three straight games.Gray got some defensive help in the third when Wilyer Abreu robbed Austin Wells of a hit with a sliding grab in shallow right field after a full sprint to reach the sinking ball in time. Abreu also committed a pair of costly throwing errors late that helped the Yankees tie it and later take the lead. Interim manager Chad Tracy said he still has plenty of confidence in his two-time Gold Glove outfielder, as did his teammates. “We’ve had a good weekend. Even though we gave up a couple of runs, the energy in the dugout coming in was like, let’s go win the game,” Tracy said. “There’s been times here in the past couple of months where that would have kind of crushed us, but that was not the case. They were fired up to try and get that done.”Yankees starter Carlos Rodón allowed only one hit in five innings, Caleb Durbin's two-run single with one out in the fourth.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/red-sox-pitcher-sonny-gray-loses-no-hit-bid-against-yankees-in-8th-inning/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Alden, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T01:22:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLT6QE67OMNGORI5VVWJVVCWIKA.jpg","slug":"sonny-gray-loses-no-hit-bid-against-yankees-in-8th-but-red-sox-rally-in-10th-to-finish-4-game-sweep"},{"id":"xazpyr","title":"Grief and optimism clash in scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes","excerpt":"Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela on Sunday, four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira.The government reported 1,450 dead from the quakes Sunday afternoon as it faced growing criticism f...","content":"Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela on Sunday, four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira.The government reported 1,450 dead from the quakes Sunday afternoon as it faced growing criticism from Venezuelans that its response was inadequate and overshadowed by civilian-led efforts to rescue people buried under collapsed buildings. Thousands more have been reported missing.Even as the likelihood of finding people alive diminished with each passing hour, rescuers continued to free some survivors from mountains of debris, offering anguished families a sliver of hope. The first 48 to 72 hours after a natural disaster are crucial to rescue efforts, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday night that even as the threshold passed, the search for survivors would continue. More than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world had arrived with trained search dogs and machinery, the government said.“It’s been incredibly hard work, but we’re going strong,” said Jason Mercano, a civilian who was able to communicate with family buried under the rubble and was working with rescue teams to pull them out. “We've never given up hope,” he added.More than 770 buildings partially or totally collapsedStill, many Venezuelans are struggling to hold onto hope in an increasingly desperate situation. The one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that hit last Wednesday have left a trail of devastation. The U.N. said up to 6.8 million of Venezuela's nearly 30 million residents may be affected by the earthquakes. A layer of dust coated coastal communities, and as the stench of decomposing bodies spread, more people began to wear masks.Authorities said Sunday that more than 770 buildings had totally or partially collapsed from the earthquakes, twice as many as were reported destroyed or damaged on Friday. The risk of further damage remains as aftershocks continued to shake Venezuela; quakes measuring 4.2 and 4.5 hit Sunday morning. But rescue efforts in La Guaira — the hardest-hit area — appeared significantly more organized on Sunday as international rescue missions arrived en masse. In previous days, residents there had expressed frustration and anger about the level of response.The government reported on state television that more than 14,000 members of the military and police are now patrolling La Guaira state, where access is blocked and special permits are required to enter.Because of the chaos and shoddy cellphone service since the earthquakes, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.Optimism and grief mark La GuairaMoments of optimism contrasted sharply with grief on Sunday.Masses of people gathered around a mountain of debris watching as rescue crews from the U.S., France and Venezuela pulled a man and his son from a crack in the concrete, covered in dust and almost unresponsive. Helmet-clad teams pulled them on a black tarp and passed the two carefully through the crowd to an ambulance to hydrate them through an IV.Rescue teams and onlookers burst into applause in a moment of relief, then continued working.In another part of La Guaira, Helen Guedez and her mother were reeling. They had spent days trying to save her father Jesús from their apartment.She felt a swell of hope when rescue teams from the U.S. had come to inspect the building and confirmed to them that her dad was still alive under the rubble. But they told the family that the building was too unstable to enter and rescue him, she said.They left the scene, but Guedez said would continue to try and rescue their father without their assistance. She said they were now working with civilian volunteers and local miners to get him out.“We're not going to give up,\" said Guedez. “The rest of the team is willing to continue. They know there's another way to get him out and they said they're going to keep working until the very end.”Despite the overwhelming demand for medical services and the shortage of supplies in Venezuela’s public health system, Domingo Luciani Hospital in the capital of Caracas coped with an influx of patients thanks to a flood of donations.“We have tons of patients, but thank god, people have responded by bringing us a great deal of supplies,” said Leomery Pérez, an anesthesiologist at the hospital.Authorities said they had treated more than 3,100 wounded people, including many with crush injuries.A big challenge for Venezuela's acting presidentThe disaster poses a significant challenge for acting President Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the U.S. capture and removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro.Since then, the U.S. government has played in increasingly powerful role in dictating the future of the South American nation. Venezuela has faced economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.The country now faces an even more difficult circumstances, said Ronal Rodríguez, researcher for the Bogotá-based Venezuelan Observatory at the University of Rosario.“There is political interference by the United States, the operational incompetence of a government that has driven the country into a complex humanitarian crisis and, all of the sudden, an earthquake in a place that lacks human capital and short-term resources to address the situation,” he said.Amy Pope, director general from International Organization for Migration, warned that displacement from Venezuela – where crisis has forced 8 million people to migrate over the past decade – was likely to increase as people seek safety. Rodríguez on Sunday said she was setting up a special commission to assess the damage to homes to confirm whether it's safe for people sleeping on the streets to return, adding that her government would also examine infrastructure damage. The search for life in the destruction, she said, would also continue.“Today we recovered people who are still alive,” she said. “We always maintain hope.”___Janetsky reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Juan Pablo Arraez, Matías Delacroix in La Guaira, Venezuela; Jorge Rueda in Caracas, Venezuela; Clara Preve and Mayra Pertossi in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Elliot Spagat in San Diego, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/teams-scramble-to-locate-survivors-four-days-after-venezuela-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Regina Garcia Cano, Juan Pablo Arraez And Megan Janetsky, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T17:40:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6UFKQTWCPBFP7A5KJ5TSEPUBRM.jpg","slug":"grief-and-optimism-clash-in-scramble-to-locate-survivors-4-days-after-venezuela-earthquakes"},{"id":"4y9a55","title":"A skydiving plane crashes in northeastern France, killing all 11 people on board","excerpt":"Families watched in shock as a skydiving plane carrying their loved ones on what was meant to be a thrilling introduction to parachuting crashed in northeastern France on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board, authorities said. The dead included five parachuting instructors, five novice jumpers ...","content":"Families watched in shock as a skydiving plane carrying their loved ones on what was meant to be a thrilling introduction to parachuting crashed in northeastern France on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board, authorities said. The dead included five parachuting instructors, five novice jumpers and the pilot, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said it was France's biggest aviation accident involving skydiving in about 30 years.“Some of the victims’ families witnessed the aircraft falling with their own eyes. So there is tremendous emotion and an even greater psychological trauma,\" Nunez said.He refused to speculate on what caused the crash but said the plane dropped out of the sky suddenly. He said it had just taken off from the Nancy-Essey airfield on the outskirts of the city of Nancy when it came down about 300 meters (yards) from the runway.Yves Séguy, prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle region, said the plane suffered a malfunction and “fell almost vertically,\" narrowly missing a built-up area.“Had it occurred just a few dozen meters away, the accident could have caused collateral casualties,” he said.The plane banked to the left after takeoff and crashed less than a minute later near houses, according to the flight tracking service Flightradar24.Police cordoned off the crumpled wreckage.Flight tracking sites identified the plane as a single-engine Pilatus PC-6, a small transporter of freight, passengers and skydivers.The parachutists were to have jumped as tandems, Nancy Mayor Mathieu Klein told public broadcaster France Info. Tandem jumps are skydiving experiences where two people, often an instructor and a novice jumper, are attached together for the descent.Emergency services responded immediately and were providing psychological support to victims' relatives, officials said. The Paris prosecutor's office is leading the crash probe, Nunez said.A resident, identified as John Curaku by BFM-TV, told the broadcaster that he was in his yard when he heard what sounded like a plane's engine stopping, immediately followed by a bang. He said he went to the crash site and “there were no signs of life,” with two of the bodies thrown a few meters (yards) from the plane. ___Leicester reported from Paris and Hatton from Lisbon, Portugal.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/a-skydiving-plane-crashes-in-northeastern-france-killing-all-11-people-on-board/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:02:39.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEUYDMYL2DNB43KZZ3LOJQNKBXE.jpg","slug":"a-skydiving-plane-crashes-in-northeastern-france-killing-all-11-people-on-board"},{"id":"h5vbdi","title":"Iran attacks Bahrain and Kuwait following US strikes and threatens to halt talks","excerpt":"Iran again launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday following new U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic Republic, and threatened a “complete halt” in negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.Efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without Iran'...","content":"Iran again launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday following new U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic Republic, and threatened a “complete halt” in negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.Efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without Iran's oversight has sparked days of crossfire. A multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said Saturday it would expand a route near Oman for inbound and outbound traffic.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday reiterated the claim that Tehran must govern the strait to the Persian Gulf that once carried a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas.“Any attempt to establish new or separate arrangements from those currently being carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran will only lead to further complications, delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and increase the level of tension,” Araghchi said.The strait has long been considered an international waterway despite its location in Iran and Oman's territorial waters. In recent days, Iran has twice attacked vessels going through a route near the Omani side.Pakistan, a key mediator, has said talks would resume Tuesday between the U.S. and Iran on the terms of their interim deal. The Trump administration on Sunday said nothing has been canceled and technical talks are on track for the coming days.Talks include arrangements around the strait, the removal of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and sanctions on Iran, and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The two sides have 60 days from their signing of the memorandum of understanding earlier this month to work out details.Continued conflict in Lebanon threatens the agreement, which says fighting must end on all fronts before certain issues can be discussed.Strikes target Gulf states hosting US militaryIran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait.Kuwait, which hosts a major U.S. military base, said air defenses intercepted Iranian drones and two missiles just after the U.S. strikes in Iran. There were no reports of injuries or damage.Bahrain said the Iranian strikes damaged a residential building near the international airport and no one was killed. Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. The damaged building was not near its headquarters.Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry denounced what it called “a dangerous escalation that reveals that what Tehran is doing is not a passing act, nor an isolated incident, but rather a deliberate approach and a systematic pattern of repeated aggression.\"Later on Sunday, Qatar said a civilian had been killed, and another person was hurt, by shrapnel related to “military operations in the area\" after a vessel didn't return at its scheduled time on Saturday. It did not give details.Trump accuses Iran of violating ceasefireThe U.S. military said it struck Iranian military “surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities” following an attack on a ship on Saturday. The Panamanian-flagged tanker Kiku carried crude oil for the state-run energy company of Qatar, another key mediator.U.S. President Donald Trump on social media accused Iran of violating the deal and warned of a point where the U.S. may \"be forced to militarily complete the job.”“If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote.The exchanges of fire began when an Iranian drone struck a merchant vessel off Oman on Thursday and the U.S. military retaliated.Ship traffic on the strait had increased over the past 72 hours, “despite the elevated threat environment,” the multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said Sunday, adding that “U.S.-assisted commercial transits continued uninterrupted.\"It said 89 such transits had been made, below the historical average of 138 vessels a day.Iran calls for new ‘conflict control unit’ in LebanonLast week, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement to end the latest fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, which began two days after the Iran war started when Hezbollah fired at Israel. Israel has responded with an invasion of southern Lebanon and it has said it will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed.The agreement did not include Iran or Hezbollah, which has criticized it and rejected calls to disarm.On Sunday, Iran's foreign minister again said the U.S. must force Israel to halt attacks and withdraw. Israel occupies around 600 square kilometers (231 square miles) in southern Lebanon, which it says it needs as a security buffer.Sporadic clashes have continued, and Hezbollah's leader said Saturday that the group would continue fighting until Israel withdraws from Lebanon.Key Iranian negotiator and parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Sunday that a meeting of a new “conflict control unit” formed among Iran, the United States and Lebanon should meet as soon as possible, Iran's state broadcaster reported.Two strikes hit southern Lebanon on Sunday morning — one in Taybeh town and the other in the Nabatiyeh area, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. There was no immediate word on casualties.Overnight, Hezbollah militants killed an Israeli soldier in Deir Siryan village in southern Lebanon, according to Israel's military. Hezbollah did not comment.Israel targets a village in SyriaIsrael's military targeted Abdin village in southern Syria’s Daraa province with artillery shelling Sunday evening, Syrian state media reported. There was no immediate report of casualties.The provincial government of Daraa said in a statement that residents of the village had thrown rocks at an Israeli convoy when it advanced on the village, and that the troops withdrew after U.N. peacekeepers intervened. It said the Israeli artillery shelling drove Abdin's residents to flee the village.Earlier on Sunday, Israel's military said it had killed several armed men in southern Syria but gave no details. There was no statement from Syrian officials.Israel seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria in December 2024 following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in an insurgent offensive. Israeli officials initially called the move temporary, but more recently they have said they plan to occupy the zone indefinitely.___Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud and Abby Sewell in Beirut and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/iran-attacks-bahrain-and-kuwait-following-us-strikes-and-threatens-to-halt-talks-to-end-the-war/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T04:32:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3ESP276PMBE7JCJYTCB2CWO7CE.jpg","slug":"iran-attacks-bahrain-and-kuwait-following-us-strikes-and-threatens-to-halt-talks"},{"id":"g60ka3","title":"Office building fire forces evacuation, firefighter treated for heat exhaustion, HFD says","excerpt":"An official with the Houston Fire Department said that firefighters did not hear any fire alarms or see any sprinklers activated.","content":"An official with the Houston Fire Department said that firefighters did not hear any fire alarms or see any sprinklers activated.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/office-building-fire-forces-evacuation-firefighter-treated-heat-exhaustion-hfd-says/19398721/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-28T02:26:35.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19398716_062726-ktrk-TN-richmond-building-fire-img.png","slug":"office-building-fire-forces-evacuation-firefighter-treated-for-heat-exhaustion-hfd-says"},{"id":"c71toa","title":"The Supreme Court nears the end of its term with momentous cases about Trump's power to be decided","excerpt":"The Supreme Court is wrapping up a term that has focused on President Donald Trump's expansive claims of presidential power.Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, fire the heads of most independent agencies at will and remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor are among the remaining...","content":"The Supreme Court is wrapping up a term that has focused on President Donald Trump's expansive claims of presidential power.Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, fire the heads of most independent agencies at will and remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor are among the remaining eight cases the justices are expected to decide this week, beginning Monday.The court also is weighing, in cases from West Virginia and Idaho, whether to uphold laws in roughly half the states that prohibit transgender girls and women from playing on their public school and college sports. Two election-related cases remain, over state laws that allow a grace period for the receipt of mailed ballots, provided they are sent by Election Day, and limits on political party spending in support of candidates for Congress and president.Also outstanding is a dispute over geofence warrants that collect the location history of cellphone users to find people near crime scenes. Critics say the practice is a fishing expedition that violates civil liberties.The court’s conservative majority has so far been mostly receptive to Trump's immigration crackdown, including a decision last week allowing the administration to end temporary legal protections for people who came to the U.S. because of war or natural disaster in their homeland. Another decision could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to seek asylum in the United States.During arguments in April, the justices signaled a more skeptical look at Trump's executive order that would overturn long-settled understanding and deny citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily.The court also has rejected Trump's assertion of the power to unilaterally impose wide-ranging tariffs under an emergency powers law.The decision in February drew Trump's ire, including an unusually harsh and personal denunciation of two of his court appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, who voted against him.The extent of Trump's power to fire independent agency members is the oldest undecided case, argued in December. The justices seem likely to overturn, or drastically narrow, a 91-year-old decision. It required a cause, like neglect of duty, before a president could remove the Senate-confirmed officials from their jobs.The outcome appears to be in little doubt because the conservatives have allowed the firings to take effect while the case plays out, even after lower-court judges found the firings illegal. The court seemed less willing to endorse Trump's bid to immediately fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she denies. No president has ever fired a Fed governor in the agency's 112-year history.By custom, the court finishes its work before July 4. After this week, its next public meeting is the first Monday in October.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/29/the-supreme-court-nears-the-end-of-its-term-with-momentous-cases-about-trumps-power-to-be-decided/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T04:01:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGG4VPW4F4JCUJKPX4CLSM52JNU.jpg","slug":"the-supreme-court-nears-the-end-of-its-term-with-momentous-cases-about-trumps-power-to-be-decided"},{"id":"wdvsuh","title":"Red Sox rally past Yankees 5-4 in 10 innings to complete 4-game sweep after Gray loses no-hit bid","excerpt":"Jarren Duran singled home the winning run to cap a three-run rally in the 10th inning after Boston blew a two-run lead in the ninth, and the Red Sox finished a four-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees with a 5-4 victory Sunday night.Boston starter Sonny Gray took a no-hitter into the eighth ...","content":"Jarren Duran singled home the winning run to cap a three-run rally in the 10th inning after Boston blew a two-run lead in the ninth, and the Red Sox finished a four-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees with a 5-4 victory Sunday night.Boston starter Sonny Gray took a no-hitter into the eighth against his former team before Amed Rosario singled with one out. That ended a brilliant outing for Gray, who had nine strikeouts to reach 2,000 for his career.But the Yankees scored twice in the ninth off All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman to tie it 2-all, aided enormously by a brutal throwing error from two-time Gold Glove right fielder Wilyer Abreu.New York scratched across two more runs in the 10th, taking advantage of another throwing error by Abreu after Rosario's sinking liner squirted out of his glove for an RBI single. But right-hander Fernando Cruz (4-3) was unable to hold the lead after closer David Bednar had pitched the previous two innings.Boston's first four-game sweep of the Yankees since 2018 marked the first four-game winning streak this season for the last-place Red Sox.New York arrived at Fenway Park with the best record in the American League but left a game behind Tampa Bay atop the AL East.Justin Slaten (1-4) worked one inning for the win.Anthony Seigler led off the bottom of the 10th with an RBI single that scored the automatic runner from second base and trimmed Boston's deficit to 4-3. Pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida followed with a double before a sacrifice fly by Tsung-Che Cheng tied it at 4 and advanced Yoshida to third.New York brought in Rosario from left field to form a five-man infield, and Duran hit a line drive to right where nobody was standing. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was ejected for arguing after he was called out on a check-swing for strike three to end the sixth.Up nextYankees LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.95 ERA) faces Detroit RHP Casey Mize on Monday as New York returns home and opens a three-game series against the Tigers.Boston is scheduled to start LHP Ranger Suarez (3-3, 2.83 ERA) against Washington LHP Andrew Alvarez on Monday to open a three-game set at Fenway Park.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/red-sox-rally-past-yankees-5-4-in-10-innings-to-complete-4-game-sweep-after-gray-loses-no-hit-bid/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Alden, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:56:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXZBC7ITKYRGCTBHUNOERNLT5UA.jpg","slug":"red-sox-rally-past-yankees-5-4-in-10-innings-to-complete-4-game-sweep-after-gray-loses-no-hit-bid"},{"id":"tn22l0","title":"Deputy killed while helping at crash scene becomes latest victim on dangerous stretch of I-45","excerpt":"A 24-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being remembered for her dedication to public service after she was struck and killed while directing traffic along Interstate 45 early Sunday morning.Deputy Erika Serrato, a six-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who had recently becom...","content":"A 24-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being remembered for her dedication to public service after she was struck and killed while directing traffic along Interstate 45 early Sunday morning.Deputy Erika Serrato, a six-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who had recently become a patrol deputy, was killed while assisting at the scene of an earlier DWI crash on the northbound lanes of I-45 near The Woodlands Parkway after investigators say a heavy-duty truck pulling a trailer struck her.OUR FIRST REPORT: Montgomery County deputy killed by vehicle on I-45 North near The Woodlands, officials sayMontgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said Serrato was providing traffic control while investigators worked another crash when a commercial motor vehicle struck her.“This is heartbreaking to see someone who’s been with our agency for about six years now,” Doolittle said. “She was someone committed to public service since she was 18 years old.”According to the sheriff, Serrato began her career as a detention officer before graduating to patrol about six months ago. She was 24 years old and would have celebrated her 25th birthday next month.“She was smiling, she was happy, and she was doing something that she loved to do in Montgomery County and in this community,” Doolittle said. “To see her life cut short in a tragic incident like this, I really don’t have words.”The sheriff said another deputy was also injured by debris during the crash and is expected to recover.The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation.Authorities described the scene as involving multiple crashes and multiple vehicles, making it a complex investigation that is still unfolding.DPS said the northbound lanes of I-45 remained closed for several hours while state crash investigators reconstructed what happened.Investigators have not said whether the commercial truck driver will face charges. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Erika Serrato. We ask our community to keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/K3jgtyALSv&mdash; Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 28, 2026A highway long plagued by deadly crashesSerrato’s death happened along a stretch of I-45 that transportation officials have spent years identifying as one of the region’s most dangerous corridors.According to Texas Department of Transportation crash data, there were 41 fatal crashes in Montgomery County on I-45 between 2022 and 2025.In neighboring Harris County, the interstate saw 189 fatal crashes during that same four-year period, underscoring the dangers of one of the region’s busiest highways.A 2015 South County Mobility Plan commissioned by the Houston-Galveston Area Council found I-45 between SH 242 and the Hardy Toll Road was already severely congested and recommended additional north-south routes, rebuilt interchanges and new overpasses to improve safety and relieve traffic. The report also called the corridor’s outdated infrastructure a growing concern as development continued.The mobility plan remains part of ongoing discussions as local leaders continue exploring improvements along the corridor.‘Help keep us safe while we’re keeping you safe’Doolittle said deputies are struggling with the loss of one of their own while continuing to serve the community.“They’re completely heartbroken,” he said. “They’re devastated. To be standing beside a co-worker who’s killed next to you is something that none of us should have to go through.”He asked drivers to remember the dangers first responders face every day on Texas roadways.“Law enforcement is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week responsibility,” Doolittle said. “Please keep our officers in your prayers and just look out when you’re driving. Be responsible and help keep us safe while we’re keeping you safe.”Serrato leaves behind her parents and two sisters. Doolittle said the sheriff’s office is asking the public to give the family privacy as they grieve.“Our deputies cared deeply about her,” he said. “She was a good person. She was a public servant who loved our community.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/deputy-killed-while-helping-at-crash-scene-becomes-latest-victim-on-dangerous-stretch-of-i-45/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaewon Jung","publishDate":"2026-06-29T03:16:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F852c1a05-fc50-432c-ae43-7dbf2da898fb%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"deputy-killed-while-helping-at-crash-scene-becomes-latest-victim-on-dangerous-stretch-of-i-45"},{"id":"xeh5j8","title":"NBC bumps Yankees-Red Sox to stay with golf as Scheffler forces playoff","excerpt":"It is rare that a New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game gets preempted for anything, especially on network television. That was the case though Sunday night due to a rain delay at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship, and with Scottie Scheffler in contention.An NBC Sports spokesman said the decis...","content":"It is rare that a New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game gets preempted for anything, especially on network television. That was the case though Sunday night due to a rain delay at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship, and with Scottie Scheffler in contention.An NBC Sports spokesman said the decision was made in consultation with the PGA Tour and Major League Baseball to stick with coverage of the golf tournament once it resumed at 7:20 p.m. EDT until it finished or was suspended due to darkness. Scheffler — the world's No.. 1 player — made an 8-foot par putt on the 18th hole to force a sudden-death playoff against Viktor Hovland on Monday morning. Tournament officials determined officials deemed there was not enough daylight to start the playoff.The final round was stopped for 90 minutes as storms moved over the TPC River Highlands course in Cromwell, Connecticut. NBC aired the conclusion of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The start of the final round of third women's major of the year in Chaska, Minnesota, was delayed 3 1/2 hours due to rain. Haeran Ryu won by two strokes for her first major title.The Yankees-Red Sox game was also streamed on Peacock. NBC picked up coverage at 8:28 p.m. during the bottom of the fourth inning with the Red Sox leading 2-0.NBC viewers still got to see the more interesting parts of the game. Boston's Sonny Gray had a no-hitter through seven innings before the Yankees' Amed Rosario ended it with a single with one out in the eighth inning. New York rallied for two runs in the ninth to send it into extra innings and then scored two in the 10th to take a 4-2 lead.The Red Sox though scored three in the 10th, including Jarren Duran's game-winning RBI single, to beat the Yankees 5-4 and complete a four-game sweep of their longtime rival.This is NBC's first season carrying “Sunday Night Baseball.” It was the first Yankees-Red Sox game on NBC since Sept. 8, 1995.___AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/29/nbc-bumps-yankees-red-sox-to-stay-with-golf-as-scheffler-forces-playoff/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:23:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2I2BLFVNVJGNVAN74LMG44OCJE.jpg","slug":"nbc-bumps-yankees-red-sox-to-stay-with-golf-as-scheffler-forces-playoff"},{"id":"50s6mb","title":"Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in swimming pool in Huffman area, HCSO says","excerpt":"A toddler has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the Huffman area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive toddler in a swimming pool at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday.The c...","content":"A toddler has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the Huffman area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive toddler in a swimming pool at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday.The child was transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead, authorities said.No additional details, including the toddler’s age or how the child ended up in the pool, have been released.The Harris County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a tragedy and said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the toddler’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post Sunday night.@HCSOTexas deputies responded to a report of a toddler found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive. The toddler was transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the… pic.twitter.com/XqXeEjAnkD&mdash; Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) June 29, 2026This is a developing story.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/29/toddler-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-in-swimming-pool-in-huffman-area-hcso-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:01:19.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4H7JP5OVINAO3DRZSLVS44VTQU.png","slug":"toddler-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-in-swimming-pool-in-huffman-area-hcso-says"},{"id":"pnbtwe","title":"A rights group warns Vietnam is ramping up arrests under broad laws to crush dissent","excerpt":"Vietnam is increasingly using broadly written laws to arrest activists, dissidents and others that authorities consider a threat to the Communist Party's rule, according to a new analysis released Monday by a human rights group. The 88 Project, which focuses on rights issues in Vietnam, documente...","content":"Vietnam is increasingly using broadly written laws to arrest activists, dissidents and others that authorities consider a threat to the Communist Party's rule, according to a new analysis released Monday by a human rights group. The 88 Project, which focuses on rights issues in Vietnam, documented 56 such arrests in 2025, the third consecutive year of increases and double the number in 2022. The report includes only arrests where the defendant could be identified by name and the case tracked, and the actual numbers are believed to be much higher, said Ben Swanton, co-director of the group. The report says the country under leader To Lam “routinely weaponizes criminal law” to quash dissent. To Lam, the country’s former top security official who has served as general secretary of the Communist Party since 2024, was also elected president earlier this year.The arrests are largely driven by fears of an uprising against the leadership in a so-called “color revolution,” like the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, or the 1986 Yellow Revolution in the Philippines, according to the report. It is a fear shared by the Communist Party in neighboring China, which has been accused of using similar tactics to stifle critics. Though competing maritime claims have led to confrontations between the two countries and a tense diplomatic relationship at times, China and Vietnam were able to agree earlier this year to together “prioritize political security and enhance efforts to prevent and resist color revolutions,” the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. “With the ascendancy of To Lam, the country has become a literal police state that tolerates no dissent,” Swanton said. “This represents a serious regression from the period of relative openness in the 2010s when some dissent was tolerated and civil society groups were able to engage in policy activism.”Vietnam's Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the findings of the report. The report found that authorities are relying increasingly on Article 331 of Vietnam's penal code, which makes it a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison to “abuse democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state.”Previously little used, “authorities have enlarged the scope and application of Article 331 so that it reaches further into society, beyond human rights and democracy dissidents ... to all those who voice any grievance with state or local Communist Party and government officials,” New York-based Human Rights Watch wrote in a report last year. “The Vietnamese authorities’ increased use of Article 331 is a little known facet of the government’s expanding crackdown on ordinary people who are seeking to use social media and other peaceful means to publicly raise important social issues, including religious freedom, land rights, rights of Indigenous people, and government and Communist Party corruption,” Human Rights Watch wrote. Among those arrested under Article 331 last year were three men behind the YouTube channel “Nguoi Da Tin' — The Messenger — on allegations that videos they uploaded were ”distorted content\" that violated the statute, The 88 Project reported. The report provides details of every arrest identified as politically related in 2025. Those also included an activist for the minority Montagnard group who was arrested in Thailand and extradited to Vietnam, a dissident writer accused of spreading “propaganda against the state,” and a man who helped residents of Ha Tinh province file complaints demanding fair compensation for land expropriated for a new highway. “The Vietnamese government has dealt alarmingly severe punishments to longstanding targets like journalists and human rights activists, while displaying an increasing willingness to attack groups previously thought safe, such as political exiles and legal petitioners,” the report said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/29/a-rights-group-warns-vietnam-is-ramping-up-arrests-under-broad-laws-to-crush-dissent/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"David Rising, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T01:02:10.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5RTDGOFC45GDVJXHC3CIY63INY.jpg","slug":"a-rights-group-warns-vietnam-is-ramping-up-arrests-under-broad-laws-to-crush-dissent"},{"id":"q3qgod","title":"Pakistan says ground operation and strikes along Afghan border killed 29 militants","excerpt":"Pakistani security forces Sunday carried out a ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by “calibrated strikes” against militant hideouts and safe havens, killing 29 fighters, officials said. In a post on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the operation was launc...","content":"Pakistani security forces Sunday carried out a ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by “calibrated strikes” against militant hideouts and safe havens, killing 29 fighters, officials said. In a post on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the operation was launched in response to multiple militant attacks across the country. In Afghanistan, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan's attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children.“We strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression and consider it a crime and an act of brutality,” he said.Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks targeting police and security forces in recent years. Authorities have blamed the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, and allied militant groups for most of the violence.The security operation took place a day after militants armed with guns and explosives targeted the regional headquarters of the paramilitary Rangers in the southern port city of Karachi, killing three soldiers. Security forces killed three attackers and arrested another assailant, whom the military identified as an Afghan national in wounded condition.Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the Karachi attack in a statement Saturday night.Tarar said Pakistan’s latest operation along the Afghan border targeted hideouts and safe havens of the Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistani Taliban are a separate militant group from the Afghan Taliban, although the two are allies. The Afghan Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021.The latest operations are likely to further strain already tense relations between Islamabad and Kabul.Strikes are the latest in cross-border violence between neighbors Sunday’s cross-border strikes and ground operation came less than three weeks after Pakistan's military launched airstrikes on what it said were militant hideouts in Afghanistan. They ended about a month of relative calm following what Islamabad had described as an “open war” between the neighboring countries, despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace.The escalation follows months of tit-for-tat military action between the two countries. Hundreds of people have been killed in cross-border fighting since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory.Multiple rounds of talks have failed to secure a lasting ceasefire. China also hosted the two sides in April and Beijing later said Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed not to escalate their conflict and to explore a solution.Pakistan since last year has carried out multiple strikes along the border and inside Afghanistan, targeting alleged hideouts of TTP and other militants. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Afghan Taliban government of harboring militants who carry out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, especially the TTP. Kabul denies the charge. ___Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers Abdul Qahar Afghan in Kabul; Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, contributed to this story.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/pakistan-says-it-carried-out-ground-operation-strikes-along-afghan-border-killing-29-militants/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T20:17:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTZI42MK53JE6NDEDYQ4VEZOPTA.jpg","slug":"pakistan-says-ground-operation-and-strikes-along-afghan-border-killed-29-militants"},{"id":"eqdb1r","title":"Khadijah Farrakhan, 'first lady of Nation of Islam' as wife of famous pastor, dies at 90","excerpt":"Khadijah Farrakhan, longtime wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, died Saturday, the Nation of Islam has announced. She was 90. “Mother Khadijah” worked alongside her provocative and charismatic husband for decades, helping lead their religious and sociopolitical movement, which espous...","content":"Khadijah Farrakhan, longtime wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, died Saturday, the Nation of Islam has announced. She was 90. “Mother Khadijah” worked alongside her provocative and charismatic husband for decades, helping lead their religious and sociopolitical movement, which espouses Black self-reliance. Its home base was Mosque Maryam on the south side of Chicago, where the pair lived. “The Honorable Minister @LouisFarrakhan with deep sadness yet with profound gratitude to Allah informs you that his beloved wife of 72 years, the first lady of the Nation of Islam, Mother Khadijah has returned to Allah (may Allah be pleased),” a statement by the Shura Executive Council said. Her death came only seven months after devotees had marked Khadijah's 90th birthday. The statement said funeral services are to be announced.Mosque Maryam remembered Farrakhan as “a devoted follower” with “a precious soul, a sweet heart.”In a post on Facebook, R&B artist ZaRio Son Rise recalled her as “a true queen, a righteous woman, and one of the greatest examples of dignity, faith, loyalty, and grace our generation has ever witnessed.” Born Betsy Ross, Khadijah Farrakhan married her husband, then named Louis Walcott, in Boston on Sept. 12, 1953. The two had nine children. Their eldest son, Louis Farrakhan Jr., died in 2018, and son Joshua Farrakhan died in 2023.Khadijah Farrakhan converted to Islam in 1955, the same year that her husband joined the Chicago-based movement after being heavily influenced by Malcolm X, his friend from Boston. The pair changed their names around that time.Louis Farrakhan stepped into the organization's leadership vacuum shortly after Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. Among his most significant accomplishments was the Million Man March on Washington in 1995.Two years later, Khadijah Farrakhan spoke before a gathering of America's Black women in Philadelphia dubbed the Million Woman March.“A nation can rise no higher than its women,” she told the crowd. “We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family -- men, women and children.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/28/khadijah-farrakhan-first-lady-of-nation-of-islam-as-wife-of-famous-pastor-dies-at-90/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T15:31:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4TTVYKJKPVFZZDQA7KRM22NSMU.jpg","slug":"khadijah-farrakhan-first-lady-of-nation-of-islam-as-wife-of-famous-pastor-dies-at-90"},{"id":"jdlvzl","title":"France records around 1,000 additional deaths as extreme heat breaks European records","excerpt":"France saw around 1,000 additional deaths last week at the height of its record-smashing heat wave, the country's public health agency said Sunday, as the head of the World Health Organization warned that Europe is now the fastest-warming continent and needs to do more to protect its citizens. Te...","content":"France saw around 1,000 additional deaths last week at the height of its record-smashing heat wave, the country's public health agency said Sunday, as the head of the World Health Organization warned that Europe is now the fastest-warming continent and needs to do more to protect its citizens. Temperature records were toppled in several countries on the weekend, wildfires were sparked in Germany and Berlin police used water cannons to cool down the crowds.Meanwhile, the heat wave slowly moved toward eastern parts of the continent. Germany marked a new record for the third day in a row with 41.7 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in Neißemünde, near the border with Poland, which baked under its new all-time high of 40.5 C (104.9 F). The Czech Republic also experienced its hottest day ever with 41.9 C (107.4 F), up from the previous record of 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 F) on Saturday. A new study from the World Weather Attribution, a Europe-based collaboration of scientists, reported Friday that the record-breaking heat and humidity in Europe this past week would not have been possible without climate change.The rapid study found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago.France records surge in deaths during heat waveFrance reported a surge in deaths last week, including a sharp increase at private homes, especially in the Paris region, the national public health agency said Sunday.There were more than 1,200 deaths on Wednesday, when France was sweltering under its hottest temperatures, increasing to more than 1,400 deaths on each of the two following days, Public Health France said. In April and May, before the heat wave, France’s rate of deaths was about 900 to 1,000 per day.The agency concluded that France experienced a total of at least 1,000 additional deaths during those three days alone, an estimate it cautioned is likely to increase as more data is collected, including for deaths at home.The increase was sharpest in areas under red warnings of extreme heat, it said. Those warnings blanketed about three-quarters of the country at the peak of the heat wave. The agency said that 85% of the deaths involved people aged 65 and above.Europe is the fastest-warming continent, WHO warns“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday on X. “Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling.”Driven by climate change and global warming, the “once-in-a-generation” heat wave is now occurring nearly every year, Tedros said, adding that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 linked to high temperatures in Europe.“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros warned as he called on European countries to implement action plans. He said they should focus on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.Lightning strikes Swedish theme parkIn Sweden, several people were injured when they were hit by lightning at an amusement park, the country's TT news agency reported. Three adults were taken to the hospital, among them a woman with serious injuries, after the lightning struck the Tosselilla Sommarland park in Tomelilla in the south of the country.Across Europe, the extreme heat has been followed by severe thunderstorms. Denmark, which marked new temperature records on Saturday, recorded 1,156 lighting strikes by Sunday morning, according to public broadcaster DR. Heat sparks wildfires in forests contaminated with WWII ammunitionIn Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that's still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, complicating efforts by firefighters. Similarly, a major firefighting operation was underway in southwest Germany near the village of Traisen, where the heat sparked a forest fire in an area that also contained unexploded ordnance. Firefighters had to stop work temporarily after explosions took place and an ordnance disposal unit was brought in to continuously assess the situation, German news agency dpa reported. Some 650 people in Traisen had to leave their homes Sunday afternoon because the fire continued to spread.Fire departments in the big cities were busy sending out ambulances to people suffering from heat-related illnesses. In Berlin, an additional 500 ambulance dispatches were reported on Saturday, most of them heat-related. Berlin police use water cannons to cool down locals and touristsThe German capital's police found a way to help suffering Berliners and tourists alike. They put up two huge water cannons — usually used to disperse unruly protesters — in front of the iconic Brandenburg Gate and sprayed the cool water across the cheering crowd.The heat also worsened damage to infrastructure, with the concrete surface on countless highways breaking up, and a weekend warning by national rail operator Deutsche Bahn to avoid all unnecessary train travel.More than 600 passengers had to be evacuated from an overheated train in Brandenburg after a tree fell onto an overhead power line during a storm on Saturday evening. The train, which was on its way from Hamburg to Prague, lost power. The air conditioners stopped working and the doors were locked until emergency responders forced them open. Two people were hospitalized with heat-related problems, dpa reported.In the eastern city of Leipzig, no trams will be running until early Monday morning due to heat damage to tracks and switches. The Leipzig Public Transportation Authority said that the high temperatures had caused the joint sealant for asphalt and concrete in switches and tracks to run and clump together in many places throughout the city's network.——Leicester reported from Paris. Associated Press writer Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/france-records-around-1000-additional-deaths-as-extreme-heat-sets-european-records/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kirsten Grieshaber And John Leicester, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:23:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPKLOL75MIRCQ3FHQ25D3COYPNA.jpg","slug":"france-records-around-1000-additional-deaths-as-extreme-heat-breaks-european-records"},{"id":"9n7zkm","title":"Ukrainian drones set another Russian oil refinery ablaze as Putin admits fuel shortages","excerpt":"Ukraine kept up its heavy drone assault on Russia, setting fire to a major oil refinery in the south, as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time on Sunday that the country was facing a “certain deficit” of fuel and vowed to strengthen protection of oil facilities and boost fuel o...","content":"Ukraine kept up its heavy drone assault on Russia, setting fire to a major oil refinery in the south, as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time on Sunday that the country was facing a “certain deficit” of fuel and vowed to strengthen protection of oil facilities and boost fuel output.Ukraine has markedly stepped up its long-range attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities in recent months, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for its invasion — now in its fifth year — and make Russians feel the consequences. “Our ‘long-range sanctions’ reached two oil refineries in Russia,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday. “Each (strike) means a reduction in the resources that fuel the Russian war machine, and another step toward peace.”The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies, causing widespread shortages and long lines at gas stations across the country and prompting authorities in many regions to introduce fuel rationing. According to Western analysts, it has also slowed Moscow’s efforts on the battlefield, heaping pressure on the Kremlin to come to the negotiating table. Putin says Ukrainian attacks aim to split Russian societySpeaking to a Russian state TV reporter, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries as an attempt to “cause a split in Russian society and force Russia to halt, even if only briefly, the advance of our troops along the line of contact, and create conditions for launching a negotiation process on terms advantageous to our adversary.\"“We will not give them that chance,” Putin said, adding that “strikes on our infrastructure, wherever they are directed, have absolutely no effect on the situation at the front, on the line of contact.”He said for the first time that Ukraine has proposed a halt on deep strikes, arguing that Kyiv made the offer because Russian strikes deep into Ukrainian territory are more powerful and devastating.The Russian leader added that Kyiv also offered to limit the fighting to the four regions that Russia annexed but never fully captured — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. He rejected the proposal, arguing it would allow Ukraine to relocate its forces that are fighting Russian troops in other areas to let them focus on fending off the Russian attacks in the four southeastern regions.Ukrainian drones set major Russian refinery on fireMeanwhile, debris from downed Ukrainian drones sparked a blaze at the refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, a town in Russia's Krasnodar region, east of occupied Crimea, according to regional Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev. The falling debris killed one person in Slavyansk and wounded another in a nearby village, local authorities said.The facility is one of southern Russia’s major refineries, processing close to 4 million tons of crude per year, according to its operator’s website. It is also a key source of petroleum products intended for export through Russia’s Black Sea ports, including fuel oil, naphtha and marine fuel. Zelenskyy also claimed that another Russian refinery, in the Yaroslavl region around 700 kilometers (435 miles) from the Ukrainian border, was hit during the nighttime strikes. There were no immediate reports from Russian authorities about the strike on the Yaroslavl refinery. Local Gov. Mikhail Evraev reported on Sunday morning that some roads between Moscow and the region's capital, Yaroslavl, were temporarily closed due to “an enemy attack by Ukrainian drones.” Fuel shortages in Russia as Putin says plans will be ‘adjusted’For months, Ukraine has been stepping up attacks on energy facilities deep inside Russia. Despite a raft of Western sanctions, Moscow remains among the world's top exporters of oil and natural gas. More recently, Ukraine has attempted to choke off fuel deliveries to Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula illegally annexed by Moscow in early 2014. Last weekend, Kremlin-installed officials in Crimea suspended gasoline sales to civilians, after Kyiv's targeting of supply routes triggered the worst energy crisis there since the annexation. Speaking at a meeting with officials that focused on the fuel situation, Putin admitted that the country was “going through a difficult period,” but insisted that Moscow would “honor all its social obligations.”Shortly after, he told state TV that the country's arms industries will quickly ramp up production of air defense systems to fend off Ukrainian attacks.Putin also said that Russia will import more fuel and speed up repair works at oil facilities to end the “temporary deficit.”“All damaged facilities are being restored quite quickly, and the issues that arise are not critical,” he said. Putin specifically pledged to quickly deal with fuel shortages in Crimea, saying that fuel deliveries to the Black Sea peninsula by land and sea will rise and voicing confidence that “this task will be accomplished.”As fuel shortages spread across Russia, the governor of the Irkutsk region in Siberia, thousands of kilometers (miles) from the Ukrainian border, Igor Kobzev announced that drivers will only be allowed to buy no more than 50 liters (13 gallons) of fuel per vehicle per day at state-run Rosneft gas stations in the province. Other gas stations may set lower limits.Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Moscow was actively reviewing fuel export agreements to avoid compromising domestic needs.Drones, bombs and missiles target more regions Also on Sunday, a Russian aerial bomb killed two people in Zaporizhzhia — a city in southern Ukraine — and injured 16 others, including two children, said regional administration head Ivan Fedorov. In Russia's border region of Belgorod, Ukrainian drone strikes killed one person and injured another earlier on Sunday, according to acting local Gov. Alexander Shuvayev. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces shot down 213 Ukrainian drones during the night, including over Russia, occupied Crimea and the Black and Azov seas. Meanwhile, Russia attacked Ukraine with 142 long-range strike drones and eight missiles overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Of those, 125 drones and seven missiles were struck down, the air force said. ___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/ukrainian-strike-sets-fire-to-an-oil-refinery-in-southern-russia/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T10:17:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPJ5N63VKSRHH7PTCLRQUWPOKAY.jpg","slug":"ukrainian-drones-set-another-russian-oil-refinery-ablaze-as-putin-admits-fuel-shortages"},{"id":"3bf5ly","title":"Scheffler makes clutch putt to force Monday playoff against Hovland in Travelers Championship","excerpt":"Scottie Scheffler made an 8-foot par putt on the 18th hole Sunday and pumped his fist with more emotion than he showed all day, just for the right to return Monday at the rain-delayed Travelers Championship to face a sudden-death playoff against Viktor Hovland.The final round was stopped for 90 m...","content":"Scottie Scheffler made an 8-foot par putt on the 18th hole Sunday and pumped his fist with more emotion than he showed all day, just for the right to return Monday at the rain-delayed Travelers Championship to face a sudden-death playoff against Viktor Hovland.The final round was stopped for 90 minutes as storms moved over the TPC River Highlands, and officials deemed there was not enough daylight for them to start the playoff.The playoff was to start at 9 a.m. Monday, the first time a PGA Tour went an extra day since The Players Championship last year.“It’s more fun when you’re making the ones to win,” Scheffler said. “But to keep yourself in it is also nice. Like I said, I live another day until tomorrow, and will be coming out in the morning and see what I can do.”Scheffler and Hovland each had birdie chances at the end. Scheffler rammed his 30-foot putt 8 feet by the hole. Hovland's 25-foot attempt missed by inches and he tapped in for a 69. Scheffler made his third big par putt for a 68 to match Hovland at 21-under 259.That was one shot ahead of Collin Morikawa, who closed with a 61 and was briefly tied for the lead, though it never looked as though it would be enough.Hovland, who went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Scheffler, found himself two back when play was halted by a pounding rain and lightning in the area, both of them in the fairway on the 14th hole.Hovland poured in a 15-foot birdie putt from just off the green, to get within one shot and Scheffler had to make a 6-foot par putt to stay in the lead. On the reachable par-4 15th, Scheffler's pitch from the collar of rough — wet grass might have saved his tee shot from going in the water — raced toward the pin on the top shelf and kept right on going, over the back and down a slope. He chipped that just onto the green and made another big par putt with Hovland in tight for a third straight birdie.That left them tied. Scheffler missed a big opportunity on a 10-foot birdie chance on the 17th that spun off of the left edge of the cup, and the world's No. 1 player did well to hammer a shot from the wet rough right of the 18th fairway to just inside 30 feet.PGA Tour official decided before they finished the 18th there would not be enough light to play even one extra hole. They arrived at the playoff in different manners — Scheffler with three birdies against one bogey, Hovland going through a 10-hole stretch in the middle of his round with just two pars.Hovland fell behind by two early, only for a two-shot swing on No. 7. There was a two-shot swing in Scheffler's favorite to start the back nine, and then Hovland made up ground with three straight birdies, the final two after rain changed the condition of the course.The break was good for Hovland just to settle him down.“I hit some good shots and then some bad shots and I just couldn’t quite get a flow in,” Hovland said. “So it was nice to just get completely off the golf course and reset and I felt a lot better coming back. So sometimes that’s all you need.”Morikawa finished in style, a shot out of the wet sand in the bunker on the 18th to just inside 10 feet for ninth birdie of the round to post at 20-under 260. Morikawa, who started the day nine shots out of the lead, had to wait some three hours — including the delay — before leaving.“The thought of actually having a chance, waiting it out, didn’t really cross my mind,” Morikawa said. “But I told my wife earlier this morning, ‘Let’s shoot 61 and end the three-week stretch on a good note.’ And sometimes the way you manifest things works out.”Matt Fitzpatrick shot 64 to finish alone in fourth followed by U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who played remarkably well after such a draining week at Shinnecock Hills. He was in it until a shot into the water for bogey on the 17th. Clark had a 65 and was three shots back.___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/29/scheffler-makes-clutch-putt-to-force-monday-playoff-against-hovland-in-travelers-championship/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Ferguson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T00:38:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3SOHMGXXO5AKBK7EG3CQEGHBCU.jpg","slug":"scheffler-makes-clutch-putt-to-force-monday-playoff-against-hovland-in-travelers-championship"},{"id":"fi3dau","title":"Aramco oil company helicopter crashes in Saudi Arabia, killing all 14 on board","excerpt":"All 14 people on board were killed in Saudi Arabia when a helicopter belonging to the world's largest oil company crashed on Sunday morning, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy.The accident occurred around 6 a.m. in Ras Tanura, and everyone killed was a Saudi national, the statement said. A...","content":"All 14 people on board were killed in Saudi Arabia when a helicopter belonging to the world's largest oil company crashed on Sunday morning, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy.The accident occurred around 6 a.m. in Ras Tanura, and everyone killed was a Saudi national, the statement said. An investigation was opened into the cause of the crash.The helicopter belonged to Aramco, which is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia.Aramco recently has had to scramble as the Iran war disrupted oil supplies and raised prices. The company has said it successfully shifted some oil exports to a pipeline to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted as Iran asserted control over the waterway.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/28/aramco-oil-company-helicopter-crashes-in-saudi-arabia-killing-all-14-on-board/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:33:41.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO2VDPLGI75CWLGOZGJROJ33E4M.jpg","slug":"aramco-oil-company-helicopter-crashes-in-saudi-arabia-killing-all-14-on-board"},{"id":"wn2358","title":"Tropical Trouble: Tracking a new area for tropical disturbance near Florida’s coast","excerpt":"Another homegrown storm is trying to develop off the east coast of Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is lowering the chance of development from 20% to 10% over the next 7 days.This area of concern is due to a low-pressure system developing along a stalling front. This is not a home run...","content":"Another homegrown storm is trying to develop off the east coast of Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is lowering the chance of development from 20% to 10% over the next 7 days.This area of concern is due to a low-pressure system developing along a stalling front. This is not a home run for this disturbance to upgrade to a tropical storm or hurricane; it has to overcome dry air and wind shear.Regardless of whether this disturbance develops into a tropical storm or hurricane, it has the potential to bring higher rain chances along the Gulf Coast by mid-week as it moves westward with the flow of a high-pressure system.We’ll have to wait and see just how much rain comes from this.If this disturbance get its act together, it would be named Bertha.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/27/tropical-trouble-tracking-a-new-area-for-tropical-disturbance-near-floridas-coast/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Daji Aswad","publishDate":"2026-06-27T14:14:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7VIMPV6ABZHMVFNVRBX3WWE5HQ.jpg","slug":"tropical-trouble-tracking-a-new-area-for-tropical-disturbance-near-floridas-coast"},{"id":"gjpm8e","title":"Houston weather: Hot, humid and hazy as Saharan dust moves into Texas Monday","excerpt":"A strengthening ridge of high pressure is in control, bringing hot temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The high pressure will move east into the Midwest and East Coast for 4th of July weekend, boosting temperatures above average from Chicago to Baltimore. As the high pressure moves east, hea...","content":"A strengthening ridge of high pressure is in control, bringing hot temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The high pressure will move east into the Midwest and East Coast for 4th of July weekend, boosting temperatures above average from Chicago to Baltimore. As the high pressure moves east, heat remains in for Houston but shower and storm chances return for the start of July. Afternoon highs will generally range from 92 to 96 degrees through much of the week, with overnight lows falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s.While this won’t be an extreme heat wave by Houston standards, the lack of rainfall combined with several consecutive days of triple-digit heat indices will make for a prolonged stretch of summer heat. Most afternoons will feature heat index values between 104 and 107 degrees, and there may be isolated spots that briefly exceed those numbers. Saharan Dust Moving in:A dense plume of Saharan dust is moving into the southeast on Sunday night. The dust will settle over Houston on Monday and begin to move out on Tuesday. Expect hazy skies, potential for poor air quality, and vivid sunrises and sunsets.Saharan dust is back! How it will impact traveling, hurricanes, air quality, and sunsets in TexasRip Current Risk Monday:If you plan to cool down in any Gulf facing beaches there is a rip current risk. There are some simple things to remember if you’re heading to the coast.If you can’t swim or are an inexperienced swimmer, think, when the waves are high, stay dry.In calmer waters, don’t let the water go above your knees. Never swim alone. If you are in doubt, don’t go out, and always swim near a lifeguard.Tropical Trouble: Also, monitoring an area of tropical development off of the Southeast Coast. It has a low chance to form into a named storm.Read more about it here: Tropical Trouble: Tracking a new area for tropical disturbance near Florida’s coast10 Day Forecast:For now, Houston’s weather pattern is firmly locked into summer mode: hot afternoons, warm nights, plenty of humidity, and very few opportunities for cooling rain.The beginning of July, hit and miss daily showers and storms are possible through 4th of July. Thankfully, no widespread rainfall is expected at this time.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/27/houston-weather-heat-humidity-and-haze-this-weekend/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Daji Aswad","publishDate":"2026-06-27T10:11:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F773FZSJRPNBHDDBJQFY6KXVWJA.jpg","slug":"houston-weather-hot-humid-and-hazy-as-saharan-dust-moves-into-texas-monday"},{"id":"9pp5k5","title":"Haeran Ryu wins the Women's PGA Championship for her first major title","excerpt":"Haeran Ryu recovered from a rough start to secure her first career major title, winning the Women's PGA Championship by two strokes over Ina Yoon on a windy Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club.Ryu shot a 2-under 70 to finish at 13-under 275 and become the sixth South Korean to win the event ov...","content":"Haeran Ryu recovered from a rough start to secure her first career major title, winning the Women's PGA Championship by two strokes over Ina Yoon on a windy Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club.Ryu shot a 2-under 70 to finish at 13-under 275 and become the sixth South Korean to win the event over the last 12 editions, flashing a big smile after sinking her last putt as friends ran out to douse her in celebration. The 2023 LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year was also the first major champion in at least the last 60 years to rally from a 10-plus-shot deficit after the first round. Ryu opened Thursday with a 73 in a tie for 70th place, as Yoon shot a tournament-record 63.Playing her first event in six weeks, Ryu shook off whatever rust she showed and heeded some keen advice from her coach about moving forward.“You don’t have another problem so just trust your shot and trust your caddie and trust yourself on the golf course,” Ryu said during the trophy ceremony on the 18th green.Brooke Henderson and Dewi Weber tied for third at 10 under. Three Americans — Allisen Corpuz, Auston Kim and Alison Lee — tied for fifth place, six strokes behind Ryu.“Haeran played unbelievable today,” Yoon said. “Brooke, I like to play her, play with her all the time. She’s such a nice girl. I learned a lot today, this week.”LPGA Tour leader Nelly Korda wrapped up a frustrating weekend on the greens with a 73 to finish in a four-way tie for eighth, failing to become the third player to win the first three majors of the season.The course was closed for most of the morning while a thunderstorm moved through the Twin Cities metro area, dropping more than an inch of rain and pushing all of the tee times back by 3 1/2 hours while players tried to stay focused and loose. That left the greens extra soft and the air especially gusty, making many of Hazeltine’s notoriously long fairways even trickier.Ryu was five strokes behind Yoon in a four-way tie for second after two rounds and surged to the top on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Henderson, the third time she’s been ahead or tied for the lead entering the final round of a major.The 25-year-old Ryu bogeyed three of her first five holes before settling in and flexing her ball-striking muscle on a particularly tough afternoon for putting. Ranking in the top three on the tour in approach, tee to green, and greens in regulation, Ryu went 4 under over the final 12 holes to separate from the pack in a far more relaxing finish than she was on track for. Four different players held a solo lead over the front nine.Weber became only the fourth women’s player from the Netherlands to finish in the top 20 at a major tournament, with Anne van Dam the most recent at the 2024 British Women’s Open. Only one player on the men’s side has ever done so.The 23-year-old Yoon had her best finish on the LPGA Tour, deftly rebounding from a 75 on Saturday and a double bogey on the third hole on Sunday.“Little disappointed yesterday and today, but I think I did pretty good job being under pressure and it’s just part of golf,” Yoon said. “I think it’s going to be a really big lesson in the big picture.”Korda turns her focus to the next two majorsKorda made the turn only three shots back and birdied the 10th hole, but her short game fell short down the stretch in similar fashion to the third round. She three-putted five different times at Hazeltine, after posting no more than three in any other tournament this year.Hazeltine's signature lakeside hole dragged her down, too, with a double bogey in the first and fourth rounds on the 16th. Her second shot from the right edge of the fairway splashed in the water for a costly penalty stroke, and she two-putted the par-4 hole.With the Evian Championship and Women's British Open next month, Korda can still add a grand slam to what has been a superb season despite some setbacks this week in Minnesota.“I was just thinking about the way that I played,\" Korda said, \"not like the realistic big picture that everyone is talking about.”___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/haeran-ryu-wins-the-womens-pga-championship-for-her-first-major-title/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dave Campbell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T23:19:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVBCCGR74V5ABXKX373B2I5YSAM.jpg","slug":"haeran-ryu-wins-the-womens-pga-championship-for-her-first-major-title"},{"id":"7ieltk","title":"From the rubble in Venezuela, an unexpected story of survival cuts through days of tragedy","excerpt":"A mix of rescue teams and civilians on Sunday peered at a mountain of rubble almost indistinguishable from the other ruins lining swathes of the northern Venezuelan coast following two devastating earthquakes. In the days since Wednesday's 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, search teams and locals had believed ...","content":"A mix of rescue teams and civilians on Sunday peered at a mountain of rubble almost indistinguishable from the other ruins lining swathes of the northern Venezuelan coast following two devastating earthquakes. In the days since Wednesday's 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, search teams and locals had believed that there were no signs of life under the concrete mass in La Guaira state, one of the hardest-hit areas.Then on Sunday came a burst of movement. A pair of dust-coated legs was pulled out of a hole by rescue teams from Virginia, France and Venezuela.Teams gently carried the man from the structure where he had been trapped for four days, his body slack but still gripping his phone, onto a black tarp and administered an IV.Then came his young son, pulled shirtless and almost unresponsive over a pack of hard-hat clad rescue workers with the words “Fairfax County Urban Search & Rescue” emblazoned on the backs. “Slow, slow, gentle, gentle,” chanted rescue teams in a mix of Spanish and English, as they passed the father and son through a crowd of onlookers into a nearby ambulance. The teams burst out into applause days into search and rescue efforts, at a time that hope of finding survivors was dimming.Associated Press journalists Juan Pablo Arraez and Matías Delacroix were among the throng of people who witnessed the rescue.On Sunday, Arraez said they were scouring the La Guaira region “trying to see if we can see any miracles” when they found the U.S. rescue teams and local civilians calmly working to pull the father and son out of the building.“At this stage many begin to lose hope. You see that in their faces,” Arraez said, as helicopters flew overhead. “When somebody makes it out alive, this father and son. It’s more than a glimpse, it’s real hope for people.”The one-two punch of the earthquakes has been the greatest natural disaster the South American nation has faced in decades.Authorities reported 1,450 people were dead on Sunday, with thousands more injured and many more missing.The first 48 to 72 hours after a natural disaster are crucial to rescue efforts, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. But small moments of optimism, solidarity and humanity like this have cut through almost overwhelming grief.Venezuelan firefighters poured water into the mouth of a dust-covered dog peeking its head through cracks in the concrete.After being trapped for 70 hours, one woman sat up on a stretcher, grinning and waving at cheering crowds as she was loaded on a gurney into an ambulance. ——Associated Press photojournalist Matías Delacroix contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/from-the-rubble-in-venezuela-an-unexpected-story-of-survival-cuts-through-days-of-tragedy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Juan Pablo Arraez And Megan Janetsky, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T21:27:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FT7N4XSMOMRCHRKE35J44BT3UXM.jpg","slug":"from-the-rubble-in-venezuela-an-unexpected-story-of-survival-cuts-through-days-of-tragedy"},{"id":"4hthvc","title":"3 firefighters killed in Colorado as wildfires stoked by heat, wind rage across the West","excerpt":"Blistering heat and strong winds Sunday stoked wildfires across the West after three firefighters were killed a day earlier in Colorado while battling a blaze along the state's border with Utah.The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” across the Southwest, with risk...","content":"Blistering heat and strong winds Sunday stoked wildfires across the West after three firefighters were killed a day earlier in Colorado while battling a blaze along the state's border with Utah.The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” across the Southwest, with risk high in the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah intersect. The agency warned of “extreme fire behavior” along the Utah-Colorado border, where “rapid fire growth is likely.” The firefighters were killed and two sustained burn injuries when they were overcome Saturday by flames from fast-moving fires. They deployed emergency protective shelters during the so-called burnover — which occurs when a fire spreads and closes off all escape routes — in Mesa County, the U.S. Interior Department said.They worked for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service and were part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires, which merged with other fires to form the Snyder Fire. So far, about 44 square miles (114 square kilometers) have burned.The Wildland Fire Service, created earlier this year to streamline firefighting on public lands, said in a statement that it “stands united” with the Forest Service in grief and “in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind.”The names of the firefighters were withheld pending notification to their loved ones, the Interior Department said.Temperatures in Grand Junction — east of the fire — hit a high of 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) Saturday, with winds gusting to 44 mph (71 kph), according to the National Weather Service. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office asked people to evacuate the potential path of the fire and to turn on irrigation water to saturate the land. The federal Bureau of Land Management on Saturday closed public access to lands it manages nearby.On Sunday, strong winds pushed waves of thick, gray smoke from the fire as it burned through a desolate stretch of scrub and red mesa.Hot, dry and windy conditionsConsecutive days of hot, dry and windy weather fueled fires in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and elsewhere. New fires popped up across the region.The largest blaze, the Cottonwood Fire, burned out of control in rugged terrain in southwest Utah. It ballooned Sunday to more than 146 square miles (378 square kilometers) after marching through canyons and mountainsides, destroying part of a ski resort. The cause is under investigation.Firefighters worked on multiple fronts, using bulldozers to scrape away brush and trees to starve the fire of fuel.No estimates of damage were immediately available. Gov. Spencer Cox in a post on social media thanked crews for what he called “several miraculous stops and saves.” The danger is even higher this year because of Utah's record-low snowpack and its warmest winter on record. Much of the West is grappling with similar conditions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Some 12 fires were burning in Utah. None were contained by late afternoon Sunday.Fires across the U.S. burn thousands of square miles this yearNationally, nearly 4,688 square miles (12,142 square kilometers) have burned since Jan. 1. That is more than the 10-year average. Fully or largely uncontained wildfires burned across the desert Southwest on Sunday, according to Forest Service data, including in Nevada and Arizona. Their area totaled nearly 469 square miles (1,214 square kilometers).Emergencies declared in Utah and ColoradoCiting fire conditions, Cox declared an emergency last week and banned fireworks ahead of the July Fourth holiday. State officials said Utah has seen an increase in wildfire starts, with each fire showing unprecedented behavior and stretching wildland firefighting capabilities.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also declared an emergency on Saturday, authorizing the use of the National Guard to tackle the fires.South of Grand Canyon National Park, authorities said a new wildfire was moving away from Grand Canyon Village on Saturday. But about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away, another fire prompted Coconino County officials to issue evacuation orders for those near Kendrick Mountain. Parts of northern Arizona were without power Saturday as the utility serving the area initiated a safety shut-off in hopes of lessening the wildfire risk. On Sunday, officials said power had been restored to much of Grand Canyon National Park.Power shutoffs have become more common in the West as wildfire risk has expanded. It is usually a last resort after utility forecasters weigh factors like sustained wind and gust speeds, available fuels and topography.___Smyth contributed from Columbus, Ohio. Sisak reported from New York. Associated Press writer Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/28/3-firefighters-killed-2-injured-while-tackling-wildfires-on-the-colorado-utah-border/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ty Oneil And Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T03:02:55.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FREBMAS6WGNGHVL3PLBAM55JJDE.jpg","slug":"3-firefighters-killed-in-colorado-as-wildfires-stoked-by-heat-wind-rage-across-the-west"},{"id":"t03hjd","title":"Harris County commissioners appointed a new flood control director. Here’s what to know","excerpt":"Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Marcus Stuckett, a former director of engineering at the Harris County Flood Control District who has been working for a Houston-based private engineering firm, Pape-Dawson.","content":"Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Marcus Stuckett, a former director of engineering at the Harris County Flood Control District who has been working for a Houston-based private engineering firm, Pape-Dawson.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/flooding/2026/06/24/555339/harris-county-flood-control-district-director-appointment/?utm_source=rss-flooding-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Sarah Grunau","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:50:52.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24132203%2FIMG_0472-450x300.jpg","slug":"harris-county-commissioners-appointed-a-new-flood-control-director-heres-what-to-know"},{"id":"kbyfbl","title":"Houston pride parade rescheduled for August","excerpt":"The parade was postponed earlier this month due to storms.","content":"The parade was postponed earlier this month due to storms.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/new-houston-pride-2026-parade-date-august","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T22:54:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2FGettyImages-2155795796.jpg","slug":"houston-pride-parade-rescheduled-for-august"},{"id":"li431w","title":"Canada set to play in Houston's final FIFA World Cup 2026 match","excerpt":"Houston's Round of 16 match will be the city's final match for the FIFA World Cup 2026.","content":"Houston's Round of 16 match will be the city's final match for the FIFA World Cup 2026.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-saturday-world-cup-match-canada","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T21:45:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-02-08h04m19s996.jpg","slug":"canada-set-to-play-in-houstons-final-fifa-world-cup-2026-match"},{"id":"se7gxt","title":"Montgomery County deputy Erika Serrato killed on North Freeway","excerpt":"A 24-year-old Montgomery County sheriff's deputy was killed early Sunday morning after a commercial truck struck her while she was directing traffic at the scene of an alleged DWI crash on Interstate 45, authorities said.","content":"A 24-year-old Montgomery County sheriff's deputy was killed early Sunday morning after a commercial truck struck her while she was directing traffic at the scene of an alleged DWI crash on Interstate 45, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/montgomery-county-sheriffs-deputy-killed-after-being-struck-vehicle-i-45","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T21:42:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fimage-65.png","inBriefing":true,"slug":"montgomery-county-deputy-erika-serrato-killed-on-north-freeway"},{"id":"qchl31","title":"Canada beats South Africa 1-0 in World Cup's first knockout match on Stephen Eustáquio's late goal","excerpt":"Right after Canada finished its first knockout match victory in a World Cup, coach Jesse Marsch huddled his players on the grass of a stadium still in pandemonium and spoke from his heart — shouted, actually.“You guys are Canadian heroes today!\" Marsch declared. \"Canadian heroes for the future ch...","content":"Right after Canada finished its first knockout match victory in a World Cup, coach Jesse Marsch huddled his players on the grass of a stadium still in pandemonium and spoke from his heart — shouted, actually.“You guys are Canadian heroes today!\" Marsch declared. \"Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. The sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You never lost belief. You went after it, point after point, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes!”Stephen Eustáquio's dramatic late goal had inspired Marsch to Ted Lasso levels of earnestness, and he didn't care who knew it.Soccer has never been the main event on Canada's busy sports calendar, and Les Rouges are playing in only their third World Cup this summer. But Marsch realized this landmark 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday is the type of achievement that can seize an entire nation's attention for a generation.“We could have made life a little easier on ourselves if we would have made a play earlier when we had some big chances,” Marsch said. “But obviously the timing of the goal means that the win is incredibly dramatic, and I think the effect that it will have in Canada, and the inspiring of people, will be immense.”After 90-plus minutes of frustration and failure to break down cagey South Africa at SoFi Stadium, Canada made history in an instant when Alistair Johnston’s long pass into the box was cleared directly into the path of Eustáquio.The midfielder who plays professionally at nearby Los Angeles FC coolly chested it down and blasted it off the bounce into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams' net before sprinting away to celebrate with Canada's bench in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.“We worked for it,\" Eustáquio said. “We have a special group. We feel like we are brothers. When we fight for each other, when we play for each other, special things like this can happen. I am over the moon, but at the same time I don’t want to say that the job is finished.”Canada, which sits 30th in the most recent FIFA world rankings, advanced to face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday.After playing its first three group matches in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada missed the chance to also make this bit of history at home when it lost 2-1 to Switzerland last Wednesday and got sent on the road for the knockout rounds. But Marsch's plucky team responded by winning this tournament's first round of 32 match and reaching the round of 16 for the first time in its three trips to the World Cup.The Canadians were still the clear crowd favorite in the Los Angeles area between their traveling fans and thousands of supportive locals, including several in Eustáquio’s LAFC shirt who couldn't have imagined the day they were about to enjoy.“We never stopped believing,\" Eustáquio said. \"And I think the goal is really something that we deserved.”After finishing second in their respective groups, both South Africa and Canada were playing for their nations’ first knockout victories at a World Cup when they opened knockout play with the only match of the day.Canada got a boost in the 75th minute when star defender Alphonso Davies came on for his first World Cup action. The playmaking Bayern Munich defender missed group play after injuring his hamstring last month for the third time this year, but finally returned in the same stadium where he tore a knee ligament in March 2025 in CONCACAF Nations League play.Davies immediately made the best pass of the day to set up Promise David for a golden chance, but the forward hit it wide. The game then bogged down again — but Eustáquio made sure Canada avoided extra time.“Steph is one of the people in the team that I think is the most reliable and understands what we’re trying to achieve as a group, and understands how to manage moments in games, and to be a leader, a true leader,” Marsch said. “It was good to see him, in that moment, just being in the moment and thinking about the best way to strike the ball in the way to give it the best chance to go in. Really composed and really well-executed.”Williams made five saves for South Africa, which played with remarkable heart while hanging in until the final moments in search of another historic win for the team known as Bafana Bafana. South Africa stayed firm defensively and created a handful of tantalizing chances despite getting only one shot on goal to close a tournament in which it scored two goals in four matches.“We lost the game because there was a lack of power and speed in our team when I compare that with our opponent,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “We had a difficult game, certainly. But when we look back, we can be fairly satisfied with what we did.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/canada-beats-south-africa-1-0-in-world-cups-first-knockout-match-on-late-goal-by-stephen-eustaquio/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Greg Beacham, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T21:02:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKH3CCNNOP5DCPHJTO2IWRUAG6U.jpg","slug":"canada-beats-south-africa-1-0-in-world-cups-first-knockout-match-on-stephen-eustquios-late-goal"},{"id":"2vs8zz","title":"3 firefighters die fighting Snyder Fire near Colorado-Utah border","excerpt":"The fast-moving flames of a wildfire burning near the Colorado-Utah border claimed the lives of three firefighters and injured two others who had huddled inside emergency shelters to escape the blaze.","content":"The fast-moving flames of a wildfire burning near the Colorado-Utah border claimed the lives of three firefighters and injured two others who had huddled inside emergency shelters to escape the blaze.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/3-firefighters-die-fighting-snyder-fire-near-colorado-utah-border","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T19:46:44.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fcalifornia-wildfire-gettyimages-2280061555.jpg","slug":"3-firefighters-die-fighting-snyder-fire-near-colorado-utah-border"},{"id":"nvr8hx","title":"Harris County immigration defense funds paused by Texas Supreme Court","excerpt":"The state Supreme Court granted a \"temporary relief\" motion filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Harris County's Immigrant Legal Services Fund\" (ILSF).","content":"The state Supreme Court granted a \"temporary relief\" motion filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Harris County's Immigrant Legal Services Fund\" (ILSF).","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-immigration-funds-paused-2026","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T19:10:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2F6b4ada31-gavel2_1441056551803_140744_ver1.0.jpg","slug":"harris-county-immigration-defense-funds-paused-by-texas-supreme-court"},{"id":"ls0dlz","title":"Man killed outside Houston Heights bar, suspect on the run","excerpt":"Police say a gun was pulled during an altercation outside Heights Drive Inn early Sunday.","content":"Police say a gun was pulled during an altercation outside Heights Drive Inn early Sunday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-heights-drive-shooting-north-main-2026-june","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:20:25.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fmain.jpg","slug":"man-killed-outside-houston-heights-bar-suspect-on-the-run"},{"id":"n1qwx9","title":"Body of 17-year-old missing after Galveston Bay fishing trip recovered, Texas EquuSearch confirms","excerpt":"The body of a 17-year-old boy who disappeared after an inflatable raft deflated during a fishing trip in Galveston Bay has been recovered, according to Texas EquuSearch.Nathan Lowery went missing Saturday morning after he and his 16-year-old brother launched an inflatable raft near the north side...","content":"The body of a 17-year-old boy who disappeared after an inflatable raft deflated during a fishing trip in Galveston Bay has been recovered, according to Texas EquuSearch.Nathan Lowery went missing Saturday morning after he and his 16-year-old brother launched an inflatable raft near the north side of the Texas City Dike shortly before sunrise to go fishing.According to Texas EquuSearch Case Manager Mark Edwards, the raft began losing air shortly after the brothers got on the water.“Yesterday morning just before first light, a young man and his buddy went off here in a raft. They were going to go fishing, and evidently the raft began to deflate,” Edwards said during Sunday’s search efforts.As the raft drifted farther from shore, strong south winds pushed the brothers deeper into Galveston Bay.“Once they got clear of this landmass blocking that south wind, the wind really picked up out there and pushed them way out into the bay,” Edwards said.        View this post on Instagram            What happened on the waterOfficials said both brothers eventually ended up in the water after becoming separated from the raft. They floated on their backs while waiting for help.The U.S. Coast Guard responded and rescued the 16-year-old brother. Nathan has not been found.During Saturday’s search, the Coast Guard located the empty raft about 15 miles away near Baytown, giving investigators an idea of how far the winds and currents carried it.Why this search has been difficultMultiple agencies, including Texas EquuSearch, TEXSAR, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard, aided the search efforts in the bay.Edwards said crews used three boats, two jet skis and about 19 searchers to cover the area.“Our efforts are going to concentrate on Skyline Drive based on wind and current conditions, and we’re going to keep grid-searching the water,” Edwards said.Unlike other water searches, Edwards said investigators dealt with conflicting information about where Nathan entered the water and which direction he drifted.“It was dark when they drifted way offshore, and we’ve got conflicting reports that are giving us a hard time,” Edwards said. “The building blocks for finding missing people are the last known location and the direction of travel. All of our information is sketchy, which has forced all of us to grid search nearly the entire bay.”Officials stress the importance of life jacketsAs crews continue searching, Edwards said he hopes this case reminds people to wear life jackets whenever they are on the water.“I can’t tell you how many kids we’ve seen out here running around in kayaks and play toys with no life jacket and nobody’s watching them,” Edwards said. “Life jackets are where it’s at. We have never recovered anybody without a life jacket.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/search-continues-for-17-year-old-missing-after-inflatable-raft-drifts-from-texas-city-dike-into-galveston-bay/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ricky  Munoz, Austin McAfee, Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-28T17:31:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F5f68e861-612d-4baf-a0b5-b3986258ab04%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"body-of-17-year-old-missing-after-galveston-bay-fishing-trip-recovered-texas-equusearch-confirms"},{"id":"vkk0ye","title":"Man shot, killed by roommate at University Place home","excerpt":"Police say the suspect and victim lived at the Vassar Street home where the shooting took place.","content":"Police say the suspect and victim lived at the Vassar Street home where the shooting took place.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-shooting-university-place-vassar-2026-june-roommate","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:55:35.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvassar.jpg","slug":"man-shot-killed-by-roommate-at-university-place-home"},{"id":"g847ie","title":"Nearly 1 million bottles of heart and kidney medication recalled over foreign substance","excerpt":"Nearly one million bottles of heart and kidney medication have been recalled nationwide over the possibility of a \"foreign substance,\" according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.","content":"Nearly one million bottles of heart and kidney medication have been recalled nationwide over the possibility of a \"foreign substance,\" according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/heart-kidney-medication-recalled-over-foreign-substance","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T15:59:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ffda-hq.jpeg","slug":"nearly-1-million-bottles-of-heart-and-kidney-medication-recalled-over-foreign-substance"},{"id":"md0oht","title":"Teenager drowns in Lake Jacksonville while attempting to rescue 5-year-old child","excerpt":"A 15-year-old boy drowned Saturday afternoon in Lake Jacksonville after trying to rescue a 5-year-old child who had drifted into deep water, police said.","content":"A 15-year-old boy drowned Saturday afternoon in Lake Jacksonville after trying to rescue a 5-year-old child who had drifted into deep water, police said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/teenager-drowns-lake-jacksonville-while-attempting-rescue-5-year-old-child","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T15:39:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Flake-jacksonville-tx.png","slug":"teenager-drowns-in-lake-jacksonville-while-attempting-to-rescue-5-year-old-child"},{"id":"npdq0d","title":"Skydiving plane crashes in France, killing all 11 people on board","excerpt":"A skydiving plane crashed in northeastern France Sunday, killing all 11 people on board, authorities said.","content":"A skydiving plane crashed in northeastern France Sunday, killing all 11 people on board, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/skydiving-plane-crashes-france-killing-all-11-people-board","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Heather.Miller@fox.com (Heather Miller)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T14:40:41.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fcrashfeatured.jpg","slug":"skydiving-plane-crashes-in-france-killing-all-11-people-on-board"},{"id":"cb3d3j","title":"Homicide investigation launched after man shot inside car near East Freeway","excerpt":"Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was found shot to death inside a vehicle in east Harris County early Sunday, authorities said.","content":"Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was found shot to death inside a vehicle in east Harris County early Sunday, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/homicide-investigation-launched-after-man-shot-inside-car-near-east-freeway","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T14:08:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F09%2FCRIME2.jpg","slug":"homicide-investigation-launched-after-man-shot-inside-car-near-east-freeway"},{"id":"nsk4vs","title":"High-speed crash on Old Humble Road leaves one driver dead","excerpt":"A woman was killed early Sunday morning after losing control of her car at a high rate of speed and colliding with a pickup truck in northeast Harris County, authorities said.","content":"A woman was killed early Sunday morning after losing control of her car at a high rate of speed and colliding with a pickup truck in northeast Harris County, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/high-speed-crash-old-humble-road-leaves-one-driver-dead","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T13:59:51.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-28-085450.png","slug":"high-speed-crash-on-old-humble-road-leaves-one-driver-dead"},{"id":"unbdne","title":"More supplements sold on Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, Target sites recalled","excerpt":"More TNVitamins products are being pulled from shelves over Salmonella fears.","content":"More TNVitamins products are being pulled from shelves over Salmonella fears.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/more-supplements-sold-amazon-walmart-tiktok-shop-target-sites-recalled","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:38:12.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fmore-moringa-recalls.jpg","slug":"more-supplements-sold-on-amazon-walmart-tiktok-shop-target-sites-recalled"},{"id":"7hd14c","title":"Saks Global comes out of bankruptcy with new name, fewer stores","excerpt":"The parent company for Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman stores emerged from bankruptcy this week with a lot less debt, a lot fewer stores, and a whole new name.","content":"The parent company for Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman stores emerged from bankruptcy this week with a lot less debt, a lot fewer stores, and a whole new name.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/saks-global-comes-out-bankruptcy-new-name-fewer-stores","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T01:29:19.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fsaks-gettyimages-2254095265.jpg","slug":"saks-global-comes-out-of-bankruptcy-with-new-name-fewer-stores"},{"id":"phcnqu","title":"Coast Guard, Texas EquuSearch seek missing teen after rafting incident in Galveston Bay","excerpt":"Search crews are actively looking for 17-year-old Nathan Lowery, who went missing after a raft carrying him, his family, and his friends sank in Galveston Bay early Saturday morning.","content":"Search crews are actively looking for 17-year-old Nathan Lowery, who went missing after a raft carrying him, his family, and his friends sank in Galveston Bay early Saturday morning.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/search-underway-17-year-old-missing-after-raft-sinks-galveston-bay","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T01:02:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fimage-7.png","slug":"coast-guard-texas-equusearch-seek-missing-teen-after-rafting-incident-in-galveston-bay"},{"id":"giapd9","title":"Private Selection chicken breast product target of health alert","excerpt":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants people who may have purchased a variety of Private Selection raw boneless chicken breasts to check their freezers or refrigerators in case they still have them.","content":"The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants people who may have purchased a variety of Private Selection raw boneless chicken breasts to check their freezers or refrigerators in case they still have them.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/private-selection-chicken-breast-product-target-health-alert","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-28T00:23:54.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fhoney-dijon-private-selection.jpg","slug":"private-selection-chicken-breast-product-target-of-health-alert"},{"id":"kqrvgw","title":"Judge lets Dan Sullivan run in Alaska primary - against Dan Sullivan","excerpt":"The political battle between two men named Dan Sullivan is back on after a judge reversed the decision by a state official to throw one of them off the ballot.","content":"The political battle between two men named Dan Sullivan is back on after a judge reversed the decision by a state official to throw one of them off the ballot.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/judge-lets-dan-sullivan-run-alaska-primary-against-dan-sullivan","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T19:55:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdan-sullivan-gettyimages-2273913289.jpg","slug":"judge-lets-dan-sullivan-run-in-alaska-primary-against-dan-sullivan"},{"id":"tddvzd","title":"Utah wildfire grows rapidly, forcing more evacuations","excerpt":"A fast-moving wildfire in southern Utah grew rapidly overnight, fueled by intense heat, strong winds, and extremely dry conditions, prompting additional evacuation orders.","content":"A fast-moving wildfire in southern Utah grew rapidly overnight, fueled by intense heat, strong winds, and extremely dry conditions, prompting additional evacuation orders.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/utah-largest-wildfire-forces-more-evacuations","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Chris.Williams@fox.com (Chris Williams)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T18:52:56.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-27-114147.png","slug":"utah-wildfire-grows-rapidly-forcing-more-evacuations"},{"id":"9ilwy","title":"Multi-agency investigation underway after 4 shot in East Texas Whataburger parking lot","excerpt":"Two people were killed and two others were injured during an early morning shooting in an East Texas Whataburger parking lot, police said Saturday.","content":"Two people were killed and two others were injured during an early morning shooting in an East Texas Whataburger parking lot, police said Saturday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/multi-agency-investigation-underway-after-4-shot-east-texas-whataburger-parking-lot","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T18:17:09.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-27-131123.png","slug":"multi-agency-investigation-underway-after-4-shot-in-east-texas-whataburger-parking-lot"},{"id":"euxrq4","title":"Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite","excerpt":"Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.","content":"Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-agricultural-officials-issue-emergency-quarantines-across-21-counties-screwworm-parasite","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:39:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2280736052.jpg","slug":"texas-agricultural-officials-issue-emergency-quarantines-across-21-counties-for-screwworm-parasite"},{"id":"u2ud9f","title":"Ex-youth pastor arrested in 20-year-old death of wife at Zion National Park","excerpt":"Former youth pastor David Vander Meer has been arrested and charged with murder and insurance fraud in connection with the 2006 death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, at Utah's Zion National Park.","content":"Former youth pastor David Vander Meer has been arrested and charged with murder and insurance fraud in connection with the 2006 death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, at Utah's Zion National Park.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/david-vander-meer-charged-murder-wife-zion-national-park-death","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Chris.Williams@fox.com (Chris Williams)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:10:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2266754962.jpg","slug":"ex-youth-pastor-arrested-in-20-year-old-death-of-wife-at-zion-national-park"},{"id":"r8bg3z","title":"Venezuela earthquake: How you can help those in need","excerpt":"Following the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela this week, the need for support is growing in the region.","content":"Following the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela this week, the need for support is growing in the region.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/venezuela-earthquake-how-you-can-help-those-need","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX.26.Digital@fox.com (FOX 26 Digital)","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:02:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282979695.jpg","slug":"venezuela-earthquake-how-you-can-help-those-in-need"},{"id":"12bu5a","title":"Major airline 'reluctantly' changes family policy amid investigation","excerpt":"Ryanair will \"reluctantly\" allow parents to sit with their children for free after an investigation into the practice was opened, bringing the airline in line with European industry standards.","content":"Ryanair will \"reluctantly\" allow parents to sit with their children for free after an investigation into the practice was opened, bringing the airline in line with European industry standards.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/major-airline-reluctantly-changes-family-policy-amid-investigation","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-27T02:19:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fryanair2.jpg","slug":"major-airline-reluctantly-changes-family-policy-amid-investigation"},{"id":"oayxq2","title":"See the photos: Before and after satellite images show aftermath of deadly earthquakes in Venezuela","excerpt":"Satellite images captured the devastating aftermath of the deadly back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela late Wednesday.","content":"Satellite images captured the devastating aftermath of the deadly back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela late Wednesday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/see-photos-before-after-satellite-images-show-aftermath-deadly-earthquakes-venezuela","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Catherine.Stoddard@fox.com (Catherine Stoddard)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:49:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvenezuela-eq.jpg","slug":"see-the-photos-before-and-after-satellite-images-show-aftermath-of-deadly-earthquakes-in-venezuela"},{"id":"f8r32f","title":"Lindsey Vonn has a special understanding of Serena Williams' comeback as a fellow 40-something","excerpt":"When Serena Williams played her first professional tennis match in nearly four years recently, another elite female athlete in her 40s was on hand for the occasion.Skier Lindsey Vonn has a special understanding of what Williams is going through as she prepares to play both singles and doubles at ...","content":"When Serena Williams played her first professional tennis match in nearly four years recently, another elite female athlete in her 40s was on hand for the occasion.Skier Lindsey Vonn has a special understanding of what Williams is going through as she prepares to play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon at age 44.After making her own comeback, Vonn was the top World Cup downhiller last season at age 41 until her horrific crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February left her with a severely fractured left leg.“There is an increasing shift in what women can accomplish at later stages in their careers or life,” Vonn told The Associated Press. “I feel like we are in the same boat, where we don’t need to prove anything to anyone but we still have the ability to compete at an elite level. She (Willliams) also told me that I played a role in inspiring her to come back so that of course was meaningful to me.”Vonn talked with Williams after the tennis standout’s doubles victory with partner Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club in London, having watched the match from one of the VIP balconies.“She was in great spirits. She’s having fun which I loved seeing, even more than her tennis,” Vonn said in a written response. “If it’s bringing her joy to play, I say play as long as you want!”Vonn has undergone eight surgeries following her Olympic crash — which nearly led to a leg amputation — and needs at least one more to repair a torn ACL in that same knee. But she’s back in the gym and has resumed physical training, while still assessing whether she’ll compete again.After nearly six years away from skiing, Vonn returned in December 2024 with a partial titanium replacement in her right knee. She had two victories and seven podium results last season.On Centre Court at Wimbledon on Tuesday, Williams will play her first singles match since 2022 against 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia. Then she’ll play doubles with older sister Venus Williams later in the week.So what does Vonn expect from Williams at Wimbledon?“It’s her first major singles tournament since retiring so I would expect for her to play well but not show all her cards yet,” Vonn said. “I’m sure she can still win, but I wouldn’t put any expectations on her. She’s the GOAT (greatest of all time) no matter what happens.”Indeed, Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion in singles and has won 14 more Grand Slams in doubles — all with Venus as her partner. Vonn’s 45 World Cup downhill wins are the most by a male or female skier.“It was kind of like riding a bike,” Williams said Sunday of her first practice sessions back at the All England Club. “Obviously when I play, I might have a lot of things come up.”No matter the outcome, Williams shares Vonn’s credo of setting the bar high to create new standards.“You have to believe in yourself and go for any dream,” Williams said, “no matter how wild it may be.”___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/lindsey-vonn-has-a-special-understanding-of-serena-williams-comeback-as-a-fellow-40-something/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Dampf, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:21:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG3UQHBBY3VEKLAVOX7KL3E6LXA.jpg","slug":"lindsey-vonn-has-a-special-understanding-of-serena-williams-comeback-as-a-fellow-40-something"},{"id":"3ozs9o","title":"Trump says his renovation plans for a golf course will have Washington hosting a 'major' tournament","excerpt":"President Donald Trump on Sunday surveyed several of his construction projects around the nation's capital, suggesting afterward that his redevelopment of the East Potomac Golf Links would enable it to host a premier tournament.“When completed, this Course will have the ability to host Major Golf...","content":"President Donald Trump on Sunday surveyed several of his construction projects around the nation's capital, suggesting afterward that his redevelopment of the East Potomac Golf Links would enable it to host a premier tournament.“When completed, this Course will have the ability to host Major Golf Tournaments, including The U.S. Open, The Ryder Cup, The PGA Championship, and other top PGA Tour events,” Trump posted on social media.Trump toured the course with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, various aides and the golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son, Gavin Fazio. The president's redevelopment of the course is subject to a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. It's unclear when the course could host any major tournaments, as locations are chosen several years ahead of the events. Locations for the U.S. Open are scheduled through 2051, though there are available spots in 2043, 2046 and 2048. The PGA Championship is set through 2035. Trump complained in his post about the condition of the grass and the sprinkler system for the public golf course, but debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing has also been dumped on the grounds. The National Park Service said last month that the debris tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals.Trump said in his post that work on the golf course would begin on Sept. 1. The president also toured updates to Lafayette Park on the north side of the White House and had his motorcade drive around where he plans to build a triumphal arch.The president also said in a separate post that he would meet with Janeese Lewis George, who won the Democratic primary for Washington's mayor. Trump in his post called Lewis George a “Communist.\"At a news conference Thursday, Lewis George said that as the next likely mayor that she would “work with anyone including the president for the best interest of D.C. residents” but stressed that she would not comply “in advance” to requests from the administration that could compromise the locally elected government.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/28/trump-says-his-renovation-plans-for-a-golf-course-will-have-washington-hosting-a-major-tournament/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Josh Boak, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T20:13:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4QMPQ6AJAZEW3A5334AUVH54WM.jpg","slug":"trump-says-his-renovation-plans-for-a-golf-course-will-have-washington-hosting-a-major-tournament"},{"id":"njt0tn","title":"Man involved with youth groups accused of years of indecency dating back to the 90s, MCSO says","excerpt":"A 65-year-old man involved in youth organizations in Montgomery County in the 90s was arrested in Arkansas and charged with two counts of indecency with a child, MCSO says.","content":"A 65-year-old man involved in youth organizations in Montgomery County in the 90s was arrested in Arkansas and charged with two counts of indecency with a child, MCSO says.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/man-involved-youth-groups-accused-years-indecency-dating-back-90s-mcso-says/19398987/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Sarah Al-Shaikh","publishDate":"2026-06-28T02:24:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F18445374_MCSO-jail-law-center-sign-img.png","slug":"man-involved-with-youth-groups-accused-of-years-of-indecency-dating-back-to-the-90s-mcso-says"},{"id":"e1knj3","title":"America split from monarchy 250 years ago. Trump's presidency is testing how far it's come","excerpt":"The 250th anniversary of America's liberation from a king kicked off with a campaign-style rally on the National Mall by President Donald Trump, whose face already stares down from banners fluttering from federal buildings across the nation's capital.The images illustrate how the Republican presi...","content":"The 250th anniversary of America's liberation from a king kicked off with a campaign-style rally on the National Mall by President Donald Trump, whose face already stares down from banners fluttering from federal buildings across the nation's capital.The images illustrate how the Republican president has dominated daily life since returning to power and, to some, evoke more the style of a monarch than the leader of the world's oldest democracy. But it's also how he has wielded that power that has led to comparisons of an imperial reign.Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has nominated one of his personal lawyers to serve as attorney general, ordered the Department of Justice to pursue his political enemies, deployed the U.S. Marines to the nation's second largest city and leveraged the presidency to enrich himself and his family.He has demanded that comedians who mock him be fired, has slapped his name on the Kennedy Center, has pushed to seize control of elections, has filed lawsuits against news organizations whose coverage he disliked and has sued his own government seeking $10 billion in taxpayer money.With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding fast approaching, Trump’s own  celebrations have overshadowed the bipartisan, congressionally authorized commission that was supposed to coordinate events commemorating the moment. He plans to return to the National Mall on July Fourth for what he calls a “Trump rally.”The president's actions have led to comparisons with King George III, the British monarch whose rule inspired the American Revolution. It is a parallel Trump himself rejects.“I’m not a king,” he told CBS' “60 Minutes” earlier this year. “If I was a king, I wouldn’t be dealing with you.”Past presidents have been branded as imperial, but Trump stands outThere is a long American political tradition of opponents reviling presidents as kings. But Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University historian, said the label fits differently on Trump.“It’s more about how he imagines who is he and what the presidency is,” Zelizer said. “We're celebrating founding principles, and that was a driving issue — fears of how a centralized power can be corrupted. And here we are again.”When King Charles III visited Trump this year, the official White House X account posted an image of the two men with the caption “TWO KINGS.” At the start of his second term, Trump declared he had ended a New York City transportation program and posted: “LONG LIVE THE KING.” The posts also seemed to indicate a willingness to leverage the label and the reaction it provokes in his critics. It is no coincidence that the main resistance movement in Trump's second term adopted the slogan “No Kings.” Ezra Levin of Indivisible said activists were thinking ahead to 2026 and the America 250 celebration when they chose the label.“It looks like the same kind of tyranny we were rebelling against 250 years ago, the type of domination of Americans by a secret police force that's murdering people in the streets like in Minneapolis this year and in Boston in 1770,” Levin said, referring to demonstrations against the administration's immigration crackdown that led to the fatal shootings of two protesters this year by federal officers.When asked for comment, the White House referred to Trump's own statements about his use of executive power. The president has weighed in multiple times about his maximalist approach.During his first term, he referred to Article II of the Constitution when he told participants in a youth summit, “I have the right to do whatever I want as president,\" while declaring that it \"gives me all of these rights at a level nobody has ever seen before.” He told The New York Times in an interview this year that the only check on his global power was “my own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.”Yet he also has said that portrayals of his approach as authoritarian were wrong: “I'm not a dictator,” he told reporters last year. In response to a question about whether he was concentrating power in the presidency, Trump told Time in an interview last year, “I don’t think so. I think I’m using it properly, and I’m also using it as per my election.”Supreme Court's conservative majority has enabled Trump's approachWith a deferential Republican-controlled Congress, courts have become the last check on Trump. The president has harshly criticized judges who have ruled against him, and his administration has sometimes defied their orders.Yet his quest to expand presidential power has been aided by the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, which has sided with Trump numerous times after lower court rulings hampered him.In the middle of his 2024 campaign, the high court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. The decision derailed multiple investigations stemming from Trump's first term, including one focused on his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.Trump has argued the courts cannot constrain the president on key issues, including his claims that he has the ability to fire members of independent agencies. The most notorious example was in 2024, when a judge asked during the immunity case whether a president could be prosecuted for ordering the assassination of a political rival. Trump's lawyer, D. John Sauer, answered with a “qualified yes.”Sauer is now solicitor general, the administration official who oversees arguments before the high court. He has continued to insist that courts cannot review presidential acts.“Once the President has made a determination … at that point, there’s no work for the reviewing court to do,” Sauer said during Supreme Court arguments in a case over whether Trump could fire Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor.But the Supreme Court has allowed Cook to remain on the board while it considers the case. The majority also slapped down his global tariffs, finding that only Congress had that authority.Such rulings demonstrate that presidential power does have its limits, said John Yoo, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley.“The presidency today, even when colored by President Trump's worst excesses, is not a monarchy,” he said.Trump uses the presidency to enrich himself and his familyTrump was the richest man to ever become president. During his first term, he was criticized for owning properties where foreign dignitaries and others hoping to curry his favor spent lavishly. The conflicts of interest have escalated in his second term.Trump launched cryptocurrencies before and after returning to office. By conservative estimates, one has pulled in $320 million this year alone, while another sold $550 million worth of tokens. A third received a $2 billion investment from a foreign wealth fund.Trump took a new step earlier this year, filing a private $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS for the leak of his tax returns during his first term. His Department of Justice directed the IRS to settle the litigation to create a $1.776 billion fund to pay damages to people who claimed the federal government unfairly prosecuted them.The administration pulled back the settlement amid an outcry from congressional Democrats and Republicans. But Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump who is now acting attorney general, said at least one provision remains — a ban on the IRS auditing Trump.Zelizer said Trump’s financial entanglements might be the most monarchical part of his administration.“We have not seen a person who has a business operation of this scale and scope benefiting directly from the decisions he makes,” Zelizer said.Trump has used the government to pursue his enemiesThe Justice Department's role in the IRS lawsuit is one example of how Trump has decreed that executive branch employees should act as agents of his will.In breaching what is supposed to be a firewall between the White House and Justice Department, Trump has demanded that federal prosecutors target his foes. In one social media post last year, he called out by name Pam Bondi, who was attorney general at the time, in pushing her to prosecute several of his political opponents: “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!” Trump wrote.Indictments followed shortly after, including against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. The charges against both eventually were dismissed, but the department under Blanche filed new charges against Comey.The pursuit is not limited to Trump enemies of the past.For his 80th birthday this month, the president hosted a fight held by UFC — a company he invested in — on the White House lawn. The event was broadcast on a network owned by the son of one of the president’s major donors. The spectacle drew a rebuke from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a persistent critic and potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender.“The White House was built to serve the American people. Tonight it was used to promote a company the President owns stock in, sell subscriptions, promote corporate sponsors, push Trump crypto, and enrich the President and his family,” Newsom wrote on X. “The founders warned us about kings enriching themselves from public office.”Days later, Newsom disclosed that Trump’s Department of Justice was investigating him and his wife.___ Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst and Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/28/america-split-from-monarchy-250-years-ago-trumps-presidency-is-testing-how-far-its-come/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:32:15.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FC7LZJDZSHBGWNG2VJJCV4J5E4A.jpg","slug":"america-split-from-monarchy-250-years-ago-trumps-presidency-is-testing-how-far-its-come"},{"id":"sv2m91","title":"Woman injured after car hits stalled 18-wheeler on Loop 610 near Kirby","excerpt":"Houston police say a woman was injured in a crash that happened around midnight on Loop 610 near Kirby Drive.Investigators said a vehicle struck the back of a stalled 18-wheeler in the westbound lanes. The woman driving the car was taken to a nearby hospital. Police said she was the only person i...","content":"Houston police say a woman was injured in a crash that happened around midnight on Loop 610 near Kirby Drive.Investigators said a vehicle struck the back of a stalled 18-wheeler in the westbound lanes. The woman driving the car was taken to a nearby hospital. Police said she was the only person inside the vehicle. The 18-wheeler driver was not hurt, officers confirmed.Sunday afternoon, the victim’s family members confirmed that she is still recovering in the hospital. The woman’s identity has not been released.Woman fatally run over by coworker she was dating after argument in southwest Houston, police say","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/driver-dies-after-car-hits-stalled-18-wheeler-on-loop-610-near-kirby/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-27T11:45:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F86401a67-5d35-45cc-ba64-9769166fc43d%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"woman-injured-after-car-hits-stalled-18-wheeler-on-loop-610-near-kirby"},{"id":"xtr5bt","title":"South Korea coach quits after early World Cup exit prompts fierce criticism from president","excerpt":"South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team's quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country's president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program. South Korea won its opening match against Czec...","content":"South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team's quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country's president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program. South Korea won its opening match against Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year's expanded tournament. That ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.The quick exit for a team that expected to advance left the national team program in turmoil and drew a sharp rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung. He leveled pointed criticism at the coach..“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.The president criticized the national team structure and oversight, and the coach's appointment in the first place.“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire,” the president said.Hong, 57, announced his resignation with an apology to Korean fans before the team left its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea had played all three of its group matches.Hong was in his second stint with the national team. He was the coach at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea also failed to advance past the group stage. “To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologize. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach,” Hong said.“As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me,\" Hong said. \"Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”South Korea is a regular at the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and was a semifinalist when it was co-host of the tournament in 2002.Lee called for the national Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review the national team and its failures.\"I sincerely apologize to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again,” Lee said.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/south-korea-coach-quits-after-early-world-cup-exit-prompts-fierce-criticism-from-president/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Vertuno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T18:02:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FO2D4GRSIVBBVFPMG4WXTIPULC4.jpg","slug":"south-korea-coach-quits-after-early-world-cup-exit-prompts-fierce-criticism-from-president"},{"id":"y4zcsv","title":"Montgomery County deputy killed by vehicle on I-45 North near The Woodlands, officials say","excerpt":"A Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed early Sunday after she was struck by a commercial truck while helping secure a crash scene on Interstate 45 near Lake Woodlands, the agency said.The sheriff’s office said deputies were called out around 2:39 a.m. after multiple reports of a m...","content":"A Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed early Sunday after she was struck by a commercial truck while helping secure a crash scene on Interstate 45 near Lake Woodlands, the agency said.The sheriff’s office said deputies were called out around 2:39 a.m. after multiple reports of a multi-vehicle wreck on I-45 North near the Woodlands Parkway exit. Investigators determined the original incident involved suspected impaired driving, and deputies began assisting with the response, including guiding traffic around the scene.As deputies worked, MCSO said a heavy-duty truck towing a trailer drove into the area, hitting Deputy Erika Serrato as she stood outside her unit directing traffic. The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights on, according to the agency.        View this post on Instagram            Serrato, 24, was assigned to District 2. She was taken to a hospital but later died, the sheriff’s office said. MCSO said she had worked for the department for six years.Another deputy was hurt when debris from the collision struck him, authorities said. He was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.MCSO identified Ashton Jammer, 34, as one of the drivers involved in the initial wreck. He has been charged with DWI and was expected to be booked into the Montgomery County Jail, the agency said.The commercial truck driver was also transported to a hospital. The case remains under investigation.The incident caused a major stoppage along I-45, as all northbound lanes were shut down. According to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, traffic was diverted off at Rayford Road.Just after 4 p.m., KPRC 2 confirmed that I-45 had reopened all lanes. Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle releases statementMontgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle released the following statement Sunday afternoon:“When I took the oath to serve as Sheriff, I understood there would be difficult days. Today has proven to be one of the hardest of my career.This morning, we lost one of our own. Deputy Erika Serrato was just 24 years old, yet she had already dedicated six years of her life to serving the people of Montgomery County. She was exactly where she was supposed to be, protecting others, directing traffic, and keeping our community safe, when her life was tragically taken.There are no words that can fully express the grief our Sheriff’s Office is experiencing today. Erika was not just a Deputy, she was family. She wore the badge with honor, served with unwavering courage, and represented the very best of our profession. Her sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the dangers law enforcement officers face are real, and that every time a Deputy pins on a badge and leaves home, there is a chance they may not return.There is a passage in Scripture that says, “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.” Acts 13:36. That verse reminds us that a life is not measured by its length, but by the purpose it fulfills. When the work is done here, God calls His servant home.Today, as we grieve Deputy Erika Serrato, we also recognize a life that was fully given in service. Her watch has ended, and her duty here is complete. She served with courage, she protected others, and she fulfilled her calling in the time she was given.My heart breaks for Erika’s family, who entrusted us with someone they loved beyond measure. I grieve alongside every member of this Sheriff’s Office who served beside her, laughed with her, and called her a friend. I want her family to know this: they will never walk this journey alone. We will stand beside them, not only today, but in the days, months, and years ahead.I also ask that you keep the Deputy injured in this incident in your prayers as he recovers, along with every first responder who answered the call this morning and witnessed this unimaginable tragedy.To the citizens of Montgomery County, I ask for your prayers, your support, and your patience as this investigation continues. The men and women of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve with the same courage, commitment, and selflessness that Deputy Serrato demonstrated until her final moments.Before I close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol for their professionalism, compassion, and leadership at this tragic scene. I am also sincerely thankful to every law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS provider, dispatcher, and medical professional who responded without hesitation and provided exceptional care for our Deputies. Your dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment during one of the darkest moments in the history of our Sheriff’s Office will never be forgotten.On behalf of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. Your support has been a source of strength for our Deputies and for Deputy Serrato’s family during this unimaginable tragedy.Deputy Erika Serrato’s watch has ended, but her legacy will endure. We will honor her life, remember her sacrifice, and ensure that her name is forever etched into the proud history of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.Today we mourn. In the days ahead, we will honor Deputy Serrato’s life, celebrate her service, and carry her legacy forward. We will never forget her sacrifice.May God wrap His loving arms around Deputy Erika Serrato’s family, comfort the members of our Sheriff’s Office, and continue to bless the people of Montgomery County.Rest easy, Deputy Serrato. We will take it from here. Your watch has ended, but your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.\"Community mournsSheriff Doolittle said the agency is grieving the loss and asked the community to keep Serrato’s family and colleagues in their thoughts. MCSO said funeral and memorial details will be shared later.Officials and community members alike have shown an outpour of condolences for the loss of Deputy Serrato, including fellow law enforcement agencies around the state and Greater Houston.Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Erika Serrato. We ask our community to keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/K3jgtyALSv&mdash; Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 28, 2026Following news of Serrato’s death, Governor Greg Abbott granted Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough’s request to lower flags across Texas to half-staff in honor of the fallen deputy. “Please continue to keep the men and women of our Sheriff’s Office, along with all of our law enforcement officers, in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Keough said. “Most importantly, please pray for Deputy Serrato’s family, friends, and fellow deputies as they mourn the loss of a true public servant who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to her community.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/montgomery-county-deputy-hit-by-vehicle-on-i-45-north-near-the-woodlands-officials-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth, Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:32:35.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRLP26L4TMZFTZOAVHKG3GBA5BA.png","slug":"montgomery-county-deputy-killed-by-vehicle-on-i-45-north-near-the-woodlands-officials-say"},{"id":"anz5q6","title":"This Week in Texas: Confusion in Fort Bend County, new survey on economy and data centers","excerpt":"This Week in Texas, we head to Fort Bend County, where the only thing constant in the Judge's seat is change. We bring you the latest developments in the wake of KP George's most recent suspension.","content":"This Week in Texas, we head to Fort Bend County, where the only thing constant in the Judge's seat is change. We bring you the latest developments in the wake of KP George's most recent suspension.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/week-texas-confusion-fort-bend-county-new-survey-economy-data-centers/19399268/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Tom Abrahams","publishDate":"2026-06-28T01:15:31.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19398928_062726-ktrk-ewn-this-week-in-texas-full-episode-TAB-nkey-vid.jpg","slug":"this-week-in-texas-confusion-in-fort-bend-county-new-survey-on-economy-and-data-centers"},{"id":"ibmrcq","title":"Inside the World Cup knockout stage bracket: Some teams have an easier path than others","excerpt":"If the World Cup was the NCAA basketball tournament, then teams like Morocco and the Netherlands would have some serious anger toward the selection and seeding committee right now. England, Mexico, Portugal and Spain might not be all that happy, either.Lionel Messi and Argentina, on the other han...","content":"If the World Cup was the NCAA basketball tournament, then teams like Morocco and the Netherlands would have some serious anger toward the selection and seeding committee right now. England, Mexico, Portugal and Spain might not be all that happy, either.Lionel Messi and Argentina, on the other hand, probably wouldn't complain much about their potential path to the World Cup final four.The bracket is set for the knockout stage of the World Cup. There was no selection committee; slots were predetermined — Group A winner on this line, Group D runner-up on this line, etc. — so it wasn't exactly like how the NCAA tournaments go. And FIFA doesn't reseed like some sports, so a couple lower seeds are certain to get into at least the Round of 16.So, when taking the 32 qualifiers for the knockout stage and ranking them like it's an NCAA tournament — essentially seeding the field 1 to 32 based on the FIFA live rankings entering Sunday — it's easy to see why some “regions” might be tougher to navigate than others.A breakdown of the World Cup bracket:Foxborough Region— Quarterfinal: July 9 at Foxborough, Massachusetts.— Round of 32 matchups: No. 12 Germany vs. No. 27 Paraguay, No. 2 France vs. No. 26 Sweden, No. 29 South Africa vs. No. 25 Canada (won 1-0 by Canada on Sunday), No. 7 Netherlands vs. No. 6 Morocco.— Outlook: Netherlands vs. Morocco in the Round of 32 means that at least one of the seven highest-ranked teams left in the tournament won't even get to the Round of 16. France and Germany — perennial European powers — could meet in the Round of 16. And Canada (the first team through to the Round of 16 after winning the knockout stage opener over South Africa on Sunday) might have to change time zones twice on its way to the quarterfinals, while Germany, Paraguay, France and Sweden will all be in either Massachusetts, New Jersey or Pennsylvania in the Rounds of 32 and 16.— If the seeds hold: France would play Morocco in the quarterfinal.Inglewood Region— Quarterfinal: July 10 at Inglewood, California.— Round of 32 matchups: No. 8 Portugal vs. No. 13 Croatia, No. 3 Spain vs. No. 18 Austria, No. 14 United States vs. No. 30 Bosnia and Herzegovina, No. 10 Belgium vs. No. 17 Senegal.— Outlook: The U.S. gets one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the tournament to open the Round of 32 and would remain in the Pacific time zone until the semifinals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal did not get an easy draw at all, with Croatia right off the bat and then potentially Spain in the Round of 16. (Can't imagine Spain is too thrilled with this, either.) Belgium vs. Senegal is in Seattle, and the winner will stay there to play the U.S. match winner; that's a big break for weary legs.— If the seeds hold: Spain would play Belgium in the quarterfinal.Miami Gardens Region— Quarterfinal: July 11 at Miami Gardens, Florida.— Round of 32 matchups: No. 5 Brazil vs. No. 16 Japan, No. 24 Ivory Coast vs. No. 19 Norway, No. 9 Mexico vs. No. 20 Ecuador, No. 4 England vs. No. 28 Congo.— Outlook: Mexico and England will be heavily favored in their Round of 32 matches, then would be in line to go head-to-head in the Round of 16 — in what would be a road game at Mexico City for England. And Mexico is one of only two teams not to surrender a goal in the group stage, with Spain being the other. Brazil gets a bit of an easier path to the quarterfinals, opening with Japan and then — if it wins — drawing the Ivory Coast-Norway winner. — If the seeds hold: Brazil would play England in the quarterfinal.Kansas City Region— Quarterfinal: July 11 at Kansas City, Missouri.— Round of 32 matchups: No. 1 Argentina vs. No. 31 Cape Verde, No. 22 Australia vs. No. 21 Egypt, No. 15 Switzerland vs. No. 23 Algeria, No. 11 Colombia vs. No. 32 Ghana.— Outlook: Again, there is no “selection committee,” but if there was it would have gotten this one right by putting the best goalscorer in Argentina's Lionel Messi against the tournament's best story in Cape Verde in the Round of 32. And Messi gets to be at home in Miami Gardens, a few miles from Inter Miami's stadium for that matchup. Australia or Egypt awaits the Argentina match winner, Switzerland-Algeria has potential for a lot of goals, and Colombia faces a Ghana team with nothing to lose.— If the seeds hold: Argentina would play Colombia in the quarterfinal.Inside the bracketNews and notes about the Round of 32 matchups:— France, Mexico and Argentina were the only teams to escape group play with 3-0-0 records.— There are four Round of 32 matchups between unbeaten teams: Netherlands (2-0-1) vs. Morocco (2-0-1), Belgium (1-0-2) vs. Senegal (1-0-2), Brazil (2-0-1) vs. Japan (1-0-2) and Argentina (3-0-0) vs. Cape Verde (0-0-3).— Expect some goals in France vs. Sweden (combined 17 goals in the group stage), Netherlands-Morocco (16), Belgium-Senegal (14), Brazil-Japan (14) and U.S.-Bosnia and Herzegovina (13).— On the flip side, the first goal of Mexico-Ecuador might be that match's decider. Mexico wasn't scored on in group play and Ecuador surrendered only two goals in those three matches.— The semifinal matchups are the winner of the Foxborough quarterfinal against the winner of the Inglewood quarterfinal (at Arlington, Texas on July 14) and the winner of the Miami Gardens quarterfinal against the winner of the Kansas City quarterfinal (at Atlanta on July 15). The final is at East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/inside-the-world-cup-knockout-stage-bracket-some-teams-have-an-easier-path-than-others/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tim Reynolds, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T17:03:28.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZP5O2CIY3ZCCBD6HEK5GXEUGSI.jpg","slug":"inside-the-world-cup-knockout-stage-bracket-some-teams-have-an-easier-path-than-others"},{"id":"s8fsgh","title":"Heat wave and high humidity will blast much of the eastern US this week, meteorologists say","excerpt":"A long and dangerous heat wave will blast a large swath of the central and eastern United States this week, the National Weather Service said, with temperatures rising ahead of the July Fourth holiday and feeling even hotter because of the high humidity that's arriving with it.Already, parts of t...","content":"A long and dangerous heat wave will blast a large swath of the central and eastern United States this week, the National Weather Service said, with temperatures rising ahead of the July Fourth holiday and feeling even hotter because of the high humidity that's arriving with it.Already, parts of the U.S., especially Phoenix and central Texas, and much of the Southwest were experiencing temperatures around 100 F (38 C) on Sunday, while the weather service warned of severe wildfire conditions developing across much of the West as new fires popped up across the region.On Sunday, well over 130 million Americans across southern and Great Plains states were under moderate to severe heat risk conditions, according to weather service maps, with that area forecast to expand and temperatures to intensify as the week drags on.Forecasters say several days of high temperatures — some above 100 degrees F — will settle in across the lower Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Some record highs could be set in areas from the lower Great Lakes to the mid-Atlantic and New England later in the week, said weather service meteorologist Bryan Putnam.A number of big cities could see their highest temperatures of the year so far as they host World Cup matches and celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.Feeling the heat will be the East Coast cities of New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore, and Midwestern and Great Lakes cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Detroit. Southern cities including Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, will also see high temperatures.High heat will last into next weekend across the Great Plains, the Southeast and the mid-Atlantic, the weather service said. Temperatures will reach well into the 90s and low 100 degrees Fahrenheit (mid to high 30s Celsius), the weather service said. High humidity will lead to heat indexes of 100 to 110 degrees F (40 C to 43 C), and as high as 115 F (46 C). “That’s heat that’s impactful to anyone,” Putnam said. “It’s not just older adults or younger children or people who are spending a ton of time outdoors, maybe straining themselves a little more than normal. This is heat that really could impact everyone, especially with people outdoors going into the holiday weekend.”The heat index, which factors in humidity and is included on many weather forecasts, provides a sense of how hot it really feels — and what’s dangerous for prolonged exposure or strenuous activity.AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said temperatures will be significantly above normal. For instance, in Washington, highs around July Fourth average around 89 degrees F (32 C), while Indianapolis averages around 85 degrees F (29 C). But this week, both cities will be hotter by 10 or 11 degrees F, Roys said.The high pressure system — an area of dry, sinking air — creating the heat will act like a “rock” that will force storms to go around it and limit rainfall across the East, Roys said. That's sometimes called a “heat dome.”Nightly lows in the 70s F (21 to 26 C) or even high 80s won’t provide much relief, meteorologists said.For those who don't have air conditioning, especially in Eastern Seaboard cities like New York where lows may not dip below 80 F (27 C), it’s going be miserable to sleep, Roys said.Roys also said this is a primetime for heat-related illnesses because people's bodies aren’t able to recover and cool off. During extreme temperatures, limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and ensure access to air-conditioning and other cooling areas, the weather service said.The weather service said it expected extremely dry and windy conditions that could promote rapid wildfire spread across the Great Basin and the Southwest on Sunday.In hot, windy conditions near the Colorado-Utah border, three firefighters working for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service were killed, and two others sustained burn injuries, when they were overcome by flames from fast-moving wildfires.Wildfire activity has intensified across the Western U.S. as hot, dry and windy weather fueled flames in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and elsewhere.___Follow Marc Levy at http://twitter.com/timelywriter","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/28/heat-wave-and-high-humidity-will-blast-much-of-the-eastern-us-this-week-meteorologists-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Marc Levy, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:56:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRR34GZBLWZFMRASAFRWWWMSF5A.jpg","slug":"heat-wave-and-high-humidity-will-blast-much-of-the-eastern-us-this-week-meteorologists-say"},{"id":"afiyxe","title":"At least 117 dead dogs found in 'horrific scene' at California 'no-kill' shelter","excerpt":"The remains of at least 117 dogs were found on the grounds of a California “no-kill“ animal shelter, many of them with gunshot wounds, authorities said.The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it also discovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other remains during searches at...","content":"The remains of at least 117 dogs were found on the grounds of a California “no-kill“ animal shelter, many of them with gunshot wounds, authorities said.The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it also discovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other remains during searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre (20-hectare) facility in Fortuna, California.Investigators combing the site on Thursday located an area in a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed, the sheriff’s office said. More than 600 dog collars were found nearby, the office said.Sheriff William Honsal called it a “horrific scene.” No charges have been filed.A message seeking comment was left for the shelter’s founder, Shannon Miranda.In a statement posted to the shelter’s website on June 18, Miranda said that recent media coverage and online commentary “have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work.”“At Miranda’s Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can—always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public,” Miranda wrote.The sheriff’s office said it started investigating the shelter after receiving “credible information” in April “regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.”Miranda’s Rescue collects fees from shelter transfers, as well as donations that it says helps cover the costs of food, housing, veterinary care, medications, facility expenses and staffing.An affidavit from an earlier search of the property said that the sheriff’s office was tipped off by a pair of animal advocates, one of whom owns property adjoining the shelter and used trail cameras to monitor activity near an alleged burial site.The advocates later went onto shelter property and dug up dog remains, the affidavit said.“This investigation is just getting started,” Honsal said in a statement. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine.”Investigators using ground-penetrating radar found 117 intact remains in various stages of decomposition buried in an open field, the sheriff’s office said.They X-rayed 70 of the remains on site and found evidence of bullet fragments in many of them. The cause of death for many of those animals appeared to be gunshot wounds, the sheriff’s office said.Investigators also found additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition, the sheriff’s office said.The sheriff’s office said hundreds of dogs were transferred or turned over to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters.In his statement, Miranda said, “Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals simply to make space.”However, Miranda wrote, ”there are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary — when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals.”“In those situations, we make the most humane and responsible decision we can, always with public safety and animal welfare in mind.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/28/at-least-117-dead-dogs-found-in-horrific-scene-at-california-no-kill-shelter/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T14:42:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCXONLFQ6OFBMXI64DPF3FDFR6E.jpg","slug":"at-least-117-dead-dogs-found-in-horrific-scene-at-california-no-kill-shelter"},{"id":"2qd64p","title":"Iraqi officials, including lawmakers, arrested on corruption charges in overnight raid","excerpt":"Dozens of Iraqi political officials have been arrested on corruption charges, Iraq’s state-run Iraqi News Agency reported Sunday.It said the arrests were based on a statement made by former Deputy Minister of Oil Adnan al-Jumaili, who was arrested last month, and “included members of Parliament w...","content":"Dozens of Iraqi political officials have been arrested on corruption charges, Iraq’s state-run Iraqi News Agency reported Sunday.It said the arrests were based on a statement made by former Deputy Minister of Oil Adnan al-Jumaili, who was arrested last month, and “included members of Parliament whose immunity had been lifted.”Iraqi security forces sealed off all entrances to the capital’s heavily fortified Green Zone early Sunday and carried out raids inside the compound that houses key government institutions and foreign embassies.The state news agency later reported that 47 people had been arrested in the corruption probe, but it was not clear if all of them were detained Sunday or if some of them had been arrested earlier.It released the names of 15 arrestees, including 12 current lawmakers, one former legislator, a former adviser to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and another high-ranking oil ministry official. Some of the arrested lawmakers came from al-Sudani's Shiite political bloc and others from the Azm Alliance, an influential Sunni party.The specific accusations against them were not immediately clear. Al-Sudani’s bloc won the largest share of seats in November’s parliamentary elections, but he ultimately stepped aside amid a deadlock in the Coordination Framework — a coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran that brought him to power — over their preferred candidate for premier.Al-Sudani was replaced by Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, who emerged as a consensus candidate and received the blessing of the United States.The arrests are likely to have ripple effects across Iraq’s fractured political landscape, where accusations of corruption frequently intersect with rivalries over power and influence.Diaa Jaafar, the investigative judge of Iraq’s central anti-corruption court, said in a statement that the investigation into al-Jumaili began in October “following the court’s receipt of a number of reports alleging that several candidates had spent exorbitant sums of money to support their election campaigns, exploiting state resources and with the support of influential figures in the previous government.”He said the investigation uncovered the involvement of a group of legislators in “exploiting state resources for electioneering and benefiting from government contracts, directly or indirectly, to obtain commissions and personal advantages for themselves and others.”Jaafar said Parliament Speaker Haibet Al-Halbousi lifted the immunity of the members of parliament implemented in the case and the arrest warrants against them were then executed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/iraqi-officials-including-lawmakers-arrested-on-corruption-charges-in-overnight-raid/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:11:56.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4BWXAGGEU5F3HEABUK2G65E3BI.jpg","slug":"iraqi-officials-including-lawmakers-arrested-on-corruption-charges-in-overnight-raid"},{"id":"hddrep","title":"Venezuela earthquakes death toll rises to at least 1,430 as desperation mounts","excerpt":"Tensions flared as desperation grew in Venezuela as rescuers and civilians searched for earthquake survivors and the death toll rose sharply to 1,430.","content":"Tensions flared as desperation grew in Venezuela as rescuers and civilians searched for earthquake survivors and the death toll rose sharply to 1,430.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-earthquake-death-toll-rises-crucial-window-rescuing-survivors-narrows-deadly-earthquakes/19396632/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-28T00:43:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19398717_062726-wls-n1-venezuela-quakes-5p-vid.jpg","slug":"venezuela-earthquakes-death-toll-rises-to-at-least-1430-as-desperation-mounts"},{"id":"o8c16w","title":"Man dies after early-morning shooting outside apartment complex near Cloverleaf, sheriff’s office says","excerpt":"A man is dead after an early-morning shooting outside an apartment complex near Cloverleaf, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies and EMS were called around 5 a.m. Sunday to the 1100 block of Freeport Street. When they arrived, they found a man with at least one gunshot wound i...","content":"A man is dead after an early-morning shooting outside an apartment complex near Cloverleaf, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies and EMS were called around 5 a.m. Sunday to the 1100 block of Freeport Street. When they arrived, they found a man with at least one gunshot wound in the complex’s parking lot, officials said. Investigators said the man was in or near an SUV when he was found.The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he later died.Montgomery County deputy killed by vehicle on I-45 North near The Woodlands, officials saySheriff’s office homicide investigators and crime scene personnel were at the scene collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities also conducted gunshot residue testing on multiple people’s hands as the investigation continued. Some individuals were detained in handcuffs, though officials said it was not immediately clear whether they were suspects.The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact them at (713) 221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS, where you can report anonymously.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/man-dies-in-hospital-after-being-found-shot-near-cloverleaf-sheriffs-office-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T13:32:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBZZ3TUQYONHT5HSCACTOGVH5HQ.png","slug":"man-dies-after-early-morning-shooting-outside-apartment-complex-near-cloverleaf-sheriffs-office-says"},{"id":"wkg44v","title":"George Russell beats Verstappen and the heat to win Austrian Grand Prix and boost F1 title chances","excerpt":"George Russell showed he can stand the heat in more ways than one as he won the Austrian Grand Prix to revive his Formula 1 title chances.Racing in a heatwave with a broken drinks system, Russell held off Max Verstappen and his own teammate Kimi Antonelli to turn his controversial pole position i...","content":"George Russell showed he can stand the heat in more ways than one as he won the Austrian Grand Prix to revive his Formula 1 title chances.Racing in a heatwave with a broken drinks system, Russell held off Max Verstappen and his own teammate Kimi Antonelli to turn his controversial pole position into a dominant win.It's the first win for Russell, excluding sprint races, since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Russell said it was “incredible\" to win again after struggling to compete with Antonelli when his teammate racked up five straight victories earlier in the season.“It’s been a tough couple of months with some really tricky races, with races that felt like everything was going against me, then some races with some tough performances,” he said.Verstappen took the fight to Mercedes with his upgraded Red Bull car at the team's home race, but couldn't get close enough for a shot at Russell and finished on the defensive against Antonelli. The top three were separated by just two seconds at the finish.Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari failed to build on his breakthrough win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix last time out, fading badly in the race despite qualifying well, with the seven-time champion fifth and teammate Charles Leclerc eighth.Russell takes back second in the standings from Hamilton with his seventh career win and cuts Antonelli’s lead to 40 points. “I have a lot of confidence in myself, knowing I can do it. I have less confidence in being able to get everything aligned with the car, the set-up and the tires, because it’s just been so up and down for me,” Russell said.Antonelli was left to rue mistakes he said cost him valuable seconds early in the race. “It was a shame that I joined the party a bit too late,” the 19-year-old driver said. Russell's smart winRussell took pole Saturday with a lap time set as a yellow flag was displayed for a crash by Verstappen. Russell argued he’d lifted off enough to be safe and the stewards agreed.Sunday’s win showed off Russell’s smart approach to racing in a different way as he managed his pace and stayed out of trouble, even as those behind him lost time battling each other for position.Leclerc had started second, with Hamilton third, but they gradually dropped back through the field on a track where they lacked power compared to Mercedes and also had difficulties with tire wear.Hamilton didn’t give up without a fight, bringing back memories of his fierce battles with Verstappen in 2021. Hamilton and the Dutch driver fought side by side in the early part of the race and Verstappen complained Hamilton had forced him wide into a gravel trap.Fourth place for Oscar Piastri was a positive sign for McLaren, with defending champion Lando Norris seventh, but it came with a warning from team principal Andrea Stella.It was an example of “excellent strategy” but “we are not in a position to fight for victories and podiums on pure pace at the moment,” Stella said.Cadillac feels the heatThe heatwave sweeping Europe made this the first race of the year to be run under F1’s “heat hazard” rules, with drivers required to use cooling vests or carry an equivalent weight in ballast. They lined up for the pre-race Austrian anthem in cooling gear and carrying umbrellas.Overheating brakes were a hot topic, with Antonelli among those struggling to stop the car. Both Cadillac drivers retired early, with the team’s crew rushing to put out a small fire on Valtteri Bottas’ car before Sergio Perez reported smoke. F1's newest team is launching an investigation into the issues.“We have made progress in terms of pace and the gap from the rear of the field is growing, but we need to ensure we have the reliability to demonstrate it,” team principal Graeme Lowdon said.___AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/george-russell-wins-austrian-grand-prix-to-boost-his-f1-title-chances/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T06:21:02.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFL3V3D4BEJE2DPL4OWKQKAXNZU.jpg","slug":"george-russell-beats-verstappen-and-the-heat-to-win-austrian-grand-prix-and-boost-f1-title-chances"},{"id":"pb1m44","title":"Serena Williams gave herself a pep talk to play singles at Wimbledon at age 44","excerpt":"Serena Williams had to talk herself into accepting Wimbledon's offer to play singles.The All England club was holding one last wild card entry and the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion — who had already announced she'd play doubles with her sister Venus — had a decision to make.“I thought I sho...","content":"Serena Williams had to talk herself into accepting Wimbledon's offer to play singles.The All England club was holding one last wild card entry and the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion — who had already announced she'd play doubles with her sister Venus — had a decision to make.“I thought I should really take this opportunity. Who knows if I’ll ever make it here again. This could be it,” the 44-year-old Williams said Sunday at a press conference.“I was like, ‘What’s wrong with me, Serena? What are you thinking? Are you nuts? Like you really should do this,’” she added. “People live to be an athlete. I have this great opportunity to showcase what I do, what I do best, I suppose. Yeah, I think ultimately I was like that is pretty cool, so I should do it.”Williams’ first match at the grass-court Grand Slam since 2022 will take place on Centre Court on Tuesday evening when she faces 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia as part of her evolving tennis comeback.Williams had been away from the sport since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open.Her most-recent appearance at Wimbledon was in 2022 when she lost in the opening round to Harmony Tan, who was then-ranked 115th. The American great walked away from tennis — she described it as “evolving” away — after losing in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows.After earlier accepting a wild card in doubles, Williams described the process of making her decision for singles.“So I think it was on, I had until Monday to decide. I think it was like Sunday. I just wasn’t sure up until then,” she said. “Honestly, I’m still not even sure, but we’ll see.”Williams is a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion but said Sunday that “in general my expectations are definitely different for the first time in my career.”Defending champion Iga Swiatek opens play on Centre Court on Tuesday (1:30 p.m. local time), in keeping with tradition, against Taylor Townsend. That's to be followed by Taylor Fritz vs. home favorite Jack Draper — in what is one of the most intriguing men's first-round matchups.And then Williams-Joint.“Yeah, actually I know her. I’ve watched some of her videos,” said Williams, who paused for a moment before adding, “I’m sure she knows my game.”Michigan-born Joint slipped from No. 53 to No. 87 in the WTA rankings updated on Sunday.Serena gets nervous?Even GOATs get butterflies, apparently.“I expect to be nervous. I was also nervous every single match I ever played in my life,” Williams said. “I think that showed the passion and the love and the care, that I cared about my job, whether it was the first round or the second round or the finals. I’ve always had some nerves. But then I just dust ’em off, then I move on.”Williams has a Wimbledon singles first-round record of 19-2 — the losses coming in her last two appearances: 2021 and 2022.The most-recent of her seven singles titles at the All England Club was 2016. She reached the 2018 final — 10 months after giving birth — and lost to Angelique Kerber. A year later, she lost in the final to Simona Halep.Williams officially returned to tennis earlier this month in a doubles match with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club grass-court tournament. She then played doubles in Berlin with Karolina Muchova — losing in the first round.What can we expect from Serena?Newly crowned French Open champion Mirra Andreeva probably spoke for lots of top players when she mentioned on Saturday that she was relieved to see the draw didn't match her up with Williams in the first round.“Respectfully,” Williams said, “it’s not surprising simply because I think anyone that’s done — it’s like the big four coming back, I mean, Novak (Djokovic) is still here, but no one would want to play them in their first round. I can’t think of anyone that would want to do that.”She added: “No one knows how my game may or may not have evolved, what to expect, don’t know much. Those type of opponents are always very difficult to play.”___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/serena-williams-gave-herself-a-pep-talk-to-play-singles-at-wimbledon-at-age-44/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T10:51:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5VWIPK567ZFCZGCAVMKDFTTHFY.jpg","slug":"serena-williams-gave-herself-a-pep-talk-to-play-singles-at-wimbledon-at-age-44"},{"id":"efisgr","title":"17-year-old missing after inflatable raft incident at Texas City Dike","excerpt":"A 17-year-old is missing Saturday after an early-morning incident on the Texas City Dike, prompting a large multi-agency search.According to Texas City Emergency Management Coordinator Joe Tumbleson, Nathan Lowery and his 16-year-old brother set off in an inflatable raft about three miles out on ...","content":"A 17-year-old is missing Saturday after an early-morning incident on the Texas City Dike, prompting a large multi-agency search.According to Texas City Emergency Management Coordinator Joe Tumbleson, Nathan Lowery and his 16-year-old brother set off in an inflatable raft about three miles out on the jetty. Around 5:30 a.m., the boys entered the water.The 16-year-old was rescued by the Texas City Fire Department Marine Unit, but Nathan did not resurface.Search crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Police Marine Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas EquuSearch spent the day looking for the teen. Officials said a Coast Guard flight crew later spotted the raft about 15 miles from the dike in Trinity Bay. The official search was suspended around 6:15 p.m. but is expected to resume at first light Sunday.Nathan was last seen wearing a royal blue T-shirt and dark gray shorts, according to Texas EquuSearch.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Texas City Police Department at (409) 948-2525 or Texas EquuSearch at (281) 309-9500.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/17-year-old-missing-at-texas-city-dike/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ricky  Munoz, Austin McAfee, Mike Akin, Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T00:46:49.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F59084df6-7960-4bdd-8dbf-4af80a8b2df6%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"17-year-old-missing-after-inflatable-raft-incident-at-texas-city-dike"},{"id":"ggshkh","title":"Most Texas Hill Country summer camps reopen one year after deadly floods","excerpt":"Nearly one year after catastrophic flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, most of the region’s summer camps have welcomed campers back, marking a significant milestone in the area’s long recovery.After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill CountryRoughly 15 camps in the Hunt and Kerrvil...","content":"Nearly one year after catastrophic flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, most of the region’s summer camps have welcomed campers back, marking a significant milestone in the area’s long recovery.After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill CountryRoughly 15 camps in the Hunt and Kerrville area reopened for the 2026 summer season after months of repairs, inspections and updated emergency planning. Camp operators have implemented stronger evacuation procedures, enhanced communication systems, and revised flood response plans following one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern Texas history.Camp Mystic remains closedOne notable exception is Camp Mystic.The historic girls’ camp, where 28 campers and staff members died during the July 4, 2025, flood, did not reopen for its 100th season. The camp withdrew its application to operate earlier this year and has since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while facing dozens of wrongful death and negligence lawsuits.Camp Mystic will not reopen for Summer 2026 One child still missingThe tragedy continues to have a lasting impact on families and the Hill Country community. One camper, 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, remains the only person still officially listed as missing nearly a year after the flood.The disaster claimed nearly 140 lives across Central Texas after torrential rainfall sent the Guadalupe River surging to historic levels within hours. The flooding prompted statewide reviews of emergency warning systems, evacuation procedures and safety regulations for youth camps located in flood-prone areas.New safety standardsTexas has since strengthened oversight of licensed summer camps, requiring more comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and additional safety measures designed to better protect campers during severe weather events.Dozens of Texas counties working on plans to install flood warning sirensMeanwhile, recovery efforts continue throughout Kerr County. New housing developments are being built for flood survivors, infrastructure repairs remain underway and community organizations have distributed tens of millions of dollars in recovery assistance to affected families.Looking aheadAs children return to camp this summer, many residents say the reopening represents an important step toward healing. But for families who lost loved ones, the anniversary serves as a reminder that while the camps may be open again, the recovery from the Hill Country floods is far from complete.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/most-texas-hill-country-summer-camps-reopen-one-year-after-deadly-floods/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joy Addison","publishDate":"2026-06-28T17:07:43.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F22a8a9a5-fa41-4429-9314-b5ff2c50ad14%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"most-texas-hill-country-summer-camps-reopen-one-year-after-deadly-floods"},{"id":"f0w6g7","title":"LIST: Fourth of July fireworks, parades, celebrations across Greater Houston","excerpt":"Hot dogs, hometown parades, and big Texas-sized booms — Greater Houston goes all-out for the Fourth of July, and 2026 is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Whether you’re after a small-town street fest, a waterfront view, or a big-city blowout, this county-by-county guide mak...","content":"Hot dogs, hometown parades, and big Texas-sized booms — Greater Houston goes all-out for the Fourth of July, and 2026 is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Whether you’re after a small-town street fest, a waterfront view, or a big-city blowout, this county-by-county guide makes it easy to find something close to home.Before you go: Times and details can change for all kinds of reasons — including weather — so click each event name to confirm the latest info from the official listing. And if you see a \"🎆\" in the event title, that means fireworks are part of the celebration.HoustonEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeFreedom Over Texas 🎆July 43 p.m.Houston Independence Day FestivalJuly 410 a.m.Southwest District Liberty FestJune 284 p.m.Kidpendence Day Party at the Children’s Museum HoustonJuly 49 a.m.POST Houston: 4th of July Celebration at Skylawn 🎆July 45 p.m.Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre 🎆July 48:30 p.m.CityCentre Fourth of July ConcertJuly 411 a.m.Harris CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationBaytown 4th of July Celebration 🎆July 44 p.m.BaytownBellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & FestivalJuly 49 a.m.BellaireFourth of July at The Boardwalk at Towne LakeJuly 44 p.m.CypressDeer Park Fourth Fest 🎆July 49:15 p.m.Deer ParkEl Lago 4th of July Patriotic ParadeJuly 410 a.m.El LagoJersey Village July 4th ParadeJuly 410 a.m.Jersey VillageJersey Village July 4th Festival 🎆July 46 p.m.Jersey VillageRed, White & Boom at Typhoon Texas 🎆July 3 - July 4All DayKatyKingwood 4th of July FestivalJuly 43 p.m.Kingwood5th of July Patriotic Fireworks Celebration 🎆July 57 p.m.KingwoodAmerica’s 250: July 4th at Five PointsJuly 410 a.m.La PorteAmerica’s 250: Texas Fireworks Spectacular 🎆July 49:15 p.m.La PorteVillages Independence Festival & ParadeJuly 49:45 a.m.Memorial Villages4th of July Fireworks & Parade in Nassau Bay 🎆July 46 p.m.Nassau Bay4th of July Water Wars in Nassau BayJuly 412 p.m.Nassau BayPasadena 4th Fest at the Fairgrounds 🎆July 42 p.m.PasadenaSeabrook Fourth of July ParadeJuly 49:30 a.m.Seabrook4th of July in Old Town SpringJuly 411 a.m.SpringTomball July 4th Celebration & Street Fest 🎆July 46 p.m.TomballWebster Fourth of July CelebrationJuly 45 p.m.WebsterIndependence Day Bike Parade & Pool PartyJuly 48:45 p.m.West University PlaceAustin CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationRed White & Free Festival 🎆 July 45 p.m.BellvilleCelebration in the Park 🎆June 28All DayIndustryRed, White & Blue WeekendJuly 3 - July 510 a.m.; 1 p.m.SealyRock, Freedom & Blues America 250 CelebrationJuly 412 p.m.SealyFaith | Family | Fireworks 🎆July 46 p.m.SealyBrazoria CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationAlvin Fourth of July Fireworks Display 🎆July 47:30 p.m.AlvinAngleton Freedom Fireworks 🎆June 279:20 p.m.AngletonDanbury July 4 Picnic in the ParkJuly 48 a.m.DanburyIowa Colony Fourth Fest 🎆July 45 p.m.Iowa ColonyLiberty on the Plaza 🎆July 46 p.m.Lake JacksonPearland Celebration of Freedom 🎆July 46 p.m.Pearland4th of July at the Backyard Park 🎆July 44 p.m.SweenyWest Columbia 4th of July Fireworks in the Park 🎆July 4DuskWest ColumbiaChambers CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationMont Belvieu 4th of July Celebration 🎆July 43 p.m.Mont BelvieuFort Bend CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationArcola 4th of July CelebrationJuly 45 p.m.ArcolaFulshear Freedom Fest 🎆July 37 p.m.FulshearMeadows Place 4th of July Fireworks Show 🎆July 49:15 p.m.Meadows PlaceFourthFest in Missouri City 🎆July 46 p.m.Missouri CityNeedville Freedom Festival 🎆July 25 p.m.NeedvilleFamily 4th Celebration in Rosenberg 🎆July 46 p.m.RosenbergStafford Independence Day FestivalJuly 36:30 p.m.StaffordStafford Independence Day Concert & Fireworks 🎆July 47 p.m.StaffordRed, White & Boom at Constellation Field 🎆July 46 p.m.Sugar LandGalveston CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationRed, White, & Bayou BashJuly 410 a.m.Clear Lake ShoresFriendswood 4th of July Grand ParadeJuly 410 a.m.FriendswoodFriendswood 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks 🎆July 45 p.m.FriendswoodSparks & Stripes Over Battleship TexasJuly 36:30 p.m.Galveston4th of July Parade & Fireworks on Galveston Island 🎆July 46 p.m.GalvestonStars Over 6 Independence Day Celebration 🎆July 44 p.m.HitchcockJBVFD 4th of July BBQ and DanceJuly 46 p.m.Jamaica BeachLet Freedom Ring, Kemah-Style! 4th of July ParadeJuly 49 a.m.KemahKemah Boardwalk 4th of July Celebration 🎆July 49:30 p.m.KemahLeague City Fireworks Extravaganza 🎆July 36 p.m.League CityLeague City Citizens Appreciation DayJuly 410 a.m.League CityTexas City Independence Day ParadeJuly 410 a.m.Texas CityTexas City Independence Day Concert & Fireworks 🎆July 47 p.m.Texas CityStars, Stripes & Island Vibes: Golf Cart RallyJuly 35:30 p.m.Tiki IslandStars, Stripes & Island Vibes: ParadeJuly 45 p.m.Tiki IslandStars, Stripes & Island Vibes: Sunset FlotillaJuly 5SunsetTiki IslandLiberty CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationStars & Stripes Celebration 🎆July 47 p.m.ClevelandDayton July 4th Hometown Celebration 🎆July 46 p.m.DaytonLiberty Red, White, and BOOM Celebration 🎆July 35 p.m.LibertyMontgomery CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationConroe America’s 250th AnniversaryJuly 42:20 p.m.ConroeMagnolia Annual Fireworks Show 🎆July 36 p.m.MagnoliaAmerica’s 250th Year Celebration in MontgomeryJuly 49 a.m.MontgomeryStars & Slides at Big Rivers Waterpark  🎆July 411 a.m.New CaneyValley Ranch 4th Fest 🎆July 46 p.m.New Caney4th of July RodeoJuly 47 p.m.New Caney4th of July in Oak Ridge NorthJuly 43 p.m.Oak Ridge NorthUSA 250th Anniversary in Panorama Village 🎆July 48:15 a.m.Panorama VillageStar-Spangled Salute at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell PavilionJuly 36:30 p.m.The WoodlandsThe Woodlands Fourth of July ParadeJuly 49 a.m.The WoodlandsRed, Hot & Blue Festival 🎆July 46 p.m.The WoodlandsWillis Music in the ParkJuly 46 p.m.WillisSan Jacinto CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationColdspring Texas Freedom Celebration 🎆July 17 p.m.ColdspringCelebrating America’s 250th BirthdayJuly 410 a.m.Point BlankU.S.A. 250th Birthday Party 🎆July 42 p.m.ShepherdWalker CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationAmerica’s Birthday Parade in HuntsvilleJuly 37 p.m.HuntsvilleRed, White & Bloom MarketJuly 49 a.m.New Waverly4-H Community 4th of July BBQ & AuctionJuly 411 a.m.New Waverly4-H Community 4th of July Parade & Fireworks 🎆July 47:30 p.m.New WaverlyWaller CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationBrookshire 4th of July 250th Anniversary 🎆July 42 p.m.BrookshireHempstead 4th of July Celebration 🎆July 46 p.m.HempsteadJuly 4th Celebration in PattisonJuly 41 p.m.PattisonWaller 4th of July Picnic & CarnivalJuly 411 a.m.WallerWharton CountyEvent (click event for more info)DateStart TimeLocationBoling Volunteer Fire Department July 4th Firework Show 🎆July 49 p.m.BolingJuly 4th Weekend Bash | Red, White & Lagoon Blue 🎆July 2 - July 5VariesEl CampoDowntown Wharton Freedom FestJuly 43:30 p.m.WhartonWharton County 250th Celebration 🎆July 46 p.m.Wharton","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-and-around-houston-for-july-4th/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:11:36.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNJVO2MFKGBBSLNA7B2NYGK6NP4.png","slug":"list-fourth-of-july-fireworks-parades-celebrations-across-greater-houston"},{"id":"qz986g","title":"In blow to DC Studios, 'Supergirl' is no match for 'Toy Story 5' at box office","excerpt":"In a setback for Warner Bros.′ revamped DC movie operations, “Supergirl” was absolutely no match for “Toy Story 5” at the box office, opening a distant second to the Pixar blockbuster. After a near-record debut for an animated movie, “Toy Story 5” remained No. 1 at the box office with $70 million...","content":"In a setback for Warner Bros.′ revamped DC movie operations, “Supergirl” was absolutely no match for “Toy Story 5” at the box office, opening a distant second to the Pixar blockbuster. After a near-record debut for an animated movie, “Toy Story 5” remained No. 1 at the box office with $70 million in domestic ticket sales and another $89.1 million overseas, according to studio estimates Sunday. The Walt Disney Co. release has in two weeks quickly amassed $585 million globally, making it one of the biggest hits of the year. “Supergirl,” however, failed to lift off. It opened with $38 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters. It added $30 million in overseas markets. Craig Gillespie’s superhero spinoff is the second big-screen release from James Gunn and Peter Safran, who were tapped to lead DC Studios in late 2022. Their first release, 2025’s “Superman,” grossed $618 million worldwide, a strong-enough start for Gunn and Safran.But “Supergirl” flopped with both critics and moviegoers. Reportedly trimmed significantly after test screenings, Gillespie’s film landed poor reviews (56% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and a “B-” CinemaScore from audiences. The poor opening weekend for “Supergirl” puts it behind the disappointing debuts of DC busts like “The Flash” ($55 million in 2023) and “The Green Lantern” ($53 million in 2011), and only barely ahead of “Joker: Folie à Deux” ($37.7 million in 2024). David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm FranchiseRe, noted superhero movies no longer drive the box office like they did pre-pandemic. There are fewer yearly releases, and the box office in the genre is down approximately $3.5 billion annually from its highs in 2017-2019. After huge successes like “Wonder Woman” ($822 million in 2017) and “Captain Marvel” ($1.13 billion in 2019), female-fronted superhero movies have also taken a downturn. “You’ll hear general explanations like ‘the audience lost interest.’ Yes, they did,” said Gross. “But no one has been able to explain why it happened so suddenly and so completely. Why female superheroes in particular, after their sensational starts? We don’t understand it either.”The stumble for “Supergirl,” which cost $170 million to make, comes as Warner Bros. Discovery, the film studio’s parent company, is preparing to be acquired by Paramount Skydance. David Ellison, Paramount chief executive, recently met with Gunn and Safran. The next DC release is “Clayface,” a body horror take on the DC character, to be released in October. Gunn’s “Superman” follow-up, “Man of Tomorrow,” is currently in production. It’s dated for July 2027. Gunn, who serves as a producer on “Supergirl,” handed directing duties to Gillespie, the filmmaker of “I, Tonya” and “Cruella.” Milly Alcock, who briefly appeared in “Superman,” stars as Supergirl, or Lara Zor-El, a younger cousin to Superman who’s more of a party girl than a world saver. Paramount Pictures’ “Jackass: Best and Last” was the weekend’s other new wide release. The latest stunt compilation from Johnny Knoxville and company opened with a modest $8.4 million from 2,855 North American theaters. While that’s a good result for a movie that cost just $10 million to make, the 2022 installment, “Jackass Forever,” debuted with $23 million before ultimately grossing $80 million worldwide. Olivia Wilde’s dinner party comedy “The Invite” notched one of the best per-screen averages of the year. Opening on seven screens in New York and Los Angeles, it debuted with $379,104, good for a per-screen average of $54,158. Wilde’s third film as director stars herself, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton as a pair of San Francisco couples who meet for an impromptu night together. A24 acquired the film after its buzzy Sundance Film Festival premiere. The indie distributor is hoping “The Invite,” which will expand next week and go nationwide on July 10, can revive the largely dormant summer comedy. The micro-budget horror phenomenon “Obsession” continued to hold unusually strong. It took third place on the weekend with $9.8 million in its seventh weekend of release. Curry Barker’s film, made for less than $1 million, has now collected $233.9 million domestically for Focus Features, plus $108.9 million internationally. Such legs, however, haven’t materialized for Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller “Disclosure Day.” In the Universal Pictures’ third weekend of release, it slipped to fifth place with $8.1 million in domestic theaters. Spielberg's UFO tale has grossed $193.7 million globally in three weeks. Top 10 movies by domestic box officeWith final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:1. “Toy Story 5,” $70 million. 2. “Supergirl,” $38 million. 3. “Obsession,” $9.8 million. 4. “Jackass: Best and Last,” $8.4 million. 5. “Disclosure Day,” $8.1 million. 6. “Backrooms,” $4.3 million. 7. “Scary Movie,” $3 million. 8. “Masters of the Universe,” $2.2 million. 9. “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity,\" $2 million. 10. “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” $1.6 million.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/28/in-blow-to-dc-studios-supergirl-is-no-match-for-toy-story-5-at-box-office/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jake Coyle, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:28:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3WUM3NWPLNGGNBOGRHUIX2PHFM.jpg","slug":"in-blow-to-dc-studios-supergirl-is-no-match-for-toy-story-5-at-box-office"},{"id":"ag8tfs","title":"England beats Panama 2-0 on goals by Bellingham and Kane to win its World Cup group","excerpt":"Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and England's fervid fans made MetLife Stadium feel like Wembley. They hope for a repeat at next month's World Cup final.With supporters' red-and-white St. George's Cross signs circling the field on an afternoon of sporadic rain, Bellingham and Kane scored early in the...","content":"Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and England's fervid fans made MetLife Stadium feel like Wembley. They hope for a repeat at next month's World Cup final.With supporters' red-and-white St. George's Cross signs circling the field on an afternoon of sporadic rain, Bellingham and Kane scored early in the second half for a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday. England earned first place in its group and a more favorable knockout phase bracket.The Three Lions even wore the red jerseys made famous when England beat Germany for its only title in 1966, a sartorial similarity connecting North Jersey and that famous day in north London.“Amazing support. Crazy white wall behind the goal. Perfect weather to play football for us — warm rain,\" England coach Thomas Tuchel said.England finished Group L with two wins and a draw for seven points and plays its round of 32 match Wednesday at Atlanta against Congo. The team that advances faces Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City. If the Three Lions had dropped to second, they would have encountered Portugal, with the winner meeting Spain or Austria.“I know some people have already made plans,” Bellingham said, “so it was nice they don’t have to cancel anything.”Fans filled the field walls with flags displaying club names that included Tottenham, Watford and Wolves plus less-celebrated clubs such as Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers and Faversham Town.Panama held the England scoreless through a first half in which Kane had 10 touches, the fewest of any player. Croatia added pressure by taking the lead in the 31st minute against Ghana in simultaneous match in Philadelphia.“All the lads were ready to go after halftime,” Bellingham said. \"We realized we had a couple of more gears to go.”Bellingham put the Three Lions ahead in the 62nd minute from Bukayo Saka's corner kick. Held in bear hug by Jorge Gutiérrez at the top of the 6-yard box, Bellingham stuck out his left leg and stabbed the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera for his third World Cup goal, his second this year.Five minutes later, Bellingham crossed from the left flank and Kane outjumped Andrés Andrade to head in the ball for his 82nd international goal. Kane became England's record World Cup scorer with his 11th goal, one more than Gary Lineker.Bellingham injured his left hamstring playing for Real Madrid on Feb. 1, didn't return until March 22 and scored just two more goals during the rest of the La Liga season.“Jude looks fit, looks sharp,\" Kane said. \"It looks like he's got the bit between his teeth to really go out there and prove to the world what type of player he is.”England reached the knockout rounds for the seventh time in eight World Cups.“They have great players. They are worth millions and millions,\" Panama defender José Córdoba said. \"We’re talking about English football, which is much more developed than in our country and there’s a huge distance.”Panama went 0-3 for the second time and was outscored 4-0. It joined Iraq, Haiti, El Salvador, Canada and Mexico — all but one from the CONCACAF region — as teams that lost their first six World Cup matches. José Fajardo put the ball in the net for the Los Canaleros in second-half stoppage time, but was called for offside.“We can be proud — not of the results, as no one can be proud of a defeat, but all in all I think they gave their everything.\" Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said. “For the outside world, the image of Panama has been really good.”Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played his 15th World Cup match, second among English players to Peter Shilton’s 17.England's Jarell Quansah, usually a central defender, replaced right back Reece James, sidelined by a hamstring. Quansah twisted his right ankle during a 59th-minute challenge by José Luis Rodríguez and was replaced in the 63rd. England is short on right backs after Trent Alexander-Arnold was not picked for the roster.“It will be now a very tight race for Quansah, so I’m worried about these two,\" Tuchel said.In the glow of victory, supporters celebrated Bellingham by singing the Beatles' “Hey Jude” when he stood on the field for postgame interviews.“This evening is for sure to take in the energy and take in the atmosphere,” Tuchel said. “From tomorrow we will think about round of 32.”___AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/england-beats-panama-2-0-on-goals-by-bellingham-and-kane-to-win-its-world-cup-group/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ronald Blum, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T22:55:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLMJSPY32YNHKXE4WVLYTH32GWQ.jpg","slug":"england-beats-panama-2-0-on-goals-by-bellingham-and-kane-to-win-its-world-cup-group"},{"id":"86jy60","title":"How Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o approaches fourth NFL season, leadership role: ‘Not a lot of guys make it this far’","excerpt":"Henry To’oTo’o takes time to reflect frequently, looking back at his growth from his rookie year to now as a veteran starting linebacker.The average NFL career typically comes to a screeching halt after three seasons. To’oTo’o has exceeded that as he heads into the final year of his rookie contra...","content":"Henry To’oTo’o takes time to reflect frequently, looking back at his growth from his rookie year to now as a veteran starting linebacker.The average NFL career typically comes to a screeching halt after three seasons. To’oTo’o has exceeded that as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract as an established contributor.To’oTo’o, 25, starting next to Pro Bowl middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, has piled up 261 career tackles, 18 for losses, two forced fumbles and one interception with four sacks. He has emerged as a key figure in an elite defense, especially after the season-ending torn quadriceps suffered by third linebacker E.J. Speed. Sometimes, To’oTo’o has to remind himself he’s a veteran counted on for leadership for the younger guys.“It’s a little weird, like a lot at first, but, man, it’s such a blessing,” To’oTo’o said during teammate Kamari Lassiter’s celebrity softball game. “Not a lot of guys are able to make it this far in your career, like it’s only year four, but not a lot of guys make it that far. Being able to be where I am and helping the younger guys, and whatever knowledge that I have that I gained for these last three years, I try my best to give it to them as much as I can. “Obviously, I’m still learning, I still pick stuff from Azeez, and I pick his brain still to this day, but it’s pretty cool to see the younger guys ask me questions how I used to, three years ago. Man, it’s just a blessing to be able to help other guys to prolong their career.”In 46 games and 35 starts, the 6-foot-2, 228-pound former Alabama standout has been striving for a stronger degree of consistency. With the exception of a few games last year he’d like to have back, To’oTo’o is coming off a strong season. He recorded 95 tackles, second-most on the Texans’ top-ranked defense behind Al-Shaair, with a career-high 2 1/2 sacks and nine tackles for losses with four quarterback hits.The individual statistics are nice, but To’oTo’o and the Texans have built a standard with three consecutive playoff seasons and a much larger goal after three divisional round losses. They’re chasing a championship.“My main goal is the Super Bowl, if I’m being honest,” To’oTo’o said. “Obviously, I have my own personal goals, but, first and foremost, is to bring home a Super Bowl for the city of Houston. That comes first and obviously all the personal accolades will come by itself. “My main goal is bringing the city of Houston a Super Bowl. That’s what you play the game for. Every time we put this uniform on and set foot on the grass, if you’re not coming out to win, if you’re not coming out to be a champion, then you’re not doing it for the right reason. I think we all understand that.”What would To’oTo’o say to himself as a rookie?“I always think about that,” To’oTo’o said. “I look at myself now and how much I care for the game now, how much I love the game now, how much I understand, how much I study, how much I put into my body, my body has changed tremendously from Year One to Year Four. “I honestly just tell myself, ‘How much do you really love the game, and how much time are you able to devote to this game?’ Because this game is so short, and there’s only such a small window, so. So ‘younger Henry, how much do you love the game?’”To’oTo’o led the team with a dozen tackles in a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He overcame a tough game against Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who had 188 all-purpose yards, including a 60-yard touchdown in single coverage against To’oTo’o and 128 rushing yards. And To’oTo’o rebounded from a missed tackle on quarterback Baker Mayfield on a pivotal fourth down situation in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The way that To’oTo’o played against the Chargers, doing an “outstanding job,” in the words of coach DeMeco Ryans, is how he wants to perform every week.“Man, it meant a lot,” To’o’To’o told KPRC 2 last season. “I feel like that was just a good confidence-builder for me, tackling-wise. I think that was an area that I needed to improve on. And I feel like I’ve been on the upward line as the season went on. That’s what we get paid to do and I’ve been working on that my whole life.”To’oTo’o has been mentoring rookie linebackers Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher, who were drafted this spring.And he and his wife, Cheyenne, held a community pop-up event recently at Two Tone Coffee in Houston. They held a meet-and-greet to support his charitable foundation via limited edition apparel sales and photos. They personally took orders and served drinks from a crowd of fans.“Man, it was great,” To’oTo’o said. “Big shout-out to Two Tone, great company, great organization, everybody go try it. When we first put it out, I was like, ‘Damn, ain’t nobody gonna show up. I hope at least 15 people show up,’ and then, like, the whole city of Houston showed up.“They were wrapped around the block, but it was such a great event. Great people, I love the people, love Houston, and I tell people all the time, it’s been like my second home. It’s been huge for me.”Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/how-texans-linebacker-henry-tootoo-approaches-fourth-nfl-season-leadership-role-not-a-lot-of-guys-make-it-this-far/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Aaron Wilson","publishDate":"2026-06-28T14:56:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FP6URWXX3F5DRRC5YNZKJGPCZO4.jpg","slug":"how-texans-linebacker-henry-tootoo-approaches-fourth-nfl-season-leadership-role-not-a-lot-of-guys-ma"},{"id":"mzy8p8","title":"NASA races to save Swift telescope from falling back to Earth with daring rescue mission","excerpt":"NASA is racing to save an aging telescope from falling back to Earth with a daring rescue mission. The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver. NASA hired startup Katalyst Space Technologies to boost the Swift Observatory to ...","content":"NASA is racing to save an aging telescope from falling back to Earth with a daring rescue mission. The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver. NASA hired startup Katalyst Space Technologies to boost the Swift Observatory to a higher orbit where it can continue hunting for some of the universe’s biggest explosions. A three-armed spacecraft built by Katalyst will chase after Swift once it takes off from an atoll in the Pacific's Marshall Islands aboard an airplane-launched Pegasus rocket. Liftoff could occur as early as Tuesday.Scanning the cosmos since its launch in 2004, Swift has been sinking faster and faster because of recent intense solar activity. It needs to get to a higher, more stable orbit as soon as possible to survive.NASA's Hubble Space Telescope — also at risk — could be next.Like Swift, Hubble is losing altitude as the sun erupts with one flare after another. Katalyst Space CEO Ghonhee Lee said his company's next-generation robot, still in development, could save the day for the much bigger Hubble in a couple years.Only China has attempted a mission like the upcoming one, successfully boosting a satellite into a higher graveyard orbit four years ago.“This is the first American space robot to go up and do anything like this,” Lee told The Associated Press. “NASA has all these big senior observatories … all of them can benefit from a service like this. So what we're proving with this mission is this is a new play in the playbook that's available.”It will take Katalyst's autonomous spacecraft, named Link, about a month to rendezvous with Swift and catch it, and another couple months to raise its orbit from the current 224 miles (360 kilometers) to the desired 373 miles (600 kilometers). The 1.6-ton (1.4-metric ton) gamma ray observatory must be above 185 miles (300 kilometers) for the rescue to work. It's expected to reach that point of no return in October, according to the latest estimates.Roughly the size of a small kitchen refrigerator with a 40-foot (12-meter) solar wingspan, Link sports three arms with a reach of just over 3 feet (1 meter). Each arm has two finger-like pinching grippers that resemble the hands of a Lego mini figure. If all goes well, Swift could be back in business by September, according to Lee.Worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Swift was never designed to be repaired, let alone retrieved by hands — human or otherwise. That's what makes this so challenging, according to company officials, who stress there is no guarantee it will work.NASA signed a contract with Katalyst last September with only two requests: It has to be a rush job, but please don't make things worse. Nine months later, the company is ready to rumble.“I have to be honest. No one thought it was going to be possible. No one thought we would get as far as we’ve already gotten today,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, NASA's astrophysics director.NASA has bought a little more time for Swift, turning off all scientific instruments to slow its descent. Observations ceased in February.NASA's science mission chief Nicky Fox said it's worth the effort.“If we let Swift reenter, we would lose that telescope. We would lose a lot of capability,” she said. “We don’t currently have the budget to build another one to replace that.”While everything cannot be saved in space, Swift is special, said Domagal-Goldman. True to its name, Swift is designed to pivot quickly to capture late-breaking astronomical events such as gamma ray bursts and exploding stars. With more discoveries expected by the Webb Space Telescope and soon-to-launch Roman Space Telescope, Swift, if saved, would be busier than ever as “NASA's first responder.”Katalyst sees Swift as the jumping-off point for a new repair business in space. The company's next-generation robotic rescuer, scheduled to fly next year, will tackle satellites as high as 22,300 miles (35,800 kilometers) up. Lee envisions hundreds of robots in orbit one day, not only fixing and hoisting satellites but also refueling them and building solar farms, data centers and other platforms.Thirty-six-year-old Hubble, which received repeat servicing by spacewalking astronauts during the shuttle era, could follow in 2028 with a life-extending Katalyst boost. “It's a national treasure,” Fox said. “People love Hubble.”___This story corrects spacecraft name to Link. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/28/nasa-races-to-save-swift-telescope-from-falling-back-to-earth-with-daring-rescue-mission/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Marcia Dunn, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:20:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXGXJNSZ5OBDV7OR26MAPQ3HQYM.jpg","slug":"nasa-races-to-save-swift-telescope-from-falling-back-to-earth-with-daring-rescue-mission"},{"id":"7eccmk","title":"Democrats wrestle with race, populism and ideology in clashes with lawmakers of color","excerpt":"After democratic socialist Claire Valdez defeated an establishment-backed candidate in New York's congressional primary last week, her elated supporters quickly turned their attention to a new target.“You're next!” they chanted when an image of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York ...","content":"After democratic socialist Claire Valdez defeated an establishment-backed candidate in New York's congressional primary last week, her elated supporters quickly turned their attention to a new target.“You're next!” they chanted when an image of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York flashed on the television screens at Valdez's victory party in a renovated Brooklyn warehouse.The message alarmed Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, whose district borders the one that Valdez is poised to represent. Jeffries would likely be the first Black speaker of the House if Democrats regain the majority, Meeks said, and “people died to see something like that opportunity.”The episode reflects the party's dilemma in a populist age. As left-wing insurgents make inroads in New York and elsewhere, their campaigns are confronting legacy institutions led by people of color. For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.The outcome will determine who holds power within the Democratic coalition as it battles for control of Congress and prepares for what is expected to be a sprawling and searing presidential primary in 2028.Although minority-led organizations have historically been viewed as more radical and antiestablishment, some Democratic leaders now view the left-wing surge as driven by white college graduates. Progressives argue that their agenda remains popular within communities of color. “It’s complicated,\" said Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens. “But these changes are a real opportunity for our communities, and maybe a passing of the baton to a younger generation of leaders.”Jeffries brushed off a question about whether he could face his own primary challenge.“When you ask me a serious question, I’ll give you a serious answer,\" he told a reporter from Fox Business.A past generation of minority political leaders went from outsiders to insidersOnce the distant dreams of Black and Latino activists, the political machines in many communities of color have become a central part of the Democratic establishment. They were a key driver of the party’s embrace of civil rights and diversity as core values.Some of the party’s most tenured members and influential dynasties now come from communities of color, and politicians such as Jeffries rose through the ranks of such systems to serve as party leaders.But such organizations were built in a different era.“A lot of our communities are anchored in older, more traditional voters, and those older, more traditional voters carry older, more traditional values,” said Dallas Jones, the former Texas political director for Democrat Joe Biden's presidential campaign in 2020. In Democrats' current debates of “people versus elites,\" Jones said, “you cannot help but find that the Black community is caught up in the middle of it.”Jones said that yearning for generational change helped topple Texas Rep. Al Green, a progressive seeking his 12th term in Congress, in May. A longtime civil rights activist, Green, 78, was defeated by Christian Menefee, a 38-year-old first-term congressman who is also Black, to represent a majority-Black district anchored by Houston.The Democratic electorate grew slightly whiter in 2024 as Donald Trump made some gains among Black and Hispanic voters. In addition, white Democrats have become more likely to describe themselves as liberal than are Black and Hispanic Democrats, according to Gallup research from 2022. Progressives argue that they are challenging longtime lawmakers based on their establishment ties rather than any shift in the party's demographics. They point to progressives recently winning House Democratic primaries for majority-minority districts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as signs of deeper appeal.“The point of being a senior Democrat is you’re supposed to be able to deliver more and impact the agenda,” said Regina Monge, a strategist who led a political action committee that backed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in last year's race for New York mayor. “People are supposed to feel the benefits of their leadership in the district.”Senior lawmakers are skeptical that much can be extrapolated nationally from last week's results, where Mamdani successfully pushed a slate of three insurgent candidates.“Our path to 218” — the number of seats necessary for a House majority — “wasn’t affected by those races that are getting a lot of news,” said Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the highest-ranking Latino in Congress. “The mayor made some endorsements, and those individuals won, and I presume that they’re going to come and vote with the Democratic caucus when they get here.”Generational change clashes with legacy in closely watched primariesThe new style of challenger often rises from outside the traditional civil rights and organizing structures that characterized some communities for decades.Valdez, who is Latina and Native American, won the primary to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, a former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who was born in Puerto Rico.The current caucus leader, Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York, lost his primary to Darializa Avila Chevalier, another democratic socialist, in a district that includes parts of Manhattan and the Bronx. Espaillat was born in the Dominican Republic; Chevalier’s parents are Dominican immigrants.“We’re really looking at a moment in time where people are anxious about the future of our country,\" said Katharine Pichardo, who leads Latino Victory.Pichardo was a senior adviser to Espaillat's first successful run for Congress, in 2016. She said Espaillat's message “needed to focus more on kitchen table issues” and be “forward looking” if he were to ward off Chevalier.For incumbents to defeat populist and more ideological challengers, she said, they must “give people a sense of security against the very real anxiety over what’s going on in Washington, D.C.”Basil Smikle, a former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party who now teaches at Columbia University, said insurgent candidates and their voters see institutions as “inherently flawed.” He said party leaders \"would do well to turn with the momentum and not against it.”“This is an opportunity for Hakeem to turn around and say, ‘Look, I’m with you, I’m not going to stand in your way, let's iron out our differences and make me speaker, get us back to power,'\" Smikle said. \"That would be the best way to bridge this divide.”On Saturday, Jeffries took a step in that direction by congratulating New York City's Democratic nominees, including Valdez and Chevalier. He did not mention his ideological disagreements with them or his support for their opponents, instead stressing that they would help \"crush far-right extremism.\"“The path is different but the work is the same,\" Jeffries said. _____Associated Press writer Anthony Izaguirre in New York contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/28/democrats-wrestle-with-race-populism-and-ideology-in-clashes-with-lawmakers-of-color/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt Brown, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:13:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLHIFWYRO4JA23CV4I7WUIKKRLU.jpg","slug":"democrats-wrestle-with-race-populism-and-ideology-in-clashes-with-lawmakers-of-color"},{"id":"ddvjt7","title":"13 Alert Traffic: Multiple NB lanes reopen on IH-45 at Little York after crash: Houston TranStar","excerpt":"Multiple northbound lanes of the North Freeway at Little York Road have reopened after they were shut down on Saturday afternoon due to a crash, according to Houston TranStar.","content":"Multiple northbound lanes of the North Freeway at Little York Road have reopened after they were shut down on Saturday afternoon due to a crash, according to Houston TranStar.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/13-alert-traffic-multiple-northbound-lanes-closed-north-freeway-little-york-due-crash-houston-transtar-says/19397027/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-27T17:49:31.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19397055_little-york-45-nb-crash-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"13-alert-traffic-multiple-nb-lanes-reopen-on-ih-45-at-little-york-after-crash-houston-transtar"},{"id":"ulus6","title":"HPD: Man shot in the foot during firefight at southwest Houston gas station","excerpt":"Houston police are investigating a shooting that broke out around 1 a.m. Sunday at a gas station in the 6500 block of the Southwest Freeway near Hillcroft. Officers responding to a report of gunfire found an adult man with a gunshot wound to his foot.The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for ...","content":"Houston police are investigating a shooting that broke out around 1 a.m. Sunday at a gas station in the 6500 block of the Southwest Freeway near Hillcroft. Officers responding to a report of gunfire found an adult man with a gunshot wound to his foot.The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is expected to survive, police said.Houston Police: ‘Altercation’ leads to deadly shooting in the HeightsInvestigators said two groups arrived at the station in separate vehicles—one stopping near an air pump while the other parked between gas pumps. A short time later, people from both vehicles got out and exchanged gunfire.Police have not determined what sparked the confrontation, and everyone involved had left the scene before officers got there. Anyone with information should contact the Houston Police Department at (713) 884-3131 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS, where you can report anonymously.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/man-shot-in-the-foot-during-firefight-at-southwest-houston-gas-station/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T12:07:17.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6ZJIQUSULFDWDDPPI4M2ZKFLDA.png","slug":"hpd-man-shot-in-the-foot-during-firefight-at-southwest-houston-gas-station"},{"id":"cnb9tj","title":"Woman killed in overnight crash after car crosses median in northeast Houston","excerpt":"A woman was killed early Sunday in a two-vehicle crash in northeast Houston after a southbound sedan allegedly sped out of control and crossed into oncoming traffic, authorities said. The wreck happened around 1:20 a.m. in the 14700 block of Old Humble Road, according to information from the Harr...","content":"A woman was killed early Sunday in a two-vehicle crash in northeast Houston after a southbound sedan allegedly sped out of control and crossed into oncoming traffic, authorities said. The wreck happened around 1:20 a.m. in the 14700 block of Old Humble Road, according to information from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Driver dies after car hits stalled 18-wheeler on Loop 610 near KirbyA witness told investigators the sedan was traveling south at a high rate of speed when it veered across the median into the northbound lanes, where it was struck by an oncoming truck.After the impact, the sedan spun and came to rest in the roadway, investigators said. The driver of the sedan died at the scene. Deputies believe the victim is an adult woman, but her identity had not been confirmed as of Sunday morning.The truck’s driver and passengers were not hurt, investigators said.The crash remains under investigation.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/woman-killed-in-overnight-crash-after-car-crosses-median-in-northeast-houston/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:49:49.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFRNXI46G2NDTHB2Z6N74PZVHM4.png","slug":"woman-killed-in-overnight-crash-after-car-crosses-median-in-northeast-houston"},{"id":"jpwbi","title":"Donation drives spread across Houston area to help Venezuelans after deadly earthquakes","excerpt":"As the desperate search for survivors continues after the massive back-to-back deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, the help from here in Houston is intensifying.","content":"As the desperate search for survivors continues after the massive back-to-back deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, the help from here in Houston is intensifying.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/donation-drives-spread-houston-area-help-venezuelans-deadly-earthquakes/19396799/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Brianna Willis","publishDate":"2026-06-27T17:28:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19397024_062726-ktrk-venezuelan-deadly-earthquake-sw-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"donation-drives-spread-across-houston-area-to-help-venezuelans-after-deadly-earthquakes"},{"id":"hizwst","title":"Man tied to Montgomery County ministries arrested, extradited to Texas on child indecency charges","excerpt":"The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact investigators as they continue probing allegations of sexual abuse involving a man authorities say had ties to multiple religious ministries in Montgomery County and worked with youth-related groups.Deputies were ...","content":"The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact investigators as they continue probing allegations of sexual abuse involving a man authorities say had ties to multiple religious ministries in Montgomery County and worked with youth-related groups.Deputies were called May 8, 2026, to the 18000 block of Cooper Road in Conroe after a report of indecency with a child. Authorities said three adult women later described alleged abuse that stretched back years, with claims dating to the 1990s. Investigators identified the suspect as 65-year-old Leland Fleming.Convicted sex offender arrested again for allegedly possessing child pornography, Harris County Pct. 1 deputies sayDetectives with the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit said their investigation found Fleming had participated in various religious ministries across Montgomery County and had worked with children’s choirs and homeschool groups.An arrest warrant was issued May 28, 2026, for indecency with a child. Fleming was located in Madison County, Arkansas, and taken into custody with help from local authorities, investigators said. He was extradited back to Montgomery County on June 25 and is being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond. He faces two counts of indecency with a child.The case remains active. Because of Fleming’s reported involvement with youth-related organizations, the Sheriff’s Office urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-538-5900 and reference case number 26A156874.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/man-tied-to-montgomery-county-ministries-arrested-extradited-to-texas-on-child-indecency-charges/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:37:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F1e3d5b75-9d92-4955-8563-9cae539e40d3%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"man-tied-to-montgomery-county-ministries-arrested-extradited-to-texas-on-child-indecency-charges"},{"id":"lsmjvx","title":"Pete Buttigieg and his kids were targeted by child services swatting call, police say","excerpt":"Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was the target of an anonymous report that police determined was false.","content":"Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was the target of an anonymous report that police determined was false.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/pete-buttigieg-kids-were-targeted-child-services-swatting-call-police-say/19396086/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-27T16:47:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19396743_062726-wls-buttigieg-swatting-call-8avo-vid.jpg","slug":"pete-buttigieg-and-his-kids-were-targeted-by-child-services-swatting-call-police-say"},{"id":"b1tdp5","title":"Houston Police: 'Altercation' leads to deadly shooting in the Heights","excerpt":"Houston police are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded early Sunday morning outside the Heights Drive Inn at 6700 N. Main Street.Officers were called to the scene around 2:30 a.m. and located a man in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, according to preliminary information. Ho...","content":"Houston police are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded early Sunday morning outside the Heights Drive Inn at 6700 N. Main Street.Officers were called to the scene around 2:30 a.m. and located a man in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, according to preliminary information. Houston Fire Department crews responded and pronounced him dead at the scene.Man shot and killed by roommate in inner Houston, police say“The details on what transpired this shooting are very minimal,” HPD Lt. Ali said to media on scene. “What we’re being told right now is that the victim was at the location – in the parking lot of this particular location – when the suspect arrived on scene. They got into some altercation. The suspect, at that point, shot the victim and fled the scene.”Anyone with information should contact the HPD Homicide Unit at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS, where you can report anonymously.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/houston-police-altercation-leads-to-deadly-shooting-in-the-heights/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:34:15.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXTFK6OZW4NBBDNCEXH7HVUZT3M.png","slug":"houston-police-altercation-leads-to-deadly-shooting-in-the-heights"},{"id":"y6ei35","title":"Man shot and killed by roommate in inner Houston, police say","excerpt":"A man was killed in a late-night shooting at a residence in Houston’s South Central area, according to the Houston Police Department.Officers were called to the 1600 block of Vassar Street at about 11:55 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found a man who had been shot in the chest. Houston Fi...","content":"A man was killed in a late-night shooting at a residence in Houston’s South Central area, according to the Houston Police Department.Officers were called to the 1600 block of Vassar Street at about 11:55 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found a man who had been shot in the chest. Houston Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene a short time later.Victim’s brother charged with murder in deadly southeast Houston shootingInvestigators said preliminary information indicates the victim and the suspected shooter lived together and were friends. Details on what led up to the shooting are unclear, at this time.“One thing or another transpired tonight to where the suspect took out a firearm and shot the victim in the chest one time,” HPD Lt. Ali said on scene.Police said the suspect was taken into custody.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/28/man-shot-and-killed-by-roommate-in-inner-houston-police-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-28T11:20:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYKDXZNDVV5B7NNT5VDIR6ZAGFM.png","slug":"man-shot-and-killed-by-roommate-in-inner-houston-police-say"},{"id":"ilg94y","title":"Inside country legend Alan Jackson's triumphant finale concert","excerpt":"The time has come for country music superstar Alan Jackson to hang up his signature Stetson hat.The genre traditionalist from Newnan, Georgia, whose career kicked off in the 1980s and exploded shortly thereafter in the oft-cited '90s country wave with heartfelt songs for the working man who'd rat...","content":"The time has come for country music superstar Alan Jackson to hang up his signature Stetson hat.The genre traditionalist from Newnan, Georgia, whose career kicked off in the 1980s and exploded shortly thereafter in the oft-cited '90s country wave with heartfelt songs for the working man who'd rather be drinking, or fishing, or ideally both, has sold over 60 million records across his storied career. And on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, he brought his touring career to an end.The event titled “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale\" was a triumphant swan song for the performer, a celebration of his life and career with some help from the artists he directly inspired.Nashville's all-stars came out in drovesIt was a concert in two movements. The first two hours were made up of a marathon run of Jackson covers from some of the biggest names in contemporary country. And each performer had a personal story to share. Carrie Underwood sang “Everything I Love” after revealing that Jackson was her first ever concert, in 1994 at the Tulsa State Fair. Thomas Rhett warmed up the crowd with “Small Town Southern Man,” an appropriate choice for a singer currently living the song's lyrics — he's a father to four girls.The Texas-born and bred Miranda Lambert performed “Dallas.” Lainey Wilson got the crowd moving with “Tall, Tall Trees.”“It's almost impossible to pick a favorite Alan Jackson song ... but I had to try,” said Luke Combs before launching into “Hard Hat and a Hammer.”Each performer played with Jackson's backing band, save for Eric Church, who opted to cover “Someday” with just his voice and an acoustic guitar.It was an All-Star night for one of country music's most colossal voices. Other guest performers included Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack and a slew of super talented members of Jackson's own family: Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright.Five years ago, the 67-year-old music giant Jackson shared that he has a degenerative nerve condition that affects his balance called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which he was first diagnosed with a decade prior. He said it was a genetic condition, and its effects on his ability to walk and perform had become more noticeable. One dollar of every ticket sold on Saturday night the CMT Research Foundation, an organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth.When it was time for Jackson to hit the stage after 9:35 p.m. — after a storm delay of about an hour — he was met with ear-piercing cheers. The singer appeared stiff as he walked to his microphone, but once he picked up his guitar for the opener “Gone Country,” he was immediately back in action with that smoky baritone and timeless songs, though strumming was kept to a minimum.“It's overwhelming,” he addressed the crowd before assuring them he would not spend too much time on “that last show stuff … I'm not dead!”A night to rememberThe Country Music Hall of Famer ran through his best-known hits with real ferocity: “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” arrived quickly, as did “Livin' on Love,” “Summertime Blues\" and the moody “Midnight in Montgomery,” as the music videos for each played on a giant screen behind them.He made it a point to walk from side to side of the stage, greeting each section while championing his band and the power of “real country music.”“If anyone has lived the American dream,” he said later, while seated on a stool, “It's me.”Anecdotes flowed from there. He talked about writing “I'd Love You All Over Again” for his wife on their 10th wedding anniversary and how the radio from “Chasin' that Neon Rainbow” is currently in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum. And he mentioned that “Drive (For Daddy Gene” was written after his father died. An hour into his set, Jackson teased the audience by saying he needed some help for the next song. Out emerged George Strait for their collaborations “Designated Drink” and “Murder on Music Row.”Then came an incredible run of hits: “Little Bitty,” “Country Boy,” “Good Time” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” among them, the latter written and recorded following the Sept. 11 terror attacks.Blockbuster singles followed: “Don't Rock the Jukebox,” “Remember When,” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the latter recording famously featuring the late “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett.Fireworks were launched into the sky for “Chattahoochee.”Alan Jackson's story continuesJust because this is the end of Jackson's touring career doesn't mean it is the end of his music career. On Thursday, two days before the final concert blowout, Jackson released a country cover of Orleans' “Still the One,” to celebrate his 50-year relationship with wife and high school sweetheart Denise Jackson. She was a cheerleader practicing a dance routine to the soft rock classic; he was instantly smitten. For those who missed Jackson's final bow, the show will be released later in the year as an NBC concert special. But for those who were in the stadium — in the middle of a huge storm — it was an unrepeatable and unmistakable night.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/28/inside-country-legend-alan-jacksons-triumphant-finale-concert/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Maria Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T05:49:42.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FR6RTZY73RZFGZJ2E2FUO5PU7EA.jpg","slug":"inside-country-legend-alan-jacksons-triumphant-finale-concert"},{"id":"wgyqz9","title":"Congo rallies to a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan to seal place in the World Cup knockouts","excerpt":"For 52 years, Congo's standout World Cup memory was a humiliating 9-0 rout at the hands of Yugoslavia in its only other appearance on soccer's biggest stage. Not anymore. Not after a new generation of players made history by advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time and ...","content":"For 52 years, Congo's standout World Cup memory was a humiliating 9-0 rout at the hands of Yugoslavia in its only other appearance on soccer's biggest stage. Not anymore. Not after a new generation of players made history by advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time and set up a clash with England. “The weight on our shoulders was hard to bear,” said striker Yoane Wissa, whose two goals helped Congo rally to a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan on Saturday night Fiston Mayele was also on target in a dramatic second-half comeback as Congo joined Cape Verde as another unexpected qualifier for the round of 32. “We told ourselves we can’t give up,” Mayele said.Congo has been one of the surprise stories of this World Cup, with few expecting it to emerge from a group that included Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Colombia. And history was hardly on its side.Congo's previous appearance was when it competed as Zaire in 1974 and lost all three games, including the rout by Yugoslavia.It's a completely different story now. After holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament, Congo needed a win in its final Group K game to advance as one of the best third-place teams.It did just that with a breathless fight back after trailing to Eldor Shomurodov's lobbed goal in the 10th minute.“We’re a team that knows how to respond when we concede a goal; we keep fighting with determination,” coach Sébastien Desabre said.If the weight of the occasion was evident in Congo's first-half performance, the resilience of its players proved irresistible after the break.The game was level in the 68th when Wissa was brought down by Abdukodir Khusanov for a penalty. Wissa picked himself up and sent Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way, rolling the ball into the bottom corner for the first of a late flurry of goals.Mayele put Congo ahead 10 minutes later when flicking past Nematov at the near post and was mobbed by teammates and even substitutes, who raced off the bench and across the field to join in the wild celebrations.There were even more joyous scenes when Wissa put the result beyond doubt in added time with a curling shot into the bottom corner.Fans continued celebrating long after the final whistle, singing and dancing in the stadium concourses. The memories of 1974 fading fast.“We’re going to savor this moment because it’s been tough,” said Wissa. “All the guys — the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow — we should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do. We did it!”Congo is one of nine African nations to advance from the group stage at this tournament. “It’s quite an achievement. We showed a good image of Congo,” said Desabre.Uzbekistan's debut at the World Cup ended in three straight defeats. “I hope this tournament will give us big experience. I hope this experience will give us more motivation for the future,” said coach Fabio Cannavaro.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/congo-rallies-to-a-3-1-win-against-uzbekistan-to-seal-place-in-the-world-cup-knockouts/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"James Robson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T01:33:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOJCI7WCAGBCMTJBOVIJ2UYK4GY.jpg","slug":"congo-rallies-to-a-3-1-win-against-uzbekistan-to-seal-place-in-the-world-cup-knockouts"},{"id":"qsjoml","title":"Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting married at Madison Square Garden? What we know","excerpt":"Reports are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly getting married at New York's Madison Square Garden.","content":"Reports are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly getting married at New York's Madison Square Garden.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-wedding-rumors-are-getting-married-madison-square-garden-what-know/19396459/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:50:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19396458_084b050e-4613-4ef3-9422-23abf6f8bcba.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"are-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-getting-married-at-madison-square-garden-what-we-know"},{"id":"u56vv7","title":"Messi becomes first to score in 7 straight World Cup games while extending goals record","excerpt":"Lionel Messi didn't have much time to try to become the first to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.Argentina's superstar did it anyway as a second-half substitute. Messi made it seven straight while extending the all-time men's World Cup scoring record with his 19th goal in Argentina's 3...","content":"Lionel Messi didn't have much time to try to become the first to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.Argentina's superstar did it anyway as a second-half substitute. Messi made it seven straight while extending the all-time men's World Cup scoring record with his 19th goal in Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan in a group stage finale on Saturday night.In his first match since turning 39 three days earlier, Messi scored on a free kick in the 80th minute after being taken down just outside the penalty area. The low kick barely above the grass surface split two Jordan defenders into the left corner of the net.It was his 72nd career goal on a free kick, including his 12th for Argentina. Messi now has 123 international goals — second all-time to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 145 — in 202 appearances.Messi had been one of only three players to score in six consecutive World Cup games along with France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho.“What you’re seeing, I’m seeing the same thing,” coach Lionel Scaloni said through a translator. \"It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say.\" Messi also scored on a free kick against Nigeria in the 2014 World Cup and is among six players since records are available dating to 1966 who scored two free kick goals in the World Cup. He joined Pelé, Rivellino, Téofilo Cubillas, Bernard Genghini and David Beckham.“I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having,” Giovani Lo Celso said in translated remarks after becoming the first Argentine other than Messi to score in this tournament, also on a free kick in the 19th minute. “The truth is that seeing him every day excites, excites and infects a lot. So obviously seeing him like that for us is very important.”Messi didn't start because Argentina had already clinched first place in Group J, and the game was further meaningless because Jordan was already eliminated from the knockout stage.Nevertheless, the decidedly pro-Argentina crowd of 70,649 at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys was eager to see him.Fans started chanting Messi's name as soon as the second half started, and cheered loudly when he came off the bench merely to go through warmups.The roar was louder when he stepped onto the field in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martinez, who scored on a penalty kick in the first half.For all the accomplishments of the eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or as the best player in Europe, Messi has never won the golden boot as the top scorer in each World Cup. This is his sixth.Messi now has six goals in this tournament, two clear of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Júnior and Erling Haaland.Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami that slowed him in the lead-up to the World Cup.The knockout round for Argentina begins Friday in South Florida, and in this expanded 48-team tournament that would be the first of five matches in 17 days if La Albiceleste makes it to the final on July 19.“Today he could have played 90 minutes,” Scaloni said. “He wanted his teammates to have time on the pitch and to save himself also for what’s coming up now. He doesn’t think so much about the numbers that people are talking about.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/messi-becomes-first-to-score-in-7-straight-world-cup-games-while-extending-goals-record/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T00:57:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3Q3ANWPRCZG3JMB3GRZZUQXIIE.jpg","slug":"messi-becomes-first-to-score-in-7-straight-world-cup-games-while-extending-goals-record"},{"id":"rvczlo","title":"Austria, Algeria trade goals in stoppage time, both advance at World Cup with stunning 3-3 draw","excerpt":"Algeria and Austria knew that a pedestrian draw Saturday night would have sent both to the knockout round of the World Cup.They delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw instead.In the wildest finish of the group stage, Algeria took the lead in stoppage time only for Austria to answer on the final play of t...","content":"Algeria and Austria knew that a pedestrian draw Saturday night would have sent both to the knockout round of the World Cup.They delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw instead.In the wildest finish of the group stage, Algeria took the lead in stoppage time only for Austria to answer on the final play of the game, making it a win-win result for those teams and a heartbreaking loss for Iran, which was eliminated from the tournament.“I've been a coach for about 40 years. I don't remember a game that had such a dramatic course, and such an unexpected trajectory,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said, shaking his head. “Even at the beginning of the match, if someone would have said it would be 3-3, nobody would have believed it. Somebody would have won an incredible bet, I guess.”The game was tied 2-all in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked as if it was content to run out the clock and allow both teams to advance, when Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the game. That put Austria on the verge of elimination, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head in the equalizer a couple of minutes later, rescuing Das Team’s World Cup hopes.“The locker room is madness,” Rangnick said with a smile. “If Alfred Hitchcock — who had nothing to do with soccer, didn't really like soccer — if he had written such a drama, I would have said he was completely mad.”Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer also had goals for Austria, which finished second behind Argentina in Group J to advance for the first time since 1982. Its reward is a matchup with European champion Spain on Thursday in Los Angeles.Rafik Belghali also scored for Les Fennecs, who became the ninth of 10 teams from Africa to advance. They finished third in the group but get a potentially easier Round of 32 matchup with Switzerland on Thursday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.“It’s a feeling of being extremely happy,” Mahrez said. “We’re obviously happy, and it was the objective when we arrived — it was to go beyond the first round. That's what we did, and we're all very happy.”Iran would've advanced as one of the eight best third-place teams had Austria or Algeria won. But when Kalajdzic scored in stoppage time to tie the game one last time, it meant Team Melli was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion.“When you have 3-3,” Rangnick said, “nobody can assume that it was an agreement (to tie) or anything like that.”The first three World Cup matches at Arrowhead Stadium had seen the home of the Kansas City Chiefs flooded in the light blue of Argentina, yellow of Ecuador and highlighter orange of the Netherlands. But in the city's group finale, the Algeria green and red of the Austrians were complemented by thousands of locals just happy to score a less expensive World Cup ticket.Many of those locals appeared to be rooting for Algeria, though, which has made its training base in nearby Lawrence, Kansas, and has struck up a unique friendship with the small college town home to the University of Kansas.Few of those new fans of Les Fennecs probably knew about the “Disgrace of Gijón.”Yet longtime Algeria supporters had been waiting 44 years for some World Cup revenge against Austria. At the 1982 tournament, Austria and West Germany seemingly quit playing after the latter took a 1-0 lead, because that outcome ensured both would advance at the expense of Algeria, which protested to FIFA to no avail and was eliminated from the World Cup.Some were curious whether the expanded 48-team field would result in a “Disgrace of Kansas City,” since both teams knew by kickoff that a draw would send them through. Instead, a crowd of 69,045 on Saturday night was treated to a dramatic 90-plus minutes.Austria struck first when Arnautovic perfectly timed a run between two Algerian defenders, found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Oussama Benbot, and overcame a stumble to score his record-extending 49th career goal for his nation.Algeria answered just before halftime, when Belghali’s left-footed shot easily beat Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.The frenetic pace continued early in the second half on a hot night in Kansas City. Not content with a 1-1 draw, Austria’s Konrad Laimer sent a sharp pass across the field that Sabitzer finished to regain the lead — and give Iran some hope — only for Algeria to answer minutes later, when Mahrez scored off a perfect cross from Houssem Aouar.It remained 2-2 down the stretch, and Algeria began to play keep-away as an antsy crowd began to hoot and whistle. But just when it seemed that would be it, Mahrez and Kalajdzic ended the group stage of the World Cup in memorable fashion.“I think the match was a little crazy. It sort of went beyond the limits of everyone’s endurance,” said Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic. “Let’s celebrate our promotion, so to speak, let's rest and then we will begin again for the next round.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/austria-and-algeria-draw-3-3-at-world-cup-to-advance-to-knockout-round-and-send-iranians-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dave Skretta, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T04:06:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCK2FYPFARREETDRWBDULDQZEEQ.jpg","slug":"austria-algeria-trade-goals-in-stoppage-time-both-advance-at-world-cup-with-stunning-3-3-draw"},{"id":"t7hris","title":"73-year-old man charged in deadly shooting of 42-year-old woman in Texas City, police say","excerpt":"Texas City police said officers pronounced a 42-year-old woman dead after she was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. After an investigation, police said a 73-year-old man was charged with murder.","content":"Texas City police said officers pronounced a 42-year-old woman dead after she was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. After an investigation, police said a 73-year-old man was charged with murder.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/73-year-old-man-charged-murder-deadly-shooting-42-woman-texas-city-police-department-says/19389414/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Luke Jones","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:23:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19070972_texas-city-pd-car-FILE-img.png","slug":"73-year-old-man-charged-in-deadly-shooting-of-42-year-old-woman-in-texas-city-police-say"},{"id":"yyh2by","title":"Lamar CISD reinstates police chief and lieutenant weeks after firing them","excerpt":"Just weeks after firing its police chief and a lieutenant for what their attorneys called \"conduct unbecoming of an officer,\" Lamar Consolidated ISD has reinstated both employees following appeals.","content":"Just weeks after firing its police chief and a lieutenant for what their attorneys called \"conduct unbecoming of an officer,\" Lamar Consolidated ISD has reinstated both employees following appeals.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/lamar-cisd-reinstates-police-chief-lieutenant-weeks-firing/19390757/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Jessica Willey","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:22:25.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F18888216_041426-ktrk-lamar-cisd-police-chief-lieutenant-img.png","slug":"lamar-cisd-reinstates-police-chief-and-lieutenant-weeks-after-firing-them"},{"id":"2044hr","title":"Iran narrowly knocked out of tumultuous World Cup on Austria's last-second goal","excerpt":"Iran has been eliminated from the World Cup, narrowly failing to advance past the group stage in a politically charged tournament where the team played its matches amid tight restrictions imposed by the United States.Iran missed the round of 32 by one spot in heartbreaking fashion. It finished th...","content":"Iran has been eliminated from the World Cup, narrowly failing to advance past the group stage in a politically charged tournament where the team played its matches amid tight restrictions imposed by the United States.Iran missed the round of 32 by one spot in heartbreaking fashion. It finished third in Group G with three points earned with draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Iran appeared to have advanced via tiebreakers when Algeria scored a stunning stoppage-time goal to go ahead of Austria 3-2 Saturday night, but Austria tied it back up seconds later on the game's final play. Their draw ensured Iran's elimination.It was one last painful moment for Iran in a World Cup that's been tumultuous, on and off the pitch.The Iranians have been playing while Tehran negotiates with Washington on terms of a deal meant to permanently end the war that began earlier this year. Tensions continued Saturday when Iran launched a drone assault targeting Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, in a likely response to overnight airstrikes by the U.S. Hours later, the U.S. said it struck multiple Iranian military targets after it said Iran attacked a ship near the Straight of Hormuz.During the World Cup, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and players complained about numerous complications, including travel restrictions, visa denials for support staff and quick departures from the U.S. after matches.U.S. officials have said all restrictions were known before the tournament.The U.S. and Israel began the war on Feb. 28 by attacking Iran, which retaliated with attacks in the region and by asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz.In March, Iran sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team’s arrival.After Iran was eliminated Saturday night, the team sent a statement expressing “heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful people of Mexico, especially the beautiful city of Tijuana.”“Leaving Tijuana is truly difficult for all of us,” the statement said.At its first match, several hundred Iranian Americans protested outside the stadium, calling for change in Tehran and waving the pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flag. Thousands more poured into the stadium to watch them play, and the pre-game national anthem was met with a mix of cheers and boos.For the first two matches, near Los Angeles, the team was not permitted to travel until the day before and had to return to Mexico immediately after each game. The U.S. then eased its restrictions, allowing the squad to travel to Seattle two days before Friday’s match against Egypt. If Iran had advanced, it would have played its next match in Vancouver, British Columbia.“We were treated very, very badly,” Ghalenoei said after Friday’s draw with Egypt left the Iranians clinging to hope they would get to the next round. “I hope the world becomes aware of these issues.”“What these young Iranian national team players have done should be recorded in history,” Ghalenoei said. “Why? Because the host treated us in the worst possible way.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/28/iran-narrowly-knocked-out-of-tumultuous-world-cup-on-austrias-last-second-goal/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Vertuno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T04:01:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYJYXNHVY5RHWNMBJ3XNX2IZUKY.jpg","slug":"iran-narrowly-knocked-out-of-tumultuous-world-cup-on-austrias-last-second-goal"},{"id":"hq2ywn","title":"Final day of group play at the World Cup sets the field for the round of 32","excerpt":"The round of 32 at the World Cup is set, with the knockout stage getting underway Sunday as Canada plays South Africa in Southern California.The U.S. will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, while third co-host Mexico returns to its capital city to take on Ecuador on ...","content":"The round of 32 at the World Cup is set, with the knockout stage getting underway Sunday as Canada plays South Africa in Southern California.The U.S. will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, while third co-host Mexico returns to its capital city to take on Ecuador on Tuesday. Tournament favorite France goes back to the New York area to play Sweden on Tuesday, with the winner of that game going up against Germany or Paraguay in the round of 16.Here are the games in the round of 32:US vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, July 1The Americans had their powerful momentum from two consecutive victories stalled in the loss to Turkey. But in the knockout round, they’ll face Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is 62nd in the FIFA rankings. Bosnia finished third in Group B with four points. U.S. star Christian Pulisic entered as a substitute in the second half against Turkey. He had not played since leaving the opening win over Paraguay at halftime with a calf injury. “We play every game like a knockout game,” said U.S. midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who scored against Turkey. “You saw that in our intensity and the way we worked. For us, it’s keep doing what we’ve been doing.”Belgium vs. Senegal, July 1Belgium scored five times in its group play finale against New Zealand to not only advance but finish first. Up next is no easy task: a matchup against Senegal, which played France and Norway tough and routed Iraq to move on. The U.S.-Bosnia-Herzegovina winner faces the winner of this match.___Germany vs. Paraguay, June 29Germany comes into the knockout stage off a similarly low-key late defeat as the U.S., having already clinched its group with little to play for. Germany is a significant favorite against Paraguay, which lost to the U.S. 4-1 in its opener but steadied itself enough to move on.France vs. Sweden, June 30France came in as the tournament favorite and remains it after winning all three of its group games to set up a matchup against Sweden, which had a 5-1 win, a 5-1 loss and a draw. ___South Africa vs. Canada, June 28These nations have already made history. It’ll be the first time both are in the knockout stage of the World Cup. Canada advanced as runner-up in Group B with four points — one win, one draw and one loss. South Africa was runner-up in Group A, also with four points, including a surprising win over South Korea.Netherlands vs. Morocco, June 29The Netherlands won Group F after a draw with Japan and outscoring Sweden and Tunisia by a combined 8-2. Morocco went unbeaten to finish second in Group C in pursuit of becoming the first African winner of the World Cup. Morocco reached the semifinals four years ago in Qatar.___Portugal vs. Croatia, July 2Playing Colombia to a 0-0 tie Saturday night meant a second-place finish in the group for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and a tougher path, which could include facing neighbor Spain for a spot in the quarterfinals. Croatia moved into this spot by defeating Ghana hours earlier.Spain vs. Austria, July 2Spain bounced back from a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in its first game to win its group, in the process sending two-time champion Uruguay home. Austria tied it in the final minutes after falling behind earlier in stoppage time to play Algeria to a 3-3 draw Saturday night and set up this matchup.___Brazil vs. Japan, June 29Japan advanced as Group F runner-up with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sweden and the Samurai Blue’s reward is a knockout match against five-time World Cup champion Brazil. It’ll be a full-circle moment for Japan, which brought in Brazilian great Zico in 1991 to professionalize the country’s new domestic league and support Japan’s successful bid to co-host the World Cup in 2002. Now, the Japanese have a chance to show how far they’ve come against a country that has set the standard.Norway vs. Ivory Coast, June 30It would have taken beating favored France for Norway to win Group I. Instead, coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rest Erling Haaland and all but one starter. That sets up a matchup against the Ivory Coast at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.___Mexico vs. Ecuador, June 30Winning all three of its group stage matches for the first time at the World Cup, Mexico goes into the round of 32 also having now allowed a single goal. It has outscored opponents 6-0 and now has the distinct home-field advantage at altitude back at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City against Ecuador, which rallied to beat Germany and advance.England vs. Congo, July 1It took Jude Bellingham scoring and setting up Harry Kane's goal to break a tie with Panama, but England got the job done Saturday to finish first in its group. Injuries are a question now, going into a matchup with Congo, which rallied to defeat Uzbekistan and advance.___Argentina vs. Cape Verde, July 3Defending champion Argentina faces the smallest country to qualify for the knockout stage at a World Cup. Unsurprisingly, Cape Verde goes in as a massive underdog.Australia vs. Egypt, July 3This may be one of the most evenly matched round of 32 games, after Australia beat Turkey, lost to the U.S and drew with Paraguay. Egypt got through as the second-place team in Group G after a late goal by Iran on Friday night was called back for offside.___Switzerland vs. Algeria, July 2This was supposed to be Canada's spot in Vancouver, but Switzerland winning the teams' head-to-head matchup there and finishing ahead in the group gave the Swiss a plum spot. Algeria took a late lead on Austria before allowing the tying goal in the final minutes leading to a 3-3 draw and getting both teams in and eliminating Iran.Colombia vs. Ghana, July 3Passing Portugal for first in the group allows Colombia to open the knockout stage against Ghana, which entered with the lowest FIFA ranking at No. 74 but also played England to a scoreless tie.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/27/world-cup-final-day-of-group-play-will-set-the-field-for-the-round-of-32/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:16:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FY5TMGNOBVBAXNECDG775NK5HHA.jpg","slug":"final-day-of-group-play-at-the-world-cup-sets-the-field-for-the-round-of-32"},{"id":"ndbxw9","title":"US Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump, wins the GOP primary for Senate in Louisiana","excerpt":"U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana on Saturday, giving President Donald Trump a win after he backed her to replace GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy. Letlow, who was endorsed by Trump, defeated state Treasurer John Fleming in the two-candidate runoff after they ...","content":"U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana on Saturday, giving President Donald Trump a win after he backed her to replace GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy. Letlow, who was endorsed by Trump, defeated state Treasurer John Fleming in the two-candidate runoff after they finished ahead of Cassidy in the GOP primary May 16. Letlow pledged her loyalty to Trump in a race where Cassidy, who voted to convict the president on impeachment charges in 2021, spent a year working to keep Trump from going after him. She has promised to work in lockstep with Trump to advance his agenda.“I am so filled with gratitude for the greatest president this country has every had, Donald J. Trump,” Letlow told supporters at her election night watch party in Baton Rouge. “I am also so incredibly grateful for your endorsement.”Letlow’s victory caps Trump’s early 2026 effort to back Republican challengers to GOP lawmakers who have disagreed with him and replace them with ones more loyal. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and five Indiana state senators all lost reelection bids last month to GOP challengers he endorsed. However Trump-backed candidates lost in two June GOP gubernatorial primaries: Rep. Randy Feenstra on June 2 in Iowa, to businessperson Zach Lahn; and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones of Georgia on June 16, to billionaire Rick Jackson. Both winners were outsiders competing with establishment favorites. Letlow is now the immediate favorite to succeed Cassidy in a state Trump carried in 2024 by 22 percentage points. Letlow would become Louisiana’s first female Republican senator if elected. Her supporters cheered as she stepped to the stage in Baton Rouge. One attendee let out a shriek a few minutes earlier after seeing on TV that The Associated Press had called the race. Letlow has been in the House since 2021. Her husband, Luke Letlow, died from COVID-19 complications after being elected to Congress in 2020, and she won a special election to fill the seat.It was Gov. Jeff Landry, whom Letlow also thanked, who began advocating for her to Trump last year. The president took until January to endorse her, however, making his announcement before she declared her candidacy. She finished first in last month's voting with nearly 45%, compared with about 28% for Fleming and nearly 25% for Cassidy. Letlow and Fleming advanced to Saturday’s runoff because nobody won a majority that day.For some voters, Trump's endorsement was all that mattered.“Trump’s lady all the way,” said Barbara Dufrene, 67, of Marrero. She added that she knew little about Letlow but was counting on the president to lower her healthcare costs and increase her social safety net. “I always vote whatever Trump wants.”Letlow had spending advantagesLetlow's success on May 16, campaign spending on her behalf and support from prominent Republicans had her well positioned in the runoff. She was also endorsed by Landry and U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Fleming, a founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus while in Congress, later worked in Trump's first administration. He reminded voters that he did not resign after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. On the campaign trail, he directed his appeals to those who identify most closely with the president's “Make America Great Again” movement, saying his voting record was more conservative than Letlow's. His ads described him as MAGA “long before it was cool.”Fleming told voters he was blocked from reaching Trump to seek his endorsement by White House allies of Landry. Fleming said he finally got on the phone with Trump and reminded the president who he was. “I said nobody has been more loyal to you than me,” Fleming recounted during a June campaign stop. “He said, 'You’re fantastic! Why didn't you call?'”The two campaigns spent comparably on advertising, roughly $1 million each, since the May 16 primary. But a super PAC that supports Letlow led all spending, accounting for $4.1 million in the past six weeks, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. Fleming attacked Letlow on DEI, and she criticized him over an AI videoFleming ads highlighted Letlow's previous public support for diversity, equity and inclusion policy, which Trump has tried to eliminate. Letlow, a former college administrator, said she supported DEI while interviewing for the position of president of the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2020, but said this year she opposes it. Fleming reposted an AI-generated video on the social platform X this month that purported to show Letlow saying she supported DEI because she “didn't know any better.” The fake image of Letlow also referenced her husband, who died from complications of COVID-19. Fleming said he did not create the video “but it’s getting passed around Louisiana for a reason.”Letlow condemned the sharing of the video as “disgraceful and indefensible,” chiefly for its mention of her husband. She thanked her late husband Saturday and also introduced her fiance, Kevin Ainsworth, a Baton Rouge lobbyist. The pair were engaged at the White House in December. Despite the rancor of the campaign, Letlow thanked Fleming and said they had a pleasant phone conversation after the race was called in her favor. “The contest for this primary is over, and now it’s on to the general election,” Fleming told his supporters. “And we want to continue to make America strong by sending the best of the best there.” Letlow emphasized key priorities for social conservatives, notably her support for national legislation barring transgender women and girls from competing in school sports.Fleming staked much of his campaign on opposition to carbon capture and sequestration, the process for injecting carbon dioxide waste underground to reduce industrial pollution. The technology’s build-out, included planned pipelines, has sparked backlash in rural Louisiana communities and divided the state GOP.Fleming said such projects infringe on private property rights and federal government subsidies for the technology are wasteful. Democrats pick Davis as their Senate nominee In the Democratic primary, Jamie Davis, a northeast Louisiana crop farmer, defeated Gary Crockett, a Navy veteran and business executive. Both promoted addressing the cost of living and protecting social safety nets. ___Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/trump-backed-letlow-faces-fleming-in-louisiana-gop-senate-runoff/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Thomas Beaumont And Jack Brook, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:02:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFRCLKVFKTJCX7MUGLUISE2PGTA.jpg","slug":"us-rep-julia-letlow-endorsed-by-trump-wins-the-gop-primary-for-senate-in-louisiana"},{"id":"sv2j2d","title":"A new law could create a list of immigrants illegally living in Mississippi. Advocates are alarmed","excerpt":"A new Mississippi law will authorize the state's top law enforcement agency to compile a list of all immigrants illegally living in the state. What's to be done with that information is a bit open-ended. But the law set to take effect Wednesday is sparking alarm among immigrant advocates, who fea...","content":"A new Mississippi law will authorize the state's top law enforcement agency to compile a list of all immigrants illegally living in the state. What's to be done with that information is a bit open-ended. But the law set to take effect Wednesday is sparking alarm among immigrant advocates, who fear it could become a new tactic to target immigrants in conjunction with President Donald Trump's plan to deport millions of people lacking legal approval to live in the U.S.The law says the state Department of Public Safety “may use all reasonable lawful investigative means available” to determine the number and identities of all “illegal aliens” in Mississippi. That includes collecting their names, addresses, country of origin and whether they are an adult or minor. It also includes noting any criminal history and the date, location and status of deportation proceedings. The department is directed to share information on those suspected of violating laws with state and local authorities. The measure neither requires nor prohibits the database from being shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republican state Sen. Angela Hill, who sponsored the measure, said states have a right and obligation to assist the U.S. government in discouraging illegal immigration, which she said facilitates crimes such as human and drug trafficking.The new law “seems like commonsense to me,” Hill said. “In order to address the problems caused by illegal immigration, we need to understand the magnitude of the problem. Identifying the number and identity of illegal aliens in Mississippi is a concrete way to better understand the problem.”Immigration laws are proliferating in statesNationwide, states already have enacted more than 100 immigration-related laws this year, according to an Associated Press tally. In Republican-led states, those measures generally have aligned with Trump's agenda by requiring local sheriffs to sign cooperative agreements with ICE, reinforcing eligibility restrictions for public benefits and directing election clerks to check voter rolls against the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system in an attempt to flag noncitizens. Democratic-led states generally have pushed back against Trump with new laws banning cooperative pacts with ICE, forbidding ICE tactics like wearing masks and restricting immigration enforcement actions in schools, hospitals and other sensitive locations without judicial warrants.The closest thing to Mississippi's new law appears to be a 2021 executive order by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. That measure directed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to “use all lawful investigative means available” to determine the number and identities of all “illegal aliens” who had been transported from the nation's southwest border to Florida. The Florida agency did not respond to an AP request for information about the results of the executive order. Trump's administration, meanwhile, has stepped up enforcement of a decades-old federal law that requires noncitizens to register with the U.S. government. Some question how the Mississippi law will workThe Mississippi law envisions more than a one-time count. It prescribes an ongoing effort to keep track of immigrants illegally in the state for the next two years. That could get complicated as people overstay visas, apply for new forms of legal status and move into and out the state. \"You can be undocumented today, and then have status tomorrow, and then lose it again next month, and then regain it three months from now,” said Efrén Olivares, vice president of litigation and legal strategy at the National Immigration Law Center, a nonprofit that advocates for low-income immigrants. “It’s practically unworkable, but it’s also very worrisome, because it’s eerily reminiscent of other countries that have created lists of certain groups of people,” Olivares said. State officials will need to come up with “a credible and fairly foolproof way of correctly determining someone's immigration status,” said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit think tank that supports restrictions on immigration.But Vaughan said the law “makes a lot of sense,\" adding that it \"raises the likelihood that someone’s illegal presence is going to come to the attention of federal authorities.”Advocates say the law could break trust with policeMississippi has one of the country's smallest percentages of immigrants illegally residing in the state — fewer than 28,000 people, amounting to less than 1% of its population — according to a report by the American Immigration Council, which used 2023 Census Bureau data. The new law “is very concerning for a bunch of different reasons,” including the potential to redirect law enforcement resources away from protecting the public to investigating people from foreign countries who may be contributing to the economy, said Victoria Francis, deputy director of state and local initiatives for the American Immigration Council, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of immigrants.“A mandate like this invites profiling and turning entire communities into targets,” Francis said. The law could undermine trust between police and residents, said Lydia Grizzell, policy and advocacy manager for the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi.“That increases the likelihood of individuals not reaching out to law enforcement when it’s needed – and that is opposite of the mission,” she said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/28/a-new-law-could-create-a-list-of-immigrants-illegally-living-in-mississippi-advocates-are-alarmed/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"David A. Lieb, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-28T03:58:44.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNTQRSL7HUFETJAUPU4G2K62YI4.jpg","slug":"a-new-law-could-create-a-list-of-immigrants-illegally-living-in-mississippi-advocates-are-alarmed"},{"id":"sxjgsv","title":"Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class in Knoxville","excerpt":"Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle.It started when she led Tennessee to two national championships, then continued in the WNBA, where she won three titles and two MVP awards. She also helped the U.S. win two Olympic gold medals.Parker was inducted Saturday night into the Wom...","content":"Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle.It started when she led Tennessee to two national championships, then continued in the WNBA, where she won three titles and two MVP awards. She also helped the U.S. win two Olympic gold medals.Parker was inducted Saturday night into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. She was joined by Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.While accepting the honor, Parker said she had brothers who were eight and 11 years older than her. She spent her life trying to do whatever they did.“Whenever I struggled when I was young, my mom would whisper ‘can do’ to me,” Parker said, referring to her nickname. “It reminded me to push the doubt away. I was a little girl who dared to dream. I whispered that to myself whenever I was scared.“Nobody creates in a vacuum. They have influences. We are our ancestor's wildest dreams.”Chamique Holdsclaw, another Lady Vols legend who presented Parker at the induction, put her career in perspective.“She knocked down every bar set in front of her,” Holdsclaw said. “She changed the way the game looks. She brought creativity, skill and athletic ability.”Parker is the 11th player and 17th person with Tennessee ties to be enshrined. Later this summer, Parker and Delle Donne will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.Delle Donne originally committed to play her college basketball at UConn but chose instead to stay close to her Wilmington home at the University of Delaware. She was a three-time Colonial Athletic Conference Player of the Year. She was the No. 2 pick in the 2013 WNBA draft. Delle Donne was a two-time WNBA MVP and was part of an Olympic gold medal-winning team.Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished international players, Valdemoro made her mark in the WNBA. The native of Spain was part of the Houston Comets' run of three straight titles. She also excelled in the EuroLeague.Fijalkowski was born in France and played college basketball at the University of Colorado. She played in the WNBA’s first two seasons for Cleveland. She became the French national team’s career scoring leader with 2,562 points.The head coach and executive since 2010 with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, Reeve has won the league’s Coach of the Year honor four times and Executive of the Year twice. Reeve has led the Lynx to four WNBA titles. She was an assistant coach on two gold medal-winning Olympic teams before leading the U.S. to gold in 2024 as the head coach. Reeve took a break from the busy WNBA season to come to the induction ceremony. Her team plays at Dallas on Sunday.After 37 years, Muhl announced his retirement as head women’s basketball coach at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He won 1,108 games.Burke began working as a television analyst for Big East men’s basketball in the early 1990s. By 2017, she was a full-time NBA analyst for ESPN.Kennedy-Dixon, who died in 2018, was a player and longtime administrator at Clemson.___This story has been to corrected to delete an erroneous reference to Cleveland making the WNBA Finals.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/candace-parker-elena-delle-donne-lead-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-in-knoxville/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Al Lesar, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:11:07.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6K5AHDWTCNAYNHJRZ4QFLK437M.jpg","slug":"candace-parker-elena-delle-donne-lead-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-in-knoxville"},{"id":"aa8ves","title":"Chinese dissident who fled to South Korea by dinghy arrives in Canada","excerpt":"A Chinese political dissident who fled to South Korea last month in a dinghy has arrived in Canada, his friend said on social media on Saturday. Dong Guangping was aboard a 3.3-meter (10.8-foot) inflatable boat in the waters off a western South Korean island in May when he was detained by South K...","content":"A Chinese political dissident who fled to South Korea last month in a dinghy has arrived in Canada, his friend said on social media on Saturday. Dong Guangping was aboard a 3.3-meter (10.8-foot) inflatable boat in the waters off a western South Korean island in May when he was detained by South Korea’s coast guard for allegedly violating the country’s immigration law. It was his fourth known attempt to flee China. At a court hearing in South Korea, he told reporters that he hopes to go to Canada to reunite with his wife and daughter, who have already been resettled there, according to South Korean media. In a post Saturday on X, his friend Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist, said Dong had landed in Toronto following an Air Canada flight on Friday.“He just had a big bowl of noodles with eggs, tomatoes and shrimps,\" she wrote in the post, adding that she has spent more than 10 years trying to get him out of China. She attached a photo of Dong in a car with her and another photo of Dong holding a bowl. Dong, a former police officer in China, has been detained several times for his activism. He lost his job as a police officer in 1999 after he co-signed a letter commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to Amnesty International. He was imprisoned for three years in 2001 for “inciting subversion of state power” and spent more than eight months behind bars after being arrested in 2014 for participating in a memorial for victims of the Tiananmen crackdown, according to past statements from Amnesty International.He previously escaped to Thailand and Vietnam, but authorities there deported him back to China. Dong also tried unsuccessfully to swim to a Taiwanese island.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has not immediately commented. ___This article has been updated to reflect that Dong has one daughter in Canada, instead of daughters.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/chinese-dissident-who-fled-by-dinghy-to-south-korea-arrives-in-canada-his-friend-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kanis Leung, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T13:27:21.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYBCDHKLOWNHOXEAGQR3L4KQOPA.jpg","slug":"chinese-dissident-who-fled-to-south-korea-by-dinghy-arrives-in-canada"},{"id":"dl8zo8","title":"US airstrikes again hit Iran as Tehran strikes Bahrain and Kuwait, further imperiling interim deal","excerpt":"The U.S. military launched a second round of airstrikes Saturday targeting Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction as Tehran hit both Bahrain and Kuwait, underscoring rising tensions that threaten the interim deal between the two nations to stop the war. The attack on Kuwait early Sunday was t...","content":"The U.S. military launched a second round of airstrikes Saturday targeting Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction as Tehran hit both Bahrain and Kuwait, underscoring rising tensions that threaten the interim deal between the two nations to stop the war. The attack on Kuwait early Sunday was the first since the two sides signed a deal that aimed to halt fighting, and came as a multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said Saturday that it would expand a route near Oman in the strait to allow for both inbound and outbound traffic — likely setting up a new flashpoint with Tehran. The U.S. military's Central Command said it struck Iranian military “surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities” following an attack on a ship at sea early Saturday morning. That ship, the Panamanian-flagged tanker Kiku, carried crude oil for the state-run energy company of Qatar, a key negotiator between Iran and the U.S.In a social media post, Trump said the U.S. had “struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!” He warned of a point where the U.S. may no longer be able to be reasonable “and will be forced to militarily complete the job.\"“If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.The incident follows a similar back and forth that occurred just days prior when an Iranian drone struck a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman on Thursday and the U.S. military retaliated with strikes.US says strikes were a response to Iranian attack on oil tankerAccording to ship tracking websites, the Kiku left a Qatari oil field in the middle of the Persian Gulf earlier in the week and was bound for a port in the United Arab Emirates that sits on the Gulf of Oman, just on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. It appeared to be attempting to use a route that was established near the coast of Oman that is serving as an alternative to the route sanctioned by Iran that runs through its own waters. The U.S. military said that “Iran had a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement” but “elected not to” when its forces attacked the Kiku.Iran state TV reported explosions in an area just north of the Strait of Hormuz.After the U.S. strikes early Sunday, Kuwait's military said air defenses intercepted incoming Iranian drones and missiles. It offered no immediate information on any damage. Kuwait is home to a major U.S. Army base. Bahrain condemns Iran’s drone attackEarlier on Saturday, a statement from Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said a “number of Iranian drones” targeted the country. It called the attack “a flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents.” There were no immediate reports of damage.Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard earlier issued a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency saying it had targeted several locations “of the U.S. terrorist army in the region.” It did not name what areas were targeted.Bahrain has been one of the strongest critics of Iran and is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. It just hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s foreign ministers, which ended with a call for an end to Iran’s attacks and for the strait to be completely open.Overnight into Saturday, the U.S. military’s Central Command said it had struck Iranian missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites.U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who has led the negotiations with Iran, said on social media Friday night that Iran should “pick up the phone” if there are disagreements about the ceasefire agreement, “but violence will be met with violence.”The U.S. and Iran are negotiating terms of the deal including issues such as getting ships through the strait that’s vital to global supplies of oil and natural gas and addressing the future of Iran’s nuclear program and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.Under the interim deal, the two sides have 60 days to work out the details. Ending the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group is a key part of the deal.Ship comes under attack as strait route expandsThe British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said that a tanker was attacked Saturday in the strait, with the crew safe and no environmental damage reported. No one immediately claimed the strike, but suspicion fell on Iran.Just after that report, the Joint Maritime Information Center, overseen by the U.S. Navy, said the route near Oman’s shore is expanding to allow for inbound and outbound traffic.Iran has insisted that ships must obey its orders and warned it will start charging fees for transit through the strait. However, ships have been increasingly trying to leave the Gulf in recent days.Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, wrote Friday that “the Strait of Hormuz is governed by Iran, so: Respect the rules.”The U.S. and Gulf Arab states have rejected Iran’s demands. The strait is considered as an international waterway, despite being the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.The Joint Maritime Information Center warned that the threat to ships was “substantial,” adding that “mariners are advised of the existence of mines and should expect a naval presence as clearance operations continue.”The International Maritime Organization on Friday halted a new effort to evacuate ships said it won’t resume until there are guarantees that the other ships won’t be attacked. It said about 115 ships have been able to move out of the strait in recent days.___Toropin reported from Washington, Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/sea-route-near-oman-is-expanding-to-facilitate-more-traffic-through-strait-of-hormuz-us-navy-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:24:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7HNUTY4XHFBS3DTQKOB7PYSDGE.jpg","slug":"us-airstrikes-again-hit-iran-as-tehran-strikes-bahrain-and-kuwait-further-imperiling-interim-deal"},{"id":"p3xjw5","title":"Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430","excerpt":"Tensions flared Saturday as desperation grew in Venezuela's state of La Guaira as rescuers and civilians searched for earthquake survivors and the death toll rose sharply to 1,430.Families reported at least 68,900 people missing Saturday, three days after the one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitud...","content":"Tensions flared Saturday as desperation grew in Venezuela's state of La Guaira as rescuers and civilians searched for earthquake survivors and the death toll rose sharply to 1,430.Families reported at least 68,900 people missing Saturday, three days after the one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes devastated the South American nation.Venezuelans looking for loved ones and neighbors used shovels, heavy equipment, ropes and bare hands atop mounds of toppled concrete throughout La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states. They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams who began to climb through the rubble, offering a small glint of hope to anguished families.Tensions peaked over what many Venezuelans viewed as an inadequate response by the government, whose soldiers, firefighters, police and military cadets were evidently underprepared to respond to the scope of the tragedy. Frustration was amplified by efforts to project the image of a robust state response.Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours as crucial for retrieving people alive, though that can be extended if they have access to food and water. Venezuelan officials said 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 rescue team members had touched down by Saturday.As 72 hours passed since the earthquakes struck, many felt every minute ticking away as they ran out of time to rescue people alive.“There’s a pile of bodies over there from last night. Newborn babies,\" said Mileidy Romero, who was among those searching in the seaside town of Caraballeada. \"At 8 p.m. (yesterday) there were people alive down there, and they haven’t bothered to rescue them. We’ve located several bodies, and they haven’t helped us recover them either. What are they waiting for?”Tension mounts during rescue effortsActing President Delcy Rodríguez said on state television that more than 14,000 members of the military and police are patrolling the area, where access is now blocked and special permits are required to enter. But many in disaster zones said they had seen little of their government. Some people climbed the remnants of buildings and cried out names, hoping for any proof of life. Dust coated coastal communities. In punishing heat, more people wore masks as the stench of decomposition spread. In other parts of La Guaira, teams loaded stacks of bodies – some in white bags, other naked – onto white trucks from the ground of a dirt hospital parking lot, where they were being identified.Without hard hats or other gear, rescuers and civilians instead wore motorcycle helmets as they searched piles of debris that were once people's belongings: Eddie Murphy and Nemo DVDs, a kitchen sink, mattresses and shoes.Some, frustrated by the government's response, blocked an excavator from leaving the site of a collapse and pulled the operator from its cabin shortly after state workers took selfies in front of flattened buildings and left without helping. The ruling party’s officials often take selfies to show participation in government-related events. A few feet away, at least five bodies wrapped in blankets.A member of the crowd, Yeison Marcano, said those searching had received some assistance from an investigations unit but neither police nor the National Guard helped.“They came to eat arepas and take pictures to make it look like they were working,\" Marcano said. \"They didn’t even get their uniforms dirty like we have. We’ve been here for three days.\"A minute later, a man tried to grab a firefighter, shouting and cursing. “Silence! Silence!” rescuers shouted as they tried to confirm whether someone was trapped alive.Meanwhile, an older man was pulled from the rubble of a public housing building. Visibly disoriented, he begged a nurse for water. He fought with personnel who put him into a pickup truck, screaming, “My family! My family!\"Searches mix with uncertaintyThe International Organization for Migration said over 6 million people could be affected, some 2 million in the capital, Caracas, alone.Experts said the destruction was amplified by the quick succession of shallow quakes. For days, smaller aftershocks occasionally shook the capital, Caracas and areas hit by the quakes, including one measuring 4.8 on Saturday.The disaster poses a huge challenge for Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the U.S. capture and removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.Search teams and foreign aid continued to arrive from Mexico, the U.S., Brazil, El Salvador, France and elsewhere.On Saturday, Mexican rescue teams climbed over collapsed buildings and pushed their heads into holes in the pancaked concrete to search for signs of life, occasionally hearing movement.“We're rescuers from the Mexican military, if there's anyone down there still alive, make noise or scream. Now!\" one man shouted.A glimmer of hopeFor many, the images of international aid teams arriving and climbing through the rubble alongside them offered a glimmer of hope. Yonahí Regalado has been calling out the names of her sister and 1-year-old nephew and godson since 1 a.m. the day after the earthquakes until aid workers began to arrive. “It doesn’t matter who it is, whoever, whether it’s family or somebody else. If there is anyone alive, let’s get them out,” she said, as helicopters circled overhead.Small moments of humanity mixed with grief and terror.Rescue teams carefully handed down a 18-day-old swaddled in pink blankets from a building after 12 hours of searching for the baby boy and his mother, Telemundo reported. One 69-year-old woman, saved by Salvadoran teams, asked for a Coca-Cola upon being pulled out of the rubble, Salvadoran authorities said. One video showed a Venezuelan rescuer comforting an elderly woman trapped beneath the rubble, scared that the structure would cave in if she moved.“The roof won’t cave in. If it falls, I’ll be here with you,” he said. Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, was badly damaged. One runway was operational as U.S. teams worked to repair the crucial throughway, Jeremy Lewin, a senior State Department official in charge of foreign assistance, told reporters.Lewin said a U.S. Navy transport ship was docked off the coast, ready to receive airlifted survivors in need of medical attention. Lewin said it is a “race against the clock” to find people injured in the quakes.___Janetsky reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Juan Pablo Arraez and Matías Delacroix in La Guaira, Venezuela, Clara Preve in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Ali Swenson in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/crucial-window-for-rescuing-survivors-narrows-as-venezuela-enters-third-day-after-deadly-twin-quakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Regina Garcia Cano, Juan Pablo Arraez And Megan Janetsky, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:06:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVAFY5SOAYFBVLFRJ3L35BTSE7E.jpg","slug":"frustration-grows-in-venezuela-as-earthquake-death-toll-reaches-1430"},{"id":"ern3oc","title":"CA appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction but says he must be resentenced","excerpt":"An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California but ordered his trial judge to resentence him.","content":"An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California but ordered his trial judge to resentence him.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/california-appeals-court-upholds-harvey-weinsteins-rape-conviction-says-he-resentenced/19390820/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-27T01:42:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19391244_AP26176548644401.jpg","slug":"ca-appeals-court-upholds-harvey-weinsteins-rape-conviction-but-says-he-must-be-resentenced"},{"id":"8zg3rx","title":"Victim’s brother charged with murder in deadly southeast Houston shooting","excerpt":"Guillermo Hernandez, Jr. is currently being held in the Harris County Jail.According to court documents, he shot and killed Luis Hernandez during a dispute at his home on Craigmont Street near Telephone Road.Officers responded to a family disturbance call at the location Saturday night around 8 p...","content":"Guillermo Hernandez, Jr. is currently being held in the Harris County Jail.According to court documents, he shot and killed Luis Hernandez during a dispute at his home on Craigmont Street near Telephone Road.Officers responded to a family disturbance call at the location Saturday night around 8 p.m.Investigators said an argument turned into an altercation in which both brothers produced weapons and struggled over them. Guillermo Hernandez, Jr. is due in court Monday morning for his preliminary appearance.He has an extensive criminal history including burglary and assault convictions. Mother pleads for answers after son killed in Harris County hit-and-run","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/brother-fatally-shot-during-family-disturbance-in-southeast-houston-police-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"T.J. Parker, Michael Edison, Christian Hudspeth, Mike Akin","publishDate":"2026-06-27T11:11:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fb4ecd88e-55eb-4f36-98be-aeb5ec94b4dc%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"victims-brother-charged-with-murder-in-deadly-southeast-houston-shooting"},{"id":"28luar","title":"Winds hamper crews as fast-moving fire in Utah, the largest in the US, burns through forests","excerpt":"The largest wildfire in the United States marched through canyons and over mountainsides Saturday, blackening an already parched landscape in Utah as residents on the flanks of the blaze watched smoke billowing when the winds picked up.The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest U...","content":"The largest wildfire in the United States marched through canyons and over mountainsides Saturday, blackening an already parched landscape in Utah as residents on the flanks of the blaze watched smoke billowing when the winds picked up.The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest Utah, severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and destroyed summer cabins in sparsely populated Beaver County. Authorities conducted damage assessments but did not yet have estimates of how many homes burned.Gov. Spencer Cox, in a social media post, asked for prayers for firefighters and “the rains we desperately need.”“It’s as bleak as it’s ever been ... and yet there were several miraculous stops and saves,” Cox said, referring to the work of the hundreds of firefighters assigned to the blaze. They were among the crews that have poured into Utah as more wildfires in the arid state gained steam thanks to consecutive days of what forecasters called critical fire weather, or dangerously low humidity levels, warm temperatures and gusty winds. There was little relief from the strong winds Saturday, but crews fighting the Cottonwood Fire were treated to higher humidity levels than the single digits that were expected, said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the blaze.“That was good news for us today,” Mason said.Utah is coming off a record-low snowpack and the warmest winter on record, which has elevated fire danger. Much of the West is grappling with similar conditions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.From Alaska to Florida, crews worked to corral dozens of fires, including three dozen that were classified as large and uncontained. Nationally, nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) have burned since the start of the year, pushing the U.S. ahead of the 10-year average. Firefighters grapple with more wind Helicopters took to the skies hoping to put a dent in the Cottonwood Fire before afternoon winds kicked up again and grounded them. Air support also was grounded the previous afternoon as conditions deteriorated.The fire ballooned to more than 144 square miles (373 square kilometers), and roughly 1,300 residents in the towns of Marysvale, Junction and Circleville remained on notice that they should be prepared to leave if conditions worsened.Cox declared an emergency, and the state has restricted fireworks citing one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent history and saying the blazes were stretching wildland firefighting capabilities.“These fires are starting closer to homes and communities,” State Forester Jamie Barnes said. “One human-caused fire is one too many.”The cause of the Cottonwood Fire has not been determined, but officials said the majority of those sparked so far this year have been human-caused. Forecasters also noted that lightning strikes around the West have resulted in fires.Elsewhere in Utah, evacuations were in place for several small communities southwest of Salt Lake City, including Eureka, with a population under 1,000, and the Vernon Reservoir area. Highways running through the area were closed.Two wildfires in that area — the Iron and the Cherry — covered a combined 112 square miles (290 square kilometers), fire officials said.Visitors undeterred by wildfires The towering column of smoke from the Cottonwood Fire was visible Friday from miles away, even from Bryce Canyon National Park to the south and Colorado to the east. It was hazy Saturday as the smoke drifted to the northeast, leaving air quality unaffected in places like Bryce and other popular vacation spots to the south. Bob Miller of Yucaipa, California, who was staying at an RV park in Marysvale, was prepared to evacuate if needed. The evenings especially have been smoky, Miller said, but he and his family have still been able to enjoy the area, where they have vacationed for almost two decades.“It’s still gorgeous,” Miller said. “Fires happen around here. When you come every year, you kind of get used to that,” he added. “After you’ve been through burned areas a few times, you look at it and you understand what nature can do.”Red flag warnings issued around the WestThe warnings stretched from California to Arizona to New Mexico, where firefighters battled several blazes amid windy conditions. That included a new one reported south of Grand Canyon National Park. Authorities said the flames were moving away from Grand Canyon Village and the nearby community of Tusayan. The area was without power as the utility serving the area initiated a safety shut-off earlier in hopes of lessening the wildfire risk. Park visitors could still purchase park passes at entrance stations as long as backup power systems remained operational, but officials said people should come prepared. That meant downloading maps before arriving and ensuring that phones and other devices are fully charged.Power shut-offs have become more common in the West as wildfire risk has expanded. It is usually a last resort after utility forecasters weigh factors like sustained wind and gust speeds, available fuels and topography.With extreme fire conditions persisting in Utah, Rocky Mountain Power also shut off power lines serving Beaver County and other areas.___Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Associated Press writers Jamie Stengle in Dallas; Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio; and Ed White in Detroit contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/27/dangerous-weather-hampers-firefighters-and-leads-to-fireworks-bans-in-western-us/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:00:15.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F67YM5Q6O3VDBZCSDQZZOPSAIKU.jpg","slug":"winds-hamper-crews-as-fast-moving-fire-in-utah-the-largest-in-the-us-burns-through-forests"},{"id":"krr0nm","title":"Hovland flips the script on Scheffler and takes the lead at Travelers Championship","excerpt":"Viktor Hovland feels he is headed in the right direction, and Saturday at the Travelers Championship was a big test. He played alongside Scottie Scheffler on a course that features plenty of water and shots that can cause some stress.A two-shot swing on the 18th hole — Hovland made a 6-foot birdi...","content":"Viktor Hovland feels he is headed in the right direction, and Saturday at the Travelers Championship was a big test. He played alongside Scottie Scheffler on a course that features plenty of water and shots that can cause some stress.A two-shot swing on the 18th hole — Hovland made a 6-foot birdie, Scheffler three-putted from 25 feet on the fringe for bogey — gave the Norwegian star a 6-under 64 and a one-shot lead over the world's No. 1 player.“Just had a great time,” Hovland said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position. To go head-to-head against the best player in the world and pull off some great shots, it was just a lot of fun.”The pleasant surprise was the support he had in the crowd.Scheffler is enormously popular and the TPC Highlands had a vocal gallery. Hovland had plenty of support from a Norway contingent that drove over from Boston following a World Cup loss to France. Hovland gave them plenty of opportunity to do the “row” that has become so popular in the stadium and subway stations and wherever they gather.Hovland knows it well. Oddly enough, it was the first time he had seen it live.“I mean, we’re Vikings, so it’s kind of in our DNA,” Hovland said. “It’s kind of funny, that’s the first time I’ve ever seen it. I think that’s the first time we’ve ever done it, especially in the World Cup. So yeah, it took us 1,000 years to figure it out. I think it’s pretty cool.”“Ro, ro, ro!” they chanted as Hovland approached the 18th green. “USA! USA!” came the American chants. It was good banter on a Saturday afternoon in New England, an example why partisan cheering in a World Cup year is far more palatable than a Ryder Cup year.It was the second straight year Scheffler, whose bogey gave him a 67, fell from the top of the leaderboard going into the weekend at the TPC River Highlands, though this was no cause for alarm. A year ago, he opened with a triple bogey, shot 72 and fell nine shots behind.This was one hole, and he was only one shot behind as Scheffler tries to win for the first time since the start to his season in the California desert.Hovland was at 20-under 190 and gets another afternoon with Scheffler on Sunday. The next closest players were Patrick Cantlay (64) and Akshay Bhatia (67), who were five shots behind.“This is a golf course where you can see some numbers be shot. You know, guys can shoot pretty low,” Scheffler said. “Going into tomorrow just try to execute, have a good round, and see where that puts me.”Hovland started two shots behind and it took him four holes — three birdies — to catch Scheffler. From there, it was a bit of a pillow fight as they matched mostly pars, two birdies and one bogey to remain tied.Scheffler regained the lead with a lob wedge to 2 feet on the 14th. Both got up-and-down from the front of the green on the reachable par-4 15th — Scheffler with a nifty chip that floated up the slope and trickled down to the pin — and exchanged pars going to the 18th.That's where it flipped, giving Hovland the lead.“The score is nice ... but I'm very process-driven,” Hovland said. \"As soon as I find a certain feel that I can trust and it produces a pretty reliable shot shape, I know that I’m going to be able to score pretty well from there. So if I happen to shoot 2 under or 6 under or 9 under, that’s not the most important thing. As soon as I see the shots that I’m trying to hit and execute, that’s what gives me the confidence.“Then it’s all a bonus on top being able to do it at this stage and in front of that many people.”There was separation, but this is not a duel given the nature of this course that allows for low scoring and dynamic finishes because of the closing hole.“The beauty of this golf course is that I think Scottie and I have separated ourselves from the rest of the field, but at the same time, 14 or 15 under is still very much in this thing if they go and shoot a very low score tomorrow,” Hovland said.“So we still have to go out there and play very similar to what we did today,” he said. “Otherwise, we’re bringing in a lot more guys.”___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/hovland-flips-the-script-on-scheffler-and-takes-the-lead-at-travelers-championship/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Ferguson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T22:57:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQECFH2WSXBEW5EINZE4B3732B4.jpg","slug":"hovland-flips-the-script-on-scheffler-and-takes-the-lead-at-travelers-championship"},{"id":"rdm9za","title":"White Sox chairman Reinsdorf officiates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game","excerpt":"As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf officiating.Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 1...","content":"As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf officiating.Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since a 22-13 victory at Boston on May 31, 1970.“He’s so superstitious he might marry somebody today in the bottom of the third,” Kittle, the 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, said Saturday about Reinsdorf.Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.“My better half doesn’t want any notoriety, recognition. She wants to keep it to herself,” Kittle said. “But I invited Harold Baines and his wife and Greg Walker and his wife, and we did it and I was pretty excited. I think Jerry is excited. We’ve become a family over the years.”The 1983 White Sox, who won the AL West, were honored before Saturday’s game between Chicago and Kansas City.Kittle said he also is ordained and that he officiated a wedding in the outfield last season on Bill Veeck Day.“Now I’m the only player to marry someone at the park and get married at the park,\" Kittle said. “And I’m good.”Other members of the 1983 team who attended the pregame reunion at Rate Field were Hall of Famer Tony La Russa, who serves as a White Sox special adviser, Richard Dotson and Greg Luzinski.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/white-sox-chairman-reinsdorf-officiates-wedding-of-former-rookie-of-year-kittle-during-game/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sarah Trotto, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:59:17.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5EBCAPRWYFFG7OVXPBSLZGCP2Q.jpg","slug":"white-sox-chairman-reinsdorf-officiates-wedding-of-former-rookie-of-year-kittle-during-game"},{"id":"ad7947","title":"Trump says he is nominating former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer as ICE director","excerpt":"President Donald Trump on Saturday said he is nominating Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, as the next director of Immigration and Customs and Enforcement.Trump said on his Truth Social platform that his new pick for the immigration enforcement agency is a former U.S. Marine and a ...","content":"President Donald Trump on Saturday said he is nominating Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, as the next director of Immigration and Customs and Enforcement.Trump said on his Truth Social platform that his new pick for the immigration enforcement agency is a former U.S. Marine and a “PATRIOT with real operational experience.\" He called Schroyer a \"proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst.”Schroyer hails from the same home state as the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former congressman. Earlier this month, Mullin brought Schroyer onstage at a National Sheriffs' Association event, calling him a “good friend of mine\" and noting DHS had recently hired him.On Saturday, Mullin quickly praised Schroyer in a statement highlighting the former trooper's 29-year career and his work with federal and state partners on a U.S. immigration enforcement program.“President Trump made a great pick, and I’m confident Lance’s strong leadership and firsthand experience will empower the men and women of ICE to deport criminal illegal aliens, secure the homeland, and protect the American people,” Mullin said.If confirmed, Schroyer will lead ICE at a time when the public mood has soured on Trump’s immigration crackdown, which sent surges of federal immigration officers into American cities to round up immigrants. Those raids sent tensions soaring and prompted clashes between protesters and law enforcement, leading to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year.Trump returned to the White House on a promise of mass deportations, and ICE has been a central executor of that vision. The agency is undergoing massive growth from a one-time injection of $75 billion last year, which has allowed for the hiring of 12,000 officers and increased detention capacity.Mullin, who started in his role in March, has promised to keep his department out of the headlines and has indicated a softer tone on immigration, although he is expected to align with the president’s priorities on mass deportations.Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former senior ICE official, said prior confirmed ICE directors have often been attorneys, though some state and local law enforcement officials have also been nominated. She said his background in Oklahoma suggests Mullin likely had influence over the pick.“I think probably given the attention on ICE, he wants to feel like he has somebody he can trust in there,” she said in an interview.John Torres, another senior ICE official, said Schroyer faces an uphill climb toward Senate confirmation but his experience being at the state and local level instead of the federal level might help.“He won't have any of that baggage, where they're going to turn around and say, oh, well, he worked for this administration or that,” Torres said.Schroyer's nomination comes after former ICE director Todd Lyons resigned at the end of May. David Venturella, a former executive at a private prison operator, has been serving as the acting head of the agency. Venturella is expected to stay on as the acting director until Schroyer is Senate confirmed, according to a DHS official speaking on condition of anonymity.ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration, a result of polarizing politics around the agency and immigration policy.___Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/trump-says-he-is-nominating-former-oklahoma-state-trooper-lance-schroyer-as-ice-director/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:00:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4XMBK6SGFBHKFGI5NB7OIULOSI.jpg","slug":"trump-says-he-is-nominating-former-oklahoma-state-trooper-lance-schroyer-as-ice-director"},{"id":"e8wsls","title":"Could players' prize-money protest extend to US Open? Not full support at Wimbledon","excerpt":"Tennis star Jessica Pegula said a protest by top players over prize money at the French Open was “productive and worked well.\"Seemed to be, because Wimbledon then increased its prize money by 20%.But several players are continuing the protest — by limiting media appearances — this weekend and in ...","content":"Tennis star Jessica Pegula said a protest by top players over prize money at the French Open was “productive and worked well.\"Seemed to be, because Wimbledon then increased its prize money by 20%.But several players are continuing the protest — by limiting media appearances — this weekend and in the first week of the grass-court Grand Slam, which starts Monday, arguing that they deserve a bigger share of revenues.“We’re very grateful that Wimbledon has raised the prize money, but again it’s not really answering the questions that we’ve been asking,” Pegula said Saturday, when she limited her time with the press. “I don't know if the point is just not getting across.”And the No. 4 player is already looking ahead to the last major on the calendar — the U.S. Open.“We’ll see how it progresses ... after doing this today and over the next week and then going into obviously the next Slam which is the U.S. Open,” the 32-year-old American said. “I think we’ll kind of get a good grasp about where we’re really standing with the Slams and see what we can get out of that with talking to them.”Wimbledon's total prize money including player per diems will be 64.2 million pounds ($85 million), the biggest annual increase, by sum of money, in the tournament’s history. The increase in 2013 represented a 40% hike over the prior year.The singles champions at the All England Club will each get 3.6 million pounds ($4.75 million) — which also represents a 20% hike.The protest began at the French Open, where players complained the total prize money only made up 14.3% of the clay-court tournament’s revenue.On Wednesday, a statement by an advisory firm representing the players said the “direct action protest” would continue during Wimbledon's first week. The statement said the players’ share of Wimbledon’s projected revenue this year was 14.4%, which would be below the 14.9% share they received 10 years ago.The All England Club has said it was “surprised and disappointed by this action.”Not all players support protestNovak Djokovic has not been a part of it.“I have no views on that, to be honest. I’m not part of it. Just I’ll stay neutral on that,” the seven-time Wimbledon champion said SaturdayNo. 6 Alex de Minaur took part in the Roland Garros protest but not this time, with the Australian saying in quotes reported by the BBC: “I thought that Wimbledon made a big step in the right direction, and something that should be noted. So this is for me to acknowledge their big step.”Cam Norrie, who at No. 29 is the highest-ranked British men's singles player, noted improved facilities for players and said the prize money increase is “absolutely huge.”Meanwhile, No. 5 Ben Shelton said “I back the players in this whole process” and rattled off a list of concerns. But he added that he wasn't limiting his time on media day “because Wimbledon is a special place.”“They’ve always treated me well here,” Shelton said. “I think they have made an effort. I think that showed in the increase that they brought in prize money this year.”What do the No. 1 singles players say?Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka described the 20% increase as a “great start.”“I really hope we can finally get to the table and really get it done, come to a conclusion that everyone going to be happy with. Hopefully we’ll never have to do it again,” she said. “Once again, I hope we're not going to get to this boycotting again.”Jannik Sinner limited a media appearance and deflected questions about the protest.“It's getting better even though we are not at the point where we are 100% happy,” the Italian said.Sinner said it's “not only about the money,” citing the need for improvements in player welfare. But he declined to engage in a question about Wimbledon's offer to work on creating a player council.“I just think it's better if we don't discuss here, I don't like to talk about this at the moment,” he said.The four-time Grand Slam champion also didn't want to address whether the players feel they are closer to a solution or a boycott.“I think we talked enough about this at the moment. The Grand Slams know what we ask, then we see how it goes,” he said. “Again, I'm here now to talk about tennis.”___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/could-players-prize-money-protest-extend-to-us-open-not-full-support-at-wimbledon/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ken Maguire, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T11:11:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXTF2IP66FZCK3NR776R5NLYDEU.jpg","slug":"could-players-prize-money-protest-extend-to-us-open-not-full-support-at-wimbledon"},{"id":"8pmyxa","title":"States seek to lower drug prices by targeting the companies that manage them for health plans","excerpt":"As consumers worry about medication costs, states are trying to lower drug prices by reining in big companies that oversee prescription coverage for health insurers. Some of those companies, called pharmacy benefit managers, also own pharmacies, and one of them, CVS, has spent millions of dollars...","content":"As consumers worry about medication costs, states are trying to lower drug prices by reining in big companies that oversee prescription coverage for health insurers. Some of those companies, called pharmacy benefit managers, also own pharmacies, and one of them, CVS, has spent millions of dollars fighting the regulations. Affordability is a key issue ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Legislators in at least a dozen states passed laws this year to limit compensation to the companies, set minimum payments from the companies to pharmacists and require the companies to disclose more information to their clients, states and the public.A Tennessee law will bar pharmacy benefit managers from operating retail pharmacies as of July 1, 2028, though CVS Health Corp. has filed a federal lawsuit to avoid having to close its 136 pharmacies there. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults said in a poll conducted earlier this year by healthcare research nonprofit KFF that they were at least somewhat worried about being able to afford their prescriptions. About 4 in 10 said costs had led them not to take medications as prescribed within the previous year, either by taking less than the prescribed dose, using over-the-counter substitutes or not filling prescriptions. Dozens of proposals emerge across the USPharmacy benefit managers, particularly CVS and two other large companies, handle most U.S. prescriptions.Lawmakers in at least 26 states introduced more than 120 bills this year on PBMs, according to an Associated Press search using the bill-tracking software Plural, with about a quarter of the bills clearing at least one chamber. The companies manage pharmacy claims for health insurers and negotiate with manufacturers over drug prices and what medications will be covered. Critics concede that the size of the top companies gives them leverage that health plans wouldn't have on their own.The benefit managers argue that they're the only player in the drug supply chain created to help push drug costs down and they claim credit for an increased used of less-expensive generic drugs, now 90% of U.S. prescriptions. “If PBMs already didn’t exist, you’d need to invent one,” said Prem Shah, president of the CVS Health group overseeing its pharmacy and PBM operations, in a recent interview. “Blaming PBMs for high drug prices is like blaming umbrellas for the rain.”CVS fights restrictions in TennesseeDrug companies, PBMs and their allies have spent at least $24 million on opposing broadcast and digital advertising since the start of 2025 to influence public opinion, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. CVS spent $4 million this year on ads opposing Tennessee's new law.CVS sued Arkansas last year after it enacted similar legislation, and a federal judge blocked its law. CVS also settled three lawsuits in which Louisiana accused it of unfair trade and deceptive practices in lobbying against legislation there last year, agreeing to pay $45 million without acknowledging wrongdoing.The CVS lawsuit in Tennessee alleges that the company, which operates 9,000 pharmacies nationwide, is facing “naked protectionism” from lawmakers who operate independent pharmacies — including the law's main sponsor, state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger and co-sponsor Sen. Shane Reeves. Independent pharmacies say they're being squeezedIn Knoxville, Seth White, who manages a CVS pharmacy, will have to find a new job if the Tennessee law stands, and he's also worried about hundreds of its customers having to go elsewhere for their medications.Some 900 miles (1,400 kilometers) away in Coldwater, Kansas, Lisa Gales is on the opposite side of the debate. She and her husband operate the Main Street Pharmacy, and she said they rely heavily on sales of non-pharmacy items to offset low reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers.Gales calculates she lost money on 86% of the prescriptions she filled last year. A new Kansas law will require PBMs to pay a $10.50 dispensing fee per prescription. Gales called it a “great win,” even though, “It’s still way under what it’s costing us.”A new Louisiana law imposes an $11.81 dispensing fee. Another says PBMs must operate for the benefit of their health-insurer clients and people enrolled in health plans. Critics deride each mandatory dispensing fee as an extra “pill tax” that will drive up consumers' costs. Backers dispute that, saying the laws also limit what PBMs charge health plans for the cost of medications themselves — so that it's often well below wholesale prices. Pharmacy benefit managers push drugmakers to give big discounts on those wholesale prices but face criticism for keeping any portion of them. Some states now require PBMs to pass along all discounts. Patients are watching the debateIt all worries consumers, particularly in small towns, who fear it could become harder to get their medications if PBMs squeeze independent pharmacies on reimbursements to the point of endangering their businesses. In southeastern Kansas, Faith Sanders, a 79-year-old retired nursing home administrator, said the pharmacy in her hometown of Cedar Vale is important because without it people would have to drive 35 miles (56 kilometers) “to go out of town to get anything.” For her many elderly neighbors, she said, “We get to the point where it’s hard for us to get out of town.”Meanwhile, even some PBM critics question whether states can effectively regulate them. In Tennessee, state Rep. Robert Stevens, a Nashville-area Republican, told colleagues during a debate that cracking down on PBMs “needs to be done by Congress and not by us.”Congress did pass new PBM regulations in February. One law will prevent PBMs from keeping any rebates they’ve negotiated on drug prices for health plans that supplement federal Medicare coverage for Americans over 64. ___This story has been updated to correct the name of CVS executive Prem Shah, not Prem Shaw.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/27/states-seek-to-lower-drug-prices-by-targeting-the-companies-that-manage-them-for-health-plans/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"John Hanna, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:06:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDARGQTBJNZAXFLBSHZJWEXN3PY.jpg","slug":"states-seek-to-lower-drug-prices-by-targeting-the-companies-that-manage-them-for-health-plans"},{"id":"paec82","title":"Jasmine Crockett’s silence could hurt James Talarico’s U.S. Senate chances in November","excerpt":"The Dallas congresswoman, Talarico’s erstwhile rival in the Democratic primary, has yet to say whether she’ll campaign for him in the general election against Republican Ken Paxton.","content":"The Dallas congresswoman, Talarico’s erstwhile rival in the Democratic primary, has yet to say whether she’ll campaign for him in the general election against Republican Ken Paxton.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/06/24/555425/james-talarico-jasmine-crockett-senate-race-texas-democrats/?utm_source=rss-election-2026-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:25:44.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2F06142112%2FImage-30-450x338.jpg","slug":"jasmine-crocketts-silence-could-hurt-james-talaricos-us-senate-chances-in-november"},{"id":"f5ww8v","title":"Blues get Brandon Carlo; Hurricanes trade for John Carlson's rights at NHL draft","excerpt":"The St. Louis Blues acquired Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL draft on Saturday, those teams' latest steps to remake their rosters during an offseason of upheaval. St. Louis sent the Nos. 73 and 76 picks to Toronto for the 29-year-old defenseman. Carlo lasted just 88 game...","content":"The St. Louis Blues acquired Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL draft on Saturday, those teams' latest steps to remake their rosters during an offseason of upheaval. St. Louis sent the Nos. 73 and 76 picks to Toronto for the 29-year-old defenseman. Carlo lasted just 88 games with the Leafs after they sent a first-round pick, a fourth-rounder and highly regarded forward prospect Fraser Minten to Boston for him at the deadline in March 2025. That was with the previous regime in charge, and general manager Brad Treliving was fired two months ago and replaced weeks later by John Chayka, and they only got to keep the pick this year because they won the lottery for the No. 1 overall pick. This is the third trade of the week for the Blues, who are also in transition as GM-in-waiting Alexander Steen is set to take over for seasoned executive Doug Armstrong next week. Armstrong in his final days at the helm has been plenty busy.On Tuesday, he traded Jordan Kyrou to Washington for fellow forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the No. 16 pick, accumulating a league-high four in the first round. On Friday night, he sent two of them to Anaheim for 23-year-old Mason McTavish, who is signed through 2031.Carlo provides some dependable veteran stability on the right side on defense, especially if the Blues decide to trade Colton Parayko or Justin Faulk as part of their summer overhaul. He is going into the final year of his contract at a salary cap hit of just under $3.5 million.“We’re excited (Carlo has) got his size and length, his ability to kill plays, his experience,” Armstrong told reporters in Centene, Missouri. “Getting stronger up front and having strong goaltending, we think we’re going to be more competitive than we were last year.”Toronto used the third-round picks on Canadian winger Zach Olsen and Swedish defenseman Mans Gudmundsson.Hurricanes get John Carlson's rightsThe reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes jumped the queue to talk to John Carlson before the 36-year-old defenseman can become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. They sent the 192nd pick and the rights to pending restricted free agent forward Kyle Masters to Anaheim to get an exclusive negotiating window with Carlson.Traded to the Ducks by the Capitals less than 13 hours before the deadline in March, Carlson is believed to want to get back on the East Coast for family reasons. He spent his first 16-plus NHL seasons with Washington and helped the team win the Cup in 2018.More trades at the NHL draftNew Nashville president of hockey operations and GM Chris MacFarland spent his first few weeks on the job largely adding players he was familiar with from his time in Colorado. On Saturday, he added fresh blood from the East by acquiring big, Swedish winger Adam Edstrom in a trade with the New York Rangers.The Predators sent the 148th pick in the draft (a fifth-rounder) and the rights to minor leaguer Massimo Rizzo to New York. The Rangers, who also traded Brett Berard to Montreal on Friday, are not expected to tender Rizzo a qualifying offer and would make him an unrestricted free agent.The Avalanche traded Ivan Ivan to the Bruins for Fabian Lysell in a swap of young forwards. ___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/27/blues-get-brandon-carlo-hurricanes-trade-for-john-carlsons-rights-at-nhl-draft/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Stephen Whyno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T17:34:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FB5WWCW7L5FGHJK4SOE5RPR4444.jpg","slug":"blues-get-brandon-carlo-hurricanes-trade-for-john-carlsons-rights-at-nhl-draft"},{"id":"cxfz0","title":"Lebanon's deal with Israel requires Hezbollah to disarm. That might be difficult","excerpt":"Hezbollah’s leader on Saturday criticized a framework agreement that Israel and Lebanon signed a day earlier to end months of conflict between the Iran-backed militant group and Israel, raising concerns about its effectiveness.The agreement signed Friday in Washington links Israel’s withdrawal fr...","content":"Hezbollah’s leader on Saturday criticized a framework agreement that Israel and Lebanon signed a day earlier to end months of conflict between the Iran-backed militant group and Israel, raising concerns about its effectiveness.The agreement signed Friday in Washington links Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon to Hezbollah's disarmament, something the group rejects.Several previous ceasefire agreements that Lebanon has negotiated with Israel since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war were never implemented on the ground. More than 4,000 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since March, when Hezbollah fired at Israel two days after the Iran war began.In a statement Saturday, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said his group will keep fighting until Israel is forced to leave Lebanon. The group's supporters protested in the streets of Beirut following the announcement of the agreement.Despite the deal, the Lebanese state news agency reported an Israeli drone strike near the southern city of Nabatiyeh. It also reported that Israel's military released three Lebanese and three Syrian workers who were taken near the southern village of Ain Arab on Friday.Deal calls on Israel to withdraw but only if Hezbollah disarmsThe talks between Israel and Lebanon were separate from the interim deal signed earlier this month by the U.S. and Iran.Details of the deal that the U.S. State Department released Saturday say Lebanon and Israel aim to eventually end the state of war between them that began when Israel was created in 1948.The deal says Israel will withdraw from Lebanon, provided Hezbollah disarms.It calls for Israel to initially withdraw from two small areas, called pilot zones. It did not say where they will be. The Lebanese army will gradually assume full security responsibility over those areas. The countries will agree to future pilot zones for Israel's withdrawal in the future, the agreement says.The deal has a security annex that includes details of the deployment of the Lebanese army and redeployments of Israeli troops. The security annex was not made public.As part of the deal, Israel stresses that Hezbollah's disarmament throughout Lebanon and additional security measures to be agreed upon between the countries will eliminate any future need for the Israeli army’s military action or presence in Lebanon.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement said Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon “until Hezbollah and the rest of the terrorist organizations are disarmed, and until no further threat to Israel is posed from Lebanon.”Netanyahu said the two agreed-upon zones will have a “pilot program for disarming Hezbollah and transferring the territory to the control of the Lebanese army.” He said Israel's military already withdrew from one.Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military has been instructed “to prepare for an extended stay.”Hezbollah's leader rejects the deal as ‘a humiliation’From Hezbollah’s point of view, the deal is nonexistent, Kassem said.He called the agreement a “humiliation,” adding that linking Israel’s withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament as a “very dangerous suggestion.”The deal prompted one of the group’s officials, Hassan Fadlallah, to warn that it could result in civil war because Hezbollah won't give up its weapons and will resist any measures taken by the Lebanese army.Judge Ahmed Rami al-Hajj, Lebanon's top public prosecutor, on Saturday told the heads of the country’s security agencies to take measures to prevent riots.Some Israelis and Lebanese doubt the deal will lastThe deal says both Lebanon and Israel recognize that the restoration of security in southern Lebanon through the deployment of the Lebanese army, the safe return of its civilian population and the security of Israel’s northern communities are essential to long-term stability and peace.“Personally, I don’t think it will be lasting because the Lebanese military cannot really stand a chance against Hezbollah,” said Israeli citizen Ronit Belson while visiting the town of Metula along the border.In Lebanon, people were divided.“People just want to rest for good. I support the Lebanese authorities in the decision” taken, said Rabie Sammour, a resident of the southern city of Sidon.Another Sidon resident, Khaled Ghannoum, said the deal “legitimized Israel’s occupation.”In an apparent reference to Iran, which has sent billions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah over the past four decades, the deal says Lebanon and the U.S. commit to preventing funds from flowing to any entity, organization or individual affiliated with non-state armed groups.The deal states that the Lebanese government explicitly commits to prevent reconstruction funds from flowing to non-state armed groups and connected entities.___Mor reported from Metula, Israel. Associated Press journalist Ibrahim Hazboun contributed to this report from Jerusalem.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/lebanons-deal-with-israel-requires-hezbollah-to-disarm-that-might-be-difficult/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bassem Mroue And Shlomo Mor, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:05:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZN4PIO44QJHXPKCZHYTCYTAEHA.jpg","slug":"lebanons-deal-with-israel-requires-hezbollah-to-disarm-that-might-be-difficult"},{"id":"tb1w5c","title":"At the Great American State Fair, you can find a dinosaur's rib cage. Unity is another matter","excerpt":"A dinosaur rib cage. A 7,000-pound sandcastle made with Jersey Shore sand. Two rocking chairs in an unstaffed booth as well as a number of empty spaces.This is the Great American State Fair. The fair kicked off this week and is a run by Freedom 250, an organization created by President Donald Tru...","content":"A dinosaur rib cage. A 7,000-pound sandcastle made with Jersey Shore sand. Two rocking chairs in an unstaffed booth as well as a number of empty spaces.This is the Great American State Fair. The fair kicked off this week and is a run by Freedom 250, an organization created by President Donald Trump to run his administration's official events. Its creation caused tension with America250, a congressionally created group that was designed to plan the nation's 250th anniversary. The event on the National Mall will run into July.Crowds came in small numbers early Friday, spending little time at security. The entryway led straight to a 110-foot tall Ferris wheel, the lone ride at the fair, and a smaller arch, similar to the ones that the Republican president has used to adorn other events.The consensus among people who were interviewed was that the fair was a great idea — and perhaps an opportunity missed.A fair for America that highlights divisions for someFamiliar to anyone who has ever attended a fair were the goats, sheep and a calf whose mooing could be heard across the Mall, all courtesy of the Washington High School Future Farmers of America from Jefferson County, West Virginia. Baby chicks, resplendent in all of their downy softness, were a huge draw, and there was the promise of a cowboy performance with bucking broncos to highlight the rise of the American cowboy. Visitors were united by their enthusiasm for states to come together and show off their unique characters, famous natives, industries and history and geographical diversity. They were also drawn by a desire for a nonpartisan celebration of American unity.“There’s nice people, nice events, nice family events,” said Sharyn Bovat, who said she lived in Florida but has remained in the Washington area since having a heart attack this year. “Half the country is divided with the other half. I wish they would create a USA 250 for all the people. I’m tired of the politics.”She said the arch was the main thing that gave the event a political overtone. “It makes me think of Germany,” she said.The fair booths, all inside structures that resembled the neoclassical architecture of the nearby National Gallery of Art, offered snippets of Americana to visitors.The varying aspects of America on display Among the items representing Montana was a gigantic rib cage, a scaled-up version of apatosaurus, which is a cousin to the better-known brontosaurus.Virginia's booth offered a journey through the state's role in American history. For the District of Columbia, there was a huge banner for visitors to sign, along with a tree filled with cherry blossoms. South Carolina invited people to enjoy a putting green.Texas included a space capsule, a facade of the Alamo and a statue — Big Tex. The one place where there was a line outside was for Arizona's exhibit, which had an interactive that allowed visitors to put themselves in terrain from the state.Visitors to New Jersey's booth saw an ornate sandcastle made from 7,000 pounds of sand brought from the Jersey Shore and built over the course of four days by an artist.Andy Walters and his wife, Kirsten, were there with their three children from Wapakoneta, Ohio, the boyhood hometown of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong. “I think it's nice. I wish all the states were participating,” Andy Walters said. “It's a little underwhelming but it's a great idea.”Kirsten Walters said she wished something similar would be held more often, without the overtones. “We’re excited to be here and participate,” she said.Not all states participated or staffed their boothsMost states participated, treating the fair almost like a tourism opportunity. But there was not full representation.Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania opted to not send delegations, citing costs, scheduling or politicization concerns. Pennsylvania's senators John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Dave McCormick, a Republican, said Saturday they had gotten together with several business trade organizations to “make sure the Keystone State would have a showcase worthy of its singular place in our nation’s history.”Some booths, including those for Hawaii and Alaska, were unstaffed. Hawaii's did feature a couple of rocking chairs, which tired visitors put to good use.Alonzo Lewis Jr. and Kelly Domizio, from Rome, New York, took advantage to take a load off.“This was really pretty cool,” she said. “Been going to all the different states.”But her husband had a different view. “Was it necessary, I don't think so,” Lewis said. “It feels forced. There's so much separation.”Domizio said she remembered the bicentennial in 1976. “There was a sense of pride” and togetherness she said. “We are enjoying the day but it feels forced.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/at-the-great-american-state-fair-you-can-find-a-dinosaurs-rib-cage-unity-is-another-matter/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gary Fields, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T13:07:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FM4N7IMWLZZH3LGNTBEMNH5CGME.jpg","slug":"at-the-great-american-state-fair-you-can-find-a-dinosaurs-rib-cage-unity-is-another-matter"},{"id":"7pzvug","title":"4 people facing charges after violating flight restrictions near FIFA Fan Festival, US Attorney says","excerpt":"Four Houston-area residents are accused of violating temporary flight restrictions by flying drones near Houston's FIFA Fan Festival, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck said.","content":"Four Houston-area residents are accused of violating temporary flight restrictions by flying drones near Houston's FIFA Fan Festival, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck said.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/4-houston-area-residents-facing-charges-violating-flight-restrictions-fifa-fan-festival-us-attorney-says/19391838/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:59:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1449844908441-8829872d2607%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"4-people-facing-charges-after-violating-flight-restrictions-near-fifa-fan-festival-us-attorney-says"},{"id":"vifskj","title":"Man killed in drive-by shooting in northwest Houston neighborhood, police say","excerpt":"According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to the scene after they received a call about a drive-by shooting in Acres Homes.","content":"According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to the scene after they received a call about a drive-by shooting in Acres Homes.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/person-killed-shooting-northwest-houston-neighborhood-police-say/19390723/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Chaz Miller","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:25:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19390799_skyeye-acres-homes-drive-by-scene-with-bug-img.png","slug":"man-killed-in-drive-by-shooting-in-northwest-houston-neighborhood-police-say"},{"id":"fiyspw","title":"Unease about Talarico’s Black support on display at Texas Democratic Convention","excerpt":"CORPUS CHRISTI — Black Democrats caucusing at the Texas Democratic Party convention Friday cheered when state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, said November would bring an end to three decades of one-party statewide rule.But some of the most emphatic applause he received d...","content":"CORPUS CHRISTI — Black Democrats caucusing at the Texas Democratic Party convention Friday cheered when state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, said November would bring an end to three decades of one-party statewide rule.But some of the most emphatic applause he received during his remarks came when he acknowledged the Democratic Party’s “troubling history of taking Black voters for granted.”“Let’s just be very honest,” Talarico said Friday to a room in Corpus Christi packed full of Black Democrats from around the state. “I am committing to you to not make those mistakes. I am committed to working with the members of this caucus to show up for, invest in and fight for the votes of every Black Texan.”Nearly four months after defeating U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas — one of the state’s most prominent Black politicians — for the U.S. Senate nomination, Talarico’s quest to coalesce Black Democrats behind his candidacy was still ongoing among the party’s rank-and-file activists at a convention where Texas Democrats were looking to present a forceful show of unity.The unease about Talarico’s standing with Black Texans stems from a primary in which polls consistently showed the Austin Democrat with meager support — sometimes under 10% — from Black voters. The rest went to Crockett, forming the basis of her 46% vote share in the March primary. She endorsed Talarico the day after her loss and urged Democrats to “rally around” their nominees. More recently, however, Crockett has cast doubt on whether Black voters have unified behind Talarico and the broader statewide ticket. Ahead of this week’s convention, which she skipped, Crockett also declined to commit to campaigning for Talarico, telling the Dallas Morning News she was “more focused on down-ballot races.”U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, gives an election day stump speech on the steps of the former Paul Quinn College across from the Waco Multi-Purpose Facility voting center on Mar. 3, 2026. Justin Hamel /The Waco Bridge/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaEnergizing the Black voters core to the Democratic base will be critical for Talarico’s chances in November, when he’ll need a surge in turnout among left-leaning voters, even as he also works to appeal to independents and moderate Republicans — namely those repelled by the legal and ethical scandals and hard-right politics of Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton, the attorney general.“I don’t have to tell this caucus, though, that there is no way to win this race without Black Texans — no way at all,” Talarico said. “This is not going to be easy. This is a big state, and we don’t have a lot of time. But I am looking forward to being your partner in this fight, because we have to win.”Talarico — who also stopped by several other caucuses Friday, including the Latino, labor and Stonewall Democrats’ meetings — was well received at the Black caucus, with a notable portion of the room jumping to their feet when he appeared.Still, Black elected officials and local activists at the convention said the Austin Democrat, along with the broader statewide ticket and state party, had more work to do to engage and mobilize Black Democrats across the state, while noting that there was still time to do so before November.“The feeling overall is they’re not” doing enough, state Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said in an interview at the convention. “A lot of Black Texans are angry. They feel disenfranchised, and they feel that the party has taken them and their votes for granted. So I am worried that folks will sit out, folks won’t vote.”Gervin-Hawkins was among a handful of Black elected Democrats in the Legislature, in addition to local Black community leaders, who signed on to a recent letter to Talarico relaying concerns about the level of his campaign’s outreach to Black voters and asking for a clearer picture of his strategy in the coming months.“Our intent is not to criticize but to collaborate,” a draft of the letter, obtained by The Texas Tribune, reads. “We want to ensure that Black communities are viewed as essential partners in this campaign and that the concerns, priorities and leadership of Black Texans are reflected in the path forward.”State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, meets convention attendees at the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi on Friday, June 26, 2026. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneState Sen. Royce West of Dallas, one of the state’s longest-tenured Black officials, said he was heartened by Talarico’s efforts so far to connect with Black communities. But, echoing the letter’s signatories, he said the candidate’s plan for Black outreach had yet to fully manifest.“We’re still writing the story,” West, who has endorsed Talarico, said. “We’re not there yet. But I can tell you, I’m pleased by the steps that I’ve seen thus far.”West, who lost the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in 2020 to a white opponent, MJ Hegar, whose Black outreach he later criticized, continued, “I see good faith — but I’ve seen good faith before that ended up being not fully realized. But this time around, I think it’s going to be different.”Asked if he thought Talarico and the broader ticket was doing enough to earn Black voters’ trust, state Rep. Venton Jones of Dallas said, “no,” but that the next few months ahead of Labor Day — the unofficial kickoff of election season — would be the time for that organizing.“Right now we’re waiting to see what happens. There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said, while acknowledging that Democrats’ insufficient efforts to mobilize Black voters predates the campaigns of Talarico and other 2026 nominees.Since clinching the nomination, Talarico has worked to build his support among Black voters by visiting Black churches and universities, meeting with local Black leaders around the state and outlining a policy plan to combat maternal mortality, which disproportionately affects Black women. He has also scooped up endorsements from influential Black Democrats who backed Crockett in the primary, like Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with groups such as Omega Network for Action, a national organization affiliated with the major Black fraternity Omega Psi Phi.Then-State Board of Education member Aicha Davis takes notes during an SBOE meeting in Austin on June 26, 2024. Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune“James is doing everything he can do to figure out how to engage with the Black community,” state Rep. Aicha Davis of Dallas, a Talarico campaign surrogate, said. “He’s being in uncomfortable spaces, he’s hearing criticism, he’s taking it back and he’s planning to not just to win Black votes, but to improve Black communities.”Some of those efforts have revealed the fledgling state of Talarico’s mission to win over Black voters. When Talarico visited Prairie View A&M University, the oldest historically Black public university in Texas, in April, just a couple hundred students attended his town hall out of a population of over 10,000, said Waller County Democratic Party Chair Denise Mattox.“It’s not that they’re against him, or they don’t believe in him, or they don’t want to go for him,” Mattox said. But “he’s not an entity for them right now.”Still, she said she appreciated his address to the Black caucus in Corpus Christi Friday. “That was the most important message to Black voters you can tell them: ‘You are not invisible, I am going to represent you,’” she said.During the primary, Talarico repeatedly praised Crockett’s leadership and urged his supporters to remain respectful. But the contest was nevertheless fraught with racial tensions, with some of Crockett’s supporters accusing Talarico’s campaign of racism, based on the case many of his backers made that the Dallas congresswoman, a partisan firebrand, would be less electable in a general election. The primary was also thrown for a loop when former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, after dropping out of the race just before Crockett’s entry, later amplified a content creator’s accusation that Talarico referred to him as a “mediocre Black man,” a charge Talarico disputes.Some of the bad blood has spilled beyond the primary, as a scattering of the social media influencers who boosted Crockett have defended her muted support for Talarico, while accusing his supporters of alienating Black Democrats by acting entitled. Those posts, in turn, have received a flood of backlash from other Democrats replying that the discourse from Crockett stalwarts is stoking intraparty divisions. Republicans have taken notice of the lingering tensions online, with several, including Gregg Keller, a spokesperson for a pro-Paxton super PAC, fanning the flames on X.State Rep. Ron Reynolds, who backed Crockett in the primary, said Talarico “has to work extra hard to build that trust” and win over Crockett’s coalition of Black supporters, some of whom still have “hard feelings” after their candidate came up short.But Reynolds added that Talarico’s campaign was “working diligently to earn the African American vote” and had committed to him to continuing to invest in outreach to Black communities.State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, speaks at the Black Caucus event at the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi on Friday. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune“He understands that that’s probably one of his biggest hurdles right now, and he is not ignoring it,” Reynolds said. “It hasn’t materialized fully yet, obviously, but I do believe that the convention is a way to kick it off and level set it. I believe when they leave here, they’ll be going across the state.”Recent public polling found that two-thirds of Black voters planned to support Talarico in November, with around 12% unsure either way. At this point in their respective election cycles in 2018 and 2024, Democratic U.S. Senate nominees Beto O’Rourke and Allred both polled below 50% among Black voters — and both ultimately won roughly 90% of the group.Still, Democrats are concerned less with the prospect of Black voters defecting to Paxton, and more so with the potential that too many will stay home or skip the Senate race on their ballots.“With Congresswoman Crockett’s loss, there are no — zero, zilch, nada — Black statewide candidates for the midterms. Black Texans are hurt, angry and discouraged,” state Rep. Jolanda Jones of Houston said on stage at the convention Saturday. “But there is good news: We can earn the Black vote — not assume it, not expect it, but earn it.”In a nod to Texas’ history of Black leadership, Talarico opened his speech to the full convention Friday night with a quote from Barbara Jordan, the trailblazing Houston Democrat who became the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South.“Barbara Jordan said: ‘I get from the soil and spirit of Texas the feeling that I, as an individual, can accomplish whatever I want to,’” Talarico said. “Barbara Jordan felt that spirit of Texas in her bones. It was the spirit that propelled her from the hells of Jim Crow to the halls of power. I feel that spirit tonight in this room.”Disclosure: Prairie View A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/27/unease-about-talaricos-black-support-on-display-at-texas-democratic-convention/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Kayla Guo","publishDate":"2026-06-27T19:52:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYIGTWJP7JVGZFB2FVPLP6MV4QU.jpg","slug":"unease-about-talaricos-black-support-on-display-at-texas-democratic-convention"},{"id":"7nb2ek","title":"Japanese internment survivors, faith leaders demand closure of South Texas ICE detention center","excerpt":"Roughly two dozen immigration advocates, faith leaders, Japanese internment camp survivors and their descendants completed a four-day, 45-mile pilgrimage Saturday to an immigrant detention facility outside of Dilley.The activists demanded the closure of the only federal family detention center, d...","content":"Roughly two dozen immigration advocates, faith leaders, Japanese internment camp survivors and their descendants completed a four-day, 45-mile pilgrimage Saturday to an immigrant detention facility outside of Dilley.The activists demanded the closure of the only federal family detention center, described by a Japanese internment survivor as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”Free Families, a national coalition of organizations advocating for immigrant families, organized the pilgrimage with Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministries, Grassroots Leadership and Tsuru for Solidarity, a group of Japanese American concentration camp survivors and descendants who work to end detention. The goal of the pilgrimage was “to shut down Dilley, end family detention in its entirety, and stop family separation caused by ICE targeting and detention.”Action was a central theme of the pilgrimage. “Join us everywhere,” said Mike Ishii, executive director and co-founder of Tsuru for Solidarity. “March in solidarity, walk in spiritual faith and strength, just as we are doing today.” “Together, as a country, we will transform the violence, and we will open the future to a new path,” he said. The pilgrimage began Wednesday morning at the Crystal City Concentration Camp, where Japanese American families were imprisoned in Texas during World War II. Mike Ishii and Joe Okimoto, along with other Japanese Americans, leave origami cranes on the fence at the federal immigration detention center in Dilley on June 27, 2026. Brenda Bazán for The Texas TribuneWalking up to 12 miles each morning, the group arrived at Dilley’s South Texas Family Residential Center around 10 a.m. Saturday. Interfaith leaders and activists prayed, delivered a meditative chant and tied chains of multicolored origami cranes to the facility’s 10-foot chain-link fence topped with razor wire.The paper cranes were folded by Japanese American concentration camp survivors and their descendants.“We bring [these cranes] on their behalf and in solidarity with the children and the families being subjected to violence inside of Dilley and in every detention site across the country,” Ishii said. “The message from us is this must stop.”“We will transform the violence,” Ishii said as 16-wheelers barreled down the nearby highway. “We will open the future to a new path.”The Dilley facility is the nation’s only immigrant detention center that imprisons parents with their children. About 70 miles southwest of San Antonio, the facility has held children ranging from infants to teenagers. The South Texas Family Residential Center opened in 2014, becoming the Department of Homeland Security’s largest immigrant family detention center. It can hold 2,400 people and was designed to accommodate women and children. The facility has been the site of intense protests, with critics saying it is inhumane to detain young children and mothers as criminals when they pose no security risk. The South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley on Jan. 28, 2026. Brenda Bazán for The Texas TribuneCriticism led to the closure of Dilley’s facility during the Biden administration. In March 2025, the Trump administration reopened the facility with CoreCivic, a private prison corporation. Under the Trump administration, the daily number of children detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased over sixfold, with Dilley’s facility as the primary detention center for children.This year, Dilley has made national headlines. After photos of immigration agents detaining 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos in Minnesota went viral, protesters clashed with authorities outside the facility, where he was transferred. During a January protest at the center’s gates, authorities used tear gas and pepper ball grenades on hundreds of faith leaders, advocates and residents. Two people were arrested.A few days later, the Dilley facility reported two cases of measles. Those incarcerated at the facility have reported moldy, worm-ridden food and neglectful medical care. Ms. Rachel, a popular children’s entertainer, recently called Dilley’s detainment of children “child abuse.”For survivors of Japanese internment, Dilley’s family detention facility hearken to the U.S. concentration camps that shuttered 80 years ago. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, nearly all persons of Japanese ancestry in the mainland U.S. were forced into internment camps for the remainder of World War II. More than 120,000 people were incarcerated, over two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. Still alive today are several survivors who were incarcerated as children. Keiko Kubo, Joe Okimoto, and the Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi join other activists in Dilley to protest the immigration detention facility there and remember their own internment. Brenda Bazán for The Texas TribuneStanding outside the Dilley detention center’s fence, Rev. Kenji Akaposhi, a retired Buddhist minister and survivor of Japanese internment, told pilgrims, “I was 2 weeks old when my family was incarcerated. Because of that trauma that I suffered — that has been with me my entire life — I am here to help those, especially the children, whose lives are being affected as we speak.” Satsuki Ina, 82, was born inside Crystal City camp, where her family was held for more than four years. Saturday marked Ina’s second pilgrimage to Dilley’s detention facility, and she was accompanied by other survivors, including Chizu Omori, 96, who was also returning to Dilley for the second time.“It’s heartbreaking to know we are back here again,” Ina said. “We might be old, we might be here with our canes and our hearing aids and our walkers and our dentures, but we’re mad,” she said. Ina was accompanied by her 22-year-old granddaughter, Skyla Tomine, who is the national organizing fellow for Tsuru for Solidarity and a descendant of relatives from three different internment camps. “I am heartbroken again that she has to even be here,” Ina said. “What is happening today is a repetition of American history, over and over and over again.”Twelve-year-old Clara, right, leads community members outside to sing a song written with children who have been detained. Brenda Bazán for The Texas TribunePastor Dianne Garcia, who leads a Mennonite community, opened the ceremony with a faith-based reflection.“We know that God cries out for justice with us, as we have cried out for justice,” she said. Garcia’s 12-year-old daughter, Clara, led the group in a song that was produced in collaboration with children inside Dilley’s detention facility.“I sing from here, and you sing from there. Together we’ll sing down the walls everywhere. Love in our hearts like the waves of the sea. Together we’ll sing until everyone’s free,” she sang.The ceremony closed with Ishii leading a chant frequently recited in Japanese internment camps. “Kodomo no tame ni. There are children, set them free,” the group shouted.Origami cranes hang from the fence on the perimeter of the federal immigration detention center in Dilley. Brenda Bazán for The Texas TribuneThis story is published through a collaboration between The Texas Tribune and Religion News Service.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/27/japanese-internment-survivors-faith-leaders-demand-closure-of-south-texas-ice-detention-center/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune, And Chloe Landen, Religion New","publishDate":"2026-06-27T19:16:38.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2CPS5G6PPZF7HJNEO3W7FNAIXM.jpg","slug":"japanese-internment-survivors-faith-leaders-demand-closure-of-south-texas-ice-detention-center"},{"id":"8877tq","title":"Star power: Serena Williams commands spotlight ahead of her Wimbledon return","excerpt":"Iga Swiatek is the defending champion. Aryna Sabalenka is the No. 1 women’s singles player.Serena Williams is the star, though, at Wimbledon.The 44-year-old Williams' presence has been emanating throughout SW19 — the famous post code of Wimbledon — as she prepares to play her first singles match ...","content":"Iga Swiatek is the defending champion. Aryna Sabalenka is the No. 1 women’s singles player.Serena Williams is the star, though, at Wimbledon.The 44-year-old Williams' presence has been emanating throughout SW19 — the famous post code of Wimbledon — as she prepares to play her first singles match at the event in four years Tuesday when she faces No. 53 Maya Joint in the first round.Mirra Andreeva, who just won the French Open, was basically crossing her fingers when the Wimbledon draw was announced.“I was watching like this because I don’t think anyone in the draw would have wanted to play against Serena,\" the smiling Russian teenager said Saturday. “I’m going to speak for myself. I wouldn’t want to play against Serena. I would be just very nervous.”Williams had been away from the sport since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open but she accepted a wild-card entry to play women’s doubles with her sister Venus, who is 46. And then she accepted another to play singles.Williams’ most-recent appearance at Wimbledon was in 2022 when she lost in the opening round to Harmony Tan, who was then-ranked 115th. The American great walked away from tennis — she described it as “evolving” away — after losing in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows. Her second daughter was born in 2023.Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles title winner, could meet Swiatek in the third round.Venus provides some motivationSerena Williams officially returned to tennis earlier this month in a doubles match with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club grass-court tournament.“Unexpectedly, before her first match she asked me did I have any motivational quotes I use for myself,” Venus Williams said Saturday. “I told her what I was using at the time. I don’t know if that helped or not. She did win the match.”The Williams sisters will play their first-round doubles match against Colombia’s Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra of Argentina.Serena and Venus have won 14 Grand Slam titles together in doubles, including six at Wimbledon. Their first two doubles titles at the All England Club, in 2000 and 2002, came as wild cards.“For us it was about the titles, we wanted the Grand Slam titles. We just wanted to bring them home,” Venus said. “We did pretty good.”Djokovic inspired by SerenaNovak Djokovic calls Serena Williams' tennis comeback “inspirational” and “epic.”“That’s what I told her,” Djokovic said Saturday.“I see her in the gym more than I have, I think, seen her when she was at her prime,” Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, said of Williams, a 23-time major winner in singles. “It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible.”Djokovic added: “I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’, as well.”Gauff and Sabalenka tooCoco Gauff, the No. 7 seed at Wimbledon, said Serena and Venus were the “biggest” inspiration on her.“I played the sport because of them, believed that I could do things because of them. I look up to them a lot,” she said. Sabalenka added: “It’s amazing what she’s doing. Also it’s Serena Williams, everyone was talking about that. She’s bringing more eyes on tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I’m really excited to see her play.”___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/star-power-serena-williams-commands-spotlight-ahead-of-her-wimbledon-return/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ken Maguire, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T14:58:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIIIMCCFOARGLPCQBF2BROYZH3M.jpg","slug":"star-power-serena-williams-commands-spotlight-ahead-of-her-wimbledon-return"},{"id":"5kifsn","title":"Man with same name as US Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible for Alaska's primary ballot, judge rules","excerpt":"A man with the same name and party affiliation as Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible to challenge the senator in the August primary, a judge ruled Friday.Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to ...","content":"A man with the same name and party affiliation as Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible to challenge the senator in the August primary, a judge ruled Friday.Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot. Matthews’ ruling can be appealed to the state Supreme Court.Attorneys for the state have said Tuesday is the deadline for a final ruling so that ballots for the Aug. 18 primary can be printed.The judge ruled that the division’s decision to exclude Dan J. Sullivan because his candidacy was not “in good faith” was not based on the Constitution, Alaska law or the division’s own regulations. The retired teacher from the small fishing community of Petersburg filed to challenge the incumbent.“Instead, the decision was based upon a new, previously unstated, ‘good faith’ criteria,” the judge wrote.The division is appealing the decision, Sam Curtis, a spokesperson with the state Department of Law, said by email Saturday. Jeffrey Robinson, an attorney for Dan J. Sullivan, said in an email he expected the division to appeal and couldn't comment until the Alaska Supreme Court rules on the case.The controversy over the two Dan Sullivans has underscored the stakes involved in the incumbent’s reelection campaign. The Alaska race is one of about half a dozen U.S. Senate races expected to be highly competitive in the fall, and the seat is one Democrats are trying to flip in their efforts to try to regain the majority.The senator and allies, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have condemned the challenger’s efforts to join the race, arguing his presence could confuse voters. Under Alaska’s election system, the top four candidates from the primary, regardless of party, move on to the ranked-choice November general election.The senator has accused the challenger Sullivan of working with Democrats and the campaign of Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola — who is considered the senator’s main opponent — to cause confusion and boost Peltola’s chances. Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied the allegation, as has the challenger. Sen. Sullivan and Peltola are the highest-profile candidates in the crowded race and the only ones to report raising any money.Beecher has said she determined the challenger Sullivan is not eligible to run because his candidacy was not filed in good faith and instead was done with an intent to confuse voters. She said he had registered to vote as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and, in conjunction with his candidacy, changed his party affiliation to Republican. She also cited similarities between his campaign website and the senator’s, and his work with a consultant whose clients have included some Democrats. She did not mention finding any evidence of alleged coordination.In arguing to keep the challenger disqualified, attorneys for the state pushed back on suggestions the ballot could be designed in a way to reduce voter confusion over two candidates with the same name and party running for the same office. “The Constitution does not require States to place a sham candidate on the ballot and then attempt to mitigate the damage through design choices,” attorney Rachel Witty, with the Alaska Department of Law, and outside attorneys Christopher Murray and Michael Francisco wrote in court filings.Attorneys for the challenger Sullivan argued that the Constitution lays out three exclusive qualifications for the Senate, addressing only age, citizenship and residency. They said Beecher lacked the legal authority to boot their client off the ballot. The challenger Sullivan has said that sharing a name and party affiliation with the incumbent gave him “an instant megaphone.” But the 69-year-old retired teacher and former U.S. Forest Service employee said he had considered a run for some time and had grown frustrated with the senator. He initially was certified on the state’s candidate list as Dan J. Sullivan, with the senator listed as Dan S. Sullivan and identified as the incumbent.———This story has been updated to correct the surname of Dan J. Sullivan's attorney: it is Robinson, not Robertson.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/man-with-same-name-as-us-sen-dan-sullivan-is-eligible-for-alaskas-primary-ballot-judge-rules/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Becky Bohrer, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:06:24.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOF6ZRFDKWJGXPBL47LKCT5Z54I.jpg","slug":"man-with-same-name-as-us-sen-dan-sullivan-is-eligible-for-alaskas-primary-ballot-judge-rules"},{"id":"6nwdnt","title":"2 juveniles rushed to hospital after car crashes into northwest Harris County home, Pct. 1 says","excerpt":"SkyEye13 was over the scene as a tow truck removed a vehicle from a home in northwest Harris County. The house sustained major damage to what appeared to be the garage.","content":"SkyEye13 was over the scene as a tow truck removed a vehicle from a home in northwest Harris County. The house sustained major damage to what appeared to be the garage.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/car-crashes-home-northwest-harris-county-skyeye13-shows/19391493/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:13:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"2-juveniles-rushed-to-hospital-after-car-crashes-into-northwest-harris-county-home-pct-1-says"},{"id":"obnpia","title":"Israeli drone strike kills Palestinian siblings in a Gaza tent camp","excerpt":"An Israeli drone strike on Saturday killed two Palestinian siblings, including a 15-year-old girl, in southern Gaza and wounded at least seven others, according to Nasser hospital, where the casualties were taken.The strike targeted tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in the sprawling camp of...","content":"An Israeli drone strike on Saturday killed two Palestinian siblings, including a 15-year-old girl, in southern Gaza and wounded at least seven others, according to Nasser hospital, where the casualties were taken.The strike targeted tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in the sprawling camp of Muwasi, killing 15-year-old Islam Moussa and her 30-year-old brother, Abdullah Moussa.The Israeli military acknowledged it had struck the area of Muwasi, saying it had targeted a Hamas militant but did not immediately provide more information.In the hospital's courtyard, relatives wept over the bodies covered in white burial shrouds.Also on Saturday, Palestinians reported hearing a loud boom in Gaza City.The Israeli military struck a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in western Gaza City, wounding at least 12 people, according to Shifa hospital. The ambulance service of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said two people were critically wounded and the majority of those hurt were women.The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas militant and that it was not aware of uninvolved civilians being harmed.Strikes continued Saturday evening in central Gaza, with no immediate word of casualties. Israel's military said it was checking on the reports.Despite a fragile ceasefire reached in October that paused the heaviest fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group, Israel continues to carry out near-daily strikes and shelling across the coastal enclave. Israel and Hamas continue to trade accusations of violating the ceasefire. Israel says it is targeting Hamas and other militants who pose a threat and in response to ceasefire violations.Since the ceasefire went into effect, Israel has killed more than 1,030 people in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-led government. The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. But it does not give a breakdown of civilians and militants.The ministry last week said Israel has killed over 250 children in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect.A team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations has accused Israel of deliberately shooting children in Gaza, and repeated an accusation that Israel has committed genocide in the territory. Israel denies the claim that it committed genocide in Gaza during the two-year war.The Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,050 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/israeli-drone-strike-kills-palestinian-siblings-in-a-gaza-tent-camp/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Wafaa Shurafa, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T14:39:53.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FE44ODAPNIFDOFK272FEB4345W4.jpg","slug":"israeli-drone-strike-kills-palestinian-siblings-in-a-gaza-tent-camp"},{"id":"k3dhuu","title":"Central Europe sizzles as heat records are smashed in Switzerland, Denmark and Czech Republic","excerpt":"Temperatures soared to record highs from Switzerland to the Czech Republic and Denmark on Saturday, as a heat wave that baked western European countries this week moved to central and eastern parts of the continent.Unusually high temperatures were recorded even in the Nordic countries not known f...","content":"Temperatures soared to record highs from Switzerland to the Czech Republic and Denmark on Saturday, as a heat wave that baked western European countries this week moved to central and eastern parts of the continent.Unusually high temperatures were recorded even in the Nordic countries not known for sweltering summers. Denmark's Meteorological Institute reported a record 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in Ødum north of Aarhus — the warmest day since records there began in 1874. In Switzerland, a record 38.8 C (101.8 F) was set in the city of Basel. Germany's famous Autobahn was overwhelmed, too, as temperatures were expected to hit 40 C (104 F). In two places outside Berlin, the concrete of the A2 burst due to the high temperatures and the highway had to be closed. Other highway damage was reported across the country, according to the German daily Bild.Train operator Deutsche Bahn and other rail companies advised against all nonessential train travel this weekend.“Germany’s transportation infrastructure is being severely affected by the record-breaking heat this weekend,” Deutsche Bahn said in a statement.The Czech Republic also saw its hottest day on record, with 40.8 C (105.4 F) in the northern town of Doksany. Forecasters said it may still rise. Residents evacuated from German nursing homeIn the western German city of Dormagen, dozens of residents of a nursing home were evacuated for medical care due to dangerous heat conditions in the building. The local fire department reported that temperatures inside the home had reached 35 C (95 F). Air conditioning is not widespread in Germany and many countries in Europe because the continent is largely unused to such oppressive heat. A resident at the home died overnight, but it was not yet clear whether the heat was the cause, a city spokesperson told German news agency dpa.Hospitals under intense pressure in FranceIn France, multiple towns in the east of the country saw their highest-ever temperatures Saturday, with some above 40 C (104 F) even though the worst of the heat wave was starting to pass in some regions.Paris and 36 other regions, stretching from the center to the east and northeast, remained in the extreme-heat red zone on Saturday, down from a peak on Thursday of 72 regions that were under such warnings. The capital continued to see unrelenting pressure on its hospitals, with a second consecutive day of nearly 3,000 people seeking care in public hospital emergency rooms, about a third more than normal. The Paris public hospital authority, AP-HP, said it activated its emergency response plan across all 38 hospitals to cope. Phone calls to its medical dispatch centers were up nearly 80% compared with the same period in 2025, it said.Concerns that hospitals could be overwhelmed prompted the postponement of the Paris Pride march for LGBTQ+ rights on Saturday, and a three-day music festival was canceled.The temperatures this week have been higher than those during a historic 2003 heat wave that was blamed for 15,000 heat-related deaths, many of them older people. The AP-HP’s director, Nicolas Revel, said he doesn’t expect as many deaths this time, at least in Paris hospitals, in part because treatment for overheating has since improved.During another exceptionally hot summer last year, more than 5,700 deaths were attributed to heat, according to France’s public health authority.“I think we’ll be situated, clearly, between 2025 and without necessarily reaching the catastrophic level of 2003. But we have to expect that there will still be many deaths,” he said. UK temperatures easing after 3 record heat daysIn the U.K., sweltering conditions are expected to gradually ease this weekend though an amber warning — one step down from red — remained in place until Saturday night. Britons struggled to cope this week as the record June temperature was smashed three days in a row. Friday was confirmed as the country's hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 37.3 C (99 F) recorded in eastern England. It was more than 1 C hotter than the long-standing record for June heat in the U.K., set in the summer of 1976. On Saturday, police said the bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were recovered from a lake and a river. The deaths bring the total number of U.K. heat-related fatalities this week to four. Authorities in the U.K. have warned people to take extra care when swimming in unsupervised areas following the deaths of around 40 people in France over the past week.Tourists wilting in Rome as red heat alert remains activeIn Italy's capital, which remains under a red heat alert, tourists tried to cool off seeking shade near buildings and dunking their heads under public fountains. Street vendors were doing a brisk business selling bottled water, hats and sun umbrellas. Some turned to Italian classics for relief.“Gelato, pasta, because it’s tradition, but also fresh fruit, and ice cold drinks, that’s the best for this temperature,” said Isabella Dold, a tourist from Kempten, Germany.On Saturday, Italy’s health ministry said 18 cities — including the most popular tourism hubs like Venice, Florence, Bologna and Milan — were on red alert due to danger posed by the high temperatures.Record heat focuses attention on climate changeA new study from the World Weather Attribution, a Europe-based collaboration of scientists, reported Friday that the record-breaking heat and humidity in Europe this week would not have been possible without climate change.The rapid study found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago.André Corrêa do Lago, the president of the U.N. climate talks known as COP30, said the heat wave has \"helped strengthen the perception of urgency of fighting climate change.”“The fact that we are living with this amazing heat in London is a strong argument, we need to agree, that we have to take action as soon as possible,” do Lago told The Associated Press. ___Hui reported from London and Leicester from Paris. Associated Press journalists Trisha Thomas in Rome, Suman Naishadham in Madrid and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/german-highways-are-buckling-under-extreme-heat-as-central-europe-sizzles/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sylvia Hui, Kirsten Grieshaber And John Leicester, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:35:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSGLT2NOAPJEBZBXBSPLE5RJOX4.jpg","slug":"central-europe-sizzles-as-heat-records-are-smashed-in-switzerland-denmark-and-czech-republic"},{"id":"387mkm","title":"1 dead following crash in north Harris Co., deputies say; SkyEye13 showed truck with severe damage","excerpt":"SkyEye13 was over a wreck involving a big rig on Kuykendahl Road that left a pickup truck severely damaged. Deputies said one person died as a result of the crash.","content":"SkyEye13 was over a wreck involving a big rig on Kuykendahl Road that left a pickup truck severely damaged. Deputies said one person died as a result of the crash.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/skyeye13-shows-truck-mangled-front-end-major-crash-big-rig-north-harris/19389541/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:04:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"1-dead-following-crash-in-north-harris-co-deputies-say-skyeye13-showed-truck-with-severe-damage"},{"id":"gu0a56","title":"Russell beats Ferraris to F1 pole in Austria despite yellow flag controversy","excerpt":"Just when it seemed Mercedes' Formula 1 pole position streak was surely at an end, George Russell had other ideas at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday. Russell came through the second-to-last corner seconds after Max Verstappen went spinning off the track toward the barrier, causing a yellow fl...","content":"Just when it seemed Mercedes' Formula 1 pole position streak was surely at an end, George Russell had other ideas at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday. Russell came through the second-to-last corner seconds after Max Verstappen went spinning off the track toward the barrier, causing a yellow flag which means drivers must slow down.Russell was warned of the yellow flag ahead of time by Mercedes over the radio and argued he lifted off the accelerator earlier than usual for the corner and that the rest of his lap was still enough for first place.It was still “an amazing lap,” he said.The stewards agreed and deemed the incident needed “no further investigation”, keeping Russell on pole ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for Sunday's “heat hazard” race. “I was glad common sense prevailed,” Russell said.With a margin of .236 of a second over Leclerc despite lifting off, Russell seemed to have plenty more pace available and will be a clear favorite to win for the first time since the season-opener in Australia, especially with standings leader Kimi Antonelli down in fourth.Why Russell's lap stoodThe key factor keeping Russell's lap on the board was that it was a single, not double, yellow flag at the corner.A single yellow means drivers need to be able to show they slowed down noticeably. A double signifies more immediate danger, and in qualifying means drivers should abandon any attempt at setting a competitive lap time.Russell argued it was the right call because Verstappen's car was on the other side of a gravel runoff area and slowing down meant he didn't risk losing control and potentially hitting the wreckage.“I didn’t even see the car because the runoff is so far and I think in that instance a single yellow was correct because a double yellow is immediate danger,\" he said.\"I think I did everything right to be very much under control, and it’s a very different story to a double.\"Russell's teammate Antonelli backed off his last qualifying run, believing wrongly it was a double yellow.It's the fourth pole position for Russell this season, not counting sprint races, and puts him level with Antonelli.Antonelli’s lead is set to shrinkBy the time Russell crossed the line to take pole, fans and broadcasters assumed Ferrari's Leclerc and Hamilton were set to end Mercedes' run of pole position in each grand prix this season.They both bested Antonelli's time by less than a tenth of a second shortly before Verstappen went off. Verstappen also looked like a contender for pole with his upgraded Red Bull car and was set to improve on his previous time.Leclerc is set to start Sunday's race second, and Hamilton third after his win for Ferrari last time out. Antonelli was fourth in his lowest qualifying result of the season.That makes it likely his lead — 41 points over Hamilton, 50 over Russell — is set to shrink for the second race running. Antonelli's car broke down in the last race, the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, as Hamilton won and Russell was second.Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Sky Sport Germany it was “a matter of experience” that Antonelli abandoned his lap after Verstappen's crash while Russell was “super clever”.Verstappen's earlier time was still good enough for fifth ahead of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.___AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/controversy-in-austrian-gp-qualifying-as-russell-sets-fastest-time-after-verstappen-crash/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:11:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6CFQKA7FWZEOHNIOQSNTTOOAO4.jpg","slug":"russell-beats-ferraris-to-f1-pole-in-austria-despite-yellow-flag-controversy"},{"id":"2qzsqn","title":"City of Houston helping pay for cleanup after massive fire at SE Houston recycling plant","excerpt":"Four days after a massive fire at a recycling facility broke out, the City of Houston said it is helping foot the bill.","content":"Four days after a massive fire at a recycling facility broke out, the City of Houston said it is helping foot the bill.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/city-houston-helping-pay-cleanup-massive-fire-se-recycling-plant/19390430/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Brianna Willis","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:37:27.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19390542_skyeye13-kellog-fire-cleanup-img.png","slug":"city-of-houston-helping-pay-for-cleanup-after-massive-fire-at-se-houston-recycling-plant"},{"id":"hlhhnq","title":"Texas Supreme Court rejects lawsuit by survivors of Uvalde school shooting","excerpt":"20 students and five teachers accused DPS and Uvalde County of negligence in the delayed response to the deadly 2022 shooting.","content":"20 students and five teachers accused DPS and Uvalde County of negligence in the delayed response to the deadly 2022 shooting.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/texas-supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-survivors-uvalde-school-shooting/19391072/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:09:44.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"texas-supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-by-survivors-of-uvalde-school-shooting"},{"id":"mph60o","title":"Ann Blyth, teen star of 'Mildred Pierce,' dead at 98","excerpt":"Ann Blyth, a versatile Hollywood star who received an Oscar nomination at 17 as Joan Crawford's wayward daughter in “Mildred Pierce,\" sang opposite Mario Lanza and Howard Keel in such MGM musicals as ”The Great Caruso\" and ended her film career before age 30, has died at age 98.Blyth died Wednesd...","content":"Ann Blyth, a versatile Hollywood star who received an Oscar nomination at 17 as Joan Crawford's wayward daughter in “Mildred Pierce,\" sang opposite Mario Lanza and Howard Keel in such MGM musicals as ”The Great Caruso\" and ended her film career before age 30, has died at age 98.Blyth died Wednesday of “natural causes” at her home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, according to her daughter, Eileen McNulty. Blyth's family was at her side.One of the last surviving actors from the Hollywood studio system, Blyth appeared in youth movies as well as dramas such as \"Another Part of the Forest,\" and her co-stars included Bing Crosby, Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. Blyth had stopped appearing in films by the end of the 1950s when she chose to spend more time with her children. But she would work in TV musicals and dramas and tour in concerts and musicals from \"Show Boat\" to \"The Sound of Music.\"She was acting and singing from an early age and her first big break came at 13 when she was cast as Paul Lukas's daughter in Lillian Hellman's anti-Nazi play, \"Watch on the Rhine,\" which also starred Bette Davis. She stayed with the play for almost a year on Broadway and a year on the road.When \"Watch on the Rhine\" appeared in Los Angeles, Universal Studio signed her to a term contract starting at $175 a week. A dark-haired actor with a melodic singing voice, she appeared with a young Donald O'Connor in low-budget musicals such as \"Chip Off the Old Block\" and \"Bowery to Broadway.\" The loan-out to Warner Bros. for \"Mildred Pierce\" elevated Blyth's career and led to grown-up roles.Good at being badLike \"Double Indemnity,\" adapted for the screen by Billy Wilder in 1944, \"Mildred Pierce\" was a James M. Cain thriller about vengeance and calculation. Crawford won the 1945 Oscar as a waitress who rises to own a string of Los Angeles restaurants. Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.Directed by Michael Curtiz of “Casablanca” fame, \"Mildred Pierce\" was a memorable piece of film noir that took place mostly at night. For Blyth it was a major change from the cheery musicals she had been known for. It was also a stretch for an actor who was the subject of magazine articles entitled \"Incorruptible!\", \"Angelic Annie\" and \"Ann Blyth: Success Without an Enemy.\"In 1946, Blyth broke her back in a toboggan accident, and it appeared her career might be over. She spent seven months in a body cast and another seven months in a wheelchair, relying on her Roman Catholic faith for courage.\"The busy, exciting world I had known faded away, and my life slowed down to little things,\" she later told The Associated Press. \"But even here I found myself blessed, for a new sense of prayer began to unfold to me.\"Once recovered, she appeared as the love interest for Sonny Tufts in \"Swell Guy,\" Howard Duff in \"Brute Force\" and Mickey Rooney in a prizefight movie, \"Killer McCoy.\" She displayed her dramatic skill as the young woman in love with a suspected wife-killer, Charles Boyer, in \"A Woman's Vengeance.\"Her strongest role after \"Mildred Pierce\" came with \"Another Part of the Forest,\" Hellman's prequel to her stage and film drama \"The Little Foxes.\" Blythe appeared as the young Regina Hubbard, created as an adult on Broadway by Tallulah Bankhead and in the film by Bette Davis.Add a little musicBlyth's career made a turn in 1951 when she starred with Mario Lanza in \"The Great Caruso.\" Her lilting soprano made an ideal match for his tenor, and they were cast in \"The Student Prince.\" But the temperamental Lanza dropped out after recording his songs, and British actor Edmund Purdom acted his role and mouthed the songs. Blyth co-starred with Howard Keel in \"Rose Marie\" and \"Kismet.\"Her other films included \"Top o' the Morning\" with Crosby, \"The World in His Arms\" (Peck) and a reunion with O'Connor, \"The Buster Keaton Story.\" Her last film was in 1957, “The Helen Morgan Story,” which co-starred Paul Newman.Born in 1928 in Mount Kisco, New York, to an Irish mother and English valet father, she grew up in New York City. After the father left the family, Nan Blyth supported herself and two daughters by washing clothes and working in beauty parlors.She had high hopes for daughter Ann's future as an actress, and at 5 the girl began appearing on a New York radio show. She continued as a radio performer and spent three years studying and performing with the San Carlo Opera Company.After becoming a movie star, Blyth admitted of her early career: \"I'd become blue and despondent when I failed to get a job, and my mother's encouraging words made me want to try again.\" Before the actress's breakout performance in \"Mildred Pierce,\" her mother died of cancer.In 1953, Blyth married Dr. James McNulty, brother of tenor-comedian Dennis Day. They had five children and remained married until McNulty’s death, in 2007. A few weeks before son Timothy was born in 1954, she made television history of a sort performing the song \"Secret Love\" at the Oscars — visibly pregnant as she sang, \"Once I had a secret love ... and my secret love's no secret anymore.\"_____Thomas, a former Associated Press Hollywood correspondent who died in 2014, was the primary writer of this obituary.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/26/ann-blyth-teen-star-of-mildred-pierce-dead-at-98/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bob Thomas, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:28:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKO742YULF5GPZMCZSFPXMGMIGM.jpg","slug":"ann-blyth-teen-star-of-mildred-pierce-dead-at-98"},{"id":"cout5e","title":"5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reported","excerpt":"A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan on Saturday, sending panicked residents across Pakistan rushing out of their homes, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan,...","content":"A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan on Saturday, sending panicked residents across Pakistan rushing out of their homes, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 6.1. Tremors were felt in Islamabad, as well as in the eastern province of Punjab and the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan. It was also felt in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.Emergency services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said district administrations were placed on alert.Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said that initial assessments had found no reports of casualties or damage. In Afghanistan, the quake jolted Kabul and other parts of the country, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said. Pakistan lies along an active seismic zone and is frequently affected by earthquakes. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 2005 killed tens of thousands of people in Pakistan and Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan region divided between Pakistan and India and claimed by both countries.Afghanistan has also suffered repeated quakes in recent years that have claimed thousands of lives.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/tech/2026/06/27/59-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-pakistan-and-afghanistan-no-damage-reported/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T14:22:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFALDFEZNYVCFHBTTOEANYVPK6M.jpg","slug":"59-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-pakistan-and-afghanistan-no-damage-reported"},{"id":"te3mg2","title":"Taylor Swift: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame displays artifacts from 'The Fate of Ophelia' music video","excerpt":"✨The life of a showgirl! ✨ A new Taylor Swift display debuted at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the \"Legends of Rock\" exhibit.","content":"✨The life of a showgirl! ✨ A new Taylor Swift display debuted at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the \"Legends of Rock\" exhibit.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/taylor-swift-new-display-rock-roll-hall-fame-features-artifacts-fate-ophelia-music-video/19390785/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:04:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"taylor-swift-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-displays-artifacts-from-the-fate-of-ophelia-music-video"},{"id":"nvsvpq","title":"Free heavy trash drop-off, community cleanup planned Saturday in Houston’s East End","excerpt":"East End residents will have a chance to clear out bulky household items and help spruce up the neighborhood Saturday as Harris County Precinct 2 hosts a Keep2Clean Community Cleanup Event.Commissioner Adrian Garcia is expected to join community partners for the event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 ...","content":"East End residents will have a chance to clear out bulky household items and help spruce up the neighborhood Saturday as Harris County Precinct 2 hosts a Keep2Clean Community Cleanup Event.Commissioner Adrian Garcia is expected to join community partners for the event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harris County Constable Precinct 6 station at 5900 Canal Street. What is acceptedThe public can drop off heavy trash at no cost, including items such as:FurnitureTires without rimsYard or tree debrisLarge household itemsWhat is NOT acceptedEvent organizers said they are not taking the following:Paint, oil, fuel or hazardous chemicalsHousehold trash or bagged wasteAppliances, electronics, light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs or batteriesConcrete or bricksCommercial or business wasteIn addition to the drop-off, volunteers are being asked to help remove litter and target illegal dumping sites across the area. If you’re interested in volunteering, organizers say you will be provided food, and you can register at their sign-up link.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/free-heavy-trash-drop-off-community-cleanup-planned-saturday-in-houstons-east-end/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:47:46.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3TICFO7EL5GQRPOE2BE5JIKQ3Y.jpg","slug":"free-heavy-trash-drop-off-community-cleanup-planned-saturday-in-houstons-east-end"},{"id":"os0aum","title":"Man shot in the head at southeast Houston corner store, police say","excerpt":"Houston police with the Southeast Patrol Division responded to a reported shooting around 11:30 p.m. Friday at a corner store in the 8900 block of Cullen Boulevard.When officers got to the scene, they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said. He was taken to...","content":"Houston police with the Southeast Patrol Division responded to a reported shooting around 11:30 p.m. Friday at a corner store in the 8900 block of Cullen Boulevard.When officers got to the scene, they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was believed to be in critical condition.Brother fatally shot during family disturbance in southeast Houston, police sayPolice said it’s not yet clear what led up to the shooting. Investigators are working to gather information, including reviewing surveillance footage, as they try to determine what happened. The suspect or suspects left the area before officers arrived.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/man-shot-in-the-head-at-southeast-houston-corner-store-police-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:17:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F08be4cc5-6571-4c10-8f61-6a8bc15a3ab6%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"man-shot-in-the-head-at-southeast-houston-corner-store-police-say"},{"id":"8icri8","title":"Some paid the ultimate price to enact voting rights. Their survivors see America turning backward","excerpt":"Holiday gatherings and major life events have come with an empty seat. Certain dates on the calendar meant time at a cemetery, standing before granite stones. They are a relatively small group of people, scattered across different states, but they share a common bond that stretches back decades: ...","content":"Holiday gatherings and major life events have come with an empty seat. Certain dates on the calendar meant time at a cemetery, standing before granite stones. They are a relatively small group of people, scattered across different states, but they share a common bond that stretches back decades: Each had a family member die violently in the struggle for voting and civil rights, victims on a long and difficult path marked by blood that ended when the country seemed to mature into the nation of its creed.But 61 years later, and as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, those sacrifices are in question. In a series of decisions over the past dozen years, including one in April, the Supreme Court has effectively dismantled the law that their family members died to see enacted, the Voting Rights Act of 1965.“My mother’s blood is on that bill. We were always proud of that, and now it’s gone,” said Anthony Liuzzo, whose mother, Viola Liuzzo, died on an Alabama highway between Selma and Montgomery while driving marchers in 1965.Critics of the law argue that times have changed, a point Chief Justice John Roberts made in a 2013 decision that was the first major step in rolling back the law.Survivors of lost loved ones disagree, pointing to the speed with which Republican-led state legislatureseliminated majority-Black congressional districts after the court's April ruling, which severely weakened a section of the law that had protected voting rights for minority communities. They feel anger and sadness that a milestone political victory decades ago has been reversed, but they are committed to keep fighting.A church bombing and a chunk of concreteLisa McNair was born Sept. 19, 1964. Her older sister, Denise, died in the Sept 15, 1963, bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church had been a central organizing point for civil rights protest.The explosion killed Denise McNair, 11, Addie Mae Collins, 14, Carole Robertson, 14, and Cynthia Morris Wesley, 14. Nearly two dozen others were injured. Three Klansmen were convicted years later.One of Lisa McNair's early memories of her sister was of the box that their grandmother kept from the funeral home. It included Denise McNair's shoes, a purse and a rock-sized piece of concrete that had been embedded in her skull.The crime brought the civil rights struggle onto the national stage and outraged Democratic President John F. Kennedy.The times were tumultuous, McNair said, but it seemed the nation was heading in the right direction. Most of her life, “I’ve seen advances” on television, in commercials, with interracial marriages, civil rights and voting rights, “a plethora of rights that we got over the greater part of my lifetime.” But that has changed, she said.McNair, 61, said she is “physically sick” about the Supreme Court decision and subsequent actions by lower courts and legislatures.“I am constantly working to pray my way through it, so I can get up and go to work in the morning and do what I need to do. But I just want to ask every white person I see, What more do you want?\" she said. “Why do you hate us so?”They left for Freedom Summer and never came homeMichael Schwerner, known as Mickey, came from a family in which human rights activism and challenging social norms were expected. He was in Mississippi in 1964 as part of Freedom Summer when he, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney vanished one day in June while investigating a bombing at a Black church.Their bodies were found weeks later, buried in an earthen dam in a rural area of Neshoba County. Schwerner, 24, and Goodman, 20, were white; Chaney, 21, was Black.Stephen Schwerner, who died earlier this year and was a social activist in his own right, told The Associated Press in a 2023 interview that as soon as the family heard his younger brother and the other men were missing, they knew they were dead.“Our family was very out front in the media that the only reason there was international attention was two of the young men were white,\" said Stephen’s daughter, Cassie Schwerner. \"Had all three of those young men been Black, they would have ended up absent from our history and our narrative.”The executive director of Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, Cassie Schwerner, said her family has followed voting rights through their ups and downs. That includes the 2013 Supreme Court decision that allowed states and counties with a history of discriminatory voting rules to make changes without prior approval from the Department of Justice.The court's April decision, she said, brought rage “and a good deal of sadness — not for me and my family, but for this country.” There is, she said, work to be done on multiple fronts.Rights paid for in blood turned out to be fragileTamara Orange said among her many thoughts when she heard of the Supreme Court decision in this year's Voting Rights Act case, there was relief — \"relief that my dad is not here to see that; that Jimmie Lee Jackson is not here to see it; that Viola Liuzzo is not here to see it,” she said. “I’m relieved for them because to me, it’s as though the sacrifices that were made were done in vain.”Her father, James Orange, was working with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to organize voting rights protests in Marion and Perry County, Alabama, in 1965. When juveniles joined the effort, he was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors. Concern arose that Orange was going to be taken out of the jail and lynched.A protest to intervene ended with Jackson, a 26-year-old Black church deacon, being shot in the stomach by a state trooper while Jackson tried to shield his mother and grandfather.His death was the catalyst for what became the Selma to Montgomery march and “Bloody Sunday.”Orange stayed in the movement all his life and died in 2008, Tamara Orange said. But even after the Voting Rights Act passed, \"He would say, be careful or we're going to lose it.” ‘We got bad news for you’Anthony Liuzzo had just turned 10 when his mother, 39, left their middle-class neighborhood in Michigan and headed for Selma, Alabama. She had cried as she watched scenes from “Bloody Sunday” on television.Viola Liuzzo participated in a portion of the second march and then helped drive other civil rights protesters around the Black Belt region of the state. On March 25, 1965, she was driving one protester between Selma and Montgomery when a vehicle pulled alongside and fired into the car.The phone call came around midnight. Anthony Liuzzo remembers the caller asking his dad, “Is your wife Viola? We got bad news for you. She’s been shot.” When his father asked whether she was all right, the caller said “No, she’s dead,\" and then hung up.An informant for the FBI quickly identified members of the Ku Klux Klan as her killers. The three men charged would escape conviction on state charges but be convicted in federal court.Anthony Liuzzo and his siblings lived with the lost birthdays and other missed milestones. His comfort was that the voting rights she had died for had become a reality. But the April ruling by the Supreme Court and the subsequent rush by Republican-led legislatures in several Southern states to eliminate congressional districts represented by Black lawmakers left him angry and distraught.Even so, he said he is still proud his mother had the courage to go to Selma \"when others sat in their pretty little houses.”One morning, the Klan returnedThe inscription at the bottom of Vernon Dahmer Sr.'s tombstone reads simply: \"If you don't vote, you don't count.”It is a message that embodies his life's work and the story behind his death.Even after Democratic President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, not every state was eager to implement the new law. In Mississippi, it came with a “poll tax.” The amount was $2, but in a world where a farmworker's wages might only be $5 a day, that was substantial, said Dahmer's son, Dennis Dahmer Sr.The elder Dahmer, 57 at the time of his death, was a successful businessman who owned a store, sawmill and farm near Hattiesburg. He also was a civil rights leader and NAACP president in Ford County. He offered to pay the $2 for Black residents who wanted to register to vote.He had already been under scrutiny by the local Ku Klux Klan. There was harassment and there were threatening phone calls. The windows were shot out of his store, but no one challenged him directly because his sons were always present and armed.That seemed to trail off after Johnson signed the law.“The Klan quit calling,\" Dennis Dahmer said. \"They quit shooting out the windows, so my family thought that all of this was behind us.”That changed in the early hours of Jan. 10, 1966, when two carloads of Klansmen showed up. They firebombed the house and adjacent grocery store and began shooting at the house. The elder Dahmer shot back, using his ample arsenal to fight off the attack.His wife and the three children who were home survived, but he suffered severe injuries from inhaling the smoke and fumes from the flames. He died later that day.Dennis Dahmer was 12 as he stood next to his dad's hospital bed. He wondered why some people wanted his father dead just for trying to help Black people vote.A former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, Sam Bowers, was convicted in 1998 for the attack and sentenced to life.Like the families of other survivors, Dennis Dahmer's family has witnessed the methodical dismantling of the Voting Rights Act.\"Finally, they basically turned it into a relic,” he said.His plan now is activism, to speak out and promote the need for a massive voter turnout. He also wants to remind people of the price that certain families paid for everyone to have the right to vote and be represented by someone of their choosing.“We’re living in a time when America has a lot of the same characteristics of the 1960s that I grew up in,” he said. \"People say, are we going back? Hell, we’re already there.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/some-paid-the-ultimate-price-to-enact-voting-rights-their-survivors-see-america-turning-backward/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gary Fields, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:07:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBTK2EDWMN5EGHEMSJJ2UVM5S4A.jpg","slug":"some-paid-the-ultimate-price-to-enact-voting-rights-their-survivors-see-america-turning-backward"},{"id":"nc0bnd","title":"A Reflecting Pool that has long enticed visitors now gains police scrutiny under Trump","excerpt":"The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is many things.Murky. Peaceful. Stinky. The backdrop for protests, vigils, celebrations and stunning sunrise photos. Beset by gnats and algae. Scenery for a run. A key part of the capital's carefully designed monumental core. The location of an iconic scene in...","content":"The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is many things.Murky. Peaceful. Stinky. The backdrop for protests, vigils, celebrations and stunning sunrise photos. Beset by gnats and algae. Scenery for a run. A key part of the capital's carefully designed monumental core. The location of an iconic scene in “Forrest Gump.” One thing it's generally not: a strictly enforced police zone.Entering the pool has always been illegal, but, in general, the most someone wading into the water might expect is a direction from a police officer to get out. But that has changed since President Donald Trump insisted last weekend, without providing evidence, that vandals were responsible for damage to the pool's liner, undermining his renovation efforts after he blamed previous presidents for ignoring deterioration. Court documents filed this week show that the National Park Service reported to the U.S. Park Police a June 9 incident in which a sharp knife or razor cut the pool’s new liner.National Guard members and Park Police have patrolled the deck around the pool. The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching the already-peeling paint. He said he wanted to examine the new coating, briefly touching a still-attached chunk, then letting go shortly after a park worker told him to. At one point this week, crews were seen adding fencing near the area, which the administration attributed to preparations for July Fourth celebrations. Here’s a look at photos of how people have interacted with the Reflecting Pool over the years.The scrutiny belies the fact that the Reflecting Pool has always been enticing to visitors. During the Poor People's Campaign in 1968, the pool offered relief from the summer heat.And during the bitter cold of winter, it has become an unlikely urban skating rink. Now, it is home to mobile surveillance towers and increased law enforcement foot patrols, while the hum of nanobubblers punctuates the June air.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/27/a-reflecting-pool-that-has-long-enticed-visitors-now-gains-police-scrutiny-under-trump/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steven Sloan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:00:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FB4Y3ITRJX5A3HC3EOORTAQ63YQ.jpg","slug":"a-reflecting-pool-that-has-long-enticed-visitors-now-gains-police-scrutiny-under-trump"},{"id":"ogbxyt","title":"Ukraine strikes industrial facility in Russia's Volgograd as Russian drone attack kills 1","excerpt":"Ukraine struck a major industrial facility in the Russian city of Volgograd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday, while a Russian drone attack killed a man in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region overnight.Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military in...","content":"Ukraine struck a major industrial facility in the Russian city of Volgograd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday, while a Russian drone attack killed a man in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region overnight.Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year. The campaign, which Zelenskyy has said aims to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, stalling Moscow’s efforts on the battlefield and heaping pressure on Putin, Western officials and analysts say.Writing on X, Zelenskyy said that FP-5 Flamingo missiles hit the Titan-Barrikady facility in Volgograd in southwestern Russia, describing it as a “major industrial complex” where Russia “produces artillery systems and specialized military equipment, including components for missile launch systems.” According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the facility manufactures equipment for missile systems, including self-propelled launchers and transport-loading vehicles for the Iskander-M missile system, which it said is “the same system Russia regularly uses to strike Ukrainian cities.”Volgograd Gov. Andrei Bocharov confirmed an attack on a business in the region’s Krasnooktyabrsky district, saying 10 people had been wounded and taken to a hospital. He said production facilities at the site were damaged but did not identify the company. Ukraine's state security service said Saturday morning that Ukrainian forces also struck an oil pumping facility in Russia’s Vladimir region that supplies fuel to Moscow, for the second time this month.The attacks came a day after Ukraine launched what appeared to be one of Kyiv's biggest drone assaults since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion more than four years ago. The major nighttime attack targeted a dozen Russian regions, Russian-held Crimea and the surrounding seas, Moscow’s Defense Ministry said Friday, noting that Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones.Zelenskyy said Thursday he had ordered “a 40-day influence operation,” believed to mean an escalation of attacks, aimed at “compelling (Russia) to end the war” after U.S. peace efforts over the past year yielded no breakthrough.Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s Sumy region, a 66-year-old man was killed in a Russian drone strike on a private residence in the region, regional head Oleh Hryhorov said Saturday.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/ukraine-strikes-industrial-facility-in-russias-volgograd-as-russian-drone-attack-kills-1/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T10:59:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWVGNZBGWCRBPZBUV7GUWI5ENN4.jpg","slug":"ukraine-strikes-industrial-facility-in-russias-volgograd-as-russian-drone-attack-kills-1"},{"id":"j15cyq","title":"4 people, including 12-year-old boy, injured in shootout over move-out at apartments: HPD","excerpt":"Police said two groups of people at the apartment complex got into a fight over how one of the other groups was moving out, and shots were fired.","content":"Police said two groups of people at the apartment complex got into a fight over how one of the other groups was moving out, and shots were fired.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/4-people-including-11-year-old-injured-shootout-move-apartment-complex-coke-street-hpd/19387632/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Lileana Pearson","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:35:35.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19388147_062626-ktrk-move-out-shooting-push.png","slug":"4-people-including-12-year-old-boy-injured-in-shootout-over-move-out-at-apartments-hpd"},{"id":"2cmx5h","title":"Trump threatens 100% tax if European countries impose digital services tax","excerpt":"President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tax on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services from United States companies.","content":"President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tax on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services from United States companies.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/trump-threatens-100-tax-european-imports-countries-impose-digital-services/19390760/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:13:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19390798_062626-trump.png","slug":"trump-threatens-100-tax-if-european-countries-impose-digital-services-tax"},{"id":"8uagj9","title":"Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting married at Madison Square Garden? What we know","excerpt":"Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce really getting married at Madison Square Garden?Frenzied speculation surrounding the superstar singer and football player's upcoming wedding has spiked over the past few days as reports swirl that the two are getting married the first week in July at one of New Y...","content":"Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce really getting married at Madison Square Garden?Frenzied speculation surrounding the superstar singer and football player's upcoming wedding has spiked over the past few days as reports swirl that the two are getting married the first week in July at one of New York's iconic landmarks.Yet nearly a year after Kelce and Swift announced their engagement with the caption “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” they have disclosed little about their plans.Here's what we know and don't know.The wedding date is unconfirmed, but reports say early JulyNothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite The Associated Press' multiple requests to Swift’s representative for comment.Citing an entertainment industry executive and another person with knowledge of the matter, The New York Times reported that the couple were planning a gathering of 100 people at Madison Square Garden — an arena that seats up to 19,500 people — on July 2 followed by a second event at the arena for about 1,000 guests on July 3.The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm those details, but there are no public events planned at the Garden from June 29 until a Bon Jovi concert on July 7. Public records show that the city issued a permit for loading and unloading theatrical materials at the arena from June 29 to July 4. Winick Productions, a company that has produced red carpet events for the Grammy and Tony award shows and movie premieres, also applied for a permit to set up a canopy or tent outside the Garden for an event involving up to 999 people.Meanwhile, just a few weeks prior, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani jokingly referenced the reports of Swift and Kelce’s wedding during a press conference. Mamdani was answering questions about safety during the World Cup when he said, “We know it coincides with July Fourth, America 250, Taylor Swift’s wedding all happening at the same time, and we are so excited to welcome the world here.” Mamdani, however, said he was not invited to the wedding.“I wish them a lovely wedding. I’ll listen to ‘Only the Young’ at home on my own,” he said, referencing one of Swift's songs.MSG is a fortress, but has hosted weddings beforeMadison Square Garden may not scream “bridal,” but the venue is available for private rentals, advertising a banquet capacity for 1,250 — or 2,000 if you are only serving cocktails. And it has hosted weddings before. Sly Stone got married to Kathy Silva there in 1974 before thousands of fans. And more than 2,000 couples were wed in a mass ceremony at the Garden officiated by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in 1982.Located above Penn Station, the busiest rail hub in the U.S., the Garden doesn't scream “privacy\" either. But it does have guarded entrances, a secure garage and a lack of windows, which would allow Kelce, Swift and celebrity guests to stay out of sight of photographers or camera-equipped drones. That need for privacy popped up earlier in June when a large tent appeared next door to Swift’s Watch Hill estate in Rhode Island. Despite organizers denying the event was for Swift, a wave of speculation bubbled up online as photographers and some Swifties headed to the town to see if they could catch a glimpse of a possible wedding.Yet others have theorized that the MSG buzz could be an elaborate smoke screen to throw off attention to the couple's real wedding plans. Swift did once write, “No, you can’t come to the wedding,” in her song “But Daddy I Love Him,\" which some fans have been reupping lately as a reminder that the wedding isn't supposed to be a public spectacle.Friends, family, and plenty of celebrities expected to attendSwift joked in October that “anyone I've ever talked to” would be invited to the wedding, telling Graham Norton that she believed “the only stressful weddings” are those that are small and force people to make aggressive cuts to the guest list.Yet just who exactly will show up is to be determined. Aside from family, Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, will likely be in attendance. For Swift, close friends like Selena Gomez, Abigail Anderson Berard, the Haim sisters, Emma Stone and Gigi Hadid will all likely attend.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he couldn't talk about it when asked by The Associated Press if he was going to the wedding.“If it’s like when I got married, my wife did everything, so I just kind of followed her lead on it, showed up, right? Maybe he’s doing more but he looks like he’s pretty focused in on this job here, too,” Reid said in early June.Swift has a history of Fourth of July partiesPerhaps another clue why the week of the Fourth of July makes sense for Swift and Kelce's wedding is that the popstar has long been known for throwing elaborate parties over the American holiday.It wasn't too long ago that fans dubbed her Fourth of July events as “Taymerica,” where celebrities showed up at her Rhode Island estate wearing red, white and blue swimsuits, waving American flags and eventually shared some social media photos with the public. The timing also works with Kelce's football schedule, given the tight end once joked on his “New Heights” podcast, “Don’t make my friends have to choose whether or not they have to sell their tickets that week.”___Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre and Maria Sherman in New York and David Skretta in Kansas City, Missouri, contributed reporting.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/27/are-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-getting-married-at-madison-square-garden-what-we-know/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T11:53:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRI4SNU3HQBBSVGKQAJ2GGOWTG4.jpg","slug":"are-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-getting-married-at-madison-square-garden-what-we-know"},{"id":"w7fkg7","title":"Gracie the Giraffe, who was on the loose in Texas Hill Country, found safe, authorities say","excerpt":"Gracie the wandering giraffe was found on Friday afternoon after escaping her owner's ranch in the Texas Hill Country, authorities said. Recovery efforts to return her home are reportedly underway.","content":"Gracie the wandering giraffe was found on Friday afternoon after escaping her owner's ranch in the Texas Hill Country, authorities said. Recovery efforts to return her home are reportedly underway.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/gracie-giraffe-was-loose-west-texas-found-safe-authorities-say/19389757/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:06:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19389717_062626-ktrk-gracie-giraffe-found-img.png","slug":"gracie-the-giraffe-who-was-on-the-loose-in-texas-hill-country-found-safe-authorities-say"},{"id":"vw6lb8","title":"12-year-old calls 911 after mom, man found dead in apparent murder-suicide in Tomball, HCSO says","excerpt":"According to HCSO, the woman and the man had a history of violence between each other.","content":"According to HCSO, the woman and the man had a history of violence between each other.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/woman-man-found-dead-apparent-murder-suicide-12-year-old-call-police-tomball-area-hcso-says/19388169/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Mycah Hatfield","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:56:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19388172_baldwin-springs-murder-suicide.jpg","slug":"12-year-old-calls-911-after-mom-man-found-dead-in-apparent-murder-suicide-in-tomball-hcso-says"},{"id":"h51qlo","title":"Houston SPCA calls for help, looking for foster homes for over 100 orphaned kittens","excerpt":"The Houston SPCA issued an urgent call because over 100 orphaned kittens who graduated from its Neonatal Kitten Nursery are in need of foster homes.","content":"The Houston SPCA issued an urgent call because over 100 orphaned kittens who graduated from its Neonatal Kitten Nursery are in need of foster homes.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/houston-spca-calls-help-looking-foster-homes-100-orphaned-kittens/19390620/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:46:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"houston-spca-calls-for-help-looking-for-foster-homes-for-over-100-orphaned-kittens"},{"id":"lqjgz7","title":"A small plane has crashed into a Beijing high-rise, killing the pilot and injuring 13","excerpt":"Chinese authorities on Saturday said a small plane that crashed into a building in Beijing the day before had killed the pilot and injured 13 others.The authorities of the Chaoyang district, a vibrant business area, said a two-seat light sport aircraft collided with a high-rise building near the ...","content":"Chinese authorities on Saturday said a small plane that crashed into a building in Beijing the day before had killed the pilot and injured 13 others.The authorities of the Chaoyang district, a vibrant business area, said a two-seat light sport aircraft collided with a high-rise building near the East Third Ring Road at 5:55 p.m. on Friday and caused the casualties. The short statement on WeChat did not identify the building or the pilot, who the authorities said was the only person on the craft.The global flight-tracking service provider Flightradar24 on Friday said the plane crashed into the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, which rises more than 1,700 feet (528 meters), just east of a major ring road in a cluster of skyscrapers. The 108-story CITIC tower, shaped like an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Beijing and is the tallest building in the city. Flightradar24 posted on social media the path of the plane, a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which took off from an airport about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Beijing. It headed westward and ended just east of the East Third Ring Road. Associated Press photos showed on Saturday apparent marks of the crash on the glass facade on one side of the CITIC Tower. A hole there had been covered up. It was not immediately known what caused the crash in a city with strict airspace controls, including a recent ban on drones. An investigation is underway into the situation, the authorities said. It was also unclear whether the injured were in the building or were hit by debris, but the statement said they were receiving treatment. The CITIC tower is just a roughly 20-minute drive from Zhongnanhai, a former imperial garden that now serves as headquarters of China’s top leadership, and a 15-minute drive from the Forbidden City, a popular tourist attraction. Social media posts about the crash were scrubbed from China’s walled-off internet on Friday, though footage has made its way outside of China’s firewall and is circulating on overseas sites such as X.com. A report by financial news platform Caixin about the crash's casualties soon became inaccessible on Saturday. Chinese authorities consider such incidents to be a sensitive matter.Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper. While the images were consistent with the location, it was not possible to independently confirm their authenticity. One image of the wreckage shows a partial registration number of “B-12.” The full registration number of the aircraft is B-12PP. According to Flightradar24, the aircraft was operated by Shuangyue General Aviation, an apparent reference to Dongshi Shuangyue (Beijing) General Aviation, whose website was not accessible on Saturday. The firm provides services ranging from private pilot training to aerial sightseeing tours, said an online platform citing official data. SA 60L is a product of Starair Aircraft, based in China's central Hunan province. According to Starair's website, the single-engine aircraft accounts for more than 70% of China’s light sports aircraft market and has been exported to Australia and the United States. Its maximum cruise speed is 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour and its maximum takeoff weight is 600 kilograms (1,322 pounds), the website said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/small-plane-crash-at-beijing-high-rise-kills-the-pilot-and-injures-13-authorities-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:20:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJCJ2GIRRCBAF3HC2H6KW5GZNQA.jpg","slug":"a-small-plane-has-crashed-into-a-beijing-high-rise-killing-the-pilot-and-injuring-13"},{"id":"3towqs","title":"Egypt advances past group stage at the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Iran","excerpt":"An Iranian fan rushed the field in celebration, necessitating seven security guards to successfully bring him down. Shoja Khalilzadeh ripped his jersey off before being mobbed by the entire Iran team after he fired a shot past Egypt goalie Mostafa Shobeir in the 93rd minute to seemingly give his ...","content":"An Iranian fan rushed the field in celebration, necessitating seven security guards to successfully bring him down. Shoja Khalilzadeh ripped his jersey off before being mobbed by the entire Iran team after he fired a shot past Egypt goalie Mostafa Shobeir in the 93rd minute to seemingly give his side a 2-1 lead on Friday night. For a few joyous moments, Iran was convinced it had advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year’s tournament. The potential late winning goal was called back due to an offside, though, and Egypt advanced past the group stage. Iran, meanwhile, will have to wait one day to find out its fate after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. Egypt will play Australia in the round of 32. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented what was the third goal by his side waved off by video review in the tournament. “Technology is justice,” Ghalenoei said in Farsi, “But, I'm upset about our bad luck.”At the conclusion of what was promoted as a “Pride Match” in Seattle, one which neither Iran nor Egypt wanted any part in, the Pharaohs finished in second place in Group G. Belgium, which played to a 1-1 draw against Egypt on June 15, beat New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia to win the group outright.Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was grateful his team didn't slide to third in the group, which would have been the case had Khalilzadeh's goal held up. “We knew we had qualified already, we were sitting at the top of the group,\" Hossan said. \"I thank God for everything. After this goal was ruled offside, I was very happy.”Iran, meanwhile, could still advance to the knockout round for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year’s tournament. But, they no longer controls their own destiny after Friday’s game.“We’re here to make our history, too,” said midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi. “(Saturday), if our dream comes true, thank God. If not, we are proud of our game and our players because of how we did the game. The last three games, we held up, so let’s see what happens.\"Egypt took an early lead on a goal by Mahmoud Saber in the fifth minute. Former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah provided some strong play in the box before Saber fired a shot between the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.Iran was denied an equalizer in the 11th minute when Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty kick, but tied the game in the 14th minute on a goal by Ramin Rezaeian. After Iran came up just short, its players aired their grievances about numerous complications off the field. The team has endured travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in light of the war in Iran.In March, Iran sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team’s arrival. Ghalenoei said members of the team have been limited to their hotels and training facilities, and not explored Tijuana in any capacity. Several team officials and members of the support staff have been barred from traveling into the U.S. with the team.“We don’t have recovery, we don’t have any logistic people here to help us. We always complain about these things, but no one helps us – no one,” said Roozbeh Cheshmi. “As you know, recovery is an important thing. Small details affect the football.\"For the first two matches, near Los Angeles, the team was not permitted to travel until the day before and had to return to Mexico immediately after each game. The U.S. then eased its restrictions, allowing the squad to travel to Seattle two days before Friday’s match.Ghalenoei said the team again had to immediately fly back to Tijuana after Friday's game. “We were treated very, very badly,” Ghalenoei said. “I hope the world becomes aware of these issues.”If only for a short stint of time, though, Iran's disdain was tabled in the aftermath of Khalilzadeh's near-goal. Iran did not finish Friday's game with a storybook ending, but it is still alive in the tournament — at least for another 24 hours. “What these young Iranian national team players have done should be recorded in history,” Ghalenoei said. “Why? Because the host treated us in the worst possible way.”___AP freelancer Mark Moschetti contributed to this report.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/egypt-survives-with-1-1-draw-against-iran-advances-past-group-stage-for-1st-time-at-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Destin, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T05:26:26.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3BITZSFJYVHAXBJBPFFX6XWNDM.jpg","slug":"egypt-advances-past-group-stage-at-the-world-cup-after-a-1-1-draw-with-iran"},{"id":"wtkfw4","title":"Andy Burnham distanced himself from UK Prime Minister Starmer, but may be stuck with his policies","excerpt":"Britain looks set to get a change of tone at the top, replacing stolid, unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer with popular, affable Andy Burnham.But the charismatic Burnham may have difficulty — at least initially — distancing himself from policies set in motion by his predecessor.Burnham, the fo...","content":"Britain looks set to get a change of tone at the top, replacing stolid, unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer with popular, affable Andy Burnham.But the charismatic Burnham may have difficulty — at least initially — distancing himself from policies set in motion by his predecessor.Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester who was sworn into Parliament hours after Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, will be constrained by the platform the center-left Labour Party was elected on that decisively ended 14 years of Conservative rule in 2024.It's not entirely clear how he'll navigate those limits and bring his unique brand of politics to the revolving-door post that would make him the 7th prime minister in a decade. He’ll lay out his economic vision in a speech next week. “At the moment, Andy Burnham is being almost hailed and held up as a folk hero that will save British politics,” said Matthew Flinders, politics professor at University of Sheffield. “The tide is changing and the big issue for Andy Burnham is that when the world suddenly moves against him and he becomes a folk devil, will he sustain the pressure?”Next PM will seek to boost a sluggish economy and ease cost of livingBurnham is currently the only contestant for the job of leading the Labour Party and the country, and will likely take over July 17 if no one else enters the race. His return to the House of Commons follows a decade leading the region around the U.K.’s third-largest city, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which has enjoyed an economic revival during his tenure.His main challenge will be to overcome Starmer's inability to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living.Burnham highlighted those issues — along with housing and creating opportunities for young people — in a post on social media after Starmer said he was quitting. “The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get,” he said on X. Burnham, who is widely regarded as sitting to the left of Starmer in the party, has said he'll revive a sluggish economy without going beyond the current government’s spending and borrowing plans. That pledge has helped reassure markets traumatized in 2022 after Prime Minister Liz Truss announced unfunded tax cuts and then withdrew them, leading to her 49-day record as Britain's shortest-serving leader.“If you are a Labour prime minister from the soft left of the party, the markets don’t need that much invitation to panic,” said Mark Goodwin, a politics lecturer at Coventry University. “They will start from a position of skepticism. So he’d have to be very, very careful.\"He said Burnham will face a challenge “to convince people that this is something different, without the markets reading that as ‘This is too different.’\"Burnham faces big questions over budget prioritiesBurnham promotes what has been called “Manchesterism,” a business-friendly socialist approach that involves harnessing private investment for major projects and decentralizing government to give communities more control of housing, utilities, transportation and education.In a possible preview of how he would move power from the capital, he is reportedly planning to move some of the prime minister’s operation closer to home, about 200 miles north of 10 Downing St., the London office and home of the U.K.’s leader.He has said he would not raise taxes on workers — sticking to a Starmer pledge — and suggested policies that include easing the tax burden on businesses, and possibly reversing an increase in a tax employers pay to fund pensions, public health care and welfare.The big question is how he will fund programs, if he'll scrap existing priorities, and how he'll meet demands for higher defense spending, said Jill Rutter, senior fellow at the Institute for Government think tank. Starmer's government pledged to meet a NATO target of spending 3.5% of GDP on the military by 2035. But John Healey stepped down as defense secretary this month after complaining that Starmer was not moving fast enough to meet the target.Burnham more comfortable with domestic issuesBurnham's lack of experience on the world stage could present a challenge improving the so-called special relationship with the U.S. after President Donald Trump turned on Starmer.Trump described Burnham this week as a “town” mayor and said he heard he was “extremely liberal” and probably wouldn't expand North Sea oil drilling — one of his frequent gripes about Starmer.Starmer made a priority of forging cordial ties with Trump despite their political differences, and was rewarded with a U.S.-U.K. trade deal. But it came at the cost of angering some in Labour's liberal voter base, and the president soured on Starmer after the British leader criticized his designs on Greenland and declined to enter the Iran war.Burnham has not always said nice things about Trump. After Trump's followers stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Burnham posted on X that \"any politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now.”Starmer won praise from many for his international role, especially in bolstering European support for Ukraine. But he was criticized by some for being distracted by foreign affairs, Rutter said. She doesn't expect the same from Burnham and he could farm out some of those duties by choosing an experienced hand as foreign secretary, the U.K.'s top diplomat.\"I don’t think Andy Burnham will want to be ‘never-here Andy’ in succession to ‘never-here Keir,’” Rutter said in reference to Starmer's globetrotting moniker.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Wednesday that she spoke with Burnham about policy issues and said “he’s 100% behind our unwavering support for Ukraine” and ”is a fundamental believer in NATO and in our shared deterrence and in the multilateral partnerships that we have.\"Playing it safe at first could allow radical reshapingAn early priority for Burnham will be something Starmer struggled with: crafting a clear and convincing narrative that people understand about the direction he wants to take the country, Flinders said.That plays to Burnham's communications skills and the popularity he has achieved by presenting himself as an amiable northern everyman who favors T-shirts over suits and ties, plays soccer for kicks and is known for spinning 1990s tunes during DJ battles. So far, he has played it safe and tried not to raise public expectations too high. But if he can prove himself to be a competent leader and win public support to survive the remaining three years before a general election must be held, he can lay out a bolder vision for another term in his own manifesto.Burnham has spoken of reshaping the political system, such as replacing the House of Lords with an elected senate and introducing proportional representation in voting. He also said he'd like to see the U.K. rejoin the European Union in his lifetime, though he backed away from that during his campaign in a constituency that voted 2-to-1 in favor of Brexit.“My sense is that he will take some time, sensibly, to build up his team, his narrative, his story and his connections in order to then try to secure a public mandate and the next general election to then approach the more radical phase that he wants to deliver, which is exactly what Margaret Thatcher did in the '80s,” Flinders said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/27/andy-burnham-distanced-himself-from-uk-prime-minister-starmer-but-may-be-stuck-with-his-policies/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brian Melley And Jill Lawless, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:27:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG2AW362MYBFQBLHF6IOXGHNSI4.jpg","slug":"andy-burnham-distanced-himself-from-uk-prime-minister-starmer-but-may-be-stuck-with-his-policies"},{"id":"xab9c2","title":"US strikes Iran to respond to attack on ship that Trump says violated ceasefire","excerpt":"The strikes were announced shortly after President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that \"you're going to find out\" if the U.S. will respond.","content":"The strikes were announced shortly after President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that \"you're going to find out\" if the U.S. will respond.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/us-strikes-iran-strait-hormuz-attack-centcom/19390282/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:37:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19390350_062626-wls-us-strikes-iran-4p-vo-vid.jpg","slug":"us-strikes-iran-to-respond-to-attack-on-ship-that-trump-says-violated-ceasefire"},{"id":"ciz2xy","title":"Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round","excerpt":"Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. “We are small,” he said. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”Cape Verde completed ...","content":"Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. “We are small,” he said. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw, a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on soccer’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay. “The team was very eager to show this to the whole world,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said while draped in his country's flag. “We are proud of having arrived at this stage. We have shown that we are a small country, but that we fight for the things that we want to achieve.” Cape Verde’s three points put the team in second place behind Spain, which beat Uruguay on Friday night and won the group.Cape Verde will play reigning World Cup champion Argentina in Miami on July 3.Drawing all three group matches doesn't guarantee advancement at major soccer tournaments. But several teams have done it in the past, including Wales in 1958, Ireland and the Netherlands in 1990, and Chile in 1998. New Zealand, however, also got three draws at the 2010 World Cup and was eliminated.On the eve of the match, Bubista mused, “everyone is entitled to dream and nothing is impossible.”The Blue Sharks proved him right, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds as this country of just more than 500,000 reached the round of 32.A woman, her face painted with a flag of the archipelago, held a sign that read: “Small Islands, Big Dreams.”A dream that these underdogs have made reality as they continue their charmed run on the world stage.They did it with another strong game from Vozinha, whose tournament success has helped him amass more than 16 million Instagram followers.He had a save in first half stoppage time, grabbing a header from Mohamed Kanno to keep Saudi Arabia scoreless. Another save came in the 66th minute when he leaped to deflect a shot from Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.A third came in the 92nd minute when he stopped a shot by Abdullah Al-Hamdan. “There is a lot of quality in our national team,” Vozinha said. “Maybe for many of you, you think the Cape Verdean player is not good enough. But we came here to show that we have a lot of quality and we are here to compete and our players can play everywhere in the big competition, in the big leagues.”A group of shirtless men in the crowd each painted one letter of his name on their chests as they cheered Cape Verde.But Vozinha had a much bigger fan among the crowd of 68,278 as his mother Ana Candida Evora watched from a luxury suite, waving a tiny Cape Verde flag. It was her second match of the tournament after missing Vozinha’s epic seven-save performance against Spain because of visa issues.Cape Verde had a chance to score in the 50th minute, but Kevin Pina's shot from distance was just above the crossbar. Another chance came in the 74th minute when Laros Duarte’s shot from the middle of the box was stopped by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. A last chance to score came in the final seconds when Nuno da Costa sent a shot from the middle of the box wide left.But it didn’t matter because a couple of minutes after the final whistle, Spain completed its victory over Uruguay and set off a joyous celebration among Cape Verde's players and fans, many of whom cried as they rejoiced.Having led his squad to new heights, Bubista was asked if he could have imagined such a run entering the tournament. “I’ve always said that sooner or later Cape Verde would be on such a stage,” he said. “Of course it’s hard to have such a forecast, but I always knew.”Saudi Arabia was eliminated after finishing with two points in the group stage. “We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions,” coach Georgios Donis said. “And one cannot win a game this way. It would be very difficult.” ___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/cape-verdes-dream-run-continues-becoming-smallest-country-into-world-cup-knockout-round/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kristie Rieken, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T02:06:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F625FMUUXZ5APZM3JW5IUBEJU7E.jpg","slug":"cape-verdes-dream-run-continues-becoming-smallest-country-into-world-cup-knockout-round"},{"id":"dwx5dt","title":"Texas board approves adding Bible stories to required reading for over 5M public school students","excerpt":"A Texas board approved adding Bible stories to required reading for the state's more than 5 million public school students.","content":"A Texas board approved adding Bible stories to required reading for the state's more than 5 million public school students.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/texas-bible-schools-vote-school-board-required-readings-public-education/19386546/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:59:30.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19386531_062626-wls-tx-bible-readings-in-schools-430avo-vid.jpg","slug":"texas-board-approves-adding-bible-stories-to-required-reading-for-over-5m-public-school-students"},{"id":"9uejkg","title":"Rainbow flags dot Iran and Egypt's match as Seattle celebrates Pride during the World Cup","excerpt":"Rainbow flags fluttered among the sea of Iranian and Egyptian banners at Seattle’s World Cup stadium Friday, as teams from two of the most repressive countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people took to the field.It was just a coincidence that the city’s “Pride Match” ended up as a...","content":"Rainbow flags fluttered among the sea of Iranian and Egyptian banners at Seattle’s World Cup stadium Friday, as teams from two of the most repressive countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people took to the field.It was just a coincidence that the city’s “Pride Match” ended up as a high-stakes matchup between Iran and Egypt — ultimately a 1-1 draw — and it came with plenty of pushback from both countries. But Seattle officials and its soccer community say the distinctive pairing was an opportunity to showcase the city’s inclusivity as well as the common ground that can be found at the World Cup.Some milled about the stadium with Pride Match scarves, while others had painted their faces with rainbows or clutched free flags handed out by a human rights organization. One man toted a large sign that spelled out PRIDE as an acronym: “Proud, Respectful, Inclusive, Diverse, Egyptian.”Stacy Harbour works for an LGBTQ+ nonprofit invited by the local organizing committee and brought 20 young people to the match. Harbour said she’s glad these two countries were the ones competing.“There are groups of folks that live here in Seattle that are of Egyptian, Iranian descent. This is their opportunity to represent their intersectional identities,” she said. “This is an opportunity to show the world what Seattle is. And Seattle is an inclusive city. We always have been, we always will be.”Pride celebrations are low-key inside the stadiumSame-sex relations are illegal in Iran, where gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, while Egypt has prosecuted gay and lesbian people and suppressed outward expressions of gay pride, including rainbow flags. The countries had complained to FIFA about the “Pride Match” and asked that the celebrations be canceled. In a statement earlier Friday, Iran's federation said it had made its position clear to FIFA in multiple letters and meetings and was assured “that no ceremonies or promotional activities related to this issue will take place inside the stadium or as part of the official match programme.”“Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflect the shared values and beliefs of the people of the two nations,” Iran's federation said.The pre-match festivities on the field did not include any references to Pride, and by halftime, some fans said they were disappointed by the lack of Pride-related celebrations.“I don’t expect a lot from FIFA, so I am not that surprised, but it’s a little disappointing,” said Hunter Schafer, of Seattle, wearing a rainbow headband.The Associated Press sent requests for comment on how the Pride Match unfurled to the Iranian and Egyptian federations, as well as the organizing committee, on Friday night. Hana Tadesse, a spokesperson for Seattle’s World Cup organizing committee, said before the match that FIFA treats the rainbow flag as a statement of human rights and would allow fans to wave it inside the stadium.British activist Peter Tatchell brought a protest placard that read, “Iran & Egypt ban gay footballers. It's against FIFA rules.” He said in a statement that officials at the stadium tried to confiscate the poster, but he refused to hand it over and was ultimately told he couldn't leave his seat. A separate request for comment on the incident was sent to the organizing committee.“I don’t have any idea about that,” Iran player Ramin Rezaeian said when asked about the match's Pride designation after the game. Egyptian player Mahmoud Saber responded similarly, saying in Arabic, “Yeah, it’s not my business. I am not commenting on these things.”The ‘Pride Match’ makes fans feel seenAnthony Vega, 50, stood outside the stadium more than three hours before kickoff, waving a large rainbow flag he planned to bring inside. At his first World Cup match after winning the ticket lottery, he said he thought more people would be outside with Pride flags.“If one or two kids in Iran or Egypt see who we really are as Americans and how we are accepting, especially here in my home, that could change the lives for a lot of people, or them,” said Vega, who celebrated his first Pride in 1991.Paul Kahl, a West Seattle native who wore a purple shirt in support of Pride, said he didn't experience any issues getting into the stadium.“I think there’s a difference between the fans of a country versus the government of a country. And, their government’s not here,” he said. “Their fans are here to see the game. It’s the World Cup. You leave your politics at the door.”The match coincided with Seattle’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, including its popular Pride parade planned for the weekend.Ilona Lohrey, president and CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association, an LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, described Seattle as one of the most inclusive cities in the country.“I think it gives us an opportunity to showcase who we are as a city, who we are as a people and how diversity makes us stronger,” Lohrey said in an interview Thursday.Sara Bunn, who identifies as pansexual, started to tear up, standing outside the stadium with a Pride flag wrapped around her shoulders and a shirt that read, “Trans People Belong.” “This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bunn said, “and it’s really cool to be able to be a part of it and be a part of history of us being able to be represented.”___AP Sports Writer Andrew Destin and Owen Cameros, a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State, contributed to this report.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/pride-match-organizers-highlight-seattles-inclusivity-amid-opposition-from-iran-and-egypt/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Hallie Golden And Andrew Destin, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:51:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4Y6QO32OJVGZ3P6QRB4ORZ5VQA.jpg","slug":"rainbow-flags-dot-iran-and-egypts-match-as-seattle-celebrates-pride-during-the-world-cup"},{"id":"oyijg0","title":"US strikes Iran in response to a drone attack on a ship","excerpt":"The U.S. struck Iran on Friday in response to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. It's the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their months-long war and reopen the pivotal waterway....","content":"The U.S. struck Iran on Friday in response to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. It's the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their months-long war and reopen the pivotal waterway.U.S. President Donald Trump said the drone attack violated the ceasefire. The strikes came shortly after Trump told reporters, “You’ll find out,” whether the U.S. would respond.U.S. Central Command said the military struck missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites in Iran.“I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday, actually four of them,” Trump said at the White House shortly before the U.S. struck back. When asked why there would be strikes when Trump has insisted talks with Tehran are going well, Trump said of Iran: “They’re a little bit different.”He then abruptly cut off questions and reporters were ushered out of his office.Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, responded to Trump on social media earlier Friday, saying, “the Strait of Hormuz is governed by Iran, so: Respect the rules” and to “not mistake control for escalation.”“This is not a violation of the ceasefire; it is ceasefire management,” Azizi wrote.Friday evening, Vice President JD Vance said on social media that Iran should “pick up the phone” if there are disagreements about the ceasefire agreement. “But violence will be met with violence,” Vance said.Strikes conclude an hour laterThe U.S. strikes on Iran concluded about an hour after U.S. Central Command announced the military action on social media, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing military operation.The British military said on Thursday that a container ship was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, coming hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using the route. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said no injuries were reported.The development came during a fragile time for the U.S. and Iran as they work to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Iran has increasingly challenged the region and the U.S. over its control of the Strait of Hormuz, even with the current interim deal it reached with the U.S. last week.The attack on the cargo ship happened while a United Nations maritime agency was beginning an operation to move stranded ships out of the strait this week, using an alternative route, hugging the shores of Oman rather than sailing through the central part of the strait. The International Maritime Organization halted the evacuations after the attack and said on Friday they won’t resume until there are guarantees that the other ships won’t be attacked. About 115 ships were able to move out of the strait in recent days, leaving about 500 still in the area, said Arsenio Dominguez, the agency’s secretary-general.The opening of the alternative passage through the strait was expected to relieve pressure on the world economy and remove Iran’s main source of leverage in ongoing peace talks with the U.S. The U.S. and Iran are still negotiating terms of the deal, including issues such as getting ships through the key strait and addressing the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Under the interim deal, the two sides have 60 days to work out the details. Cargo ship attack poses a test for shippingShipping analysts said the drone strike cast a shadow over what had been a growing stream of trapped vessels finally leaving the Gulf and an increasing flow of tankers carrying crude oil.“A week of widening commercial confidence in the Strait of Hormuz has hit its first significant test,” said marine data company Windward on X. It said that while the strait remains operationally open with 43 transits recorded after the incident, “the pace of normalization has slowed.”On Wednesday before Thursday’s drone strike, 78 vessels transited the strait, the highest since the war began, although below the prewar averages of 130 or more per day. At least two tankers reversed course while attempting to transit the strait on the U.N.-backed route near Oman after Iran insisted vessels use only the Teheran-approved routes, according to marine data and analytic firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence.More than two dozen ships were still transiting the strait's southern route after the attack, Lloyd's said Friday. Lebanon and Israel make a step toward peace Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon announced an agreement Friday described as a step toward peace following months of conflict between Israeli troops and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's ambassador to the U.S., called the framework a move toward \"enabling our people to go back to their land and allowing all Lebanese to live in peace, security, and prosperity.”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the plan was a “great achievement” for Israel. “The most important thing, first and foremost, is that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon,” he said, adding that they will stay until Hezbollah is disarmed and no longer poses a threat to Israel.___Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Ben Finley, Michelle L. Price and Josh Boak in Washington, David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/26/missile-alert-goes-off-in-dubai-in-the-united-arab-emirates-warning-of-an-incoming-projectile/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:25:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPB5GALBOIBBBLBNXVRQI4ELAT4.jpg","slug":"us-strikes-iran-in-response-to-a-drone-attack-on-a-ship"},{"id":"bh0q99","title":"Disney announces new animated short 'Lilo & Scratch' to debut in theaters this November","excerpt":"Happy 626 Day! Disney Animation has announced an all-new short, \"Lilo & Scratch,\" debuting in theaters this November with Disney's upcoming animated feature, \"Hexed.\" Stitch may have finally met his match when Lilo brings home a mischievous new cat!","content":"Happy 626 Day! Disney Animation has announced an all-new short, \"Lilo & Scratch,\" debuting in theaters this November with Disney's upcoming animated feature, \"Hexed.\" Stitch may have finally met his match when Lilo brings home a mischievous new cat!","url":"https://abc7.com/post/disney-announces-new-animated-short-lilo-scratch/19389896/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:25:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19389916_062626-cc-otrc-lilioandscratcharticle-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"disney-announces-new-animated-short-lilo-scratch-to-debut-in-theaters-this-november"},{"id":"3eom41","title":"There's a beef about beef at the World Cup, as Argentina fans pour into Texas","excerpt":"Drop thousands of Argentina fans into Texas for the World Cup and the debate is inevitable. It's not about who has the best team or whether Lionel Messi is the best player at the tournament. It's about who produces the best, most succulent steaks, and how to prepare the meat.That's right: There's...","content":"Drop thousands of Argentina fans into Texas for the World Cup and the debate is inevitable. It's not about who has the best team or whether Lionel Messi is the best player at the tournament. It's about who produces the best, most succulent steaks, and how to prepare the meat.That's right: There's a beef about beef between two of the top cattle-raising areas of the world, where steak is deeply ingrained in diet and culture. Texas ranks No. 1 in the United States in beef production and the U.S. is second only to Brazil globally, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Argentina ranks sixth.It's a high-steaks question: Who does do it best?The case for Argentine beef“Argentine beef is simply unbeatable. The savory texture, the style of the cut — there is no competing with it,” said Carlos Eduardo Barahona, 64, an Argentine chef who's lived in Texas since 1998. From the cheapest cuts to the most expensive, Argentina is tops, asserts Barahona, who has worked in restaurants across Argentina, Uruguay, and Texas. “You can make an (Argentine) asado with the cheapest cut in our country and you will enjoy it. Here, you can use the best meat, like tenderloin, and depending on its source, it can turn out tough, inedible or tender. But our beef has a completely different flavor profile,” Barahona said.Argentine beef cattle is mostly grass-fed on open pastures, taking longer to reach the point it is ready for market. The result is leaner meat with intense earthy flavors. The case for Texan beefPredominantly grain-fed beef in Texas and the U.S. will have more marbling — the streaks of intramuscular fat that act as internal baster and make the meat juicy and tender — and a sweeter flavor.“There’s no better beef than U.S. beef, particularly Texas beef,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.But Argentine beef is very good too, Miller said. Thanks to Texas.Miller said his agency opened a marketing office more than a decade ago to connect Texas' cattle raisers with ranchers in South America, notably in Argentina.“I don’t want to disparage our friends in Argentina, but we have helped them improve,” he said.“Their genetics were lacking. We do have them up to pretty high quality. We sold them a lot of semen, embryos, and breeding stock,” Miller added. Miller congratulated Argentine farmers on improving the quality of their cows.“Their herds have American genetics in them, so they should be good,” Miller said.The verdict is in the eye of the beefholder Argentine fan Gonzalo Herrera browsed packaged meat at a Walmart in Arlington, Texas, after watching Messi score two goals in a win over Austria. He shrugged at the whose-beef-is-better debate.“Honestly, I don’t see a massive difference,” Herrera said as he packed four T-bone steaks into his shopping cart. “The key is knowing exactly which cuts to buy and finding the equivalent of what we eat in Argentina,” he said, shaking his head at the $45 price.“Prices are higher here,” Herrera said.The beef banter just as easily boils down to recipes and preferences in style and thickness of cuts. It's a matter of taste, quite literally, when it comes to seasoning, searing, smoking, butter, pepper, sauces and so forth.At Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse in Dallas, steaks are prepared with just salt and mesquite charcoal, said assistant manager Emmanuel Tobon.“There's a big difference. Texans use a lot of pepper, they use butter, they use a little barbecue (sauce),” Tobon said. “(Argentines) like to bring all the flavor of the steak by only using salt.”Argentina still has at least one more match to play in Dallas, on Saturday. Fans of the Albiceleste have been packing the restaurant, seeking a quick taste of home during the World Cup.“They have been enjoying the Texas culture,” Tobon said. “(But) it has been a great pleasure to have all of them, to make them feel like home.”Argentines are fiercely proud of their steak culture, recipes that have been passed down for generations, and the “sacred” work of the grill master at large family meals, he said.For Fernando Garcia Morillo, an Argentine from Buenos Aires who now lives near Miami, the meat from both countries is great. But he longs for the traditions of home whenever he orders steak in the U.S.“I order just salt, no pepper, just plain,” Morillo said. “Sometimes they use a lot of sauce.”He dismissed any notion of a beef between the U.S and Argentina.“Maybe there's a rivalry as usual against Brazil, our neighbor,” he said. “I love the U.S. meat.”___Vertuno reported from Austin, Texas.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/27/theres-a-beef-about-beef-at-the-world-cup-as-argentina-fans-pour-into-texas/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Vertuno, Debora Rey And Thomas Peipert, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T04:11:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEKWHKGZNP5F53JGO3YP4H5DLNI.jpg","slug":"theres-a-beef-about-beef-at-the-world-cup-as-argentina-fans-pour-into-texas"},{"id":"xan89p","title":"Cheryl Reeve steps away from the WNBA grind for a Hall of Fame induction","excerpt":"Cheryl Reeve is taking a break from her busy WNBA season to head to Knoxville this weekend and be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.She's only the second WNBA coach to enter the Hall of Fame, joining former Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor, who was inducted in 2001.“(I apprecia...","content":"Cheryl Reeve is taking a break from her busy WNBA season to head to Knoxville this weekend and be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.She's only the second WNBA coach to enter the Hall of Fame, joining former Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor, who was inducted in 2001.“(I appreciate) the magnitude of this recognition of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the great work that has gone into this institution,” Reeve said. “To walk around and see the history of how much has been done years before I could ever have this opportunity to coach. Grateful to the WNBA because I think there was some consideration given schedule wise.”Reeve will be joined by WNBA greats Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne in this year's class. Parker and Delle Donne also will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Other inductees include ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl, Spanish star Amaya Valdemoro, French great Isabelle Fijalkowski and Clemson's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.Parker and Delle Donne were shocked to learn that Reeve was only the second WNBA coach to be honored.“When you look at Cheryl’s career and what she’s done and all the winning and all the Hall of Famers she’s coached and then you look at her and she’s not ancient, like, that’s rare,” Delle Donne said. “That’s just how good she is and how long she’s been winning and doing it at a young age. Cheryl’s phenomenal. She made life really hard when we were playing against her.”Reeve has won four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx, whom she has coached since 2010. She also led the U.S. women's Olympic team to an eighth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Reeve has 378 victories and is one win behind Mike Thibault for the most all-time in WNBA history.She has a chance to match Thibault on Sunday when the Lynx play the Dallas Wings.Parker won three titles in the WNBA playing with three different teams: Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas. She is the only player in league history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season (2008).She also won two titles while playing in college for Tennessee under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, plus two Olympic gold medals and a second WNBA MVP award (2013).“I'm super humbled to be going in with Elena and with the other inductees in the 2026 class,” Parker said.Delle Donne won two league MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the second of which came when she led the Washington Mystics to their lone WNBA championship. Delle Donne became the first player in league history to shoot more than 50% from the field, 40% from behind the 3-point line and 90% from the foul line.Burke has covered basketball for ESPN since 1991 and in 2024 became the first woman to call the NBA Finals as a TV analyst. She was also the lead voice for the network in women's college basketball for many years. Burke played college basketball at Providence, scoring 1,372 points.Valdemoro starred for the Spanish national team while playing on the 2004 and 2008 Olympic teams. She also was a member of the Houston Comets, winning three WNBA titles with the organization.Muhl won 1,108 games and nine national titles at Kirkwood Community College. He had 37 consecutive 20-win seasons before retiring this past April.Fijalkowski was a five-time French League champion and two-time EuroLeague winner. She was the French national team's all-time leading scorer with 2,562 points in 204 games.Kennedy-Dixon had 3,113 points and 1,252 rebounds for Clemson. She was one of just eight players to have at least 3,000 points and 1,000 rebounds since the NCAA began sponsoring women's sports. She played professionally in Italy, and then played for the Virginia Wave in 1989 in the Women’s American Basketball Association before the league folded the same year.Kennedy-Dixon died in 2018.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/cheryl-reeve-steps-away-from-the-wnba-grind-for-a-hall-of-fame-induction/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Feinberg, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:02:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWCDE4EIIXVHSXGT6LJAFJDOIRE.jpg","slug":"cheryl-reeve-steps-away-from-the-wnba-grind-for-a-hall-of-fame-induction"},{"id":"yv0jpe","title":"Maple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick in NHL draft","excerpt":"Gavin McKenna’s nerves finally eased when lifetime Maple Leafs fan and international pop icon Justin Bieber took the NHL draft stage to announce who Toronto was selecting No. 1.“He was looking at me and I kind of was thinking, maybe,” McKenna said with a laugh. “Crazy. Just crazy what’s going on ...","content":"Gavin McKenna’s nerves finally eased when lifetime Maple Leafs fan and international pop icon Justin Bieber took the NHL draft stage to announce who Toronto was selecting No. 1.“He was looking at me and I kind of was thinking, maybe,” McKenna said with a laugh. “Crazy. Just crazy what’s going on right now.”With most of Yukon watching and a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in the stands, Toronto chose the Penn State left winger, validating longstanding projections of McKenna being his age group’s top prospect. The 18-year-old from Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.And if Bieber’s appearance and taking the stage to the artist's song “Yukon” wasn’t enough, McKenna was welcomed to the Maple Leafs with a video message from Toronto captain Auston Matthews.“Obviously he’s on the first line. I’m going to have to prove myself to be able to play with a player like that. But that’s my goal,” McKenna said about Matthews, who was chosen No. 1 by Toronto in the 2016 draft, which also happened to be held in Buffalo. “My game’s obviously a playmaker, he’s a shooter, so I think we could complement each other pretty well.”McKenna represents a major plank in in a rebuilding process for a team in transition under new general manager John Chayka. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since Matthews’ arrival.Canucks select coach's son, Caleb MalhotraThe draft featured dueling cheers — and boos — between large contingents of Maple Leafs and Sabres fans, several surprises, nine trades and a poignant father-son moment when Vancouver selected center Caleb Malhotra with the No. 3 pick, joining a team coached by dad Manny Malhotra.“I hugged him right after, and we were happy,” said Caleb, who is from British Columbia and finished second among OHL rookies with 84 points with Brantford last season. “It’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve never felt anything like this. And that embrace was so comforting, and I’m so glad he’s here with me as dad.”Malhotra said his dad was not aware of the Canucks’ draft plans. And he now has bragging rights on his father in being selected four spots higher, after Manny went No. 7 to the New York Rangers in 1998.Run on defensemenAfter forwards went with the first three picks, including Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg second to San Jose, the expected run on defensemen began with five selected over the next six picks, and 10 overall. Buffalo selected Prince Albert blue-liner Daxon Rudolph at No. 4, followed by Latvia’s Alberts Smits going fifth to the Rangers. Chase Reid, who is from Michigan, went seventh to Seattle as the first American-born player selected.Smits split last season playing professionally in Finland and Germany, while also representing Latvia at the Milan Cortina Olympics. He became the highest drafted Latvian.Trades and more tradesThis was a much more active first round with picks traded for NHL players than the previous couple of years. The Rangers got Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas for picks 26 and 92, and a 2028 first-rounder. Boston acquired JJ Peterka from Utah for a pair of first-rounders. And St. Louis traded two of its picks to Anaheim for Mason McTavish.The selections featured an international flavor with 10 Canadians, a first-round-record seven Swedes and seven Americans chosen. The first round ended with Ottawa selecting forward Jaxon Cover, who was born in Miami, raised on Grand Cayman where he played roller hockey, and developed his hockey skills in Toronto. And Bieber wasn't the only music star to make a pick, with country music's Luke Bryan on hand to announce Nashville's selection of Wyatt Cullen before performing a concert a few blocks away.Rudolph was wowed watching his good friend McKenna being welcomed to the stage.“To see him be selected first and with Justin Bieber and everything, it was amazing,” Rudolph said. “I just remember talking to my mom and saying. ‘Wow, this is so cool,’ as I’m sitting there on the couch waiting to be picked.”McKenna accustomed to the spotlightMcKenna is accustomed to the spotlight. He combined for 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games with Medicine Hat in the WHL. As a freshman at Penn State, he finished with 51 points, tied for fourth in the nation, last season.He became just the fifth NCAA player to go first, and third in six years, since Michigan defenseman Owen Power went No. 1 to Buffalo in 2021.McKenna also became the fifth Yukon-born player to be selected in the draft, and first to go No. 1. He now heads to a metropolis that is nearly 100 times larger than Whitehorse’s population of about 39,000.This was the NHL’s second straight decentralized draft, with teams making selections from their respective headquarters. Decentralized draft Part IILacking in the new format is each draft pick joining his new team’s front office on stage. Last year, the NHL attempted to rectify that by having teams welcome their prospects by video conference call on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The interviews were widely panned for being awkward and glitchy, and contributing to the draft lasting nearly 4 1/2 hours.This year the NHL had the top prospects seated with their families in what resembled a lounge area, featuring plush couches, directly in front of the stage. After being selected, each player was interviewed on a couch on stage, with the backdrop representing the team in a first round that took about four hours to complete.___AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno and AP freelance writer Denis Gorman contributed to this report.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/maple-leafs-select-penn-state-forward-gavin-mckenna-with-the-no-1-nhl-draft-pick/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"John Wawrow, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:07:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDQ4TMHESIBC6FHYUFVROADWU7A.jpg","slug":"maple-leafs-select-penn-state-forward-gavin-mckenna-with-the-no-1-pick-in-nhl-draft"},{"id":"3w4oxr","title":"Spain wins its World Cup group, beating Uruguay 1-0 as Muslera’s error sends 2-time champion home","excerpt":"Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 after another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera, advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup and eliminating the South American powerhouse on Friday.Uruguay, a two-time champion, will go home without any victories in its three Group H games. Spain, the Europe...","content":"Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 after another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera, advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup and eliminating the South American powerhouse on Friday.Uruguay, a two-time champion, will go home without any victories in its three Group H games. Spain, the European champion, won the group with seven points and will face the second-place team from Group J — either Austria or Algeria — on Thursday in Inglewood, California.Álex Baena scored in the 42nd minute after Muslera couldn’t fully swat away his shot from inside the area. It was the third blunder of the tournament by the 40-year-old Muslera, who asked coach Marcelo Bielsa to substitute him at halftime. Sergio Rochet came in to start the second half.“He is the one who decided to leave,” Bielsa said.The veteran Argentine coach said he feels like Uruguay deserved better luck considering its performances, and should have earned seven points instead of two from its group matches. But he took full responsibility for the team's failure.“No one wants to listen to explanations now,” Bielsa said. “The blame is on me, I’m the one responsible for the disappointing work that I did. I had a group of quality players.”At 19th in the FIFA rankings, Uruguay is the highest-ranked team to be eliminated so far.“Every match is different and you have to win every type of match,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. “This was a game with maximum difficulty.”De la Fuente said midfielder Yéremy Pino likely suffered a broken collarbone that would sideline him for the rest of the tournament. Pino, who entered the match in the 66th minute, stayed on until the end despite the injury because Spain had already made all five substitutions.Cape Verde, which played Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in the other group game on Friday, finished second in the group with three points, one more than both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay finished third but without enough points to be among the best eight third-place teams that will advance.A few Uruguay players cried on the field after the final whistle. Many fans booed the team as it left. The match was one of the most anticipated of the group stage, but it featured few significant scoring chances by either team.“I'm very proud of all the work that we have done,” Baena said. “We competed very well.”Uruguay players loudly advocated for a penalty in the final minutes after Federico Viñas went down inside the area.There was some tension near the end. Uruguay’s Agustín Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time for a tackle on Spain defender Paul Cubarsi. His teammates had to escort him off the field, and after the final whistle he returned to try to talk to the referee.Uruguay, the World Cup winner in 1930 and 1950, came into the final group match in turmoil after draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Uruguayan media said there were reports of players not being happy with Bielsa.Spain, seeking its second World Cup title, opened with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but was coming off a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. La Roja haven’t made it past the round of 16 since winning their lone title in 2010.Spain striker Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament nursing a left hamstring injury, had a lackluster outing and again didn’t play the entire match, being replaced by Ferran Torres in the 76th minute. The 18-year-old Yamal was replaced at halftime against Saudi Arabia and came off the bench in the second half against Cape Verde.Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to replaced because of an apparent knee injury near the end of the first half. He was on the ground seeking medical assistance when Spain opened the scoring, and was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.King Felipe VI of Spain was among the crowd of 45,065 at Estadio Akron.A moment of silence was observed before the match in memory of those who died when back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela late Wednesday.___Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed to this report.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/spain-wins-world-cup-group-beating-uruguay-1-0-as-musleras-error-sends-2-time-champion-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tales Azzoni, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T02:01:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FW5CSGYJKCZCQ5L4OHC3WFMNVEQ.jpg","slug":"spain-wins-its-world-cup-group-beating-uruguay-1-0-as-musleras-error-sends-2-time-champion-home"},{"id":"zbfl9","title":"France forward Ousmane Dembélé scores a first-half World Cup hat trick in 4-1 win over Norway","excerpt":"Not so fast, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé has just entered the Golden Boot race.Dembélé scored a first-half hat trick, including one off a feed from Mbappé, to help France beat Norway 4-1 at the World Cup on Friday.Dembélé's goals came in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes. It ...","content":"Not so fast, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé has just entered the Golden Boot race.Dembélé scored a first-half hat trick, including one off a feed from Mbappé, to help France beat Norway 4-1 at the World Cup on Friday.Dembélé's goals came in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes. It was the first first-half hat trick at the World Cup since Russia forward Oleg Salenko scored three of his five goals in the opening 45 minutes against Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.“It is a unique moment,” Dembélé said. “But the most important was to finish first of the group in the group stage, and we are focused on the round of 32, which is the most important.”France, which won the World Cup in 2018 and lost in the final four years ago, had already secured its place in the knockout round before Friday’s match. Norway was also assured of a spot in the round of 32 and ended up in second place in the group.Désiré Doué scored France's final goal in second-half injury time.Dembélé said changing their approach in the final group match was never a consideration. France has 10 goals through three games.“We want to win all our matches, but we remain focused,” Dembélé said.The fastest World Cup hat trick took only 7 minutes, 42 seconds. Hungary striker Laszlo Kiss, who had come on as a substitute, managed that feat late in the match against El Salvador at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.The quickest World Cup hat trick from the start of the match occurred at the 1954 tournament in Switzerland when Austria striker Erich Probst scored his three goals in the opening 24 minutes against Czechoslovakia.Dembélé, who won Ballon d’Or as Europe’s top player in 2025 and has now scored four goals at this year's World Cup, left the game in the 65th minute. He was replaced by Bradley Barcola.Thelo Aasgaard got Norway on the scoreboard after Dembélé’s second goal, finding the back of the net only 14 seconds after the restart. But Dembélé added his third goal less than nine minutes later to push the lead back to two.Dembélé increased his international goal total to eight while Mbappe now has 16 goals and four assists in 17 World Cup matches. He scored two goals in each of France’s wins over Senegal and Iraq.Erling Haaland was among 10 regular starters absent from Norway’s starting lineup, presumably to rest. The wholesale changes included Egil Selvik starting in goal in place of Orjan Nyland.Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said resting so many players was an easy decision for him.“The break that we had from the last game to this game was the shortest of any team. ... So it's a no-brainer,” he said. “The fans around Norway and also in the arena would have like to see Erling. But that is not really the issue. We want to proceed as long as we can in the tournament.”The Norwegians will next face Ivory Coast in the round of 32 on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. France will play the same day against one of the eight best third-place finishers in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Mbappé nearly got France on the scoreboard only 21 seconds into the game. He sprinted up the right side and sent a hard shot that hit the crossbar beyond the outstretched arm of Selvik.Dembélé was operating in space for his first goal when he took took a pass from Mbappé and blasted a right-footed shot across Selvik.On the Paris Saint-Germain player’s second goal, Dembélé found space between three defenders at the top of the box and fired in a left-footer beyond Selvik’s diving save attempt.Norway had a chance to close the gap back to one goal in the 49th when France defender Theo Hernandez was whistled for tripping Oscar Bobb in the box. But Jorgen Strand Larsen’s penalty shot toward the right corner was batted away by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.Before the game, French fans in attendance displayed a banner reading “AVEC TOI DIDIER” (With you Didier), acknowledging France coach Didier Deschamps' mother, Ginette Deschamps, who died this week. The coach missed the match against Norway on Friday because he was in France with family, leaving assistant Guy Stéphan in charge.Stéphan said Deschamps would rejoin the team for its next training session on Saturday.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/france-forward-ousmane-dembele-scores-a-first-half-world-cup-hat-trick-against-norway/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kyle Hightower, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:01:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUGOSX723KNFXHB5IDCMLDU335U.jpg","slug":"france-forward-ousmane-dembl-scores-a-first-half-world-cup-hat-trick-in-4-1-win-over-norway"},{"id":"a9z9i6","title":"Harvey Weinstein’s California rape conviction upheld, but court says he must be resentenced","excerpt":"An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California, but ordered the trial judge who gave him 16 years in prison to resentence him. A three-judge panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously issued the decision, saying his...","content":"An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California, but ordered the trial judge who gave him 16 years in prison to resentence him. A three-judge panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously issued the decision, saying his trial judge did not violate the former movie magnate's constitutional rights. “We reject his attempts to disturb the jury’s guilty verdicts,” the judges wrote in their opinion. Weinstein spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said in an email that “We are disappointed by today’s decision and respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal’s conclusions regarding the fairness of Mr. Weinstein’s trial. At the same time, the court correctly recognized that his sentence cannot stand.”The decision came a day after prosecutors in New York decided Weinstein would not face a fourth trial there, dropping the #MeToo-era case after the accuser said she could not bear to testify again. The California panel said that resentencing was necessary because the judge that sentenced him considered New York convictions that were later thrown out as an aggravating factor. California's attorney general agreed. Weinstein, 74, still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York, and he remains behind bars awaiting a September sentencing there. Prosecutors there are seeking a 20-year prison term.In California, Weinstein was convicted in December 2022 of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against an Italian model and actor known during the trial as Jane Doe 1. He would serve his new sentence there only after his New York term is complete. After the trial, Jane Doe 1 came forward under her name, Evgeniya Chernyshova, when she sued Weinstein in civil court.The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Chernyshova did. Her attorney also said she consented to being named.Chernyshova testified that Weinstein arrived uninvited to her hotel room during the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival and assaulted her.Weinstein’s defense argued that Weinstein deserved a new trial because Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench wrongly prevented his trial lawyers from asking about Facebook messages between Chernyshova and festival head Pascal Vicedomini that would have shown they had a sexual relationship.The questioning would have demonstrated that she perjured herself when she said she and Vicedomini were just friends and colleagues, the defense said. And the lawyers argued it would have bolstered their assertion that she was not even in her room on the night of the alleged assault.“The lower court all but gutted Mr. Weinstein’s defense,” attorney Jennifer Bonjean told the appeals judges at April 23 oral arguments.But the appeals court said in its ruling that Weinstein did make the arguments he wanted during the trial based on other evidence, including another set of Facebook messages that Lench allowed. “Thus, there was no denial of Weinstein’s constitutional right to present a defense,” the panel wrote in its opinion. The three judges also found that Weinstein's lawyers failed to adhere to California's rape shield law prohibiting evidence of an accuser's sexual history when they tried to introduce the messages. Weinstein's lawyers had argued that the shield law was not pertinent because they wanted to use the messages only to impeach the witness's credibility.And the appeals judges said testimony from accusers describing sexual assaults Weinstein was not charged with was appropriate, and allowed under state law. Before his sentencing, Weinstein told the judge that this was a “made-up story” from a woman he had never met.The Los Angeles jury acquitted Weinstein of the sexual battery of a massage therapist and failed to reach verdicts on counts involving two other women.“This is not the end of the appellate process,” Engelmayer said in his email Friday. “We intend to seek review in the California Supreme Court because we continue to believe significant legal errors affected the proceedings and warrant further review.”The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said it would not have comment on the decision until the office reviewed it. Chernyshova’s lawyer David Ring said in an email Friday that she “has persevered for years to reach this point against the man who raped her” and thanks the prosecutors and appellate lawyers “for putting Harvey Weinstein away for good.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/26/california-appeals-court-upholds-harvey-weinsteins-rape-conviction-but-says-he-must-be-resentenced/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Dalton, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:04:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDAXZPYA7FJB6DIPDEZLSIWICD4.jpg","slug":"harvey-weinsteins-california-rape-conviction-upheld-but-court-says-he-must-be-resentenced"},{"id":"b7v107","title":"Suspect arrested, charged after woman fatally ran over by moving truck in west Houston, HPD says","excerpt":"Keith Bembry Sims, 33, was charged with manslaughter and failure to stop and render in an accident resulting in the death of a 31-year-old woman, police said.","content":"Keith Bembry Sims, 33, was charged with manslaughter and failure to stop and render in an accident resulting in the death of a 31-year-old woman, police said.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/suspect-arrested-charged-woman-fatally-ran-moving-truck-gessner-road-west-houston-hpd-says/19389817/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:17:52.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19389820_062626-ktrk-moving-truck-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"suspect-arrested-charged-after-woman-fatally-ran-over-by-moving-truck-in-west-houston-hpd-says"},{"id":"l9ayat","title":"Rangers acquire Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas, Boston gets JJ Peterka from Utah at the NHL draft","excerpt":"Pavel Dorofeyev is heading to the New York Rangers as part of a trade at the NHL draft on Friday night, as they hope the high-scoring winger helps supercharge their retooling effort.The Rangers acquired Dorofeyev from Vegas for the Nos. 26 and 92 picks this year, plus a conditional first-rounder ...","content":"Pavel Dorofeyev is heading to the New York Rangers as part of a trade at the NHL draft on Friday night, as they hope the high-scoring winger helps supercharge their retooling effort.The Rangers acquired Dorofeyev from Vegas for the Nos. 26 and 92 picks this year, plus a conditional first-rounder in 2028. The 25-year-old is coming off scoring 12 goals on the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup Final.On their way there, they defeated the Utah Mammoth, who also made a big subtraction by sending a winger to the Eastern Conference. JJ Peterka is going to the Boston Bruins for the No. 23 pick and Florida's top-10-protected '28 first-rounder. Peterka is changing places for a second consecutive offseason following his move from Buffalo just over a year to the day ago. The 24-year-old from Germany now gets to play for the league's only German coach, Marco Sturm. “I would like to thank JJ for his commitment to our organization,” Utah general manager Bill Armstrong said. “JJ is a great person and will be a dynamic player for Boston.”Midway through the first round, the St. Louis Blues acquired forward Mason McTavish from Anaheim for the Nos. 15 and 29 picks, getting a player entering his prime at 23 who's signed through 2031 at a salary cap hit of $7 million. The Mammoth flipped the 23rd pick to Detroit for 23-year-old restricted free agent goaltender Sebastian Cossa. Pre-draft trades aplentyGetting Dorofeyev was New York GM Chris Drury 's second move of the day after sending forward Brett Berard to Montreal for defenseman William Trudeau, who has been in the minors and is still awaiting his NHL debut. Also Friday, Buffalo got defenseman Olen Zellweger, who also needs a new contract, from Anaheim for the 45th pick and forward prospect Anton Wahlberg. Zellweger, who turns 23 in September, replenishes depth for the Sabres after they traded Bowen Byram to Chicago earlier in the week.Chicago sent winger Andre Burakovsky to Ottawa for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Burakovsky joins the Senators more than three decades since his dad, Robert, played 23 games for them in the 1993-94 season. The Blackhawks clear his $5.5 million salary cap hit off the books for next season, while the Senators get a 31-year-old winger who has twice won the Stanley Cup.General manager Steve Staios said the Senators were happy to add a player of Burakovsky’s pedigree because he “adds skill and playmaking ability to our forward group.”Staios was busy in the hours before adding Burakovsky, acquiring the rights to goaltender Samuel Ersson and re-signing another pending restricted free agent, defenseman Jordan Spence. Ottawa sent a 2027 fifth-rounder to rival Toronto for Ersson, whom the Maple Leafs got along with Emil Andrae in a cap space-clearing trade with Philadelphia for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.Spence, 25, signed a four-year, $20 million contract. He was a big part of the team enduring injuries at the position and still making the playoffs, scoring a career-high seven goals and finishing with 31 points while skating an average of nearly 19 minutes over 73 games.“Jordan was an excellent addition to our hockey club and proved to be a valuable asset on our blue line and stepped up when it counted last season,” Staios said. “We’re excited to have him as part of our core group.”Teams take care of in-house businessColorado re-signed defensemen Brent Burns and Brett Kulak, fresh off winning the Presidents’ Trophy and losing in the conference final to Vegas.Burns, 41, signed for next season, his 23rd in the league, at the veteran minimum of $850,000 and can make up to $3 million in incentives, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not disclosed.Burns has skated in 1,007 consecutive regular-season games and is 58 away from passing Phil Kessel for the longest ironman streak in NHL history.Kulak got a five-year contract from the Avalanche worth a reported $22.5 million. President of hockey operations and franchise great Joe Sakic is reshaping the roster after reclaiming GM duties when Chris MacFarland left for Nashville.The Islanders re-signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a two-year contract worth $9 million. He will count $4.5 million against the salary cap through the 2027-28 season.DeAngelo, 30, is returning to the Islanders for a second full season after joining them upon returning to the NHL from a stint in the Russia-based KHL in January 2025.“Tony has been great since he’s been here,\" GM Mathieu Darche said on a video call with reporters after the draft. “It’s tough to find puck-moving defensemen, never mind a right-shot puck-moving defenseman, so Tony’s a big part of our team. We’re excited to have him back.”Los Angeles re-signed defenseman Brandt Clarke for $37 million over the next five years.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/rangers-acquire-pavel-dorofeyev-in-a-draft-night-trade-with-the-golden-knights-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Stephen Whyno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:42:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGVQMVHSM5FFADFGQTRAMTKTDGA.jpg","slug":"rangers-acquire-pavel-dorofeyev-from-vegas-boston-gets-jj-peterka-from-utah-at-the-nhl-draft"},{"id":"j1p4zu","title":"National PTSD Awareness Day: Houston-area combat veteran shares story of struggle and hope","excerpt":"Chris Fahey served our nation for 18 years. In that time, five deployments, including Afghanistan, commanding more than 100 missions. But when he left the service, he wasn’t the same person.“My transition out of the active duty military was traumatic in itself,” Fahey recalled. “I felt unprepared...","content":"Chris Fahey served our nation for 18 years. In that time, five deployments, including Afghanistan, commanding more than 100 missions. But when he left the service, he wasn’t the same person.“My transition out of the active duty military was traumatic in itself,” Fahey recalled. “I felt unprepared, I felt unworthy, felt unloved.”Saturday, June 27th is National PTSD Awareness Day designed to shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder and erase mental health stigmas. While the day highlights the struggles of all PTSD patients, a bulk of the research has focused on helping military veterans heal and recover.4 Houston-area residents face federal charges, accused of flying drones in FIFA World Cup no-drone zoneChris Fahey said he struggled with a high level of hyper vigilance -- even after returning from war. After seeking counseling he knew more was wrong when he lost connection to the feelings of love and trust for family and close friends. That is when, with the help of the PTSD Clinical team at DeBakey VA Hospital, he realized he was struggling with PTSD.Dr. Deleene Menefee, a psychologist, is the team’s program director. She says advances have been made in PTSD treatment as the nation has become more aware. New methods keep in mind that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.“Some are time intensive. They require practice outside of the session,” said Menefee. “Some of them require people to be able to write and not everyone wants to do that. So we’re going to tailor it to meet the needs of that individual.”Fahey says it was multiple methods, and the guidance of his specific counselor that made the difference. It came down to answering a question asked by his counselor -- during each session.“‘Okay Chris, but what’s next? Okay Chris, I get where you’re at but what’s next,’” Fahey recalled his counselor asking. He said he would also ask, “‘What are we doing next, because we’re not giving up today? Today’s not the day we give up.’”Katy’s Venezuelan community rallies after deadly earthquakesFahey said he has restored all of the relationships that were damaged during the most intense days of his struggle. He has since earned a degree in psychology and is now working on a master’s. Most importantly, he has rediscovered purpose and hope.“There’s one fundamental truth that I’ve learned,” he said. “And it doesn’t matter what we’re experiencing as the course of our mental health issues that you can recover. There’s absolutely nothing we can’t recover from.”If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, regardless of veteran status, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night, by dialing 988. If you are a veteran in crisis dial 988 and then press 1.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/national-ptsd-awareness-day-houston-area-combat-veteran-shares-story-of-struggle-and-hope/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Keith Garvin","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:14:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F1eec0988-c53e-42e3-bdc2-71248c2cf8a4%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"national-ptsd-awareness-day-houston-area-combat-veteran-shares-story-of-struggle-and-hope"},{"id":"a66ms5","title":"Mother pleads for answers after son killed in Harris County hit-and-run","excerpt":"More than two months after 24-year-old Kevon Clark was killed in a devastating hit-and-run crash on Interstate 45, his mother is making an emotional plea for the public’s help in finding those responsible.According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred on April 7th at 2:08 am ...","content":"More than two months after 24-year-old Kevon Clark was killed in a devastating hit-and-run crash on Interstate 45, his mother is making an emotional plea for the public’s help in finding those responsible.According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred on April 7th at 2:08 am in the 18700 block of the North Freeway in the southbound main lanes. Clark was in the number three lane of traffic when they were struck by an unknown vehicle traveling southbound. The impact threw Clark from the number three lane into the adjacent number four southbound lane. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and left the scene. Investigators say several additional vehicles also hit Clark, but none of the drivers stopped to render aid or call 911.For his mother, Felicia Clark, the tragedy is almost impossible to comprehend.“It’s so tragic,” she said. “I don’t understand how someone could leave my baby out there like that. I just don’t understand.”Convicted sex offender arrested again for allegedly possessing child pornography, Harris County Pct. 1 deputies sayAuthorities have not said where Clark was coming from or where he was headed before the crash. More than two months later, no arrests have been made, leaving his family searching for answers.The injuries Clark suffered were so severe that his family was advised not to view him before his funeral.“They said it wasn’t a good idea for me to see him,” his mother recalled.The loss is especially heartbreaking because it is the second time Felicia Clark has lost a son in a hit-and-run crash. In 2023, her older son, Robert Jones, a postal worker and Kevon’s older brother, was also killed in a hit-and-run. Clark says the two brothers shared a close bond, and Kevon looked up to his older sibling.Despite enduring unimaginable grief, Clark says her faith has helped her continue moving forward.“It’s very hard, and the only thing that keeps me going is by the grace of God,” she said. “I have my moments, I have my days, but I refuse to give up.”Family members describe Kevon Clark as outgoing, compassionate and always willing to help others. He also leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, whose future will now be shaped without her father.4 Houston-area residents face federal charges, accused of flying drones in FIFA World Cup no-drone zoneNow, Clark hopes someone who witnessed the crash or knows what happened will come forward.“I hope someone has a heart and just comes forward and speaks up to give me and my son and my family peace,” she said.The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the deadly hit-and-run. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. Even the smallest detail could help investigators identify those responsible and bring long-awaited answers to Clark’s family.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/mother-pleads-for-answers-after-son-killed-in-harris-county-hit-and-run/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Corley Peel","publishDate":"2026-06-27T03:08:05.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Ffb591138-1e3f-4811-bea3-513e8617c779%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"mother-pleads-for-answers-after-son-killed-in-harris-county-hit-and-run"},{"id":"dj6axq","title":"Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza. Team owner Steve Cohen says 'fans deserve better'","excerpt":"From the front office to the field, the New York Mets have failed in almost every area over the past year.And on Friday, manager Carlos Mendoza took the fall.Halfway through a wretched season, Mendoza was fired as skipper of the underperforming Mets and replaced by former San Diego Padres manager...","content":"From the front office to the field, the New York Mets have failed in almost every area over the past year.And on Friday, manager Carlos Mendoza took the fall.Halfway through a wretched season, Mendoza was fired as skipper of the underperforming Mets and replaced by former San Diego Padres manager Andy Green, who was already working in the organization.Last-place New York was 34-47 at the season's midpoint, 15 games behind NL East-leading Atlanta and 9 1/2 back of the final NL wild-card berth.Mets owner Steve Cohen had high expectations for a team without a World Series title since 1986. New York opened the season with baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and was projected to pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax.“There is no sugar-coating it: This season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered,” Cohen said in a statement.Although in some ways Mendoza had been on the hot seat for months, in others it was a stunningly swift decline for a skipper viewed as a rising star in 2024, when he earned high praise and was a Manager of the Year finalist after taking the Mets on a surprising playoff run in his debut season. At a Citi Field news conference before Friday night's 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, president of baseball operations David Stearns thanked Mendoza for his contributions and called it “a very difficult day.”“Despite all of our effors, Mendy’s included, we haven’t been able to get this going this year. And I take responsibility for that,\" Stearns said. \"I also have a responsibility to push us forward, to look for solutions and to make difficult decisions and change when I think it's needed.\"Slowed by injuries to Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, Francisco Alvarez, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco, the Mets (34-48) are a season-worst 14 games under .500 after dropping their seventh in a row. Friday night marked only the 10th time all year — and first since April 22 — that Lindor and Soto were both in the starting lineup. On two of those occasions, one left early because of a calf strain. New York traded pitcher David Peterson, who had been the team's longest-tenured player, to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday and could pivot to a selloff this summer and retooling for the future.“I understand we have an uphill battle ahead of us this year, but we're not turning the page,” Stearns said. “I think sometimes a new voice, a new perspective, a new view, helps. And sometimes it's really difficult to explain why or how. But at this point, it was time to try.”Stearns said he informed Mendoza of the decision when they met Friday morning, and the Mets held a team meeting Friday afternoon.“At the end of the day, this is not on him. It’s more on us, the players, that we didn’t perform to our capabilities,” Lindor said. The 46-year-old Mendoza spent 15 seasons working for the New York Yankees, the last four as bench coach, before the Mets hired him to replace Buck Showalter after the 2023 season. They reached the National League Championship Series in 2024 but missed the playoffs last year and are among baseball's biggest disappointments this season.“If we were playing better, he’d still be here. It’s just unfortunate he had to take the fall,” infielder Bo Bichette said.Since starting 2025 a major league-best 45-24 through June 12, the Mets are 72-103. The team went 206-199 under Mendoza, who was in the final guaranteed season of a three-year contract. He was hired by the Mets a month after Stearns arrived.After signing Soto to a record $765 million, 15-year contract before the 2025 season, Stearns made major changes last offseason. He overhauled Mendoza's coaching staff and allowed fan favorites Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to leave as free agents. Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were traded, and Stearns brought in Bichette, Polanco, Robert, Freddy Peralta and Marcus Semien.None of it has worked.New York had a 12-game losing streak in April, its longest since 2002, and made six errors in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader loss to the Chicago Cubs, the team's most in a game since 2014.The 48-year-old Green, a former major league infielder, joined the Mets in 2023 as senior vice president of baseball development and had been running their farm system. He was given the title of interim manager for the rest of the season and will wear uniform No. 70. “Tough. I don't think anybody dreams of sitting in this seat this way,” Green said.Green managed San Diego to a 274-366 record from 2016-19, finishing with losing records in all four seasons.Stearns said Green will return to a front-office role after this season and the Mets will conduct a full search for a new manager. Green said he loves the player-development job he had and chose it largely to be able to spend more time with his three daughters.“This wasn't something I was running to,” Green said. “This felt more like a responsibility than an opportunity.”Green played four games for the Mets in 2009, his final big league appearances as a player. He became the team's fourth manager since Cohen bought the club from the Wilpon and Katz families after the 2020 season, following Luis Rojas, Showalter and Mendoza.Mendoza is the third major league manager to lose his job since the season started. Boston's Alex Cora was replaced by Chad Tracy and Philadelphia's Rob Thomson by Don Mattingly, with both of those changes coming in late April.Roster shuffleIn other moves, the Mets reinstated outfielder Tyrone Taylor (right hip flexor strain) from the 10-day injured list and recalled left-hander Zach Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to make his second big league start Friday night against Philadelphia. The club optioned outfielder MJ Melendez and right-hander Daniel Duarte to Syracuse following Thursday night's 10-inning loss to the Cubs.___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP freelancer Jerry Beach contributed to this report.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/last-place-mets-fire-manager-carlos-mendoza-replacing-him-with-andy-green/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ronald Blum, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:36:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXRMQHQRJJBENXHTWF2ZDMVBF5E.jpg","slug":"last-place-mets-fire-manager-carlos-mendoza-team-owner-steve-cohen-says-fans-deserve-better"},{"id":"tisor7","title":"Baylor teen health clinics provide free medical care, mental health services","excerpt":"According to the latest U.S. Census data, Texas leads the nation in the number of uninsured residents.Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is reminding families that free, accessible healthcare is available to young people in need.“It’s called the Baylor teen health clinic, and they’re here ...","content":"According to the latest U.S. Census data, Texas leads the nation in the number of uninsured residents.Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is reminding families that free, accessible healthcare is available to young people in need.“It’s called the Baylor teen health clinic, and they’re here for anyone age 13 to 24, that’s the only qualifying factor,” said Precinct Four Chief Operations Officer, Daniel Rodriguez. “They’re open five days a week, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm by appointment. They take walk-ins as well if they have space available, and even if they don’t, they’ll connect you with one of the precinct four social workers to make sure you get the care you need.”Katy’s Venezuelan community rallies after deadly earthquakesBriones’ office partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to open its most recent teen clinic location in 2024. Officing next to the Bayland Community Center, it serves the Gulfton neighborhood, an area in which 36% of residents are uninsured. “Commissioner Briones is committed to making sure that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare,” said Rodriguez.With a total of seven teen clinics across the county, teens and young adults can find free preventive healthcare, reproductive healthcare and mental health services. There are no residency requirements, but minors must have parental consent. “I was (a patient) from 17 to 24,” said Elsa Perla, who says Baylor teen health clinics gave her care she wouldn’t have been able to access elsewhere. “It was great. If I had any questions, they were there for me, and it was completely free.”Longtime patient Kayla Mendiola agrees.“I come from a family that is low-income, so to have that opportunity to have something completely free, something I don’t have to stress about, it was incredibly important and special.”4 Houston-area residents face federal charges, accused of flying drones in FIFA World Cup no-drone zoneBut that’s not all these clinics provide. In addition to free healthcare, patients with a high school diploma or GED who want to pursue a health care profession are connected to ascend, a privately-funded program that pays the tuition for community college certification courses, removing financial barriers to post-secondary education.You can learn more about Baylor’s teen health clinics, including locations and services provided, here.Find information on the ascend program here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/27/baylor-teen-health-clinics-provide-free-medical-care-mental-health-services/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lisa Hernandez","publishDate":"2026-06-27T02:23:37.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F8b590745-1e2d-4b2d-83cd-66e8fb447a27%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"baylor-teen-health-clinics-provide-free-medical-care-mental-health-services"},{"id":"yuuyt4","title":"Cody Johnson's country music is only getting bigger. On 'Banks of the Trinity,' he'll take you home","excerpt":"There's a moment at every Cody Johnson show where the Texas-born and bred country star asks the crowd: “How many of you tonight are watching me and this band live for the very first time?” he told The Associated Press. “And every night, I would say at least 80% of the crowd raises their hands.”It...","content":"There's a moment at every Cody Johnson show where the Texas-born and bred country star asks the crowd: “How many of you tonight are watching me and this band live for the very first time?” he told The Associated Press. “And every night, I would say at least 80% of the crowd raises their hands.”It's not the kind of reaction most veteran artists receive. “And I’m thinking, you know, 20 years is a long time to work for something. But when you see that … What’s the next 20 years look like?” he asks.The rancher, rodeo competitor and onetime prison guard started his two-decade career playing honky tonks and dive bars. That led to slow and steady growth for the country traditionalist, but in the last few years, something has shifted. He landed his fifth career No. 1 song with “The Fall.” He was named entertainer of the year at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, the show's highest honor. That was a month after he headlined Stagecoach Music Festival. For an artist with legions of fans, it looked like he was accessing new heights.“I feel like I’m closing a book and I’m opening another one and it’s all blank pages,” he says of this period. “Let's get to the next chapter.\"On Friday, that new era began with the release of his album “Banks of the Trinity.” Traveling to the ‘Banks of the Trinity’It hasn't been an easy road. Last fall, Johnson had to cancel a bunch of tour dates after upper respiratory and sinus infections caused a burst eardrum that required surgery — an intimidating medical procedure for anyone, but especially nerve-wracking for a musician. “I was scared,” he said simply. But “in a roundabout way, it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.” It forced him to take three months off, which allowed him to be home during the birth of his son. It also rejuvenated his approach in the studio. Before the incident, he thought the album was complete. It was not: The additional time resulted in the inclusion of a few songs that now feel inextricable from the record: “Thank Somebody Country,” “Take Me Back (Leave Me There),” “Cricket on a Hook,” and the resilient “I Have” among them.“What a blessing to have that kind of song fall in your lap when you’re kind of up against the ropes,” he says of the latter. “I mean, we thought we had the record done. It wasn’t done.”A title track with real resonanceAt the heart of “Banks of the Trinity” is its title track, which recalls Eagles' cover of “Seven Bridges Road” meets bluegrass and Southern gospel. Lyrically, it's an ode to Johnson's childhood. “I grew up on the banks of the Trinity (River.) Fishing for catfish, not so much out of pleasure or sport but for necessity to put food in the freezer. Deer season for me was not a trophy thing,” he said. And while that track inspires a feeling of nostalgia within the listener, he doesn't consider this album a throwback collection. He says it's about showcasing his evolving sonic diversity. “The rest of the album for me is a musical journey from track one to track 16,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a flavor for everybody. It does kind of hit Motown. It does kind of hit Bluegrass. It does hit progressive country. It does it old country. It does a little rock here and there.”It's the result of a new kind of freedom, one that is at least partially due to his recent accomplishments, including taking home the top prize at the ACM Awards. “I just did the thing that I’ve aspired to do in my career my entire life,” he says. “A really good place is a really good way to describe where I am.”And now that the album is out, he's ready to take a breather. “I will be shirtless with no shoes on a beach at an undisclosed location,” he jokes about the days after record release. “'Cause I have already done all the prep work. I've been working on this album for two years. I’ve done all of the interviews. I’ve shook all the hands. Me and my wife and kids are gonna disappear for 10 days and I’m gonna become, I guess, every Kenny Chesney song ever.” It's not a bad place to be.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/26/cody-johnsons-country-music-is-only-getting-bigger-on-banks-of-the-trinity-hell-take-you-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Maria Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T14:01:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHLB4HPLFDNDUNIEZEPKNKZQO2U.jpg","slug":"cody-johnsons-country-music-is-only-getting-bigger-on-banks-of-the-trinity-hell-take-you-home"},{"id":"qyxamw","title":"Lionel Messi won't start Argentina's group finale, but World Cup scoring record holder could sub in","excerpt":"Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending tournament champion and Group J winner Argentina plays Jordan on Saturday night in its last match before the knockout stage. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the ...","content":"Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending tournament champion and Group J winner Argentina plays Jordan on Saturday night in its last match before the knockout stage. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the team's captain will begin the match on the bench, but also indicated through an interpreter that he “will come in a little bit later.”Scaloni didn't say when Messi might substitute in to the game, or what his lineup would be against first-time World Cup participant Jordan, which lost its first two matches.Messi scored all five goals for Argentina in the first two group matches, and now has 18 goals overall in his six World Cups. He had his first-ever hat trick in the tournament in a 3-0 win over Algeria to tie the career scoring record at 16 goals that had been held by Miroslav Klose of Germany. He broke that mark with the goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys — where the group finale will be played.Klose played in 24 World Cup matches for Germany, which wrapped up his fourth tournament by winning the 2014 final 1-0 in extra time over Messi and Argentina. Kylian Mbappé matched Klose at 16 with two goals in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq later Monday. Mbappé, who has four goals in the tournament, didn't score in a 4-1 win over Norway on Friday in his final group match.Considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, Messi has made 201 international appearances for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup matches. He has scored in six consecutive World Cup games, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho as only players to do that.Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer that slowed him in the lead-up to the World Cup.While there have been no indications of any issues since, Argentina has a lot of games left if it is going to get to another World Cup final. The knockout round for La Albiceleste begins next Friday in South Florida, and in this expanded 48-team tournament that would be the first of five matches in 17 days if they make it to the final on July 19.Even with Argentina trying to go undefeated in group play for the fifth time, and first since 2014, Messi isn't the only starter expected to get a break.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be the only regular starter in a lineup that could feature several new faces. Nicolás Paz, who made his World Cup debut subbing in for Messi late in the opener against Algeria, is now expected to start in his place.“The hope is that the team will play the same way. That’s what we’re going to try to do,” Scaloni said. “Jordan is a good opponent, and we’re not taking anything for granted. We’ll try to tweak some aspects of the last match, but with the same intention of controlling the ball and dominating the opponent.”___Associated Press writer Débora Rey contributed to this report.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/lionel-messi-wont-start-argentinas-group-finale-but-world-cup-scoring-record-holder-could-sub-in/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:26:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSLMI5I5LOBAYVNPWADTDU3YFKY.jpg","slug":"lionel-messi-wont-start-argentinas-group-finale-but-world-cup-scoring-record-holder-could-sub-in"},{"id":"vxdunf","title":"Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs","excerpt":"Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble ...","content":"Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday, despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response.The lack of help compounded families' desperation as the pressure to find buried survivors increased with each passing hour. The South American nation on Friday marked nearly two days since the disaster. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial time frame to retrieve people alive, though that period can be extended if they have access to food and water.On Friday night, Venezuelan authorities announced they would block off access to La Guaira, the epicenter of the destruction, as chaos and and traffic began to affect search efforts. Government officials said that those who wanted to enter would now have to seek official permits, but provided few details of who would be allowed to enter.Meanwhile, a broad international aid effort accelerated, with dozens of rescue teams from around the globe arriving in Venezuela or due to arrive there soon.“Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the country’s National Assembly. “We are not going to hide absolutely anything about the magnitude of this tragedy.\"Anxious families wait to see if their relatives survivedFamilies across northern Venezuela searched in the ruins of buildings for relatives and whatever remained of their lives.Nazareth Jimenez sobbed into the shoulder of a loved one as she watched neighbors try to cut through slabs of concrete with hammers and power tools in a building reduced to a mountain of debris. “My God, how are we going to get them out of there?\" she murmured.She was in the northern state of La Guaira, just north of the capital of Caracas, where some of the worst destruction unfolded. Jimenez was wracked with anxiety as she waited to see if her siblings, nephews, nieces and friends would emerge from the debris alive.“We're making a call for help to the government and countries across the world,” she said, pleading for machines that would be capable of moving collapsed structures. \"There are still people alive in there.”Government forces distributed food and water to survivors in La Guaira as acting President Delcy Rodríguez said her government was mounting a full response during these “critical hours for rescuing people alive.” She welcomed the arrival of rescuers and humanitarian aid from all over the world. She said La Guaira had been militarized and that more help was on the way, even as residents said it was just a fraction of the aid they needed.The disaster poses a huge challenge for Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the capture and removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro by the United States. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.The number of dead was expected to climb, and civilians reported tens of thousands of people missing on independent digital databases. The number of missing likely includes those who have been incommunicado due to the lack of cellphone signals in disaster zones. Some reports may be duplicates created when multiple loved ones are searching for the same person.The number of injured climbed to more than 3,300 as of midday Friday, and authorities said they had rescued 243 people.Quakes leave millions of people reelingThe International Organization for Migration said that up to 6.76 million people in Venezuela could be affected by the quakes, some 2 million of them in Caracas alone. Destruction was amplified by the one-two punch of the successive shallow quakes, experts said. Loyce Pace, the International Red Cross’ regional director for the Americas, said “people are still terrified to reenter what were their homes.”Desperation started to sink in Friday as many families still had not found missing loved ones, continued to sleep on the street or grieved relatives killed in the disaster.“I’ve been left alone in this life,” said Omar Reyes, who walked through the rubble where two of his children were buried. He said around 20 family members died in the disaster.In the city of Maiquetía, people lined up outside convenience and grocery stores and pharmacies as the businesses served customers one by one behind closed doors. At one point, a woman in a crowd desperate to keep a package of diapers threw herself to the ground to protect the package with her body.Traffic and throngs of motorcyclists at times also disrupted search efforts. Mexican soldiers and volunteers repeatedly had to ask for silence to try to hear signs of life under the ruble, but bikers — civilian and uniformed — often ignored the requests honking horns and revved their engines to the frustration of first responders.In Catia La Mar, a community adjacent to the country's main airport, throngs of people began to loot basic goods such as toilet paper and food from stores. Others swarmed a civilian pickup truck that was giving out loaves of bread and water, until a soldier intervened. People turned the parking lot of a pharmacy into makeshift shelter by setting up tarps, hammocks and tents.A few miles away, Yuleidy Cadenas stood across the street from a collapsed public housing building watching fellow Venezuelans and recently arrived foreign and local emergency crews work on the rubble. She hoped her son, mother and brother would be pulled out alive.She fled, barefoot, from a collapsing nearby building Wednesday and found her mother’s 12th-floor apartment tower had pancaked. Cadenas, 28, sobbed as she recalled that Friday was her son’s 12th birthday.“I got on top of the rubble and told them to yell back, and nobody did, not my brother, nor my son or my mother,” Cadenas said. “I’m just here waiting for them.”A few minutes later, a body was pulled from the rubble. It was not her mother’s.International aid is on the wayVenezuela authorities said Friday that 861 international volunteers from Mexico, the U.S., El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia and beyond were working in Venezuela. Many more from other countries were expected in the coming hours and days. The U.N. said 1,000 emergency responders in 25 search-and-rescue teams from across the globe were on their way.Acting president Rodríguez said she spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday afternoon, and that they reaffirmed their commitment to sending rescue teams and aid equipment.On the country’s main highway, caravans of state forces, emergency personnel, dump trucks and heavy machinery moved in the direction of the tragedy. A civilian pickup truck carrying thin mattresses had its windows marked with “Help from Trujillo.” ___Janetsky reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Clara Preve in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Julie Watson in San Diego; Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey; and Teresa Medrano in Madrid contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/neighbors-dig-through-venezuela-rubble-to-search-for-loved-ones-after-2-deadly-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Megan Janetsky, Andry Rincón And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:29:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKMMZIWQN6ZCSHNP3GWAYFO7ZFA.jpg","slug":"venezuelans-take-search-for-the-missing-into-their-own-hands-as-earthquake-death-toll-climbs"},{"id":"njarx8","title":"Ina Yoon widens her Women's PGA Championship lead to 5 strokes","excerpt":"Ina Yoon stretched her lead at the Women's PGA Championship with a 3-under 69 that put her five strokes up on the second-place pack after another strong South Korean showing Friday.Yoon, who shot a record 63 in the first round at Hazeltine National Golf Club, had two bogeys with one birdie on the...","content":"Ina Yoon stretched her lead at the Women's PGA Championship with a 3-under 69 that put her five strokes up on the second-place pack after another strong South Korean showing Friday.Yoon, who shot a record 63 in the first round at Hazeltine National Golf Club, had two bogeys with one birdie on the back nine to reach 12 under. The 23-year-old is seeking her first LPGA Tour victory.“The remaining two days will obviously be nerve-racking, but being nervous is human nature, and I think I want to embrace that and focus on what I can in my shots,” said Yoon, who missed the cut at the U.S. Women's Open this month after tying for fourth at the first major of the season at The Chevron Championship.Nasa Hataoka, Brooke Henderson, A Lin Kim and Hae Ran Ryu were tied for second. Ryu shot a 64 for the best score of the day, three strokes better than Hataoka. Henderson finished with three straight birdies for a 68. Kim shot a 70. They all left the course in good spirits, yet trying to figure out how to make up five strokes.“It’s halfway done. She had a great first half, so hopefully I can just have a great second half to try to make up the difference,” said Henderson, the Canadian who won the Women's PGA Championship at age 18 in 2016 at Sahalee Country Club in Washington. “I feel like overall the way I’ve been playing the course has been really solid, so just hopefully I make a few more birdies and climb the board.”LPGA Tour leader Nelly Korda, who opened her bid for a third straight major title this year with a quiet 70, had a 68 to climb into a tie for sixth place with Dongeun Lee at 6 under.After rallying from a slow start to win the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Korda put herself in a viable position.“It is hard to have a big lead going into the weekend. I was there at Chevron and you do feel a little bit more pressure, like everyone is hunting you down. I’m just going to focus on, as boring as it is, one shot at a time and see where that takes me,” Korda said. “I know the wind will be higher this weekend so it’s going to play probably a little bit more difficult, and I’m sure that the pins will be tricked up.”Yoon, Kim, Ryu and Lee gave South Korean four of the top seven at the midpoint of a tournament that has so far enjoyed calm, dry and comfortable conditions with high temperatures in the mid-70s. The 36-hole average score is the lowest for this event since 2008 at Bulle Rock in Maryland.“I think I like this kind of grass, and the course fit my eye as well,\" Yoon said. “Yeah, I think I like this course.”Yoon became the fourth player in the history of the Women's PGA Championship, which dates to 1955, to lead by five or more strokes through 36 holes, following Mickey Wright (eight, 1958), In Gee Chun (six, 2022) and Cristie Kerr (five, 2010).Korda again had hundreds of fans following her every shot, streaming from hole to hole as she traversed the lengthy 6,700-yard course in suburban Minneapolis.After birdies on four of her first nine holes, Korda faded a bit down the stretch and finished with six straight pars as she fought a hook with her tee shots. She hit into the rough along the treeline to begin her back nine before two-putting for bogey on the first hole.Projecting confidence and humility as the sport's most dominant and popular player at the moment, Korda couldn't help but laugh with caddie Jason McDede at the difference in layouts from the last major to this one.“At Riv it’s a dead right and now it’s left,” Korda said. “I would’ve killed for this shot at Riv. But, yeah, it’s just golf. It’s funny, right? It always kind of humbles you, and you’re always kind of scratching your head a little bit in some ways.”___AP GLF: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/27/ina-yoon-widens-her-womens-pga-championship-lead-to-5-strokes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dave Campbell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:50:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6UMNOZOYYBAULOXEEJTUZWFIJY.jpg","slug":"ina-yoon-widens-her-womens-pga-championship-lead-to-5-strokes"},{"id":"wm6ave","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 24, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/24/555372/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-24-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:00:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-24-2026"},{"id":"uumgxq","title":"OpenAI and Anthropic limit new AI models to Trump-approved customers during cybersecurity review","excerpt":"ChatGPT maker OpenAI said Friday it is restricting the release of its new artificial intelligence model at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration, the latest in an unprecedented government vetting of AI products for cybersecurity risks.Its chief rival, Anthropic, announced hours l...","content":"ChatGPT maker OpenAI said Friday it is restricting the release of its new artificial intelligence model at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration, the latest in an unprecedented government vetting of AI products for cybersecurity risks.Its chief rival, Anthropic, announced hours later that the Trump administration has approved a limited release of its strongest cybersecurity model, two weeks after the U.S. Commerce Department effectively banned it. Both companies said their newest models would be available to small groups of trusted partners. OpenAI said its new AI product, called GPT-5.6 Sol, would be accessible only to customers approved by the Trump administration.“We don’t believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default,” OpenAI said in a statement. The company said it viewed the testing period as a temporary step on the “path to broader availability in the coming weeks.”OpenAI's staggered release of a powerful new AI system follows actions the government took earlier this month against Anthropic, maker of the Claude chatbot. Anthropic took offline two new AI models, known as Fable 5 and Mythos 5, just days after unveiling them to comply with a Trump directive blocking their use by foreign nationals. The government on Friday lifted restrictions on one of those models, Mythos 5, enabling it to be “redeployed to a small group of cyber defenders and infrastructure providers,” Anthropic said.The White House said Friday it continues to collaborate with frontier AI labs on addressing the challenges of scaling the fast-growing technology.Officials have grown increasingly concerned since Anthropic warned earlier this year that its Mythos model was adept at finding software flaws in a way that could be weaponized by malicious hackers and threaten critical computer networks around the world.New, powerful AI models have drawn White House scrutinyTrump earlier in June signed an executive order on AI oversight that established a framework for the federal government to vet the national security risks of the most advanced AI systems for up to 30 days before their public release. The order described participation by AI developers as voluntary but the framework has not yet been fully developed.Some of Trump’s allies have laid blame on San Francisco-based Anthropic and CEO Dario Amodei for the need for heightened government scrutiny.“Dario came to Washington a few months ago, back in April, and basically said that he had created a cyber weapon called Mythos,” said investor David Sacks, who co-leads Trump’s council of technology and science advisers, on a recent podcast. “And he spiked the cortisol level, got everyone really worried. And there was some truth to it in terms of the sense that this model had advanced cyber capabilities.”OpenAI, also based in San Francisco, said its new Sol model (pronounced ‘SOHL’ like the Spanish word for sun) “is better at helping people find and fix vulnerabilities” than it is at carrying out cyberattacks and does not cross the company’s own risk threshold. But it acknowledged there could be unforeseen risks especially if its model is combined with other tools.“That uncertainty, along with the model’s broader step change in capabilities, is why we are pairing the model’s increased capabilities with stronger safeguards and a phased release,” the company said Friday.OpenAI hasn't named any of the roughly 20 customers that have been approved to use the new model so far. Critics warn that unpredictable government intervention can hold back US companies U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, a Massachusetts Democrat and co-author of a bipartisan bill that would regulate AI, said in a statement that she is concerned “the Trump administration is deciding company by company who gets access to the newest AI model. No law. No process. No oversight. Just appointees in Washington deciding who’s in and who’s out.”A broad group of technology experts has also criticized the government's actions that led Anthropic to shut down Fable, which the company had pitched as a safer version of Mythos. It's now been unavailable for two weeks, even after the government lifted restrictions Friday on the more powerful Mythos.“I just want to say that pretty much nobody in the cybersecurity industry believes that there’s any factual basis for this action,” Stanford University cybersecurity expert Alex Stamos said on a call with reporters earlier this week.Stamos, the chief product officer at AI security company Corridor and a former chief security officer at Facebook parent Meta, said he reviewed an analysis of research on Fable by Anthropic's primary cloud computing backer, Amazon, and didn't find any risks that aren't present with other publicly available AI models, including those made in China.\"If the administration is honest about wanting the United States to beat China in this race, then this is about the dumbest thing they could possibly do,” Stamos said.Oversight ramps up as the AI companies move toward IPOsOpenAI CEO Sam Altman spoke with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the model release Wednesday, part of a series of negotiations in recent weeks between AI industry executives and Trump officials.Anthropic has also been part of those talks, but Amodei has had a more contentious relationship with the Trump administration. The Pentagon designated Anthropic as a national security risk for raising ethical and safety concerns about AI usage in war, and Trump himself ordered federal agencies to stop using Claude. Anthropic responded with a lawsuit that is still working its way through federal courts.Anthropic said Friday it was “pleased” by the partial release of Mythos late Friday and will “continue to work with the government to expand access” and make Fable available again to general users. Lutnick told Anthropic in a letter dated Friday that its work to address the government's concerns “yielded significant progress.”The government's heightened AI oversight adds another complication to exploratory moves by OpenAI as well as Anthropic to take their companies public on Wall Street, following SpaceX’s record-setting June 12 initial public offering.Trump has floated the possibility of the U.S. government owning a stake in leading AI companies, describing a concept where “pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner with the companies.”—-Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/openai-limits-its-newest-chatgpt-product-to-trump-approved-customers-during-cybersecurity-review/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt O'Brien, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:08:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F66Q3QOCYUVELBDA3MY47WYYQLA.jpg","slug":"openai-and-anthropic-limit-new-ai-models-to-trump-approved-customers-during-cybersecurity-review"},{"id":"sqp8v3","title":"Polygamous sect leader convicted of abuse charges after girls found in trailer on Arizona highway","excerpt":"A polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating sex involving children was convicted Friday on state child abuse charges after girls were found in an unventilated trailer he was hauling through Arizona.Someone alerted authorities about the trailer in A...","content":"A polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating sex involving children was convicted Friday on state child abuse charges after girls were found in an unventilated trailer he was hauling through Arizona.Someone alerted authorities about the trailer in August 2022 after seeing small fingers reaching through gaps in the doors. Police stopped Samuel Bateman's vehicle as he was driving through Flagstaff and found three girls inside, who were ages 11 to 14 at the time. The trailer was enclosed with a makeshift toilet, a sofa and camping chairs. In the federal case, Bateman was convicted of coercing girls as young as 9 to submit to sex acts with him and other young adults, and for scheming to kidnap girls from protective custody, the story of which is the focus of a Netflix series, “Trust Me: The False Prophet.”Bateman previously claimed to have more than 20 \"spiritual wives,\" including 10 girls under the age of 18. He testified in his own defense in the state case, telling jurors he would never harm the people he loves. He acknowledged during cross-examination that he knew the girls were in a hot trailer for hours and the ventilation wasn't good, but downplayed the conditions.“I just trusted myself as a driver,” he said. “I asked God to bless me every time we hopped in that vehicle.”He claimed he thought the girls had gotten out when they stopped. He said he was as “shocked as could possibly be” when he learned that they were still inside when he was pulled over. During closing arguments, prosecutor Eric Ruchensky told jurors, “It’s common sense that you don’t carry people in a trailer designed for cargo on a hot day with no ventilation.\"Jurors in the state case weren't supposed to hear about Bateman's conviction in federal court. The judge barred the evidence from being introduced. But Bateman brought it up several times as he represented himself, leading the judge to strike the comments from the record. The jury delivered the verdict Friday in about 40 minutes, convicting him on all three counts of child abuse. . Each count carries a mandatory sentence, between four and eight years. The judge has discretion to run the counts consecutively or concurrently. A sentencing hearing is scheduled Aug. 25.The Associated Press left a voice mail and email messages Friday for Bateman’s appointed advisory counsel.Federal authorities said Bateman, a self-proclaimed prophet, traveled extensively between Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nebraska as he built an offshoot network of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which historically has been based in the neighboring communities of Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah.He and his followers practiced polygamy, a legacy of the early teachings of the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it. Bateman was one of the trusted followers of Warren Jeffs, who previously led the sect and is serving a life sentence in Texas for sexual assault of children.The influence of the polygamous sect has waned significantly over time in the towns where the sect has historically been based. In 2017, a court order placed the towns under supervision, excising the church from their governments and shared police department. But the area has since transformed so quickly that they were released from court-ordered supervision last summer, almost two years earlier than expected. Practicing sect members are now believed to account for only a small percentage of the towns’ populations.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/polygamous-sect-leader-convicted-of-abuse-charges-after-girls-found-in-trailer-on-arizona-highway/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jacques Billeaud And Josh Kelety, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:53:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDC7XSNVZ5NHWLBLOFFH4IBUIOA.jpg","slug":"polygamous-sect-leader-convicted-of-abuse-charges-after-girls-found-in-trailer-on-arizona-highway"},{"id":"onmivq","title":"Utah declares a state of emergency and restricts fireworks as US largest wildfire grows","excerpt":"Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire expanded its reach across more tinder-dry forest as crews rush to fight new blazes in the arid state.The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly...","content":"Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire expanded its reach across more tinder-dry forest as crews rush to fight new blazes in the arid state.The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning as dry, windy conditions provided fuel for more fires across the western U.S. The Cottonwood Fire in a sparsely populated area of southern Utah started Monday. It ballooned to more than 112 square miles (290 square kilometers) by Friday, burning unchecked as strong winds grounded air support, forestry officials said. One of six large wildfires burning in Utah, it severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County, forcing mandatory evacuations.“We have the 35 miles-per-hour (56 km/h) sustained winds that they predicted, and we definitely have the 45 miles-per-hour (72 km/h) gusts,” said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the fire. “So there has been a great increase in the fire activity. We are seeing extreme fire behavior out there with some crown runs and definitely some spotting.” The smoke has been pushing to the east and northeast, meaning air quality at popular vacation spots like Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks — located far south of the flames — hasn’t been significantly affected beyond some haze in the Bryce area. Still, visitors to Bryce have posted videos on social media showing the giant plume in the distance.The smoke could be seen for hundreds of miles, all the way to Colorado, as authorities put roughly 1,300 residents in the towns of Marysvale, Junction and Circleville on notice that they should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen and the fire pushes further. In Marysvale, ash fell from the sky and thick smoke blocked the sun on Friday, making the sky dark as night.State forester Jamie Barnes had said Thursday that it's like nothing seen in recent memory. She said fires are spreading farther and faster “under conditions that defy historical expectations.” Bruce Brown, 76, accompanied the sheriff on Thursday to find that his cabin and others in the area were gone. He found a burned out moonscape with power poles tipped over along the canyon. Alyssa Olsen, 27, said her family’s cabin also burned. It was the last place they gathered for family photos with her grandmother before she died of cancer. Her brother was planning to get married there in two months.“That stuff you can’t just build back,” Olsen said.Fireworks will be limited in Utah through July 5Gov. Spencer Cox set the temporary fireworks restrictions through July 5 as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, saying “this year is different.”The weather service in Salt Lake City, for the first time in the office's history, issued a “ Particularly Dangerous Situation ” warning for five Utah counties, including the area of the Cottonwood Fire. The rare alert was first used to warn of tornado conditions. A red flag warning also was issued for most of the state.“Prepare now for rapid fire growth,” it said. A similar “dangerous situation” warning had been issued for the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of sparking that fire. The jury said it couldn't agree on a verdict. While the Cottonwood Fire's cause was unknown, Cox’s order noted that humans have been the cause of most fires in the state so far this year.The governor’s order gives Barnes power to restrict or prohibit fireworks displays in Utah’s cities and towns, instead of leaving those decisions to the communities. With extreme fire conditions persisting, Rocky Mountain Power issued a public safety power shut-off watch/warning for areas of central, southern and eastern Utah through the weekend. Crews also were battling the Iron Fire southwest of Salt Lake City. The flames on Thursday forced the temporary evacuation of Eureka, population 1,000.Wildfire danger prompts concern throughout the WestRed flag warnings, which mean conditions such as low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds can create an extreme wildfire risk, were in effect Friday and stretched from Idaho to southern Arizona and New Mexico. The warnings extended into Saturday, with forecasters predicting winds of 25 to 35 miles an hour (40 km/h to 56 km/h) and very low humidity levels. The worst conditions were expected from northern Arizona into central and southern Utah.Much of Utah already is experiencing severe to extreme drought, while parts of Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico are experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.Tim Brown, a research professor and director of the Western Regional Climate Center, said the potential for extreme fire behavior will remain as long as it's hot, dry and windy.“I would not be surprised to see a lot of restrictions come out as we get closer to the July Fourth weekend,” he said. “People really need to be aware of their surroundings if they’re going to be out in the forested campground areas and grassland areas.”Even in Florida, where there have been multiple brush fires, authorities are urging people to skip the personal fireworks and instead leave the pyrotechnics to professionals putting on carefully planned shows.In Utah, federal land managers have closed public lands near the Cottonwood Fire as a precaution, and in New Mexico, forest officials closed campgrounds and trails near a wildfire burning in the Jemez Mountains.Nationally, nearly 3 million acres have burned since the start of the year, pushing the U.S. ahead of the 10-year average. The National Interagency Fire Center said firefighters are making progress on containing fires from Alaska to Florida. ___Associated Press reporter Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this story. ___This story has been corrected; the state forester's first name is spelled Jamie, not Jaime.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/utah-governor-restricts-fireworks-as-largest-us-wildfire-surges-uncontained/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kathy Mccormack, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:06:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLW2NY4E3J5GUZNXKX5CUOZR3UI.jpg","slug":"utah-declares-a-state-of-emergency-and-restricts-fireworks-as-us-largest-wildfire-grows"},{"id":"fmhsm6","title":"Las Vegas woman accused of running illegal multi-million-dollar healthcare scheme in Pearland, prosecutors say","excerpt":"Marizel Yukee is accused of providing medically unnecessary allografts to patients while receiving kickbacks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Her case is one prosecutors are citing as part of a national crackdown on health care fraud.","content":"Marizel Yukee is accused of providing medically unnecessary allografts to patients while receiving kickbacks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Her case is one prosecutors are citing as part of a national crackdown on health care fraud.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/healthcare/2026/06/24/555434/las-vegas-woman-accused-of-running-illegal-healthcare-scheme-in-pearland-federal-prosecutors-say/?utm_source=rss-healthcare-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:50:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2F17154919%2F20191017-IMG_1783-450x300.jpg","slug":"las-vegas-woman-accused-of-running-illegal-multi-million-dollar-healthcare-scheme-in-pearland-prosec"},{"id":"xpxi53","title":"Saks officially emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with less debt and a new name","excerpt":"Saks Global, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday with fewer stores, less debt, a more focused strategy to pamper the affluent — and a new name.The company said Friday that the new entity will be called E...","content":"Saks Global, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday with fewer stores, less debt, a more focused strategy to pamper the affluent — and a new name.The company said Friday that the new entity will be called Exemplar Luxury Group, and with an improved balance sheet, including a nearly 75% debt reduction and $500 million in extra financing. Its CEO, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, said the New York-based company is ready for its next chapter after navigating several tumultuous years.“Today is really a brand new day for the organization and a new day where these three iconic banners have the right funding, the right equity and a bright future ahead of them,” van Raemdonck told The Associated Press on Friday during a phone interview.Van Raemdonck said that the new name signifies the company's focus on having an exemplary shopping experience — the best merchandise, and better personalized service with customers, with help from its sales associates and the treasure trove of data it has on its customers. The company employs more than 1,500 sales associates who have sold more than $1 million of goods each, he said.Saks Global had filed for bankruptcy protection in January of this year, buffeted by rising competition and the massive debt it took on to buy its rival in the luxury sector, Neiman Marcus, in July 2024.Before the bankruptcy, there were 33 Saks stores and 36 Neiman Marcus locations, according to the company, as well as its Bergdorf Goodman store on Fifth Avenue and roughly 70 Saks Off 5th discount stores.Now, there are a total of 49 stores — 15 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 33 Neiman Marcus stores and its Bergdorf Goodman store. The company shuttered most of its Saks Off Fifth discount stores, and it now has 12 outlets, the company said. Exemplar Luxury Group said it has been teaming up with Pentwater Capital Management and Bracebridge Capital throughout its restructuring process. Both firms will have two representatives on the seven-person board. In addition, van Raemdonck as well as former Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell and Philippe Schaus, who most recently served as Global CEO of Moët Hennessy, will serve on the board, the company said. .","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/saks-officially-emerges-from-chapter-11-bankruptcy-with-less-debt-and-a-new-name/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:15:05.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZJZGMQYQNBEU7L3R2WPSKQI4Y4.jpg","slug":"saks-officially-emerges-from-chapter-11-bankruptcy-with-less-debt-and-a-new-name"},{"id":"lu7szs","title":"Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE","excerpt":"A poll worker said two federal officers visited her at a voting location during New York’s primaries to confront her about a social media post she’d written criticizing the ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.Paigelynne Gonyea said the confrontation happened Tuesday while she w...","content":"A poll worker said two federal officers visited her at a voting location during New York’s primaries to confront her about a social media post she’d written criticizing the ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.Paigelynne Gonyea said the confrontation happened Tuesday while she was working at a polling place in Syracuse. Two officers gave Gonyea a written notice stating that she might be in violation of federal laws that prevent publicly posting personal information about federal officers, she said.Gonyea said the warning stemmed from a post she made on social media in January in which she posted a picture of Jonathan Ross, an ICE officer who shot and killed Good in Minneapolis during anti-ICE demonstrations that month. In the post, Gonyea wrote: “I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted.”Gonyea's post — which she made after Ross had already been identified by the news media — is still up. She said she has no intention of taking it down.“I plan on using this experience to defend and support our First Amendment right,” Gonyea said. “Our first amendment rights definitely need to be protected now more than ever.”Homeland Security considered post ‘doxxing’Gonyea “committed a federal crime by posting the address of an ICE law enforcement officer online” and “if you doxx our officers, we will investigate you, and you will be brought to justice,\" said Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland security, in a statement.Bis shared a different social media post from the same one of Gonyea's accounts in which she said Gonyea shared Ross's address. Part of the post was redacted.“Doxxing federal law enforcement officers is a federal crime that puts their lives and their families in serious danger,” the statement said. “This danger is not hypothetical. Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists.”Fellow poll worker recorded encounterAnother worker at the polls Tuesday recorded the encounter on her phone. The video shows two uniformed people coming into the polling place and talking briefly with Gonyea, who refuses to sign a warning letter.Gonyea later posted the letter on social media. The unsigned letter states that it's from ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility, whose primary mission is investigating allegations of misconduct by ICE personnel and contractors.The poll worker who shot the video, Sheilia Milledge, said workers were shaken by the incident. No voters were present at the time of the confrontation, Gonyea said.“I felt like it was a scare tactic that they were using,” Milledge said.Attorney General's Office is reviewingA representative for the New York Attorney General's Office said the office is aware of the situation and is reviewing it, while a representative for the governor's office said the office had not heard of other similar incidents in the state.The incident “did not disrupt voting and was not related to the election process,” said Kathleen McGrath, a spokesperson for the New York State Board of Elections. Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny said he responded to the polling place shortly after the incident, spoke with poll workers, made sure voting wasn't disrupted and \"connected Paige to resources.\"Gonyea said she initially missed a call from officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE, who wanted to meet with her.A DHS agent left a voicemail saying they were calling “in reference to a post that we believe you made on Instagram where you doxxed an ICE agent back in January,” according a recording of the message she shared on social media.\"We just wanted to talk to you about it. You’re not in any type of trouble,” the agent said, according to a recording provided by Gonyea.Gonyea said she returned the call to ask the officers to come into the polling place because she felt it would be safer to meet with them inside.Advocates consider encounter intimidatingIt appears to be incidental that the federal officers served Gonyea with the warning while she was working at the polling place, but their presence could still be intimidating to voters and poll workers, said Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the voting rights and elections program at Brennan Center for Justice, a left-leaning public policy institute.Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said if officers are giving residents \"a formal complaint about their protected speech, we’re in trouble.”Rep. John Mannion, a Democrat who represents the area in Congress, also sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin calling for the department to review the incident and “put a stop to any ICE activities that target protected speech.\"“ICE should not be broadly targeting online speech or actively monitoring social media accounts without cause and without proper judicial protections,” Mannion's letter stated.___This story has been corrected to say that the Homeland Security official used the word agent, not officer, in the voicemail to Gonyea.___Whittle reported from Portland, Maine. Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in New York City and Rebecca Santana in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/election-worker-says-federal-officers-confronted-her-at-polls-over-social-media-post-criticizing-ice/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Patrick Whittle, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:44:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F45GMDDASJVAJVHRTLBRD5UXEWQ.jpg","slug":"election-worker-says-federal-officers-confronted-her-at-polls-over-social-media-post-criticizing-ice"},{"id":"57dw1w","title":"Things to know about Venezuela's powerful earthquakes","excerpt":"A rare double earthquake ravaged Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 920 and injuring another 3,360, authorities said. Many more are feared dead.Thousands of people have been reported missing. Some of the heaviest damage and casualties were in La Guaira, a coastal region north of the capital...","content":"A rare double earthquake ravaged Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 920 and injuring another 3,360, authorities said. Many more are feared dead.Thousands of people have been reported missing. Some of the heaviest damage and casualties were in La Guaira, a coastal region north of the capital, Caracas.Here’s what to know about the earthquakes and the search for survivors:2 earthquakes in less than one minuteThe powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck 39 seconds apart along the San Sebastian fault on Venezuela’s northern coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.They were among the strongest in the South American nation in more than a century.The first earthquake, a 7.2-magnitude foreshock, hit west of Morón on the Caribbean coast, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) west of Caracas, with a depth of 22 kilometers (about 14 miles).The second, a 7.5-magnitude mainshock, was centered 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón, with a depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles).The back-to-back earthquakes — known as a doublet because of their similarities in magnitude, time and proximity — resulted from shallow strike-slip faulting near the complex plate boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, the U.S. Geological Survey said.Many people are dead, injured, homeless or missingThe death toll in Venezuela is likely to climb as rescue crews comb through buildings toppled by the earthquakes. Thousands of Venezuelans left suddenly homeless have since poured into parks, plazas and even along the shoulders of blocked highways, looking for a place to sleep.Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said authorities have deployed rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira, where dozens of buildings have collapsed.The city, about 165 kilometers (103 miles) east of the 7.5-magnitude quake’s epicenter, is a “disaster zone,” she said.Civilians and authorities pulled survivors out of concrete rubble, some of them covered in dust and blood. Families sobbed in front of destroyed homes.Families began posting missing-person flyers with photos of loved ones, while others shared handwritten lists of names as they searched for those still unaccounted for.Photos show rescue efforts across earthquake-ravaged Venezuela.Significant damage in Caracas and beyondImages shared by relatives in Venezuela and abroad showed desperate searches for missing loved ones following the earthquakes.The earthquakes destroyed buildings in Caracas and led to evacuations as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) away.In downtown Caracas, hundreds of people spent the night huddled in parks, parking lots and other open spaces. Parts of the city lost power and cellphone service. Venezuela’s main airport in Caracas was damaged and closed, subway service was suspended and natural gas was shut off.Classes will also be canceled for several days as schools are used as shelters and donation centers.In Guaira — the hardest hit state just north of Caracas — families placed sheets on a dusty baseball field to claim their space, their belongings stuffed into plastic bags. Others sought shelter under palm trees.Rodríguez said the government was creating a $200 million reconstruction fund for hospitals and homes damaged by the earthquakes.International aid pours into VenezuelaThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC, has launched an Emergency Appeal for 50 million Swiss francs ($61 million) to assist its operations in Venezuela. The first 17 metric tons of humanitarian supplies left the IFRC’s regional humanitarian hub in Panama for Venezuela on Friday.The Red Cross is also providing mental health and psychosocial support, safe water and sanitation services, the distribution of essential relief items and cash assistance, and family reunification and protection services. National Red Cross Societies in 10 Latin American countries have activated family links services to help locate missing relatives or obtain information about them.The United States is sending $150 million in aid moving through the United Nations and nonprofit partners on the ground. It is also deploying two urban search-and-rescue teams with dozens of people, search dogs and search equipment. Military airlift, logistics and lifesaving support will also be sent.The European Union said Friday that Czechia, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands are sending 520 responders to support Venezuela through the bloc’s civil protection mechanism. The EU also activated its Copernicus satellite service to provide Venezuelans with satellite imagery and other geospatial data.Caritas, a global confederation of over 160 Roman Catholic organizations, said on Friday it is setting up a collection center at the headquarters of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference in the city of Montalbán, where donations of drinking water, nonperishable food and essential medicines will be accepted. Caritas also said more collection centers will be organized nationwide in partnership with the national private sector. British Prime-Minister Keir Starmer said Friday evening his government has sent 2 million pounds ($2.6 million) in humanitarian aid to Venezuela, along with a search-and-rescue team with 68 members, including six specialist search dogs. Britain also sent an Air Force Voyager aircraft as well as drones to help assess structural collapses safely, identify hazards and direct rescue teams. A spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that the Chinese government and the Red Cross Society of China will provide emergency humanitarian aid to Venezuela. Guo Jiakun added that the government will provide further support to Venezuela whenever requested.Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that he was sending his defense minister to Venezuela to assist needs on the ground. Earlier Friday, a KC-390 plane departed from Sao Paulo’s international airport with dozens of firefighters and other support personnel, chiefly telecommunications specialists. A second plane is scheduled to depart Saturday with equipment to assemble an open hospital, 100 solar-powered water purifiers, medicines and medical supplies.India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircrafts departed Friday morning for Venezuela, carrying humanitarian relief supplies and a 41-member search-and-rescue team. The deployment includes a medical task force, an army field hospital unit, 30 tons of relief supplies, 6 tons of medicines and medical equipment and two portable hospitals.Italy said Friday that an Air Force aircraft would depart later that day carrying medical personnel and members of the national fire service. The government said it was also preparing a package of humanitarian assistance, including possible support through Italian civil society organizations already operating in Venezuela.Turkey is sending two military A400M transport aircraft to Venezuela on Friday. One will carry a 38-member search-and-rescue team and equipment, while the other will transport a 22-member humanitarian aid team.Venezuelans in the U.S. are rushing to organize donation drives. More than 770,000 Venezuelans live in the U.S., with large communities in Florida, Texas and Utah.Another challenge for Venezuela’s leaderThe earthquakes are yet another crisis for Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the U.S. captured former President Nicolás Maduro.Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are jailed in New York City while awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.Rodríguez inherited a country that has been in economic turmoil for more than a decade.Many Venezuelans reject the legitimacy of her political movement, while some loyalists have criticized her leadership and warming relationship with the U.S.___Follow AP’s Latin America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/things-to-know-about-the-venezuela-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"The Associated Press, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:52:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FESUMAPGWBVDPJDOFYGVSQSHMMM.jpg","slug":"things-to-know-about-venezuelas-powerful-earthquakes"},{"id":"dznidx","title":"Katy's Venezuelan community rallies after deadly earthquakes","excerpt":"In the Houston suburb known as “Katyzuela” for its large Venezuelan population, the help is not stopping.Roughly 50 pallets packed with food, clothing and water are staged and ready to ship to Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes — a 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude — struck the country late Wednes...","content":"In the Houston suburb known as “Katyzuela” for its large Venezuelan population, the help is not stopping.Roughly 50 pallets packed with food, clothing and water are staged and ready to ship to Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes — a 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude — struck the country late Wednesday, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands more injured, authorities said.Community steps upMetabox Cargo, located at 19308 Morton Road, Suite 106, in Katy, has become a hub for relief efforts, with volunteers sorting through a steady stream of donations pouring in from the community.Mercedes Perez, a representative with Metabox Cargo, says the need in Venezuela goes far beyond the earthquakes.RELATED: Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs“In our daily life, without any catastrophic disaster, we have issues — electricity, lack of food — we have a difficult life there,” Perez said. “Can you imagine how hard it could be in that life with two earthquakes, back to back?”What’s needed nowOrganizers say the location is currently accepting the following items:Non-perishable food itemsBaby formulaSterile glovesSterile gauzeSterile syringesThermometersBlood pressure monitorsNote: The location is not accepting water, Powerade or clothing until Saturday.Dr. Cristina Perez Viso, a general surgeon, is urging those in the medical community to get involved.“Anything that sounds basic to you, we probably don’t have it,” Perez Viso said. “If you are within the medical field, you can help us by maybe contacting your organizations and seeing if any of these supplies can be brought here.”How to helpMetabox Cargo, at 19308 Morton Road, Suite 106, Katy, TX 77449, is open today until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first shipment to Venezuela is set to go out Monday.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/katys-venezuelan-community-rallies-after-deadly-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sandy Torres","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:26:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F11045422-43dd-4fea-bb35-1789988a4ad7%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"katys-venezuelan-community-rallies-after-deadly-earthquakes"},{"id":"4lswh1","title":"StubHub canceled her World Cup tickets days before the match, 2 Helps You Mario Diaz: ‘Cancel Culture, Heck No!’","excerpt":"Since April, Lisa Coulter had been counting down the days.The sixth-grade teacher from Toronto and her cousin had planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Houston to watch their homeland, Cabo Verde, compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.Then, only days before Cabo Verde’s match with Saudi Arabia, every...","content":"Since April, Lisa Coulter had been counting down the days.The sixth-grade teacher from Toronto and her cousin had planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Houston to watch their homeland, Cabo Verde, compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.Then, only days before Cabo Verde’s match with Saudi Arabia, everything unraveled.After purchasing tickets through StubHub, Lisa received a demoralizing email informing her the order had been canceled and directing her to find replacement tickets through its platform. “They said they had to cancel our tickets and to find replacement tickets,” Lisa recalled. “But when you clicked the replacement button, there were none available.”StubHub advertises “Every order is 100% guaranteed” that promises replacement tickets or a refund if something goes wrong. In Lisa’s case, replacement seats simply weren’t available.The company offered a refund, “No, I don’t want a refund. I want to go to this game,” said Lisa. Determined not to give up, Lisa spent hours trying to resolve the issue.Texas family says World Cup dream was crushed after StubHub tickets fell through hours before matchShe estimates she spoke with a dozen or so different customer service representatives, escalating the issue again and again without success.Eventually, she emailed StubHub’s executive team and copied numerous media outlets in hopes someone would listen.One journalist did, “I have to give credit because you were the only one who responded to my story,” Lisa said to 2 Helps You. After learning of Lisa’s situation, I reached out to StubHub on her behalf, asking the company to review her case.The effort didn’t produce immediate results, but it did get the company’s attention. I also provided her order number and contact information in a follow-up email. “It took a while and some pushing,” Lisa said. “Within about an hour, StubHub called me and said they were going to get us new tickets.”Game on! On Friday morning, less than 24 hours after emailing StubHub, Lisa and I enjoyed an emotional introduction at George Bush Intercontinental Airport after landing from Toronto. She greeted me with a hug, watery eyes and a heart full of gratitude. World Cup ticket buyers are left stranded as resale purchases fall throughHer cousin Maria also weighed in on what the tickets meant to them, “Thank you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. God bless you.”Lisa then reflected on the entire experience, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “It’s your passion, your heart, your thoughtfulness. That’s why my cousin and I are here.”A few hours later, Lisa walked into NRG Stadium with her Canadian flag, took to her seats in Section 130 and started making memories of a lifetime by cheering on Cabo Verde.A goal scored. What to do if your event tickets are canceledNow what should you do if you have problems with a third-party ticket vendor? Document with a paper trail, save every email and receipt connected to your purchase.Contact the company immediately and ask for replacement tickets if they’re part of the seller’s guarantee and take a screenshot of your call. Escalate the issue if standard support isn’t resolving the problem.If the company fails to deliver, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Texas as they have consumer protection office and hotline. They also have the power to legally hold companies doing business accountable.  Statement from StubHub to 2 Helps You“The issues fans have experienced at this World Cup are largely transfer problems, not ticket problems. The event organizer’s own ticketing infrastructure, including a new app launched right before the tournament began, has had significant performance issues that have affected transfers across all resale platforms. We’ve responded by standing up a dedicated World Cup support team and expanding our capacity to source replacement tickets for affected customers. Every order is backed by our FanProtect Guarantee, and getting fans to their matches remains our top priority for the rest of this tournament.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/stubhub-canceled-her-world-cup-tickets-days-before-the-match-2-helps-you-mario-diaz-cancel-culture-heck-no/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mario Díaz, Michael Edison","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:21:21.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe2333d18-1685-465b-b0a3-37c66d0ccb66%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"stubhub-canceled-her-world-cup-tickets-days-before-the-match-2-helps-you-mario-diaz-cancel-culture-h"},{"id":"f4h2gb","title":"HISD approves Bluebonnet curriculum with Bible references for elementary classrooms","excerpt":"Houston ISD trustees voted Thursday night to adopt the state’s Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary school students, reversing last year’s decision and prompting debate over the role of biblical references in public education.The curriculum, developed by the Texas Education Agency, inclu...","content":"Houston ISD trustees voted Thursday night to adopt the state’s Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary school students, reversing last year’s decision and prompting debate over the role of biblical references in public education.The curriculum, developed by the Texas Education Agency, includes references to stories and figures from the Bible as part of lessons designed to teach students about literature, history and culture. State officials have said the curriculum is intended to teach about the Bible’s historical and cultural influence—not religion.During Thursday night’s board meeting, several parents urged trustees to reject the curriculum, arguing the district had not provided enough transparency or opportunities for public input before the vote.One parent told trustees:“Forcing Bluebonnet on the district without transparency, clarity or community involvement is unacceptable. It is too soon and the stakes are too high.”Another parent argued public schools should remain focused on secular education.“Public education should unite our community by focusing on shared secular knowledge and civic values, not by disproportionately highlighting one religion or religious textbook.”Why HISD says it adopted BluebonnetDistrict leaders said three factors drove this year’s recommendation:The State Board of Education’s approved reading list and vocabulary, which are expected to be reflected on future state assessments.State law requiring instruction about religious literature and its impact on history and literature.Approximately $3.3 million in additional state funding available to districts that adopt the curriculum.In a statement to KPRC 2, HISD said:“The adoption for the 2026-27 school year ensures Houston ISD remains aligned with Texas state standards while maintaining the District’s evidence-based approach to literacy instruction. Houston ISD remains focused on ensuring students receive high-quality literacy instruction that aligns with state requirements, prepares them for future assessments, and helps more students read on grade level.”What will change in classrooms?District leaders emphasized that Bluebonnet will not replace HISD’s instructional model.Instead, the district plans to replace some of its reading texts and vocabulary with the state-approved Bluebonnet materials while continuing to use HISD-developed lesson plans and classroom activities already in place through Superintendent Mike Miles’ New Education System (NES).Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole told trustees teachers will continue receiving lesson plans in the same format they already use and said replacing reading texts is something teachers have routinely done over the years.Superintendent Mike Miles also sought to reassure parents that the change would not dramatically alter classroom instruction.“While it sounds like a massive change, it isn’t. It’s a significant change. There’s no question some of the text will be different, but a lot of it will be the same. Our estimate is about 40% is different. Sixty percent is the same.”District leaders also told trustees they wanted the board to vote before the school year begins so teachers would have enough time to prepare instructional materials ahead of the first day of class.Questions remain about parent optionsKPRC 2 asked HISD what options parents have if they do not want their children participating in the Bluebonnet curriculum.The district said it is working to provide a response.KPRC 2 also contacted TEA, about the funding. The agency directed us to the Bluebonnet Learning FAQs resource page on the website. https://tea.texas.gov/curriculum-and-instruction/instructional-materials/house-bill-1605/oer-imra-faqs-6.pdfThe curriculum is expected to be implemented during the upcoming school year.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/hisd-approves-bluebonnet-curriculum-with-bible-references-for-elementary-classrooms/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Re'Chelle Turner","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:44:18.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fc7f6c26d-6db7-485b-8906-81d9238495e9%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"hisd-approves-bluebonnet-curriculum-with-bible-references-for-elementary-classrooms"},{"id":"4ykwgd","title":"Summer sizzle dominates Houston’s weekend forecast","excerpt":"Summer has officially settled into Southeast Texas, and the weather is starting to look the same day after day. A strong area of high pressure is parked over the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, zero rain chances and afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. When you factor in Houston...","content":"Summer has officially settled into Southeast Texas, and the weather is starting to look the same day after day. A strong area of high pressure is parked over the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, zero rain chances and afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. When you factor in Houston’s trademark humidity, it’ll feel even hotter, with heat index values ranging from 100 to 106 degrees each afternoon.Our weekend’s forecast:Afternoon highs will generally range from 92 to 96 degrees through much of the week, with overnight lows falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s.While this won’t be an extreme heat wave by Houston standards, the lack of rainfall combined with several consecutive days of triple-digit heat indices will make for a prolonged stretch of summer heat. Most afternoons will feature heat index values between 102 and 106 degrees, and there may be isolated spots that briefly exceed those numbers. Staying safe in the heat:Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you do head outside, seek shade when possible, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. And never, under any circumstances, leave a person or animal alone in a closed car. Plus, as our temperatures hit the 90s, it’s a good reminder of how hot it gets inside your car - reaching life-threatening temperatures quickly. According to Stanford researchers, on a 90-degree day a parked car’s interior can reach 109 in just 10 minutes and 133 in 60 minutes. Cracking the windows make no significant difference in the rate of temperature rise, it can still be life-threatening.10 Day Forecast:Looking ahead, the forecast remains remarkably consistent. High temperatures stay in the low-to-mid 90s through the beginning of July, while overnight lows remain in the upper 70s. Rain chances remain very limited for most locations through the weekend and into next week.A few isolated showers may return around the middle of next week, but widespread rainfall is not expected at this time.For now, Houston’s weather pattern is firmly locked into summer mode: hot afternoons, warm nights, plenty of humidity, and very few opportunities for cooling rain.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/26/houston-weather-hot-humid-pattern-continues-with-triple-digit-heat-index-through-june/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:59:14.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F53RIEVR22FGDFMZXAWR7J6BCOI.jpg","slug":"summer-sizzle-dominates-houstons-weekend-forecast"},{"id":"6ta1qq","title":"Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schools","excerpt":"Texas' education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible stories, widening conservative efforts to bring Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.The state-mandated list of assigned reading — which includes Charles Dicken...","content":"Texas' education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible stories, widening conservative efforts to bring Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.The state-mandated list of assigned reading — which includes Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and excerpts from the New Testament — appeared to be among the first of its kind of the nation and will take effect starting in 2030. The State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list on a 9-5 vote following weeks of contentious debate that again put Texas at the center of wrangling over the role of religion in public schools. Last year, Texas became the largest state to require teachers to hang the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The board this week was also considering new social studies curriculum that draws lines between Bible stories and American history.Beyond objections over Bible readings, the mandate drew backlash from teachers who criticized losing the ability to decide what their students will read, although they are still allowed to assign additional books during the school year. “I don’t have a problem reading about David and Goliath because I believe in those stories,” said Alyse Dent, a high school English teacher in the Dallas area. \"But if I’m reading to one of my students — they’re Muslim or they’re atheist — I can say all day long, ‘Well, we’re teaching a theme, we’re teaching symbolism,’ but they’re hearing, ‘This is a Bible story. We’re talking about God.’” Supporters of the changes have argued that Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation’s founding and that should be reflected in the public school curriculum. “These timeless works, including biblical passages, have shaped American culture and history, and have influenced generations of thinkers, leaders, and citizens, and they continue to offer valuable lessons about human nature, virtue, liberty, and civic responsibility,\" said Mandy Drogin, a senior fellow at Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank.Texas has brought more religion into classroomsTexas, which educates roughly 1 in 10 of the nation’s public school students, has been at the forefront of a charge by conservatives to incorporate more religion into classrooms. The state also allows public schools to hire chaplains to counsel students and has approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum. Brooke Mazel, a retiree from Lubbock, was among a large crowd that packed a meeting of the education board this week in Austin, saying her children and grandchildren grew up with “strong faith and family values” and backed the required titles.“America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values,” Mazel said.A state law passed in 2023 required a mandatory list of at least one literary work be taught in each grade level. The new list contains around 200 texts, including Bible passages, essays and books, far in excess of that requirement. Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor, said he doesn’t know of any other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts. Educators at the district and school level usually choose the texts their students will read, Garcia said.Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, agreed the move was “unique” to Texas.Popular literary works are also on Texas' required list Picture-book stories for elementary students including “David and Goliath” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” are on the required reading list. By fourth grade, students will encounter passages about Jesus in the New Testament. E.B. White's “Charlotte's Web” would be assigned to third-graders. In middle school, students will be expected to read passages about Jesus, including his most famous sermon and another where he instructs people to cast aside earthly anxiety and seek the kingdom of God.For high schoolers, the list requires the reading of specific Bible passages as supportive materials for literary works, including works by Dickens and Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice.\"Texas law does let parents remove a child from a class or activity that conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs.Critics say list isn't diverse enoughThe list mandates that students reading Shakespeare's “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar\" also read a eulogy for President Ronald Reagan written by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a staunch conservative.Chanea Bond, who teaches college and advanced high school English courses in Fort Worth, said having a state reading list can close the gap between what students learn in different areas. Although the list for high schoolers is “pretty solid” for a study of classics, she said, the list is “very old and very white.”“It is very narrow and does not represent what classrooms in Texas look like,” she said. “Going through most of high school without ever having much value put into voices that sound like yours kind of sends a message that your voices aren’t valuable.”___Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press reporter Jim Vertuno contributed to this report from Austin, Texas.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/26/texas-board-approves-bible-stories-as-required-reading-in-public-schools/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jamie Stengle And Jim Vertuno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:01:03.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPWKGPAIVIRHINDRY2PL2GXE7II.jpg","slug":"bible-stories-are-approved-as-required-reading-in-texas-public-schools"},{"id":"lvfqv5","title":"Sex assault suspect sentenced to 25 years on burglary charge, court documents show","excerpt":"According to court documents, the suspect was sentenced to 25 years on one count of burglary with intent to commit another felony, with two attempted sexual assault charges dismissed as part of a plea deal.","content":"According to court documents, the suspect was sentenced to 25 years on one count of burglary with intent to commit another felony, with two attempted sexual assault charges dismissed as part of a plea deal.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/sex-assault-suspect-sentenced-25-years-burglary-charge-court-documents-show/19389760/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:14:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"sex-assault-suspect-sentenced-to-25-years-on-burglary-charge-court-documents-show"},{"id":"1qfr4","title":"The Latest: US strikes Iran after Trump says ceasefire was violated","excerpt":"The U.S. struck Iran on Friday to respond to a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a provocation that U.S. President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire.The British military said Thursday that a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman. This comes at a fragile time for the U...","content":"The U.S. struck Iran on Friday to respond to a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a provocation that U.S. President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire.The British military said Thursday that a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman. This comes at a fragile time for the U.S. and Iranian negotiations over interim peace deal.Trump also threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any nation that taxes digital services from U.S. companies, specifically singling out Europe. His post on social media said those nations are considering “imminent” taxes, and that the tariff would override any previously negotiated trade agreements.Here's the latest:Vance warns Iran ‘violence will be met with violence’The vice president said on social media that Iran should “pick up the phone” if there are disagreements about the ceasefire agreement.“But violence will be met with violence,” Vance said on X after the U.S. strikes.US retaliatory strikes in Iran have concluded, official saysThe U.S. strikes on Iran in response to a drone attack on a cargo ship have concluded, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.The confirmation comes about an hour after U.S. Central Command announced the military action on social media.The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss an ongoing military operation.___By Konstantin ToropinUS strikes against Iran are ongoing, official saysThe American strikes in response to a drone attack on a cargo ship are still ongoing, even as U.S. Central Command released a statement confirming the action, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss an ongoing military operation.___ By Konstantin ToropinSoot pollution rule stays in effect as court blocks Trump EPA effort to scrap itA federal appeals court has rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to abandon a Biden-era rule that sets tough standards for deadly soot pollution.The unanimous ruling Friday by a three-judge panel is a setback for Trump’s deregulatory agenda.The decision by the Washington-based U.S. Court of Appeals leaves intact a tighter standard set in 2024 on pollution from coal-fired power plants, factories and other industrial sources.The EPA had asked the appeals court to invalidate the 2024 rule, arguing that the agency under previous leaders had exceeded its statutory authority and did not consider costs to businesses.The appeals court denied the request, saying the EPA’s arguments “lack merit.”▶ Read moreTrump won’t say whether Iran will face consequences for attacksAsked if Iran would face consequences for a recent drone attack on a ship, Trump said: “Well, you’ll find out.”The president did not lay out options on how he could respond, or the status of technical talks between the United States and Iran on trying to end the war.“I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday,” Trump said.The president did not answer a direct question about whether he thought the ceasefire was still in place.Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schoolsThe required reading list approved Friday by the Texas State Board of Education widens conservative efforts to bring more Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.The push in Texas has been closely followed by education observers, who say the required reading list appears to be the first of its kind in the nation.The mandate required more than 5 million public school students in Texas must read traditional literary works such as E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web.” Also on the list are Bible stories, including passages from the New Testament and excerpts from the Book of Job.The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list of over critics who argued the titles lacked diversity and and blurs the separation of church and state.Supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation’s founding and that should be reflected in the public school curriculum.Trump panel calls for bridges, not a wall, between church and stateThe assertion — challenging a longstanding concept in American law — comes amid a raft of recommendations in a draft report of the Religious Liberty Commission, released Friday afternoon.The advisory body was created by Trump last year and was filled almost entirely by conservative Christians. The report recommends a stronger role for religion in government, schools and the public square.The report calls for eliminating the “ Johnson Amendment,” which forbids political activities by tax-exempt religious groups. It calls for compensating military service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines on religious grounds.Trump says Venezuelans are now ‘dancing in the streets’The president celebrated the U.S. military mission he ordered to capture Venezuelan leaderNicolás Maduro.He brought up the South American nation happily before interrupting himself to reference the back-to-back earthquakes that have devastated Caracas.“By the way, we’re helping Venezuela” after the “tremendous” natural disaster, Trump said, before resuming his original thought on U.S. actions there.“We’ve had a great relationship” since the mission to depose Maduro, he said. “Was a one-day war.”He said oil processed since the action has “paid for the war many times over” and boosted Venezuela’s economy.Trump said the earthquake “was terrible” but that, otherwise, “the people are happy; they’re dancing in the streets.”Trump says ‘nobody saw’ drone that hit cargo ship in the Strait of HormuzDescribing the U.S. response to a drone strike that Trump blamed on Iran, the president said one got through unnoticed and struck a ship on Thursday.“We knocked down three of them. One of them, I guess — we didn’t miss it. Nobody saw it coming,” Trump said on Friday.He made the comment after remarking that Iran still has “some capability, not much.”“You can’t do that stuff,” he added. Earlier on Friday he called the strike a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States.Trump says Zohran Mamdani’s housing efforts will tank New York CityThe New York City mayor “seems like a nice guy” but his push to make rent more affordable will backfire, the president insists.“These buildings will soon turn into ghettos and slums,” Trump says, suggesting landlords won’t get enough revenue to take care of their properties. Trump argued, “It will be third world.”Trump was referring to the city’s Rent Guidelines Board approving a citywide rent freeze for certain lease renewals beginning this fall. It affects nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments and helps fulfill one of Mamdani’s signature campaign promises to make housing more affordable.Trump warns that the left’s election victories is a movement that ‘isn’t stopping with New York’The president said the election results this week show that “the Democrat Party is in big trouble.”He also described the winners as not “social democrats” but “hardcore, godless communists.”Trump bashes Alaska Sen. Murkowski for opposing his bill to create stricter ID standards for votersThe president used his speech to the Faith & Freedom Coalition to attack a Republican lawmaker who has opposed his SAVE America Act.“We have a few Republicans that are fighting it — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska,” Trump said. “You should call her and tell her to get on the ball. She’ll never win another election. I can tell you.”The crowd, in support of Trump, booed the mention of Murkowski’s name.Murkowski has said that the bill being championed by Trump could undermine state oversight of elections. She said the required proof of U.S. citizenship could deny legitimate voters the chance to cast their ballots or mandate states to change their driver’s licenses to conform to Trump’s interests.Trump credits his presidencies with returning God to AmericaThe president claimed that “religion is back in our country, bigger and stronger than it has been in many, many years.”He referred generally to “all of these reports” he’s read suggesting religious practice is “going up.”He ticked through steps his administration has taken, including establishing a White House Faith Office and ending what he described as persecution of Christians by the government. He also took credit for restoring Christmas.And he insisted none of that would have happened if the 2016 and 2024 elections were won by Democrats. He described Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration as “so bad” and “so evil.”Biden is a practicing Catholic who regular attended Mass while in office. Trump does not regularly attended services.Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio saysSecretary of State Marco Rubio along with ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon announced a framework agreement Friday that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.The officials did not share details on the agreement that was signed by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, ambassador of Lebanon to the United States.Evangelical group founder touts Trump’s conservative recordIn introducing Trump at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference, founder Ralph Reed sought to remind the audience of the president’s conservative track record.“This is a man who, alone among all the leaders that we have had, gave us the most conservative Supreme Court in over a century,” Reed said.He also noted Trump’s efforts to lower taxes and move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.Evangelicals are a crucial part of Trump’s political coalition. Reed noted that the president has spoken to the group 10 times.“I want to thank Ralph for the introduction,” Trump said as he took the stage. “Thank you to all of the true American patriots of Faith and Freedom Coalition. You’ve been with me from the beginning.”Trump returns to hotel where correspondents’ dinner was heldThe president on Friday appeared at an event at the Washington Hilton, where two months earlier he was rushed from the hotel when a gunman charged at the ballroom during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.Trump was speaking on Friday to a gathering of Christian conservatives at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual conference, where he’s made previous appearances.Security at the event was tighter than in the past, including officers in tactical gear stationed right outside the ballroom doors.Trump says communism is ‘the most serious threat to our Country since its existence’ but says ‘I’d be the Greatest Communist in History’The president wrote in a post on social media that his speech Friday afternoon to conservative Christians would include a warning about communism.Trump and Republicans have been seizing on election wins by candidates endorsed by New York City’s democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.“Communism is very easy to sell. I’d be the Greatest Communist in History. I’d give free rent, free houses, free food, everything is free,” Trump wrote in his lengthy post.But, he said, after a few years, the country “would fail.”Man is charged with obstruction of justice in connection with White House UFC attack plotAn eighth person has been arrested in connection with what authorities say was a planned attack on Trump’s UFC cage-fighting show at the White House earlier this month.Law enforcement disrupted the plan a few days before the June 14 event, officials say.Authorities say Alexander Iniguez Mercado of Chicago was an administrator of Signal messaging groups with members who are accused of plotting the attack. When an FBI agent called Mercado on June 13 and asked whether he planned to travel to Washington D.C. to help with an attack, Mercado denied it, the indictment says. He then deleted the Signal app from his phone, prosecutors allege.Mercado, 20, is charged with obstruction of justice. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf and phone numbers for relatives could not immediately be located.Trump threatens a 100% tax on European imports if countries tax digital servicesTrump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies.“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump wrote in a post Friday on social media.He added that the new tax would supersede any previously negotiated trade deals. Trump said the penalty would apply to any country that moves forward with such a tax, but he singled out European nations in his post.▶ Read moreTrump blames Iran for a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of HormuzThe president called the alleged strike a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S.Trump said one drone hit the upper deck of the ship and “damage was done,” but the ship was able to proceed. He added that the U.S. shot down three other drones.His post on social media did not identify the ship or the time of the strike, but on Thursday the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman.It comes during a fragile time for the U.S. and Iran as they work to negotiate a permanent end to the war.Bolton also agreed to pay a fine of $2.25 millionHe can withdraw his guilty plea if the judge imposes a longer prison sentence or a larger fine.Bolton must pay half of the fine within five days of his plea and the balance within 90 days. He agreed to forfeit his retirement pay for his federal service. The plea deal also requires him to submit to a debriefing with federal intelligence officials and perform up to 100 hours of community service.After a prosecutor read aloud a summary of his offenses, Bolton agreed it was accurate.“I’m sorry for it,” he told the judge.Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said Bolton “did what real leaders do” by pleading guilty.Other Trump adversaries have been charged with federal crimes during his second termWhile some of those cases have collapsed under judicial scrutiny and amid claims of political retribution, Bolton didn’t mount a vigorous defense against his charges before cutting a deal.FBI agents searched Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office last August, but the investigation began before Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.Bolton was charged with 18 counts of either retaining or disseminating classified informationThat included diary-like notes he shared with relatives as he wrote a memoir about his career in government.Bolton served for more than a year in Trump’s first administration before getting pushed out in 2019. He later published a book called “The Room Where It Happened” that presented an unflattering portrait of Trump’s leadership.The Trump administration fought unsuccessfully to block the book’s release, claiming it contained classified information that could jeopardize national security. Trump derided Bolton as a “crazy” warmonger who would have led the country into “World War Six.”Bolton’s indictment focused on notes he shared with his wife and daughter rather than the contents of his book. After sending one document, Bolton wrote in a message to his relatives, “None of which we talk about!!!” In response, one of his relatives wrote, “Shhhhh,” prosecutors said.Ex-national security adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to illegally retaining classified informationFormer Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty Friday to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a deal with federal prosecutors that could allow him to avoid a prison term.Bolton, who became an outspoken critic of Trump after serving in the Republican’s first administration, is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 28 by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Greenbelt, Maryland.Bolton pleaded guilty to a single count of illegally retaining classified information. His plea agreement with the Justice Department may enable him to avoid time behind bars, but the judge ultimately will decide his punishment.The plea agreement recommends capping any prison sentence at five years but the judge isn’t bound by that part of the deal.▶ Read moreDNC plans weekend of events to focus on affordability concernsThe Democratic National Committee is organizing hundreds of community events across the country this weekend in hopes of harnessing the same concerns about affordability that Trump capitalized on to return to the White House.The events include school supply giveaways, food bank drives, neighborhood door knockings and organizer trainings.“Everything costs too damn much under Donald Trump and the Republicans,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.Martin said party members planned “to reach, engage, register, and mobilize voters who will make the difference in races up and down the ballot.”▶ Read moreTouring Trump’s Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation’s capitalThe United States is celebrating its 250th year. And what better way to mark that anniversary than with an American summer staple — a trip to the nation’s capital.But visitors to Washington will find that the city is undergoing tremendous change, courtesy of Trump’s takeover makeover.Since returning to office 17 months ago, Trump has demonstrated a continuing fixation with the District of Columbia. The Republican president has slapped his image and name on buildings, torn down storied structures, altered others, started massive construction projects and deployed armed military personnel.The traditional tourist sights remain. But with slight detours, an open mind and a critical eye, the ambitious walker can see all the ways the president has pushed to remake the capital.▶ Read more988’s LGBTQ+ hotline to relaunch this year. But the group that helped start it might be excludedThe Trump administration is moving to restart the specialized LGBTQ+ option for youth who contact the 988 crisis intervention hotline, but the group that helped pioneer the idea is being shut out.The Trevor Project, the leading nonprofit for suicide prevention in LGBTQ+ young people, may not be allowed to offer the service it had helped develop for the 988 Lifeline just a few years ago.The 988 hotline, which has been dubbed the 911 for mental health emergencies, is credited with reducing teen and young adult suicide deaths. It offers specialized options for certain groups, such as veterans and Spanish speakers, but in July the Trump administration stopped offering the “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth with a month’s notice.The administration said it ended the service because the funding ran out. It’s now working to bring it back by the end of the year because Congress directed officials to allocate $33 million toward LGBTQ+-specific interventions for youth.However, The Trevor Project might not be allowed to offer the services it developed and specializes in.▶ Read moreSupreme Court’s ruling to end protections for Haitian, Syrian immigrants could have broader impactThe reach of the Supreme Court’s decision allowing Trump’s administration to end temporary legal protections for Haitian and Syrian immigrants may extend to many other countries.Thursday´s decision directly applies to about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, but may be a sign of what´s in store for nearly 1.3 million people from 17 countries on Temporary Protected Status. Many have lived and worked in the United States for decades and have American children.The decision exposes TPS holders from Haiti and Syria to potential detention and deportation. It could also pave the way for hundreds of thousands of other beneficiaries with pending asylum claims or other immigration relief to be forced to leave the country.People of all nationalities whose TPS was ended by the Trump administration have filed dozens of lawsuits. Many of these cases are still ongoing, and judges will closely examine the Supreme Court’s decision.▶ Read moreReflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service saysA liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to a complaint by the park service, said Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service. Lands made the statement in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization to halt the Trump administration’s work on the project.His statement does not say when exactly the damage occurred or whether it was a suspected case of vandalism and does not identify anyone who might have been involved.▶ Read moreVance, an admirer of Richard Nixon, says Watergate would be ‘a 12-hour news story’ todayVice President JD Vance on Thursday said the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon would have been a blip in today’s news cycle, and he drew parallels between Nixon and President Donald Trump — arguing that both were targeted by “deep state” forces.Vance described his admiration for Nixon during a conversation at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California. Widely expected to be a presidential contender in 2028, Vance spoke at the library while promoting his new book, “Communion.”After talking about the book and his faith journey, Vance shifted to Nixon, saying the legacy of the 37th president is “enjoying a bit of a renaissance.”“If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story. The idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy,” Vance said.He went on: “If you look at the story of how the deep state took down Richard Nixon, it’s not all that different from what the same groups of people, the same institutions tried to do to Donald Trump in the first Trump administration.”▶ Read moreFederal judge halts Trump’s election executive order seeking to create a federal voter listA federal judge on Thursday halted President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to create a federal voter list and limit who can receive a mail ballot.U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani sided with a coalition of nearly two dozen states that challenged the Republican president’s order in granting a summary judgment. Her ruling applies to this year’s midterm election cycle.Plaintiffs argued in two lawsuits, both filed in federal court in Boston, that Trump’s order should be found unconstitutional because the states and Congress, not the president, have the power to set election rules.It was the second ruling in as many days against executive orders Trump has signed seeking oversight of the nation’s elections. A separate ruling Wednesday prohibited an executive order he had signed last year that would have required people to show documents proving their citizenship when registering to vote.▶ Read more","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/the-latest-ex-national-security-adviser-john-bolton-pleads-guilty-in-classified-information-case/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T12:13:10.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FODOVTR3VZBDXFF7UE3IRJNRNAY.jpg","slug":"the-latest-us-strikes-iran-after-trump-says-ceasefire-was-violated"},{"id":"kvpb4","title":"With US, Canada and Mexico through, the World Cup knockout round hinges on who finishes third","excerpt":"As group play winds down at the World Cup, the biggest intrigue might not be who finishes first in a four-team group.It’s who finishes third.Teams that are first and second in their groups move on automatically to the Round of 32. The United States, Canada and Mexico, co-hosts of the tournament, ...","content":"As group play winds down at the World Cup, the biggest intrigue might not be who finishes first in a four-team group.It’s who finishes third.Teams that are first and second in their groups move on automatically to the Round of 32. The United States, Canada and Mexico, co-hosts of the tournament, have all advanced, along with France, Germany, Brazil, Norway and others.The U.S. will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, while Canada heads to Southern California to face South Africa on Sunday. Other marquee matchups are set, including Morocco versus the Netherlands, Japan versus Brazil and Norway versus Ivory Coast.Third place is no guarantee. The eight best third-place teams also get in, with ties broken by goal differential and goals scored, if necessary.Teams with four points — a win, a draw and a loss — almost certainly will make the Round of 32. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sweden and Ecuador already advanced that way, and Paraguay is poised to join that group, which would mean four qualifiers left.That leaves eight other third-place teams for the final four spots, including Senegal, which routed Iraq 5-0. Others with three points are also hoping for the best.“I personally didn’t want to end up in this kind of situation, where we have to wait and see if we will reach the knockouts,” South Korea forward Son Heung-min said. “It’s disappointing that we didn’t get the outcome we deserved, considering the amount of hard work we’ve done, but it’s out of our hands now and we will have to accept our fate, whatever it will be.”Some matches to watch closely Friday night on the third-place front:Group GEgypt (four points) vs. Iran (two points): Egypt would likely be a third-place qualifier even with a loss, provided that loss isn’t by a ton of goals. Iran would be heavily favored to advance as a third-place team with a draw. (Belgium and New Zealand each has a mathematically possible chance of finishing third in Group G.)Group HCape Verde (two points) vs. Saudi Arabia (one point): Cape Verde will advance (as a first- or second-place team) with a win. The Saudis need a win to advance, as well.Uruguay (two points) vs. Spain (four points): Uruguay would likely qualify as a third-place team with a draw. If it loses, it goes home.Here are the Round of 32 matchups already set:US vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, July 1The Americans had their powerful momentum from two consecutive victories stalled in the loss to Turkey. But in the knockout round, they’ll face a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that is 62nd in the FIFA rankings — the lowest-ranked World Cup qualifier from Europe. Bosnia finished third in Group B with four points. U.S. star Christian Pulisic entered as a substitute in the second half against Turkey. He had not played since leaving an opening win over Paraguay at halftime with a calf injury. “We play every game like a knockout game,” said U.S. midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who scored against Turkey. “You saw that in our intensity and the way we worked. For us, it’s keep doing what we’ve been doing.”South Africa vs. Canada, June 28These nations have already made history. It'll be the first time both are in the knockout stage of the World Cup. Co-host Canada advanced as runner-up in Group B with four points — one win, one draw and one loss. South Africa was runner-up in Group A, also with four points, including a surprising win over South Korea. Brazil vs. Japan, June 29Japan advanced as Group F runner-up with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sweden and the Samurai Blue's reward is a knockout match against five-time World Cup champion Brazil. It'll be a full-circle moment for Japan, which welcomed Brazilian soccer legend Zico in 1991. He was brought in to professionalize the country's new domestic league and support Japan's successful bid to co-host the World Cup in 2002. Now, the Japanese have a chance to show how far they've come against a country that has set the standard.Netherlands vs. Morocco, June 29The Netherlands won Group F after a draw with Japan and outscoring Sweden and Tunisia by a combined 8-2. Morocco went unbeaten to finish second in Group C in pursuit of becoming the first African winner of the World Cup. Morocco reached the semifinals four years ago in Qatar.Norway vs. Ivory Coast, June 30It would have taken beating favored France for Norway to win Group I. Instead, coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rest Erling Haaland and all but one starter. That sets up a matchup against the Ivory Coast at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/with-us-canada-and-mexico-through-the-world-cup-knockout-round-hinges-on-who-finishes-third/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:48:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4YJERU42ZBEXFK6QHOZMZJWZIY.jpg","slug":"with-us-canada-and-mexico-through-the-world-cup-knockout-round-hinges-on-who-finishes-third"},{"id":"yivlf1","title":"CFL won't allow Brendan Sorsby to sign with any team or be added to negotiation lists","excerpt":"Quarterback Brendan Sorsby, permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting, won’t be kick-starting his pro football career in Canada.The CFL said Friday it won’t allow the 22-year-old to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists.Sorsby admitted to placing tho...","content":"Quarterback Brendan Sorsby, permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting, won’t be kick-starting his pro football career in Canada.The CFL said Friday it won’t allow the 22-year-old to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists.Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000 over his collegiate career, including at least 40 on Indiana football while he was a freshman there in 2022, although none was on games in which he played for the Hoosiers that year.After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but the league told him on Tuesday it wouldn’t hold one this year.Instead, the NFL told Sorsby to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league via its regular draft in 2027, according to a letter from the league telling Sorsby of its decision that was obtained by The Associated Press.The NFL hasn’t held a supplemental draft since 2023.“Upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition are paramount to the CFL,” the CFL said in a statement. “The allegations involving Brendan Sorsby are serious and concerning.“At this time, the CFL will not register a contract for him, and no team will be permitted to add him to its negotiation list.”Sorsby had planned to work out for NFL teams on July 10. He was banished from competition by the NCAA for the gambling activity after transferring earlier this year from Cincinnati to Texas Tech.After spending a month in a residential treatment program for a diagnosed addiction that led to thousands of bets, Sorsby sued the NCAA and gained a court-ordered reinstatement that prompted nationwide backlash toward Texas Tech. The controversy led Sorsby to try to play professional football instead.___AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/cfl-wont-allow-brendan-sorsby-to-sign-with-any-team-or-be-added-to-negotiation-lists/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:38:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F77A5S24M4BEXNMKAEHZPO54FEA.jpg","slug":"cfl-wont-allow-brendan-sorsby-to-sign-with-any-team-or-be-added-to-negotiation-lists"},{"id":"o9xu9c","title":"Suspect charged in SE Houston SWAT scene allegedly set fire to home in previous incident, HPD says","excerpt":"HPD said the man was arrested on Wednesday and found that he was involved in a SWAT scene prior, where he allegedly set a home on fire.","content":"HPD said the man was arrested on Wednesday and found that he was involved in a SWAT scene prior, where he allegedly set a home on fire.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/suspect-arrested-se-houston-swat-scene-found-have-set-fire-home-separate-incident-hpd-says/19389912/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:05:25.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"suspect-charged-in-se-houston-swat-scene-allegedly-set-fire-to-home-in-previous-incident-hpd-says"},{"id":"6eqwl9","title":"125 years later, Brooklyn's oldest restaurant Gage & Tollner is still building community","excerpt":"Here's how Gage & Tollner, the most famous restaurant in Brooklyn honors its historic past without standing still.","content":"Here's how Gage & Tollner, the most famous restaurant in Brooklyn honors its historic past without standing still.","url":"https://abc7.com/videoClip/gage--tollner-the-bear-downtown-brooklyn-chophouse/19389724/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"CCG","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:57:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"125-years-later-brooklyns-oldest-restaurant-gage-tollner-is-still-building-community"},{"id":"zcjrcd","title":"Scottie Scheffler misses out on another sub-60 round and posts 60 for early target at Travelers","excerpt":"Scottie Scheffler could not convert a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Friday at the Travelers Championship, narrowly missing out on a chance to join Jim Furyk as the only players in PGA Tour history with two sub-60 rounds.Scheffler had to settle for a 10-under 60 on the soft TPC River Highla...","content":"Scottie Scheffler could not convert a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Friday at the Travelers Championship, narrowly missing out on a chance to join Jim Furyk as the only players in PGA Tour history with two sub-60 rounds.Scheffler had to settle for a 10-under 60 on the soft TPC River Highlands course, setting an early target atop the scoreboard on a day of extreme low scoring at the final signature event of the regular season.“Going out yesterday in the afternoon, when the greens get firm out here and the wind starts to blow, it can get tricky pretty quickly,” Scheffler said. “Going out this morning, you definitely had a feeling the conditions were going to be easier, so you need to go out there and try and take advantage of it.”Scheffler was at 16-under 124, two shots ahead of Viktor Hovland.“At the end of the day, I was very focused on just my execution out there,” Scheffler said. “Who knows what the lead is going to be after today. I’ve put myself in position now this week. Go home, get some rest, and get ready for tomorrow.”Playing three groups in front of Scheffler, Hovland needed to birdie the final two holes for a 59. He settled for a pair of pars and a 61, matching his career best on tour. “Certainly it was more gettable today than it was even yesterday,” Hovland said.Akshay Bhatia had a 62 to match first-round leader Eric Cole at 12 under. “I know how this golf course can play,” Bhatia said. “You got to kind of keep making birdies and try and limit mistakes.”Cole parred the final eight holes in a 65.“Maybe just being tired or something and making some tired swings,” Cole said.Matt Fitzpatrick, Bud Cauley and Ben Griffin were tied for fifth at 10 under, each shooting 66.Scheffler shot 59 in his rookie season in 2020 in the second round of The Northern Trust at the TPC Boston, another rain-softened course that featured low scoring. Dustin Johnson was 11 under through 11 holes that day and had to settle for a 60.“Some days they’re kind of hanging on the edge and not quite going in, and then other days they’re finding the bottom of the cup,” Scheffler said. “Today was a day definitely in which most of them were finding the bottom of the cup.”Furyk shot his first sub-60 round in the second round of the 2013 BMW Championship at Conway Farms outside Chicago, a 59 that included a bogey on his card. Three years later, he set the PGA Tour record at the Travelers Championship with a 58 in the final round.Furyk did not win either tournament.“It was like, `It would be cool to shoot 59, but somebody has already shot 58 here, so it’s not even the course record,’” Scheffler said.Scheffler, who won the Travelers Championship two years ago, is coming off a tie for fourth in the U.S. Open when he played in the final round. His last victory was The American Express in the California desert, his first start of the year.Scheffler bogeyed the par-4 second, leaving a wedge from the fairway well short and missing an 8-foot par try.___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/scottie-scheffler-misses-out-on-another-sub-60-round-and-posts-60-for-early-target-at-travelers/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:31:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4S5XTUS7ARHIHGZ742SYO72ENI.jpg","slug":"scottie-scheffler-misses-out-on-another-sub-60-round-and-posts-60-for-early-target-at-travelers"},{"id":"jkn3qe","title":"Newsom urges a national 'billionaires' tax' while fighting one in California","excerpt":"California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is considering a run for president as he approaches the end of his term, called for a national “billionaires' tax” on Friday even as he fights another proposal targeting the wealthy in his home state. Newsom also said the U.S. government should own a s...","content":"California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is considering a run for president as he approaches the end of his term, called for a national “billionaires' tax” on Friday even as he fights another proposal targeting the wealthy in his home state. Newsom also said the U.S. government should own a stake in artificial intelligence companies. His proposals, outlined in a Substack post, aligns him with the Democratic Party's populist left, and he argued that urgent changes are needed to prevent the elite concentration of wealth and power from undermining democracy. “It’s time for an economic reset for America,” Newsom wrote.The governor announced his agenda a day after an influential health care union in California pledged to go forward with a ballot measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on the assets of billionaires living in the state as of Jan. 1, 2026. Newsom opposes that measure, as do many of the liberal interest groups that typically favor higher taxes. They fear it would drive billionaires out of California, eroding the state’s tax base over the long term for a one-time influx of cash. A technology mecca, California has more billionaires than any other state — a few hundred, by some estimates. “You may not be able to pick up and move to Texas or Florida to shelter your income from taxation, but I promise you that billionaires can, and do,” Newsom wrote. “Wealth is movable, and it shops for the state with the lowest taxes. The fight belongs at the federal level, where this broken system was created in the first place.”A minimum tax on large net worthsNewsom said the solution is a new national tax policy, rather than a state-by-state system. He proposed a minimum tax on anyone with a net worth above $100 million. He also wants to make it illegal for the wealthy to borrow against their stock portfolios to fund their luxury lifestyles tax free.Newsom said there should be new rules for inheritance taxes, warning that “the transfer of wealth among the ultra-wealthy will lock in a permanent American aristocracy of inherited wealth.” And he wants to raise corporate tax rates to where they were before President Donald Trump’s first-term tax cut.The need is especially urgent as artificial intelligence threatens to displace workers and further concentrate wealth, he wrote.“We need to ensure every American owns a stake in the future being built by AI through a national public equity fund that takes a major stake in the new economy,” he wrote. \"Simply, as artificial intelligence reshapes the country, every American should own a piece of the future it builds.\"Revenue generated by his proposals could be used to retrain workers, fund universal child care, make college free and increase funding for health care. ‘Money buys influence’Newsom, who has drawn attention as one of Trump's most high-profile political antagonists, is getting an early start on laying out a policy framework for his potential White House bid months before the midterm elections, which have typically marked the informal start of overt presidential campaigning. The embrace of a wealth tax by Newsom, a moderate on tax policy despite his liberal reputation, signals a notable shift in the political landscape since Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren struggled to get traction in her 2020 campaign, which she largely centered around a 2% wealth tax. Newsom portrayed the nation's tax code as a corrupt system built to help an elite few.“Money buys influence, and influence rewrites the rules,” he wrote. “Those rewritten rules funnel even more wealth to the few. Under this weight, democracy itself starts to buckle.”U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from Silicon Valley who is also considering running for president, said Newsom is trying to duck the California fight with a national proposal that goes too easy on billionaires. He supports the California ballot measure. “It’s not going to pass muster to say, ‘Well, when we were fighting to have a billionaire tax to save healthcare for 3 million Californians, I sided with the billionaires, but in the future, I want to tax these billionaires,'” Khanna told reporters.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/newsom-urges-a-national-billionaires-tax-while-fighting-one-in-california/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:01:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTDGSUMWYVVC5VKATHSTKHCTGMY.jpg","slug":"newsom-urges-a-national-billionaires-tax-while-fighting-one-in-california"},{"id":"1zyn5u","title":"Touring Trump's Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation's capital","excerpt":"The United States is celebrating its 250th year. And what better way to mark that anniversary than with an American summer staple — a trip to the nation's capital.But visitors to Washington will find that the city is undergoing tremendous change, courtesy of President Donald Trump’s takeover make...","content":"The United States is celebrating its 250th year. And what better way to mark that anniversary than with an American summer staple — a trip to the nation's capital.But visitors to Washington will find that the city is undergoing tremendous change, courtesy of President Donald Trump’s takeover makeover. Since returning to office 17 months ago, Trump has demonstrated a continuing fixation with the District of Columbia. The Republican president has slapped his image and name on buildings, torn down storied structures, altered others, started massive construction projects and deployed armed military personnel. The traditional tourist sights remain. But with slight detours, an open mind and a critical eye, the ambitious walker can see all the ways the president has pushed to remake the capital.On the eve of the United States' birthday, take a trip with The Associated Press across a changing Washington.First stop: An indefinite National Guard deploymentWe start our tour at Union Station and Metro Center, the city’s main transit hubs. Notice the Greco-Roman architecture of the former, the Brutalist design of the latter. Now see the ongoing, indefinite deployment of armed National Guard troops there and in many other parts of the city.National Guard members from the district and several states have been in the city since August 2025, deployed under an emergency order issued by Trump in what he called a bid to fight crime. Trump has portrayed the deployment as a lifeline for the city. They will be here for most, if not all, of 2026 and are expected to number 5,000 this summer.It's not the first time the military has deployed to the capital. Troops were in Washington throughout the Civil War, to quell riots after Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 assassination and, famously, hours into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. But in Trump's Washington, Guardsmen at street corners and metro stations have become an increasingly normal part of the city’s scenery. And no one knows when they will leave.Second stop: Scars left by DOGEExit Union Station, take in the view of the Capitol and turn right down Pennsylvania Avenue. There sits a building now synonymous with the Department of Government Efficiency, the Trump administration's effort to shrink the federal government. The U.S. Agency for International Development was the first major federal agency targeted by then-DOGE leader Elon Musk in the remake of the federal government, when cost-cutting measures prompted the terminations of tens of thousands of workers. USAID spent billions on humanitarian aid worldwide and was credited with saving millions of lives over time.By eliminating 90% of foreign aid contracts, the Trump administration effectively cut some $60 billion in funding. After workers cleared their desks in February 2025, the USAID offices on Pennsylvania Avenue were repurposed for other government uses. The shuttering of the agency also contributed to a massive increase in unemployment in the region where about one-fifth of the workforce lives. Many workers still ask: When their lives were upended, what was saved?Third stop: Trump's image staring downWalking south along any of the numbered streets leads to Constitution Avenue and the National Mall. Banners bearing Trump's image have adorned the facades of several government buildings over the past 17 months — an uncommon practice for a sitting American president and a highly literal sign of his imprint upon the city. At the Department of the Interior, his image has equal billing with George Washington on similar banners proclaiming “America's First” and “America First.”A mile away, Trump's face glowers from the storied Department of Justice building, a physical display of Trump's efforts to exert power over the law enforcement agency that once investigated him. It's also a striking symbol of the erosion of the department’s tradition of independence from White House control, as the president pushes to prosecute his political adversaries. Next up: The Reflecting Pool painted ‘American flag blue’Westward toward the Lincoln Memorial sits the recently repainted Reflecting Pool. The site has always been a must-see on any tourist's checklist. But the Reflecting Pool, the scene of historic marches and protests, today also symbolizes Trump's drive to change Washington. Trump called the area “filthy” and had workers paint it in a color he has called “American flag blue.” A Washington-based nonprofit that tried to block the move said it undermined the somber tone of the area, which sits near the memorials to Lincoln and to the Vietnam and Korean wars.Since the makeover, the pool has been fraught with problems, from runaway algae growth to dead ducks and a torn lining. Authorities say vandals have been responsible for some of the problems and arrests have been made. The National Park Service said the liner was intentionally cut with a sharp razor or knife. A walk over the Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River leads directly to the proposed future site of Trump's 20-story, gold-adorned triumphal arch. Although embroiled in a court battle, like a number of his projects, the arch has been approved by a key federal agency and survey work has begun at the site.In a city meticulously planned and rich with the symbolism that defines the nation, new construction can unsettle the carefully crafted balance.The arch, when built, will break up the intentionally designed symbolic sightline between Arlington House, once the home of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, and the Lincoln Memorial, which symbolized the reunification of a divided nation following the Civil War. Just ahead: The Trump-Kennedy CenterVisible from the site is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts — known for much of this year as the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center. Congress named the performing arts venue as a living memorial to Kennedy in 1964, the year after he was assassinated. A law explicitly prohibits its board of trustees from making the center into a memorial to anyone else, and from putting another person’s name on the building’s exterior.A court decision eventually stripped the center of Trump's name, but a tarp remains there, obscuring the change.Trump also added his name to the U.S. Institute of Peace, part of a broader series of tributes that has been largely unprecedented for a sitting, living president.In the middle of it all: A significantly changed White HouseNo tour would be complete without 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. — the White House. There, gazers can look at the construction site formerly known as the East Wing. It's now the president's ballroom-in-waiting as the courts and Congress battle over whether to build it. The White House has said the $400 million cost would be paid by private donors, but public money — around $1 billion for the entire White House complex, including the ballroom — would be used for security measures. The proposed building has also expanded to a size larger than the rest of the White House. Trump argues the ballroom is necessary for security reasons, and amplified that assertion after the attack on the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April.Not viewable on the tour: the area formerly known as the Rose Garden. Planted by then-first lady Jackie Kennedy, it has been paved over into a patio.Last stop: Black Lives Matter Plaza no moreDirectly north, across Pennsylvania Avenue, is the area of town formerly known as Black Lives Matter Plaza. During Trump's first term, a more defiant Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the painting and naming of the area as a remembrance of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. BLM Plaza became a magnet point for years of political activism. Hundreds of protests started, ended or rallied there.The plaza came down in March 2025 at Bowser’s direction, spurred by threats from Congress to hold the city’s funding. The decision served as an acknowledgment of a major shift in tone under Trump.That's the tour, folks. Please enjoy your stay.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/touring-trumps-washington-how-the-president-is-putting-his-imprint-on-the-nations-capital/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gary Fields, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:22:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG3XHEO5Y45HW3GKUHN3FKZESJE.jpg","slug":"touring-trumps-washington-how-the-president-is-putting-his-imprint-on-the-nations-capital"},{"id":"jx4xn2","title":"What life is like on the historic Elissa ship during its voyage from Galveston to New York","excerpt":"The 1877 Elissa set sail from the Port of Galveston on June 8. It's traveling to New York City for the Fourth of July as part of Sail250, a global gathering of tall ships and military ships to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.","content":"The 1877 Elissa set sail from the Port of Galveston on June 8. It's traveling to New York City for the Fourth of July as part of Sail250, a global gathering of tall ships and military ships to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/galveston/2026/06/24/555418/galveston-elissa-tall-ship-america-250-new-york/?utm_source=rss-galveston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:50:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24134010%2FImage-17-450x338.jpg","slug":"what-life-is-like-on-the-historic-elissa-ship-during-its-voyage-from-galveston-to-new-york"},{"id":"r2b8j6","title":"Baytown Is Going Big for the Fourth of July | Here’s Why It’s Worth the Trip","excerpt":"If your ideal Fourth of July includes live music, waterfront views, hometown traditions and a spectacular fireworks finale, Baytown should be on your radar.This year, the city is pulling out all the stops as America celebrates its 250th birthday, transforming Bicentennial Park into an all-day cel...","content":"If your ideal Fourth of July includes live music, waterfront views, hometown traditions and a spectacular fireworks finale, Baytown should be on your radar.This year, the city is pulling out all the stops as America celebrates its 250th birthday, transforming Bicentennial Park into an all-day celebration packed with entertainment, family activities and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the Houston area.Country music fans can catch the Eli Young Band live, while families can spend the day enjoying festival games, a kids’ wagon parade, pie baking contests, photos with a live bald eagle and plenty of classic summertime fun. Looking for a challenge? Lace up your running shoes for the America Mile, where participants can run as many miles as they can for a chance to win a share of $999 in prize money.Make It a StaycationInstead of rushing home after the fireworks, why not turn the holiday into a mini getaway?Just five minutes from Bicentennial Park, the Hyatt Regency Baytown–Houston offers a waterfront escape overlooking Tabbs Bay. Whether you’re sipping coffee as boats drift by in the morning or winding down after an evening under the fireworks, the hotel makes a convenient home base for the festivities while adding a little vacation feel to your holiday weekend.With its walkable waterfront, scenic views and easy access to all the action, it’s an ideal place to stretch your Fourth of July celebration into an overnight stay.A Classic Fourth of July With a Texas TwistThere’s something timeless about celebrating Independence Day in a community that embraces small-town traditions while delivering big-event energy.From live music and family-friendly fun to a fireworks spectacular lighting up the night sky, Baytown offers a festive way to celebrate the holiday just a short drive from Houston.For a full schedule of events and more information, visit baytown.org/july4 or visitbaytown.com.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/26/baytown-is-going-big-for-the-fourth-of-july-heres-why-its-worth-the-trip/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Melanie Camp","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:20:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fed9514a2-e40e-45fb-84c0-c5238890e08a%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"baytown-is-going-big-for-the-fourth-of-july-heres-why-its-worth-the-trip"},{"id":"9o1a9s","title":"Happy birthday, 2000 Year Old Man. Mel Brooks is turning 100","excerpt":"The 2000 Year Old Man is turning 100. Mel Brooks on Sunday will celebrate his centennial birthday. The comedian and filmmaker has been awaiting the milestone. Earlier this year, Judd Apatow titled his retrospective documentary on him: “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!”“I was born to make people l...","content":"The 2000 Year Old Man is turning 100. Mel Brooks on Sunday will celebrate his centennial birthday. The comedian and filmmaker has been awaiting the milestone. Earlier this year, Judd Apatow titled his retrospective documentary on him: “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!”“I was born to make people laugh,” Brooks says in the film. “So, I do that.”Brooks was born Melvin Kaminsky in Brooklyn, New York, on June 28, 1926. After serving in the Army during World War II and performing in the Borscht Belt, Sid Caesar hired him as a writer. On his “Show of Shows,” Brooks met Carl Reiner, who'd remain a lifelong friend and with whom he created the “2000 Year Old Man” sketches.Reiner would pepper Brooks' ancient man with questions about what Jesus was like. “Jesus … yes, yes,” Brooks would answer. “Thin lad. Wore sandals. Always walked around with 12 other guys.”Brooks went to make classic comedies like “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “High Anxiety.” It all started, Brooks told The Associated Press in 2021, with his childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “I wanted to keep the party going. I wanted to keep the happiness and joy and explosions of laughter going into a dour part of our lives, not our childhood anymore,” Brooks recalled. “I was once interviewed and the guy said, ‘What was the happiest part of your life? Was it winning the Academy Award? Was it marrying Anne Bancroft?’ I said no, not at all. It was my childhood. From about 4 or 5 to 9, it was the most exciting, happiest, joyous life that anyone could experience. “The guy said, 'What happened at 9?’ I said, 'Homework.'”Even now, Brooks hasn't retired. In April, Brooks submitted a video message to Eddie Murphy to honor him for his AFI life achievement award. In May, he announced that he was donating thousands of his documents and photographs to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.“I’ve always been proud to say that I make people laugh for a living,” Brooks said then in a statement. “So, knowing that my work will have a home at comedy’s national archive and continue making people laugh leaves me with a deep sense of pride.”To mark the occasion of Brooks' centennial, the American Film Institute on Friday named 1974's “Blazing Saddles” the funniest film of all time. It has previously ranked sixth on its list of 100 greatest movies. Brooks' film displaced “Some Like It Hot” — which Brooks had long held wasn't as funny as his movies — from the top spot. “He’s right!,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and chief executive. “We’re happy to right this wrong as Mel celebrates his centennial. It’s good to be the king, and may he live to be a 2,000 year old man. Happy birthday, Mel!”Brooks has sometimes made mortality a joke, too. In a 1980s sketch, he created a coin-operated gravestone for himself that played a videotaped message. It began: “I was Mel Brooks, one of the funniest little Jews to walk the Earth.”When asked in that AP 2021 interview if he thought much about death, Brooks said no. “I gave up after 60 thinking about it because if I did, I’d be thinking about it all the time. So I don’t think about it much. When and if it happens it’s going to be a sad day — for everybody but me,” Brooks said, laughing.“I enjoy living,” he added. “I’d like to do it as long as I can.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/26/happy-birthday-2000-year-old-man-mel-brooks-is-turning-100/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jake Coyle, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:17:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJXQPHAGFMNBWDFXS5JC3IUBSPU.jpg","slug":"happy-birthday-2000-year-old-man-mel-brooks-is-turning-100"},{"id":"uoamor","title":"4 Houston-area residents face federal charges, accused of flying drones in FIFA World Cup no-drone zone","excerpt":"Four residents of the Houston area are facing federal charges, accused of flying drones within the boundaries of the Temporary Flight Restriction zone established near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.John Alexander Meza, 26, La Porte; Jordan Lee Zale, 38, Richmond; an...","content":"Four residents of the Houston area are facing federal charges, accused of flying drones within the boundaries of the Temporary Flight Restriction zone established near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.John Alexander Meza, 26, La Porte; Jordan Lee Zale, 38, Richmond; and Huu An Nguyen Dinh, 30, Pearland, are all expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett on July 7. Patrick Phillip Heer, 34, Katy, is scheduled for July 8.#BREAKING Three individuals now face federal charges for allegedly flying drones in #FIFAWorldCup No Drone Zones:1) Huu An Nguyen Dinh - received a warning from police just days earlier2) John Alexander Meza3) Jordan Lee ZaleSince the start of @FWC26Houston, the FBI and our… pic.twitter.com/BURhuNzdlh&mdash; FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) June 26, 2026 According to one complaint, on or about June 13, law enforcement observed Heer operating a drone in restricted airspace in the vicinity of Polk and Chartres Streets in Houston. The charges allege it was specifically within the boundaries of the Temporary Flight Restriction zone established near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone just east of downtown Houston. Heer was operating the drone, according to the complaint.RELATED: FBI previews World Cup security hub in Houston: Drones, cyber threats and real-time intel sharingIn a separate, but similar case, on or about June 11, law enforcement allegedly observed a small drone flying in the TFR zone near 612 Live Oak Street in Houston. The charges allege Meza was the pilot of that drone.On that same date, another complaint indicates that a small drone was flying near 633 Middle Street in Houston, also within the TFR zone. Law enforcement determined Zale was operating the drone, according to the allegations. Gracie, the missing giraffe from the Texas Hill County, has been foundIn the 4th matter, Dinh was charged with also violating national defense airspace by flying a small drone June 18 in the vicinity of 3305 Jefferson Street in Houston. This area is also within the TFR zone, according to the charges.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office says to ensure a safe environment for all players, attendees and staff, Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement have officially designated all FIFA World Cup stadiums and surrounding event spaces, to include Houston’s Fan Zone, as strict “No Drone Zones.” This means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds. During such major sporting events FAA implements temporary flight restrictions to limit air travel and secure the airspace. Taking off, landing or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/4-houston-area-residents-face-federal-charges-accused-of-flying-drones-in-fifa-world-cup-no-drone-zone/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:52:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQGHM6UQWNJGDVLPHRAAJFDY2VA.jpg","slug":"4-houston-area-residents-face-federal-charges-accused-of-flying-drones-in-fifa-world-cup-no-drone-zo"},{"id":"4angq7","title":"New Mexico opens criminal probe of DEA after agents allowed fentanyl shipments to hit streets","excerpt":"New Mexico's attorney general on Friday opened a criminal investigation to determine whether U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents broke state law by allowing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque. The extraordinary inquiry comes less than a week after ...","content":"New Mexico's attorney general on Friday opened a criminal investigation to determine whether U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents broke state law by allowing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque. The extraordinary inquiry comes less than a week after The Associated Press reported that DEA agents repeatedly monitored — but did not seize — shipments of the synthetic opioid in a bid to build bigger criminal cases between 2023 and 2025. Current and former DEA agents, including whistleblower David Howell, told AP the strategy amounted to a gamble with public safety and may have violated U.S. Justice Department rules intended to safeguard the public. The fentanyl went unseized amid the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history and as the DEA led a public awareness campaign — “One Pill Can Kill\" — emphasizing that even a few milligrams of the substance can be lethal. The criminal investigation turns a debate over enforcement tactics into a question of whether federal agents crossed legal lines while pursuing larger trafficking organizations. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, said federal agents “are not above the law,” but they enjoy substantial legal protections when carrying out official duties. Still, Torrez said he would start “demanding documents and information about the DEA's conduct, in New Mexico and nationally, to determine whether what occurred here reflects a broader pattern of reckless or unlawful behavior.” “If those allegations are accurate, the consequences for New Mexicans were not abstract. They were fatal,” Torrez wrote in a letter to Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who earlier this week called for the inquiry.“New Mexico already ranks among the states hardest hit by fentanyl overdose deaths,\" he added, \"and the families who have lost children, siblings and parents to this crisis deserve a full accounting of what the federal government knew, what it did and what it failed to do.\" The DEA initially denied Howell's allegations in a statement to AP. But the agency later called upon the Justice Department's independent watchdog to conduct its own investigation. “Should that review identify areas of improvement, the DEA will of course implement changes to better their practices,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “We welcome a partnership with Governor Lujan Grisham, as well as New Mexico state and local leaders, to fight the scourge of fentanyl and keep her constituents safe.”A growing number of local and state leaders in New Mexico have expressed outrage in the wake of Howell's allegations. But those sentiments are not widely held by family members of overdose victims, said Paul E. Martin, founder of United Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit organization fighting the epidemic that represents 5,000 family members of victims. “Law enforcement makes mistakes,\" Martin said. “But the DEA are the men and women putting their lives on the line. Their entire business is the removal of illegal and toxic drugs from our streets.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/26/new-mexico-opens-criminal-probe-of-dea-after-agents-allowed-fentanyl-shipments-to-hit-streets/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Mustian, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:42:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNLFQAH6IG5FIRDGHINBKBLDGCQ.jpg","slug":"new-mexico-opens-criminal-probe-of-dea-after-agents-allowed-fentanyl-shipments-to-hit-streets"},{"id":"ynnubt","title":"Trinidad Chambliss disagrees with LSU coach Lane Kiffin about how Black recruits view Ole Miss","excerpt":"Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss on Friday took issue with first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin's recent comments that Ole Miss' past embrace of Confederate symbols made recruiting Black players more difficult.“Me, personally, I don’t agree,” said Chambliss, who was coached by Kiffin last s...","content":"Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss on Friday took issue with first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin's recent comments that Ole Miss' past embrace of Confederate symbols made recruiting Black players more difficult.“Me, personally, I don’t agree,” said Chambliss, who was coached by Kiffin last season. “I don’t think that what he said was truthful. ... The Oxford community is nothing but love and they care about their people no matter what they look like: brown, black, purple, yellow — you know what I mean?”Kiffin, who is white, coached at Ole Miss from 2020 to 2025. He oversaw the Rebels' 11-1 regular season in 2025 but left for LSU before the College Football Playoff in a move that has since brought much scrutiny to college football’s recruiting calendar.In May, Kiffin was featured in a Vanity Fair magazine article in which he described prospective Ole Miss recruits telling him: \"Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi.”“That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana,\" Kiffin added in his comments to Vanity Fair.Kiffin wanted to coach the Rebels in the CFP, but Ole Miss wouldn’t allow it because Kiffin also would have been simultaneously recruiting for LSU. Without Kiffin at the helm, Chambliss nonetheless led the Rebels into the national finals with a scintillating CFP quarterfinal performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.Chambliss, who is participating this weekend in the Manning Passing Academy as a counselor, said he still thinks highly of Kiffin, will always appreciate the opportunity Kiffin gave him at Ole Miss and does not harbor hard feelings about the way Kiffin left the program.However, Chambliss sounded eager to point out that his experience in Oxford did not match Kiffin's comments to the magazine.“The people in Mississippi and Oxford showed me nothing but love,” Chambless said of a visit he made before deciding to transfer to Ole Miss from Ferris State.“One thing that I can really take away from my visit and the reason why I did commit to Ole Miss is I asked my family what they genuinely thought about the visit, what they thought about the people, if they trusted what they were actually saying, if they’re gonna be true to their word,” Chambliss added.“They said, ‘I feel like this is the right place.' And my mom’s super religious, too, and she just had a good feeling,” Chambliss said. “We prayed on it, and that was the main thing. ... So, I felt like Oxford is home and it’s a great place.”Kiffin will be back in Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium — but on the visitor's sideline — on Sept. 19 when LSU visits the Rebels. Pete Golding, who had been a defensive coordinator on Kiffin’s staff, took over at Ole Miss.___AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/trinidad-chambliss-disagrees-with-lsu-coach-lane-kiffin-about-how-black-recruits-view-ole-miss/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brett Martel, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:14:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZ3IFZLTLCBDZ5LXGPXTO3525BY.jpg","slug":"trinidad-chambliss-disagrees-with-lsu-coach-lane-kiffin-about-how-black-recruits-view-ole-miss"},{"id":"1e5tym","title":"Several strong earthquakes strike globally in 1 day. How are they connected?","excerpt":"The Mendocino County quake struck within hours of several major earthquakes worldwide -- including activity in Japan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Venezuela -- raising questions about whether the events are connected. We spoke with a seismic expert to get some answers.","content":"The Mendocino County quake struck within hours of several major earthquakes worldwide -- including activity in Japan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Venezuela -- raising questions about whether the events are connected. We spoke with a seismic expert to get some answers.","url":"https://abc7news.com/post/northern-california-quake-bay-area-seismology-experts-say-global-earthquakes-including-venezuela-coincidence/19383226/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KGO","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:35:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19384035_062526-kgo-global-earthquakes-img.jpg","slug":"several-strong-earthquakes-strike-globally-in-1-day-how-are-they-connected"},{"id":"nwjhw7","title":"Stephen Wilson Jr. releases powerful version of his song \"Gary,\" from his performance at CMA Fest","excerpt":"It was one of the most talked about performances of the night. Now, Stephen Wilson Jr.'s live version of \"Gary\" from \"CMA Fest\" has been released as a single.","content":"It was one of the most talked about performances of the night. Now, Stephen Wilson Jr.'s live version of \"Gary\" from \"CMA Fest\" has been released as a single.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/stephen-wilson-jr-releases-powerful-version-song-gary-performance-cma-fest/19389565/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:27:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19389699_062626-otrc-stephenwilson-vid.jpg","slug":"stephen-wilson-jr-releases-powerful-version-of-his-song-gary-from-his-performance-at-cma-fest"},{"id":"451x83","title":"After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country","excerpt":"Nearly a year after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country, signs of recovery are everywhere.Homes are being rebuilt. Businesses are reopening. Communities are finding ways to move forward.But for many who lived through the disaster, the memories remain as vivid as ever....","content":"Nearly a year after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country, signs of recovery are everywhere.Homes are being rebuilt. Businesses are reopening. Communities are finding ways to move forward.But for many who lived through the disaster, the memories remain as vivid as ever.On July 1, KPRC 2 premieres After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country, a documentary exploring the flood, the rescue efforts, the recovery, and the people whose lives were forever changed.Over the past year, KPRC 2 traveled across Kerr County, interviewing first responders, survivors, business owners, meteorologists, and community leaders to better understand not only what happened, but what has happened since.Among those voices are John and Vikki Dunn, owners of the iconic Hunt Store.The heart of a communityFor nearly 80 years, the Hunt Store has served as far more than a convenience store.“It’s really the only year-round, consistent food, fuel and community gathering space,” John Dunn said.The store has long functioned as the social center of Hunt — a place for family reunions, community meetings, birthday parties, Bible studies, and generations of campers returning summer after summer.“The store became the anchor of the Hunt community,” Dunn said.When floodwaters tore through Hunt, the store suffered catastrophic damage. Walls were ripped away. Parts of the structure were destroyed.Yet somehow, some of its most recognizable features survived.“The two main doors that everybody associates with the Hunt Store have been here forever,” Vikki Dunn said. “They survived.”The iconic fireplace survived, along with several of the historic cypress tables.Even portions of the distinctive stone walls remain standing.“Those walls are what identify the Hunt Store,” Vikki said. “The Hunt Store is what is most identifiable to Hunt.”More than a businessThe Dunns say the flood reinforced what the Hunt Store has always meant to the community.When recovery efforts began, the property became a gathering place for volunteers, fuel deliveries, emergency equipment, and disaster response operations.“This was really the command center for flood recovery,” John Dunn said.The recovery effort also inspired a phrase that has become synonymous with the community’s resilience:“Hunt Strong.”Community members salvaged letters from the damaged Hunt Store sign and rearranged them into a message that reflected their determination to rebuild.“We adopted ‘Hunt Strong’ because we knew we would come back,” Vikki Dunn said.The slogan remains a symbol of recovery throughout the community today.Stories of survival and recoveryThe documentary also includes firsthand accounts from a first responder who arrived as floodwaters surged through the region.Sgt. Tyler Cottonware, one of the first law enforcement officers on scene, recalls realizing the magnitude of the disaster.“There was nobody out here,” he said. “It was me.”His account details rooftop rescues, survivors clinging to safety, and the challenges first responders faced during the chaotic first hours of the flood.The documentary also explores the weather conditions that created the disaster, the questions that emerged afterward, and the long road to recovery that continues today.Looking aheadWhile rebuilding remains ongoing, both John and Vikki Dunn believe the future of Hunt remains strong.“We will rebuild,” Vikki said. “There’s no question. This is the heart and soul of Hunt.”For John Dunn, the recovery of the community and the recovery of the Hunt Store are deeply connected.“Hunt will not get back to normal until the Hunt Store is back,” he said.One year later, the scars remain visible across the Hill Country.So does the resilience. Through powerful interviews, personal stories, and months of reporting, After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country examines the disaster that changed a community — and the people working every day to ensure it is never defined by tragedy alone.Watch After the Storm: The flood that changed the Hill Country on July 1 on KPRC 2’s YouTube.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/after-the-storm-the-flood-that-changed-the-hill-country/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrea Slaydon, Beth Peak","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:26:32.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMAOAGBCMJNCZLBIYTYX635Y3JE.jpg","slug":"after-the-storm-the-flood-that-changed-the-hill-country"},{"id":"lyx57l","title":"10 jurors said Palisades Fire suspect isn't guilty. Now he faces an October retrial","excerpt":"The man accused of sparking last year's deadly Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial Friday.Ten of the 12 jurors insisted Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is innocent. Judge Anne Hwang quickly set an Oct. 19 retrial date and ordered him jail...","content":"The man accused of sparking last year's deadly Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial Friday.Ten of the 12 jurors insisted Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is innocent. Judge Anne Hwang quickly set an Oct. 19 retrial date and ordered him jailed until then.Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to starting one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, and feels encouraged that so many of the jurors “resoundingly found that the government’s case was not strong, and they did not have enough evidence to convict him,” defense attorney Steve Haney said.But First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said they have strong evidence and will seek a guilty verdict in a new trial.Prosecutors said Rinderknecht used a barbecue lighter on Jan. 1, 2025 to spark a blaze that burned undetected deep in root systems before flaring back up Jan. 7 and killing 12 people as it incinerated entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles and Malibu. Only 17 rebuilt homes in Pacific Palisades have been certified for occupancy since then.Prosecutors never provided direct evidence that Rinderknecht started the earlier blaze. They showed jurors he was in the area when it began and presented a digital trail to indicate he was motivated by a desire to take revenge on society.His defense said fireworks were the likely cause and that investigators had zeroed in too quickly on Rinderknecht without clear proof.“This is a big victory, and it feels so unfair that, given the circumstances, the government maintains my son in jail,” said his father, Joel Rinderknecht.The new trial will begin as voters decide whether to re-elect Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced criticism over the city's preparation and response. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the Palisades Fire and another wildfire that ravaged the community of Altadena continues to reshape the metropolitan area, with thousands of uprooted fire victims seeking insurance payouts and court judgments.“The state and the city have tried for the past year and a half to distract from their own shortcomings in their own liability,” civil attorney Alexander Robertson said.Digital records revealed Rinderknecht’s state of mindThe trial featured a trove of digital records and eight days of testimony from investigators, experts and witnesses.Security camera recordings helped determine where the Jan. 1 fire is believed to have started: a mountainside spot off a trail in a neighborhood familiar to Rinderknecht. He dropped off his last Uber passenger in the same neighborhood, shortly before midnight, and later called 911 more than a dozen times. His phone’s geolocation data showed him at the clearing and walking down the trail as he reported the fire.Jurors saw records from his phone, email, Uber, social media accounts and OpenAI. Thousands of comments showed he regularly consulted ChatGPT.“Why am I so angry all the time?” he said in one exchange.He vented over wealth inequality and global warmingRinderknecht inquired about Luigi Mangione, who was charged with the murder of United Healthcare’s CEO, and on Reddit he searched “lets kill all the billionaires.”He also vented about being rejected by a woman he contacted to see if she had New Year’s Eve plans, and sent her angry and vile messages from another phone.Rinderknecht also recorded videos of firefighters battling the blaze, pausing to ask ChatGPT if someone would be responsible for a fire accidentally started by a cigarette. And he screen-recorded both the 911 calls and his ChatGPT prompt, which prosecutors said showed he was trying to mislead investigators.On Jan. 6, a day before powerful Santa Ana winds rekindled smoldering roots into a conflagration, he recorded a selfie video saying he was having a mental breakdown.Investigators interviewed him weeks after fireRinderknecht also spoke for roughly eight hours with a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent in late January, before he was a suspect.ATF agent Matthew Beals drove with him to the site, so that Rinderknecht could identify his movements as the fire started — an account that conflicted with the place and time of his 911 calls, the agent testified.Rinderknecht became “agitated” when asked for details and speculated that someone frustrated by inequality might hypothetically target the wealthy neighborhood, the agent said.All such behavior is consistent with that of a “societal revenge motivated” arsonist, testified Kevin Kelm, an expert in arsonist behavior.His defense suggested a rush to judgmentHaney said investigators never found any searches about arson, the best way to start a fire, or purchases of fire-starting materials. And while his DNA was found on a barbecue lighter in his car, they couldn’t prove a lighter sparked the blaze — only that it began with an “open flame,” he said.Fireworks were the most likely cause that New Year’s Eve, the defense argued. One firefighter recalled hearing fireworks in the area shortly before and after midnight. And two residents and a security guard testified they either saw flashes of light or heard fireworks. Two saw a group of teenagers running down the trail afterward.Former LA fire investigator Ed Nordskog accused the investigators of confirmation bias, noting that he often responded to dozens of fires on New Year’s Eve, most of them started by fireworks.“They’re choosing to look at information in a very sinister way when they should be a little more open about it,” Nordskog said.Defense witnesses also noted that the fire scene could have been compromised because access was not closed off until Jan. 14, nearly two weeks after the first blaze started.“Can you convict a man based on a crime scene that was destroyed? Stripped of all evidence? Evidence that could’ve proved his innocence?” Haney asked jurors during closing arguments.Juror explains why she voted against convictionJuror No. 4, who identified herself as Syrena and wouldn’t share her last name, said she voted not-guilty.“There’s just not enough proof,” she said. And even if he did start the Jan. 1 fire, she said he shouldn’t be considered responsible for the entire disaster given the negligence of other parties.“Shouldn’t the firemen, shouldn’t they have known?” she said.Rinderknecht’s attorney wanted to argue that the Los Angeles Fire Department had been negligent, but the judge ruled he couldn’t make that case in court.Juror No. 4 said there wasn’t enough evidence to make her believe the prosecution’s assertion that Rinderknecht was alone in the area before it started.As for his use of ChatGPT, she said he was “just being human” that she talks to ChatGPT frequently as well.“It made me angry that they were putting his character down,” she said.___Associated Press reporter Safiyah Riddle contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/mistrial-declared-after-jury-deadlocks-in-arson-trial-over-deadly-2025-palisades-fire-in-los-angeles/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaimie Ding And Christopher Weber, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:31:50.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7PMXW2CTGZDNDPZTER4RZHMV7M.jpg","slug":"10-jurors-said-palisades-fire-suspect-isnt-guilty-now-he-faces-an-october-retrial"},{"id":"20ovx0","title":"Ready for liftoff: Galaxy all-abilities Park opens a new chapter in Fort Bend County’s inclusive playgrounds","excerpt":"The $1.6 million space-themed outdoor Sugar Land park marks the first all-abilities park funded and built by Fort Bend County. Families in the county, including children with disabilities, can now play in an accessible park.","content":"The $1.6 million space-themed outdoor Sugar Land park marks the first all-abilities park funded and built by Fort Bend County. Families in the county, including children with disabilities, can now play in an accessible park.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/in-depth/2026/06/26/555530/galaxy-park-sugar-land-all-abilities-park/?utm_source=rss-indepth-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:55:29.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F25100740%2FGalaxy-All-Abilities-Park-Sugar-Land-450x339.jpg","slug":"ready-for-liftoff-galaxy-all-abilities-park-opens-a-new-chapter-in-fort-bend-countys-inclusive-playg"},{"id":"hntjp","title":"Buttigieg was briefly separated from his children after police say he was target of false report","excerpt":"Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was the target of an anonymous report that police determined was false and that he says forced him to spend a night away from his four-year-old twins.According to Buttigieg, a Michigan State Police officer and a child protective services worker came ...","content":"Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was the target of an anonymous report that police determined was false and that he says forced him to spend a night away from his four-year-old twins.According to Buttigieg, a Michigan State Police officer and a child protective services worker came to his home in Traverse City after they received an anonymous report alleging he posed a danger to his children. Authorities arranged forensic interviews for his twins and instructed him not to be alone with them until the interviews were complete.Buttigieg described the 24-hour ordeal in a Substack post as \"among the darkest hours of my life.”Michigan State Police said in a statement to The Associated Press they received an “anonymous report” and that they and child protective services “responded and determined the report was false.”Buttigieg said investigators told him the anonymous caller claimed he had confessed years earlier to violent crimes during a chance meeting in Alabama. Buttigieg said he had never been to the town where the meeting allegedly occurred. He said police told him the allegation would not be referred to prosecutors and that they believed it to be politically motivated, while Child Protective Services found nothing to substantiate the report.“I cannot describe the mix of rage and sadness that I feel at the idea that someone brought our children into this,\" writes Buttigieg. “They are four years old. Four. They do not know or care what a Democrat or a Republican is.”Buttigieg, who is widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, has long been the target of anti-LGBTQ attacks.In recent years, conservative activists and some Republican officials have opposed efforts to portray same-sex parents as ordinary families in schools and public life. June — widely recognized as Pride Month — is Strong Families Month in Alabama, intended to coincide with Father’s Day. Gov. Kay Ivey’s proclamation says fathers are “the head of the household” and “homes led by a father and mother provide children with the structure and discipline necessary to succeed throughout life.”Buttigieg wrote that the incident occurred soon after he shared photos of his family online for Father’s Day.Buttigieg drew criticism from some Republicans for taking paternity leave after he and his husband, Chasten, adopted their twins while he was serving in the Biden administration. Buttigieg also wrote that he has faced death threats during his career.“But this is the ugliest thing that has happened to me since my career in service began,” he wrote.Public officials from across the political spectrum have increasingly been targeted by swatting, which is the act of making a false call to emergency services to prompt a response at a particular address. The goal is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to show up. Law enforcement agencies have warned that the incidents divert resources from other pressing tasks and pose risks to both law enforcement and the victims.Buttigieg said the incident reflected a broader escalation in political attacks.“Everyone knows politics is ugly these days,” he wrote. “It’s always been ugly, but now it feels more and more like bloodsport.\"“Even so, this is different.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/buttigieg-was-briefly-separated-from-his-children-after-police-say-he-was-target-of-false-report/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:47:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FICN6YYIJ2VAPLKXG7DNPG3J6UY.jpg","slug":"buttigieg-was-briefly-separated-from-his-children-after-police-say-he-was-target-of-false-report"},{"id":"m39ce5","title":"626 Day meets Prime Day: The best last-chance Stitch deals to shop now on the final Prime sale Day","excerpt":"Calling all 'Lilo and Stitch' fans! Celebrate Experiment 626 (aka Stitch) with all-new Lilo & Stitch clothes, toys, accessories and more on this final Prime Day!","content":"Calling all 'Lilo and Stitch' fans! Celebrate Experiment 626 (aka Stitch) with all-new Lilo & Stitch clothes, toys, accessories and more on this final Prime Day!","url":"https://abc7.com/post/626-day-celebrate-stitch-new-lilo-clothing-toys-accessories-more/19364495/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:19:26.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19364935_626day.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"626-day-meets-prime-day-the-best-last-chance-stitch-deals-to-shop-now-on-the-final-prime-sale-day"},{"id":"2krw21","title":"Disney's 'Descendants: Wicked Wonderland' trailer debuts a new villain Maddox Hatter","excerpt":"\"Surprise! When you changed the past, you created chaos.\" The \"Descendants: Wicked Wonderland\" trailer unveils a new villain: Maddox Hatter. ✨🎩✨","content":"\"Surprise! When you changed the past, you created chaos.\" The \"Descendants: Wicked Wonderland\" trailer unveils a new villain: Maddox Hatter. ✨🎩✨","url":"https://abc7.com/post/disneys-descendants-wicked-wonderland-trailer-debuts-new-villain-maddox-hatter/19389465/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:47:03.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"disneys-descendants-wicked-wonderland-trailer-debuts-a-new-villain-maddox-hatter"},{"id":"h6lell","title":"Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in 'first step' toward peace, Rubio says","excerpt":"Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. Friday to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.The agreement does not include Hezbolla...","content":"Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. Friday to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.The agreement does not include Hezbollah and prompted one of the group's officials in Lebanon to warn of civil war. The U.S. State Department said the framework establishes a process for dismantling Hezbollah and for Lebanon to regain territory that was taken by Israeli forces as they battled the militant group. The U.S. will facilitate a newly created “Military Coordination Group for Lebanon” to implement the framework, the State Department said, while committing $100 million in humanitarian assistance. “For Lebanon, this Framework provides a genuine pathway out of a long crisis,” the State Department said. “For Israel, it creates a verifiable path to removing the persistent threat on its northern border.” Friday's agreement was signed in front of Rubio in Washington by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh Moawad, the Lebanese ambassador to the United States.Leiter said the final destination of the framework is peace between the two countries.“Our language is we want to embrace Lebanon,\" he said. \"Our language is we want to get in our car in Tel Aviv and take a drive up to Beirut, and we want Beirut to come down and take a drive to Tel Aviv. That’s where we’re going. That’s where we want to go.”Leiter said that will depend on Hezbollah being disarmed and dismantled, which will allow Israel to withdraw and Lebanon to “regain its full sovereignty.” “So it really depends on the Lebanese army,” Leiter said. “It depends on the support the Lebanese army gets from the U.S. And we think it’s going to be solid.” Moawad said the framework “is a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of hostilities, enabling our people to go back to their land and allowing all Lebanese to live in peace, security and prosperity.”Hezbollah official says group won't give up weaponsThe latest conflict began when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel days after Israel and the U.S. launched their war on Iran on Feb. 28. Israel invaded Lebanon and has expanded its control.More than 4,000 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since March. At least 37 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon or northern Israel during the fighting.Lebanese officials have said that securing a withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon is a top priority for them in the negotiations, while Israeli officials have prioritized the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.The talks between Israel and Lebanon were separate from the interim deal that was signed last week by the leaders of the U.S. and Iran to end the fighting in the Islamic Republic. That agreement set a 60-day period for negotiations on key issues, including the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Iran wants to use it for military purposes, a claim the country denies.The Lebanese government had been wary of having Iran negotiate on its behalf, and Lebanon launched its own direct negotiations with Israel after the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Hezbollah was not part of the talks, which resulted in several ceasefire agreements that were never implemented on the ground. Hezbollah is unlikely to agree to any plan that would include its disarmament throughout the country. The group has maintained that it is only required by previous agreements and U.N. resolutions to disarm in the area south of the Litani River, near Lebanon’s border with Israel.Hassan Fadlallah, a member of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, reiterated the group’s stance on Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen TV that it rejects Lebanon’s direct negotiations with Israel and that it will not give up its weapons. Fadlallah said Lebanese authorities “will not be able to enforce the agreement signed in Washington unless they go, with American support, to civil war.” He also called the agreement in Washington “an attempt to derail the Islamabad process,” referring to the U.S.-Iran negotiations.Israel establishes 'pilot zones' for Lebanon Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a statement that the agreement “aims to achieve an Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, restore state sovereignty over it, and facilitate the return of its citizens” and that under it Lebanon is obligated to “extend the authority of the Lebanese state, through its armed forces, over all its territory.”Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had told a visiting British parliamentary delegation on Wednesday that a proposal for “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army is supposed to take exclusive control of the territory as Israeli troops will withdraw was “under discussion pending approval from the Israeli side.” Israel’s direct negotiations with Lebanon include discussions about the redeployment of Israeli forces after southern Lebanon is cleared of Hezbollah infrastructure and Hezbollah has disarmed, said an Israeli official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video on Friday that the framework is a “great achievement” for Israel. “The most important thing, first and foremost, is that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon,” he said. “This is a major achievement, and we will maintain it as long as Hezbollah has not been disarmed and as long as it continues to pose a threat to the State of Israel.”Netanyahu said that Israel is allowing the Lebanese army to begin preparing to take control of territory, while the Israeli military is establishing two pilot zones. “A small part of it is within the expanded security zone that we secured over the past two weeks and which, the IDF has made absolutely clear, it does not need,” Netanyahu said. “In other words, we are maintaining the original security zone at all times, outside the range of anti-tank missiles.\" ___This story has been corrected to include Nada Hamadeh Moawad's full name. It's Nada Hamadeh Moawad, not Nada Hamadeh. ___Sewell reported from Beirut. Lidman reported from Tel Aviv. Associated Press writers Koral Saeed in Herzliya, Israel, and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/israel-and-lebanon-sign-framework-agreement-with-us-in-first-step-toward-peace-rubio-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ben Finley, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:14:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FH3UNLSA3VVCTLP7RKU6BSJE4WM.jpg","slug":"israel-and-lebanon-sign-framework-agreement-with-us-in-first-step-toward-peace-rubio-says"},{"id":"8pjyot","title":"Fear grips Haitian communities after Supreme Court ruling unwinds protection from deportation","excerpt":"A 35-year-old nurse in Kentucky prepared her will. The single mother named a legal guardian for her four children and transferred her properties into their names.She felt like she needed to prepare for death — in case she gets deported back to Haiti, a country she fled at 9 years old.After the Su...","content":"A 35-year-old nurse in Kentucky prepared her will. The single mother named a legal guardian for her four children and transferred her properties into their names.She felt like she needed to prepare for death — in case she gets deported back to Haiti, a country she fled at 9 years old.After the Supreme Court decided Thursday to allow the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disasters in Haiti and Syria, fear ricocheted through those communities across the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people now face the prospect of deportation.“I have been living with this internal fear, it’s like preparing for a funeral, just in case I die when going to another country,” said the nurse, who asked not to be identified for fear of being targeted for deportation. She is among about 350,000 Haitians granted Temporary Protected Status, many of whom have legally lived and worked in the U.S. for decades and have children who are U.S. citizens. Thursday’s decision, which is expected to take effect July 27, also applied to around 6,000 Syrians. It could also open the door to the administration unwinding protections for 1.3 million people from 17 countries. Temporary Protected Status allows people to live and work in the USCongress created Temporary Protected Status in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries deemed dangerous, because of disasters, civil war or other violence or instability. It permits people to work legally in the U.S. but does not provide a path to citizenship. It can be renewed in increments of up to 18 months if the homeland security secretary deems conditions unsafe for return.The Biden administration roughly doubled the number of people covered by TPS. The Trump administration ended those protections, insisting it was meant to be temporary, the countries are now safe and that President Joe Biden’s administration expanded the destination and poorly vetted its recipients.TPS beneficiaries have, by definition, been living in limbo and their futures have been especially precarious under President Donald Trump, but the Supreme Court ruling delivered what could be a crushing blow to living and working legally in the United States.Haitians in Ohio have been in the spotlight beforeThe Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, became a particular target of the administration during the 2024 campaign, when Trump spread fictional rumors that Haitians there were eating people’s cats and dogs. There is no evidence to support those claims.Still, the community has been under intense pressure ever since, said Viles Dorsainvil, the executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield.Thursday’s ruling added to the panic and chaos. People don’t know if they should withdraw all their money from the bank, Dorsainvil said. They don’t know if they can work, if their kids can go to school. Many are making preparations to leave their children who are U.S. citizens behind if they are sent away.“As a Haitian, I always say that life has not been easy for us, nothing has been easy for us and this is another chapter in our life. And we’ve been in that type of situation since after the presidential campaign when they came up with that type of conspiracy theory of us eating cats and dogs,” he said. “We’ve been targeted. We’ve been in the spotlight for their political agenda.”Dorsainvil said he’s focused on trying to keep people calm, telling them not to panic, not to feel hopeless or make desperate decisions that could further jeopardize them and their children.Many TPS holders work in caregiving rolesOn Thursday morning, a Haitian mother of a 17-month-old baby boy who lives in Florida woke up to the news. “I was reading it and I just for a moment there I just felt like I couldn’t breathe, like as if something was just sitting on my chest, like my lungs couldn’t extend,” the 37-year-old said, her voice breaking.She asked not to be identified for fears of being detained and deported.“I did not expect this. It is so hard to accept. Maybe I am in denial but I think this can’t be real,” she said. “I had so much hope.”She arrived in the U.S. in 1995 when she was 7 years old and graduated from high school here. But she could not go to college because she did not have legal status. But in 2010 everything changed, when the U.S. granted Haitians protection after a catastrophic earthquake. The U.S. repeatedly extended that amid the gang violence that has consumed the country and displaced more than a million people.The Florida woman applied, and she was able to go to school and become a nurse.She was supposed to begin a new job in two weeks. Now she doesn’t know if she’s authorized to work.TPS holders are overrepresented in caregiving roles, and the long-term care industry, like nursing homes and facilities for disabled people, industry groups said, could be hit particularly hard as fear and uncertainty ripples across America.The nurse in Kentucky said she’s trying to focus on her work taking care of disabled people. But it’s hard to not think of the worst-case scenario, imagining being separated from her children, who are ages 13, 12, 8, and 2, and being sent to her home country that she left more than two decades ago. She reads in the news that there are gang wars, kidnappings, killings.“I don’t want to go there. I am very Americanized,” she said. “It’s like someone saying, hey, do you want to go live in a horror movie? Like, you know, no, I don’t.”—-Aftoora-Orsagos reported from Springfield, Ohio, and Galofaro contributed from Louisville, Kentucky.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/fear-grips-haitian-communities-after-supreme-court-ruling-unwinds-protection-from-deportation/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gisela Salomon And Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:10:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWJD5DQ2XGRDAFLQN5QHCKZ42AA.jpg","slug":"fear-grips-haitian-communities-after-supreme-court-ruling-unwinds-protection-from-deportation"},{"id":"2qiz3a","title":"Montgomery County reports first case of West Nile Virus in 2026","excerpt":"The Montgomery County Public Health Department says it has received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services of the first case of West Nile Virus in a resident of the county for 2026.The resident diagnosed with the virus is a woman in her 50s and lives in the 77355 zip code...","content":"The Montgomery County Public Health Department says it has received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services of the first case of West Nile Virus in a resident of the county for 2026.The resident diagnosed with the virus is a woman in her 50s and lives in the 77355 zip code, the agency said.Mosquito season started in May and typically lasts until the end of October. According to the CDC, the most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid bites by using insect repellants registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing protective clothing when outdoors and removing standing water outside of your home. Gracie, the missing giraffe from the Texas Hill County, has been foundThe agency says standing water creates breeding grounds for mosquitos, where they can lay their eggs and reproduce.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/montgomery-county-reports-first-case-of-west-nile-virus-in-2026/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:22:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FU4ARTTDCRBCF3KS5JY5Z4S6E4E.jpg","slug":"montgomery-county-reports-first-case-of-west-nile-virus-in-2026"},{"id":"o8cl11","title":"Better STAAR scores, bigger goals: Here’s why Good Reason Houston focuses on a path to a living wage","excerpt":"The latest STAAR results are bringing encouraging news for Houston-area students.Reading scores have reached new regional highs, math achievement continues to recover, and local districts are making meaningful progress following years of pandemic-related learning loss. Still, education leaders sa...","content":"The latest STAAR results are bringing encouraging news for Houston-area students.Reading scores have reached new regional highs, math achievement continues to recover, and local districts are making meaningful progress following years of pandemic-related learning loss. Still, education leaders say the latest data is both a reason to celebrate and a reminder that significant challenges remain.On Houston Life, Thomas Pich, Director of District Partnerships for Good Reason Houston, and Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar discussed what the new scores reveal and why they’re focused on turning academic gains into long-term success.“There is a lot to celebrate right now in the Houston region,” Pich said, pointing to record-high performance in Algebra I and English I, along with continued improvement among elementary and middle school students.Dr. Cuellar credits much of that success to an increased focus on early literacy and high expectations.“When you raise the bar higher, kids will absolutely reach it,” he said. “We’ve invested heavily in making sure students are reading at or above grade level, especially in the early grades, and now we’re seeing those efforts pay off.”Spring ISD has been one of the region’s top-performing districts for year-over-year academic growth. Dr. Cuellar said the district has expanded resources for families by making curriculum available online, offering Saturday school, and creating family learning hubs that give students extra academic support outside the traditional school week.While the latest scores are encouraging, both leaders stressed that progress and urgency can exist at the same time.One statistic in particular highlights why continued improvement is so important. According to research from Good Reason Houston, only one in five Houston students currently goes on to earn a living wage as an adult.“This data is a really good push in that direction, but four out of five students are still not earning a living wage. There’s a ton of work left to do.” Pich said.Education leaders say stronger reading and math skills help prepare students for college, career training, and high-paying jobs, making academic success an investment in Houston’s future workforce.The latest STAAR results also mark another important milestone. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston students have returned to pre-pandemic baseline performance in math after years of recovery.Looking ahead, Dr. Cuellar says improving student outcomes will require everyone working together, including educators, parents, community organizations, faith leaders, universities, and local businesses.“We’re always monitoring progress,” he said. “Our goal is ensuring every child is reading at or above grade level, and until we reach that goal, we’re never going to stop working toward it.”To learn more about Houston’s public education data and initiatives, visit GoodReasonHouston.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/26/better-staar-scores-bigger-goals-heres-why-good-reason-houston-focuses-on-a-path-to-a-living-wage/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Javana Vela","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:18:10.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fd440046a-00da-4745-b23c-f5aa056174fb%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"better-staar-scores-bigger-goals-heres-why-good-reason-houston-focuses-on-a-path-to-a-living-wage"},{"id":"7vy1zd","title":"Houston’s own Tyce Green stars in Disney’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’","excerpt":"Houston Broadway Theatre presents Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, running June 16–July 5 at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theatre. The musical — with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz — adapts Victor Hugo’s sweeping story into a show about courage, acceptance and redemption....","content":"Houston Broadway Theatre presents Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, running June 16–July 5 at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theatre. The musical — with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz — adapts Victor Hugo’s sweeping story into a show about courage, acceptance and redemption.The production brings familiar, Oscar-nominated songs from the film plus new material to the stage in a story centered on Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame. Audiences will follow his yearning “out there,” the fearless Esmeralda, and the dark forces that threaten Paris. Houston Broadway Theatre’s staging emphasizes the emotional core of the tale while showcasing large-scale choral moments and bold design — ideal for families and longtime theatre-goers alike.Inside the role — Tyce Green’s path to QuasimodoTony®-nominated performer Tyce Green takes on Quasimodo, bringing a diverse career of Broadway, opera and rock touring to the role. Green’s resume includes performances in Jesus Christ Superstar (including a recent Swiss production), Total Eclipse at the London Coliseum, a solo album produced with Jim Steinman, and appearances on TV competitions and runway television. Locally, his presence adds a strong musical and theatrical pedigree to the Houston run.Playing Quasimodo on stage requires both vocal power and physical endurance. Green described preparing for the role with focused vocal and physical work to sustain the character’s posture and emotional arc through each performance. The role demands maintaining a consistent physicality while also delivering emotionally vulnerable singing — a combination audiences respond to with standing ovations and enthusiastic post-show feedback.What local audiences can expectExpect a production that balances spectacle with intimacy: large choral set pieces contrast with quiet, character-driven moments. Early responses from Houston audiences have praised Green’s performance and the company’s commitment to storytelling. Whether you’re a Broadway regular or a first-time theatergoer, Houston Broadway Theatre’s Hunchback promises a moving night at the Wortham Center. Tickets on sale now at houstonbroadwaytheatre.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/26/houstons-own-tyce-green-stars-in-disneys-the-hunchback-of-notre-dame/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:04:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F113d4066-e4fe-4706-ab47-329d5adc2b66%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houstons-own-tyce-green-stars-in-disneys-the-hunchback-of-notre-dame"},{"id":"cd2auv","title":"A Trump commission urges 'bridges' between church and state in sweeping draft report","excerpt":"A new report by a Trump administration commission suggests replacing the idea of separating church and state with the idea of building bridges between them.The assertion — challenging a longstanding concept in American law — comes amid a raft of recommendations in a draft report of the Religious ...","content":"A new report by a Trump administration commission suggests replacing the idea of separating church and state with the idea of building bridges between them.The assertion — challenging a longstanding concept in American law — comes amid a raft of recommendations in a draft report of the Religious Liberty Commission, released Friday afternoon.The advisory body was created by President Donald Trump last year and filled almost entirely by conservative Christians. The 224-page draft report — part policy document, part philosophical argument — echoes members' support for a stronger role for religion and religious expression in government, schools and the public square.The report applauds recent Supreme Court decisions expanding rights to religious expression in public settings, such as creating opt-outs for religious objections to school lessons. The report recommends eliminating the “ Johnson Amendment ” that forbids political activities by tax-exempt religious groups — a longstanding goal of Trump. It calls for compensating military service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines.It calls in general for allowing more religious expression in the public square, greater access to public money for faith-based agencies and broader exemptions for those claiming conscientious objections to policies ranging from vaccine mandates to pronoun usage to classroom lessons. It recommends that federal agencies publish “Know Your Rights” posters for various settings and establish hotlines to receive complaints about religious liberty violations.The draft report also calls for the creation of new honors — a Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty and First Freedom Hero Awards. And it calls for exhibits and markers at historic sites paying tribute to the role of religion in American history.It calls for combatting antisemitism through various legal tools. It also recommends requiring any public official who says an employee engaged in improper religious expression to provide a written explanation. At a news conference in the Oval Office, commissioners said witnesses who appeared at their hearings had suffered “persecution” at work and elsewhere.The draft report is now available for public comment over the next 15 days. It is sure to draw opposition.Some other groups defend the separation of church and stateCritics have said the commission has failed adequately to address issues like anti-Muslim efforts in some states and that, while its hearings spotlighted left-wing antisemitism, it gave less attention to similar right-wing movements.Some groups, including the progressive Interfaith Alliance, have a pending lawsuit saying the commission lacks ideological diversity as required of federal advisory panels.The Rev. Paul Raushenbush, president of Interfaith Alliance, said the report represents “a wishlist of divisive, unpopular ideas far-right religious groups have pushed for years,” such as expanding vouchers for religious schools and repealing the Johnson amendment.At the same time, Raushenbush said in a statement, the commission “couldn’t bring itself to acknowledge the growing threat of Islamophobia” nor Trump’s own criticisms of  Pope Leo XIV, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, and other religious critics of “his administration’s inhumane policies.”The report comes as conservative states such as Texas have worked to incorporate more religion into public spaces such as classrooms, including Bible lessons and Ten Commandments displays.Trump, speaking to supporters at a Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering in Washington on Friday, touted the newly released report.“We saved religion, it was going down,” he boasted.Trump contended that the administration of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, had carried out a “reign of persecution.”While the commission report downplays the separation of church and state, the commission didn't go so far as to call it a “lie,” as the commission chairman, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, did in April.But it largely took the stance that the idea is misapplied.“To be clear, this does not involve or require advocating ‘theocracy’ or even the total elimination of any separation between church and state,” the report says. Rather, it calls for honoring a “tension between the relevant clauses of the First Amendment” that guarantee religious freedom but forbid any government-established church.Still, Patrick pressed the issue at the news conference, saying the phrase separation of church and state was used to “batter and hammer people of faith” for decades. Americans \"cannot be attacked by that phrase any longer,” Patrick said. Supreme Court rulings on church/state issues have evolvedThe phrase, “a wall of separation between church and state” does not appear in the Constitution, but it’s embodied in Supreme Court precedent. Thomas Jefferson used that expression in a letter to Baptists, supporting them in opposing official churches in U.S. states, a practice that soon ended.Twentieth-century decisions by the high court invoked the “separation” phrase to extend the First Amendment’s prohibition on federal church establishment to state and local governments, citing the 14th Amendment’s ban on states denying citizens’ rights.That led to bans on official prayers and Ten Commandments displays in public schools. The Supreme Court in recent years has steered a different course, permitting such things as a public school coach's on-field prayers and a religious opt-out for parents objecting to a lesson on transgender issues.The draft report contends that even Jefferson didn’t believe in completely banishing religion from public life, but rather in keeping church and state in a kind of balance.“In reality, the church and state strengthen and support one another,” it says.The report touts the value of religion to society in terms of providing humanitarian work, anchoring families and acting as “conscience” monitoring government.“In many cases the law protects the religious expression of Americans, but government officials and employers often use fear tactics to silence individuals into believing that they don’t have the right to publicly express their faith,” it argues.It argues — citing one of its own members, Catholic media figure Bishop Robert Barron — that notions of strict church-state separation can be traced to a “God is dead” ideology that originated in Europe and saw traditional religion as an opponent to individual autonomy.“This way of thinking made its way … into the American culture and courtroom,” the report said.Little recognition for non-religious Americans The report, while touting the value of religion, appears to give little emphasis on the large population of Americans with no religious affiliation. A key argument of many atheists and secular humanists is that one can be “good without God” — that religion doesn't have a monopoly on virtue and can do harm as well as good.The lawsuit challenging the commission alleges that commissioners have asserted that America is specifically a Judeo-Christian or Christian nation, showing a lack of ideological diversity.The Republican administration is asking a federal court to dismiss the lawsuit.This draft report comes two months after another entity created by Trump — the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias — issued its own report. It claimed that Christians faced discrimination under the Biden administration. Progressive critics said that the report amounted to advocacy rather than an investigation.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/a-trump-commission-urges-bridges-between-church-and-state-in-sweeping-draft-report/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Peter Smith, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:02:33.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3X6YZOH3MVEWNONIMVUAF2H6TU.jpg","slug":"a-trump-commission-urges-bridges-between-church-and-state-in-sweeping-draft-report"},{"id":"b0wsy8","title":"Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in 'first step' toward peace, Rubio says","excerpt":"The framework agreement was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.","content":"The framework agreement was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/israel-lebanon-sign-framework-agreement-us-first-step-peace-rubio-says/19389455/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:31:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"israel-and-lebanon-sign-framework-agreement-with-us-in-first-step-toward-peace-rubio-says"},{"id":"f0vcht","title":"Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold accused of orchestrating kidnapping and robbery","excerpt":"Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold faces multiple felony charges for allegedly orchestrating a kidnapping in Florida.","content":"Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold faces multiple felony charges for allegedly orchestrating a kidnapping in Florida.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/detroit-lions-cornerback-terrion-arnold-accused-orchestrating-kidnapping-robbery/19388924/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:27:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"detroit-lions-cornerback-terrion-arnold-accused-of-orchestrating-kidnapping-and-robbery"},{"id":"861g2e","title":"Most of Wall Street rises, but sinking AI stocks send it lower for the week","excerpt":"Most of the U.S. stock market rose Friday after oil prices eased back to where they were before the war with Iran, but drops  for stocks swept up in the mania around artificial-intelligence technology kept the market in check. The S&P 500 finished nearly flat and slipped less than 0.1% to close o...","content":"Most of the U.S. stock market rose Friday after oil prices eased back to where they were before the war with Iran, but drops  for stocks swept up in the mania around artificial-intelligence technology kept the market in check. The S&P 500 finished nearly flat and slipped less than 0.1% to close out just its second losing week in the last 13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 44 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, dropped 3.8% to $72.60. That’s lower than it was the day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran, which eventually led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  and the curtailment of oil shipments worldwide. The easier oil prices helped stocks of companies with big fuel bills, and American Airlines Group climbed 1.7%. Health care stocks, meanwhile, were some of the strongest forces pushing upward on the market after a committee of the European Medicines Agency recommended several medicines for approval and the extension for another dozen of their therapeutic indications. That included one for Eli Lilly, whose stock jumped 7.1%.Besides Lilly, nearly two out of every three stocks within the S&P 500 rose. But more drops for AI stocks helped to overshadow them.After soaring to tremendous heights and leading the market for years, AI stocks have been under pressure recently  because of worries their profits can’t possibly keep pace with the tremendous rallies for their stock prices. And those drops have an outsized effect because AI stocks have become Wall Street’s largest and most influential, giving movements for their stock prices more weight on indexes than others.Micron Technology’s drop of 6.7% was the heaviest weight on the market, for example. The maker of memory for computers has been a big winner this year, with its stock roughly quadrupling, because the AI boom has created a surge of demand for its products.But investors saw the downside of that surge Thursday, when Apple said it had to raise prices on laptops and other products by significant percentages to make up for the increases in memory prices. The worry is that such higher prices could ultimately lead to lower demand.Highlighting the roller-coaster ride that AI stocks have been on, SpaceX briefly dropped 2.9% in the morning and fell below $149. It then erased the loss to swing to a gain of 3.5% before finishing with a modest rise of 0.2%.After initially selling its stock at $135 apiece in its ballyhooed initial public offering  earlier this month, SpaceX’s price briefly soared above $225 within its first few days of trading. Besides rockets, Elon Musk’s company also owns the xAI artificial-intelligence business.The day’s largest loss in the S&P 500 was a 23.7% drop for ON Semiconductor, which said it agreed to buy Synaptics in an all-stock deal valued at roughly $7 billion.All told, the S&P 500 slipped 3.47 points to 7,354.02. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 44.51 to 51,876.11, and the Nasdaq composite fell 60.99 to 25,297.62.In the bond market, Treasury yields eased with oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.37% from 4.40% late Thursday. It fell after a report showed expectations for inflation in the coming year inched down among U.S. consumers to 4.6% from 4.8% in May. That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.High yields in bond markets worldwide  caused by worries about inflation have been threatening to slow economies, and they have already sent rates higher for mortgages  and other kinds of loans. High yields also hurt prices for investments, particularly those seen as the most expensive. That raises the pressure on AI winners. Asian stock markets began Friday with sharp drops because of losses for AI winners.In Japan, a 12.5% plunge for Softbank Group Corp. helped pull the Nikkei 225 index down by 4.2%. The company is a major investor in OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and a report in The New York Times suggested OpenAI is considering delaying an initial public offering of its stock to next year from the second half of this year. Such an IPO would give OpenAI the chance to raise more cash to spend on data centers, as well as the opportunity for early investors like Softbank to cash out some of their holdings. But the recent stumbles for SpaceX’s stock and for AI stocks broadly may be a signal of less appetite for big AI stocks among investors.In South Korea, SK Hynix fell 8.4%, and Samsung Electronics sank 5.3%. That helped pull the Kospi 5.8% lower and trim its gain for the year so far to 99.6%. ___AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/asian-shares-plunge-as-traders-sell-to-lock-in-profits-after-recent-rallies-driven-by-ai/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:32:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFHA4AKRNSJBXZHLF6CMSDFQIHU.jpg","slug":"most-of-wall-street-rises-but-sinking-ai-stocks-send-it-lower-for-the-week"},{"id":"j5axxu","title":"July 4th weather: Wonderful or a washout for America’s 250th birthday?","excerpt":"Forecast conditions for America’s 250th birthday could be great in some places and soggy in others. Showers and storms are on my radar for the Upper Midwest into the Great Lakes this Fourth of July weekend. Late Morning and Sunset Hour: Along the Gulf Coast, the East Coast and much of the Southea...","content":"Forecast conditions for America’s 250th birthday could be great in some places and soggy in others. Showers and storms are on my radar for the Upper Midwest into the Great Lakes this Fourth of July weekend. Late Morning and Sunset Hour: Along the Gulf Coast, the East Coast and much of the Southeast, ample heat and humidity may spark pop-up storms during the afternoon and evening. Remember to head indoors if you hear thunder! Lightning will be a possibility as the storms pass by. Understanding lightning types, why Houston is seeing more isolated thunderstorms in the summerThe bigger concern is heat from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast I’m tracking feels-like temperatures in the triple digits! Even with the typical summer pattern, people making outdoor plans should prepare for both heat and quick-hitting storms by packing sunscreen, water and rain gear.Stay connected, I’ll continue to monitor trends for your holiday weekend.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/26/july-4th-weather-wonderful-or-a-washout-for-americas-250th-birthday/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Daji Aswad","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:52:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFWFK6YBRWJCY3JVZGTG3SDRTXM.jpg","slug":"july-4th-weather-wonderful-or-a-washout-for-americas-250th-birthday"},{"id":"iag8pw","title":"Former president of Boling ISD school board sentenced for sexually exploiting child, possessing child pornography","excerpt":"The former president of the Boling ISD Board of Trustees has been sentenced for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, the Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced Friday.Jerry James Svatek Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2025.U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. ha...","content":"The former president of the Boling ISD Board of Trustees has been sentenced for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, the Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced Friday.Jerry James Svatek Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2025.U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has now sentenced Svatek to 480 months, or approximately 40 years, for the production and possession of child pornography convictions, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently.At the hearing, the court heard Svatek previously served as president of the Boling Independent School District Board of Trustees and had joined an underground online community where he continued distributing images of a minor victim.RELATED: President of Boling ISD board faces federal child porn chargeThe court also considered information from the impact statements from the parents of the minor which detailed the harm Svatek caused to the family.Svatek was further ordered to pay $78,500 in restitution to the victims and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.Authorities identified Svatek in 2025 when conducting undercover investigations into an online forum known as FetLife – a social networking platform designed for people interested in alternative sexual lifestyles. It revealed Svatek was sharing child sexual abuse material online.Convicted sex offender arrested again for allegedly possessing child pornography, Harris County Pct. 1 deputies sayDuring undercover conversations with Svatek, he exchanged multiple images taken from videos of himself with the victim, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.On June 17, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle where they seized a cellular phone.Forensic examination of the device revealed more than approximately 150 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Svatek admitted to creating videos and distributing still images over the messaging platform.He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/former-president-of-boling-isd-school-board-sentenced-for-sexually-exploiting-child-possessing-child-pornography/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:43:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZY47KSSK7NCFJI2ULWDRKRG7LU.png","slug":"former-president-of-boling-isd-school-board-sentenced-for-sexually-exploiting-child-possessing-child"},{"id":"jm0y3t","title":"Mattress expert links poor sleep to serious health risks","excerpt":"Most of us know what it’s like to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. But a bad night’s rest can be more than just irritating, it could be making you sick. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have chronic, or ongoing, sleep disorder...","content":"Most of us know what it’s like to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. But a bad night’s rest can be more than just irritating, it could be making you sick. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have chronic, or ongoing, sleep disorders. Whether it’s problems falling asleep or staying asleep, the long-term health effects can be serious. From reduced memory function to weight gain to an increased risk of diseases, a lack of sleep can also lead to irritability, anxiety and depression. Another sobering statistic: lack of sleep drastically elevates the risk of motor vehicle accidents.Houston-based mattress expert and founder of Texas Mattress Makers Youval Meicler has been studying the science of sleep -- and developing his mattresses accordingly -- for nearly 50 years. Watch the full interview with Houston Life to find out what we should watch out for and why his company’s approach to helping you sleep better is totally different than what you’ll find anywhere else. If it’s time to replace your mattress, take the mattress quiz online or visit one of Texas Mattress Makers’ 14 Houston-area locations. Plus, shop their 4th of July sale for deep discounts on a mattress you’ll love.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/25/mattress-expert-links-poor-sleep-to-serious-health-risks/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:38:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F9230aaac-92e3-4d57-a733-356a7cf92600%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"mattress-expert-links-poor-sleep-to-serious-health-risks"},{"id":"nleleo","title":"Appeals court rejects Trump EPA bid to abandon rule restricting deadly soot pollution","excerpt":"A federal appeals court on Friday rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to abandon a Biden-era rule that sets tough standards for deadly soot pollution.The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel is a setback for the Trump administration's deregulatory agenda and its repeated eff...","content":"A federal appeals court on Friday rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to abandon a Biden-era rule that sets tough standards for deadly soot pollution.The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel is a setback for the Trump administration's deregulatory agenda and its repeated efforts to boost coal, a reliable but polluting energy source. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit leaves intact, for now, a tighter standard set in 2024 on pollution from coal-fired power plants, factories and other industrial sources.The EPA under President Donald Trump asked the appeals court last year to invalidate the Biden-era rule, arguing that the agency under previous leaders had exceeded its statutory authority and acted unreasonably by failing to consider costs to businesses affected by the rule. The court denied the Trump administration's request, saying in a decision written by Senior Judge Douglas Ginsburg that the agency's arguments “lack merit.\" The ruling leaves in place an annual ⁠limit of 9 micrograms of fine particle pollution — often called soot — per cubic meter of air, down from 12 micrograms established more than a decade ago. The EPA rule sets an air quality level that states and counties must achieve in the coming years to reduce particle pollution from power plants, vehicles, industrial sites and wildfires. The EPA's bid to walk away from the Biden-era rule came in response to a lawsuit by 25 Republican-led states and a host of business groups that attempted to block the 2024 rule in court. A suit led by attorneys general from Kentucky and West Virginia argued the EPA rule would raise costs for manufacturers, utilities and families and could block new manufacturing plants.The EPA under Biden had said the tighter limits would avoid more than 800,000 ‌cases ⁠of asthma symptoms, 2,000 hospital visits and 4,500 premature deaths.An EPA spokeswoman said in November that the 2024 rule would cost “hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars to American citizens\" and ​was not based on ​a full ⁠review of available science. The EPA said Friday it was reviewing the court decision.Environmental groups hailed the ruling as a victory for public health and a rebuke of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.“Clean air is not a luxury. The 2024 soot standard is a critical advancement for public health, projected to save thousands of lives every year,'' said Patrice Simms, vice president of healthy communities at Earthjustice, an environmental law firm. “Lee Zeldin’s EPA must stop catering to polluters and must instead fulfill its mission to protect public health,\" Simms added.The ⁠Natural Resources Defense Council, another environmental group, said the delay in implementing the 2024 rule has meant millions of Americans continue to breathe unhealthy levels of soot.\"The science has long been clear, and now the law is too. The EPA must stop stalling and deliver the clean air the Clean Air Act requires,'' said Vijay Limaye, a climate and health scientist for the NRDC.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/appeals-court-rejects-trump-epa-bid-to-abandon-rule-restricting-deadly-soot-pollution/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:25:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEQEWFEQEJZEGBM5NFZM5JYFABA.jpg","slug":"appeals-court-rejects-trump-epa-bid-to-abandon-rule-restricting-deadly-soot-pollution"},{"id":"w6vp9c","title":"Emylee Thai of Houston, Texas added to FBI most wanted fraudster list, accused of nearly $100M in healthcare fraud, genetic testing and kickback scheme","excerpt":"Emylee Thai of Houston, TX was added to an FBI most wanted list. She is accused of healthcare fraud through a medically unnecessary genetic testing and kickback scheme.","content":"Emylee Thai of Houston, TX was added to an FBI most wanted list. She is accused of healthcare fraud through a medically unnecessary genetic testing and kickback scheme.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/emylee-thai-houston-texas-added-fbi-most-wanted-fraudster-list-accused-100m-healthcare-fraud-genetic-testing-kickback-scheme/19366811/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:15:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"emylee-thai-of-houston-texas-added-to-fbi-most-wanted-fraudster-list-accused-of-nearly-100m-in-healt"},{"id":"1nqynx","title":"New street sign unveiled for renamed 'MSG Joe E. Ramirez Boulevard' in east Houston","excerpt":"After the Houston City Council voted to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard after claims of sexual assault were made public, Joe Ramirez was chosen for the newly renamed street in east Houston.","content":"After the Houston City Council voted to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard after claims of sexual assault were made public, Joe Ramirez was chosen for the newly renamed street in east Houston.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/cesar-chavez-boulevard-officially-renamed-msg-joe-ramirez-unveiling-east-houston/19389010/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Charly Edsitty","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:07:58.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19389198_joe-ramirez-sign-img.png","slug":"new-street-sign-unveiled-for-renamed-msg-joe-e-ramirez-boulevard-in-east-houston"},{"id":"ebf1zi","title":"DC reaches court settlement with man detained while protesting troops' patrol with Darth Vader song","excerpt":"The District of Columbia has reached a settlement agreement for an undisclosed amount of money with a resident who claims police illegally detained him for following an Ohio National Guard patrol while playing Darth Vader’s theme song from “Star Wars” on his phone — an act of protest against the ...","content":"The District of Columbia has reached a settlement agreement for an undisclosed amount of money with a resident who claims police illegally detained him for following an Ohio National Guard patrol while playing Darth Vader’s theme song from “Star Wars” on his phone — an act of protest against the Trump administration's federal law-enforcement surge in the nation's capital.A court filing late Thursday says the plaintiff, Sam O'Hara, will drop his lawsuit's claims against the district and four Metropolitan Police Department officers within three business days of receiving the settlement payment. The filing doesn't specify a dollar amount for the deal between the district and O'Hara, who is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia.In an email on Friday, an ACLU spokesperson referred to the settlement's financial terms as “a significant amount\" that O’Hara \"is pleased with” but said they aren't disclosing the dollar figure to protect his privacy. A spokesperson for D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb's office declined to comment on the settlement.O'Hara's agreement with the district doesn't resolve his related claims against an Ohio National Guard member. Attorneys for the Guard member, Sgt. Devon Beck, has asked a judge to dismiss O’Hara’s claims against him.“He was there because that was his assigned duty,” Beck’s lawyers wrote. “This was not an accidental encounter or a one-time disagreement on a public sidewalk.”An earlier court filing, in February, said O'Hara had reached a settlement agreement “in principle” with the district. In response, a judge agreed to suspend the case while they negotiated terms.“The government’s efforts to silence me ultimately backfired and brought more attention to the unjust deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.,” O’Hara said in a statement. “This settlement serves as a reminder that constitutional freedoms are worth defending, especially when those in power would prefer we stay quiet.”O'Hara sued the district last October, claiming police officers violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizures and excessive force.The ominous orchestral music of “The Imperial March” from the Star Wars movies was the soundtrack for O'Hara's peaceful protests against President Donald Trump’s ongoing deployment of Guard members in Washington. Millions of TikTok users have viewed O’Hara’s videos of his interactions with troops, according to his lawsuit.O’Hara, an artist who works in the hospitality industry, says he didn’t interfere with the Guard troops during their Sept. 11, 2025, encounter on a public street. One of the troops summoned Metropolitan Police Department officers, who stopped O’Hara and kept him handcuffed for 15 to 20 minutes before releasing him without charges, according to the lawsuit.“The law might have tolerated government conduct of this sort a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But in the here and now, the First Amendment bars government officials from shutting down peaceful protests,” the suit says.Trump, a Republican, issued an executive order declaring a crime emergency in Washington last August. Within weeks, hundreds of Guard troops and federal agents were helping police patrol the city. The surge inflamed tensions with residents of the heavily Democratic district. Hundreds of Guard members remain deployed in the district nearly a year later, with no clear end in sight.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/26/dc-reaches-court-settlement-with-man-detained-while-protesting-troops-patrol-with-darth-vader-song/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:02:36.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4OCMBJHICFETPCDVVAHISUTXEI.jpg","slug":"dc-reaches-court-settlement-with-man-detained-while-protesting-troops-patrol-with-darth-vader-song"},{"id":"klhn43","title":"Judge holds prosecutors in Charlie Kirk murder case in contempt for comments about the defendant","excerpt":"The Utah judge in the murder case over Charlie Kirk’s killing held prosecutors in contempt of court on Friday over comments they made to media organizations about defendant Tyler Robinson.Judge Tony Graf said the comments violated his restrictions on what the two sides can say about the case outs...","content":"The Utah judge in the murder case over Charlie Kirk’s killing held prosecutors in contempt of court on Friday over comments they made to media organizations about defendant Tyler Robinson.Judge Tony Graf said the comments violated his restrictions on what the two sides can say about the case outside of court.But Graf denied a defense request to take the death penalty off the table as a sanction for the violation. He said the problem could instead be resolved through the screening and questioning process for potential jurors, which is intended to weed out people who could be biased about the case.Robinson has not yet entered a plea. The 23-year-old from southwestern Utah is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 assassination of Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump who was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University. Defense attorneys had accused Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard of trying to influence potential jurors by going on a “media tour” to talk about ballistics evidence in the case. Ballard also said prosecutors had enough evidence to show Robinson murdered Kirk.Legal experts had said blocking the death penalty would have been an extreme remedy. Graf said it would have been “grossly disproportionate\" to the misconduct.Ballard argued that he had a right to speak to the press to correct misinformation about a preliminary finding by ballistics experts.Those experts’ initial tests did not match the bullet fragment with a gun that investigators believe was used to kill Kirk. That spurred stories by some publications raising questions about the prosecution’s case: A March 30 headline in the U.K.-based Daily Mail reported that the bullet that killed Kirk “did NOT match” the rifle investigators say was used to kill Kirk.Ballard said he was trying to “set the record straight,” when he told media organizations the ballistics tests were inconclusive to determine whether the bullet was fired from the suspected murder weapon.Conjecture over that evidence fueled unsubstantiated conspiracy theories that there might have been a second shooter, or that Kirk's death was staged. Attorneys on both sides have raised concerns that the misinformation and extensive media attention could taint the potential jury pool. Graf said the comments about the bullet did not violate the court's rules, but that Ballard went too far when he went on to say that prosecutors had \"ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Tyler Robinson committed this murder.”The judge said those additional public statements possessed a “substantial likelihood” of prejudicing the case.The judge added that the comments were not made out of any malicious desire by prosecutors to taint the jury pool, and that his ruling had nothing to do with the charges against Robinson. “Its sole purpose is enforcement of a narrowly tailored publicity order governing attorney conduct,” Graf said.Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle.The Associated Press left telephone and email messages seeking comment from prosecutors and Robinson's lawyers.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/judge-holds-prosecutors-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case-in-contempt-for-comments-about-his-guilt/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Brown, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:32:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRW2QSVYSBNHVZKSTHOSZCFTUVI.jpg","slug":"judge-holds-prosecutors-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case-in-contempt-for-comments-about-the-defendant"},{"id":"9zklid","title":"Houston Methodist receives $110M donation, largest in health system’s history","excerpt":"The donation, made by The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is the largest in the hospital system's history.","content":"The donation, made by The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is the largest in the hospital system's history.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/healthcare/2026/06/24/555437/houston-methodist-receives-110m-donation-largest-in-health-systems-history/?utm_source=rss-healthcare-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Keenan Vaughan","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:28:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2F10181448%2FEdited-5341-450x300.jpg","slug":"houston-methodist-receives-110m-donation-largest-in-health-systems-history"},{"id":"7bzt64","title":"Hello Houston (June 24, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We discuss how data centers will impact Texas’s power grid, learn about the award-winning documentary, “The Gas Station Attendant,” explore whether Houston is a good city for college graduates, and more.","content":"Today: We discuss how data centers will impact Texas’s power grid, learn about the award-winning documentary, “The Gas Station Attendant,” explore whether Houston is a good city for college graduates, and more.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/24/555370/hello-houston-june-24-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:06:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-24-2026"},{"id":"z49uyg","title":"Half Moon Bay accident: Possibly distracted lifeguard in truck ran over woman lying on Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay, California","excerpt":"Authorities say a lifeguard may have been distracted when their truck ran over a 20-year-old woman at Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay, California.","content":"Authorities say a lifeguard may have been distracted when their truck ran over a 20-year-old woman at Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay, California.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/half-moon-bay-accident-possibly-distracted-lifeguard-truck-ran-woman-lying-francis-beach-california/19388218/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:51:30.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381771_062526-kgo-beachgoer-runover-tn-img.jpg","slug":"half-moon-bay-accident-possibly-distracted-lifeguard-in-truck-ran-over-woman-lying-on-francis-beach-"},{"id":"ljdsou","title":"Lawmakers subpoena billionaire Leon Black after contentious interview on Epstein payments","excerpt":"The House Oversight Committee served subpoenas to billionaire investor Leon Black on Friday after lawmakers say he refused to answer some questions about his yearslong relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a time in which he paid the disgraced financier at least $158 million.Black is the co-founder ...","content":"The House Oversight Committee served subpoenas to billionaire investor Leon Black on Friday after lawmakers say he refused to answer some questions about his yearslong relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a time in which he paid the disgraced financier at least $158 million.Black is the co-founder and former chief executive of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management who stepped down in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein. He became the 16th person to appear before the committee as part of their broader investigation into the web of wealth and influence around Epstein. Lawmakers emerged from the closed-door voluntary interview with Black saying he refused to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements, prompting the committee to issue a subpoena about the NDAs. A second subpoena was issued for Black to testify under oath on July 16.“This is a result of refusing to answer specific questions,” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the committee chairman, told reporters after Black's interview.Susan Estrich, the lawyer representing Black, said the decision to serve the subpoenas was a “premeditated political decision.” She called it a “planned political stunt.”Democrats emerged from their hour of questioning Black saying he had not answered questions, and they praised Comer's decision to subpoena him. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top ranking Democrat on the committee, told reporters that “it was clear from the moment this interview started that Leon Black was not going was not going to answer critical questions.”Black was featured prominently in the Epstein filesBlack is mentioned repeatedly in files that the Department of Justice has released related to the Epstein investigation. He also appears in a collection of birthday messages sent to Epstein that were released by the House committee last year, including a poem attributed to him that refers to “Blond, Red or Brunette, spread out geographically.”Black maintained Friday that he was not aware of Epstein’s “nefarious activity” until 2019 and that he paid Epstein for legitimate purposes, in part due to his “unrivaled network of relationships” with influential figures.“I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde,” said Black.A 2021 review commissioned by Apollo found that Black paid Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017, after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The review said the payments were for “bona fide tax, estate planning and other related services.”“I gave Epstein a second chance, as did many others. I wish I had not,” Black said. Epstein was indicted in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. The Justice Department alleged that Epstein created a vast network of girls, some as young as 14, for him to sexually abuse between 2002 and 2005. He died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.Comer said earlier this year that Epstein’s former accountant, Richard Kahn, told lawmakers in his testimony that Epstein received significant sums of money from a number of high-profile individuals, including Black.Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., this month referred findings from a nearly four-year investigation into Black to the House committee. In a statement, Wyden said, “Epstein even appears to have acted as a middleman for Black to pay women on Black’s behalf.”Black broadly denied the allegations in his opening statement, calling them “rank speculation.”“I have never abused a woman. I have never been with an underage woman. I have never engaged in sex trafficking. I have never paid Epstein for access to women. I was never blackmailed by Epstein.”Many high-profile figures have been summoned to testify about EpsteinOther figures to have appeared for the investigation include former Democratic President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates testified earlier this month and said he had made a “grave error in judgment” by meeting with Epstein. Black said Epstein's network included SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir.Democrats on the House committee have pushed Republicans to seek testimony from President Donald Trump, a Republican who had his own yearslong relationship with Epstein. Republicans have refused, saying they have not come across any evidence that Trump did anything wrong during his well-documented friendship with Epstein.Comer has said he has been in touch with the Justice Department about acting Attorney General Todd Blanche coming in for questioning soon. Bondi, in her testimony, stressed that Blanche had overseen the chaotic release of the federal Epstein files, which included the unintentional release of victim information.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/billionaire-investor-leon-black-is-set-to-testify-to-congress-about-158m-in-payments-to-epstein/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T12:04:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVFTME2MWRBD2NEEZIDDFJ5VGAI.jpg","slug":"lawmakers-subpoena-billionaire-leon-black-after-contentious-interview-on-epstein-payments"},{"id":"qbu3vy","title":"Houston restaurants in East Downtown say business has improved as World Cup continues","excerpt":"The FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown  — where local residents and visitors can watch matches for free — had drawn more than 163,000 visitors as of Tuesday.","content":"The FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown  — where local residents and visitors can watch matches for free — had drawn more than 163,000 visitors as of Tuesday.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/24/555365/world-cup-houston-restaurant-east-downtown-fan-fest-economic-impact/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:11:33.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23165402%2FIMG_9607-450x338.jpeg","slug":"houston-restaurants-in-east-downtown-say-business-has-improved-as-world-cup-continues"},{"id":"bcxqxq","title":"Luxury Living in H-Town: Inside Houston’s Most Extraordinary Homes, Dining, and Cars","excerpt":"In this special presented by Houston Life, the team explores spectacular residences from sophisticated urban high-rises to sprawling family homes in award-winning master-planned communities as well as upscale restaurants, a members-only social club, and the newest innovations in luxury automobile...","content":"In this special presented by Houston Life, the team explores spectacular residences from sophisticated urban high-rises to sprawling family homes in award-winning master-planned communities as well as upscale restaurants, a members-only social club, and the newest innovations in luxury automobiles.Elevated Living at The HawthorneThe journey begins in Tanglewood at The Hawthorne, one of Houston’s premier luxury high-rise communities.Guided by luxury real estate experts Chris and Liz Sansone of The Agency Houston Sugar Land, viewers tour beautifully designed residences featuring open-concept floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive entertaining spaces, and panoramic views of Houston’s tree-lined neighborhoods.One standout residence offers more than 2,200 square feet with three bedrooms, each featuring its own private ensuite bath—a rarity in high-rise living. Residents also enjoy resort-style amenities including 24-hour concierge service, valet parking, elegant resident lounges, and a true “lock-and-leave” lifestyle.The tour reaches new heights inside one of the building’s spectacular penthouses, where more than 3,000 square feet of interior living space is complemented by a 700-square-foot private terrace overlooking Houston’s skyline. From designer finishes and chef-inspired kitchens to breathtaking unobstructed views, it’s a home built for entertaining.Sophisticated Urban Living at WestmoreChris and Lizz also take us on a tour of the Westmore, an upscale mid-rise community in Houston’s desirable Upper Kirby neighborhood.Designed for buyers seeking convenience without sacrificing style, Westmore features spacious residences with Bosch appliances, Italian cabinetry, porcelain countertops, wine refrigerators, hardwood flooring, and expansive outdoor terraces overlooking the city.Residents enjoy amenities including 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, resident lounge, pet facilities and climate-controlled storage. The community offers the convenience of lock-and-leave living just minutes from Houston’s premier shopping and dining destinations.Discovering BridgelandHeading outside the city, the team lands in Bridgeland, a celebrated master-planned community in Cypress.With thousands of acres of parks, lakes, trails, and recreational amenities, Bridgeland has become a destination for families seeking an active lifestyle while remaining connected to Houston.Viewers tour stunning model homes from Tri Pointe Homes and Highland Homes, showcasing today’s most desirable design trends. Highlights include smart home technology, gourmet kitchens, spacious outdoor living areas, family-focused floor plans, and luxury primary suites. The community continues to grow with exciting additions including the future Houston Texans Toro District, bringing new entertainment, dining, and recreation to residents.The Faces Behind Houston Luxury Real EstateChris and Liz Sansone have built one of Houston’s most respected real estate teams. After decades with one brokerage, the couple launched Houston’s office of The Agency, the internationally recognized luxury real estate brand founded by broker Mauricio Umansky. Today, they’ve surpassed $700 million in career sales with their client-first philosophy and mindset that luxury isn’t about price—it’s about creating exceptional experiences for every client.An Evening at Drake’s HollywoodNo luxury lifestyle is complete without exceptional dining. At Drake’s Hollywood, one of Houston’s most talked-about restaurants, classic Hollywood glamour meets modern culinary excellence. Designed to evoke old Hollywood sophistication, the restaurant combines white-tablecloth service with an energetic atmosphere and its “World’s Coldest Martini”.The experience is elevated even further with a look inside Maître D’, Drake’s exclusive private members club. Designed as an intimate gathering place for Houston’s leaders, the club offers exclusive cocktails, premium dining experiences, caviar service, and a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for networking or simply unwinding.King Steak: A Fresh Take on the Classic SteakhouseLuxury dining meets fresh, clean ingredients at King Steak, one of Houston’s newest upscale dining destinations near the Galleria. Co-owners Johnny Vassallo and Chef Eric Aldis have created a modern steakhouse where every dish is prepared without seed oils or artificial chemicals, allowing premium ingredients to take center stage.The menu offers more than exceptional steaks, with favorites including house-made meatballs, vegetable charcuterie, Ora King salmon, and free-range chicken parmesan. Signature steaks are aged, seared at 1,800 degrees, and finished with beef tallow for bold, rich flavor, while popular sides like jalapeño hash browns and beef tallow fries have quickly become guest favorites.End the meal with the restaurant’s signature whiskey butter cake or a warm chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream, and it’s easy to see why King Steak is earning a reputation as one of Houston’s must-visit dining experiences.Luxury Meets Innovation on the RoadLuxury extends beyond the home, and the special shifts gears with a visit to Genesis of Clear Lake, part of the Demontrond Automotive family, which has served Houston drivers since 1953. Viewers get an up-close look at the stunning 2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige, an SUV packed with premium craftsmanship and advanced technology including 27-inch OLED display, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, heads-up display with navigation and safety alert, smart park automated parking and complimentary maintenance and concierge service Combined with Genesis’ signature tranquil dealership experience, the GV80 demonstrates how modern luxury is becoming smarter, safer, and more effortless than ever before.More Than Luxury—It’s a LifestyleFrom soaring penthouses and beautifully designed family homes to top restaurants, luxury vehicles, and exclusive social clubs, it’s easy to see how Houston is becoming one of America’s premier luxury destinations.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/26/luxury-living-in-h-town-inside-houstons-most-extraordinary-homes-dining-and-cars/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christie Schultz, Dawn Campbell","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:46:21.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FANQMANPFRBB3LDAXSBFEP6YIHE.png","slug":"luxury-living-in-h-town-inside-houstons-most-extraordinary-homes-dining-and-cars"},{"id":"tdwrx9","title":"Meteorologist","excerpt":"KPRC2, the Graham Media Group-owned NBC station in Houston, is seeking an engaging, dynamic, and knowledgeable Meteorologist with a passion for weather forecasting and a keen interest in serving the community. This role is perfect for a weather enthusiast who is not only proficient in the scienti...","content":"KPRC2, the Graham Media Group-owned NBC station in Houston, is seeking an engaging, dynamic, and knowledgeable Meteorologist with a passion for weather forecasting and a keen interest in serving the community. This role is perfect for a weather enthusiast who is not only proficient in the scientific aspects of meteorology but also excels in telling compelling weather stories that connect with our consumers on a personal level. We are dedicated to providing our communities with exceptional weather coverage they can trust. We believe in the power of transparency, community focus, and innovative storytelling to enhance our weathercasts and digital content. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in keeping people informed and safe, while also exploring creative ways to report on the impact of weather and climate change in our communities.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Meteorologist will be an essential member of our weather team, responsible for providing accurate, compelling, and understandable weather forecasts across multiple platforms, including TV, digital, streaming, mobile, and social media. This position involves detailed weather analysis, live reporting, and active community engagement. RESPONSIBILITIESDeliver accurate and compelling weather forecasts, paying special attention to severe and inconvenient weather that impacts our consumers’ lives.Develop and maintain close ties to the community by engaging with local individuals, venues, and participating in community events.Produce creative and engaging weather reports using state-of-the-art graphics and pre-production elements, adding value across all platforms.Utilize process language to explain the “why” behind your forecasts, stories, and the relevance to the audience.Demonstrate trustworthiness, authenticity, and empathy both on-air and within the community.Actively contribute content to station platforms online and on social media, establishing a strong feedback/engagement loop with the audience.Provide urgent, immediate weather information from the studio and in the field.KEY QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Meteorology.Prior years on-air experience, including severe weather coverage experience. Proficient in WSI and Barons weather systems.Proven track record of accuracy in weather forecasting.Strong on-air presence with an engaging personality and conversational weather presentation.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Knowledge of newsroom computer systems, smartphone technology, and social media platforms.Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to represent the station positively in the community.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in Meteorology.CBM sealBilingual abilities, especially in Spanish, are considered a strong asset.Location: KPRC 28181 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074To apply: Please submit your updated resume and application to:Ana Lastra at alastra@kprc.com Click HERE to download and complete employment application.Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks. You must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under Texas Law.No Phone Calls PleaseKPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, KPRC will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/careers/2026/06/26/meteorologist/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:06:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FS6JZ4ZURDJANVGFQCHV677XQEU.png","slug":"meteorologist"},{"id":"r31i6t","title":"Investigative Producer","excerpt":"KPRC 2, the Graham Media Group-owned NBC station in Houston, is on the lookout for a hard-charging, dynamic, and enthusiastic Investigative Producer to join our Investigates team. We are committed to elevating local investigative journalism with impact, digging into stories that matter to our com...","content":"KPRC 2, the Graham Media Group-owned NBC station in Houston, is on the lookout for a hard-charging, dynamic, and enthusiastic Investigative Producer to join our Investigates team. We are committed to elevating local investigative journalism with impact, digging into stories that matter to our community. If you’re driven by creativity, innovation, and have a deep commitment to community journalism, we want you on our team. Our team members never settle for the status quo. POSITION OVERVIEW The Investigative Producer will play a crucial role in raising the bar for investigative journalism within our coverage area. This individual will lead the charge in discovering, analyzing, and presenting high-impact stories that resonate with our diverse audience. By leveraging advanced data journalism and computer-assisted reporting (CAR) techniques, the Investigative Producer will produce compelling stories that not only inform but also drive change within the community. You’ll be expected to dig deeper, providing context and perspective to uncover the truth and make a meaningful impact. RESPONSIBILITIES Identify and develop investigative and consumer stories, from initial idea generation to production. Utilize strong visual and creative storytelling skills, enhancing stories with graphics, animations, and data visualization. Deliver comprehensive digital content across all platforms, including our website, social media, podcasting, and livestreaming channels. Collaborate closely on editorial, legal, and ethical discussions to refine and enhance story quality. Contribute actively to daily editorial meetings, infusing regular coverage with investigative depth and context. Train and mentor other team members and newsroom staff in CAR techniques. Ensure all relevant stakeholders are kept informed about story developments and progress. Maintain high journalistic standards, adhering to legal and FCC regulations. Other related duties as assigned. KEY QUALIFICATIONS Prior years of experience in newscast producing, with prior investigative producing. Innately curious. Strong news judgment. Proven mastery of computer-assisted reporting (CAR) techniques and multimedia storytelling tools. Proficient in legal research methods, including familiarity with public databases, TPIA, and FOIA procedures. A track record of producing high-impact, visual stories for multiple platforms. Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills. Flexibility to work varying hours, including weekends and holidays as needed. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and ability to travel. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field. Bilingual abilities. Experience with Adobe Premier for shooting and editing content. Knowledge of electronic gear for surveillance and undercover work. Location: KPRC 28181 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074To Apply: Please submit your updated resume and application to Sonia Dasgupta at Sdasgupta@kprc.comClick HERE to download and complete employment application.Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks. You must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under Texas Law.No Phone Calls PleaseKPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, KPRC will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/careers/2026/06/26/investigative-producer/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:40:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FS6JZ4ZURDJANVGFQCHV677XQEU.png","slug":"investigative-producer"},{"id":"lfxjcm","title":"Venezuela earthquakes: Toll climbs to at least 920 dead and 3,360 injured amid search for missing","excerpt":"The toll from the back-to-back earthquakes that devastated Venezuela this week climbed Friday to at least 920 dead and 3,360 injured, authorities said.","content":"The toll from the back-to-back earthquakes that devastated Venezuela this week climbed Friday to at least 920 dead and 3,360 injured, authorities said.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/venezuela-earthquakes-death-toll-rises-589-almost-3000-injured/19387395/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:45:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19387408_062626-kabc-ap-venezuela-earthquake.jpg","slug":"venezuela-earthquakes-toll-climbs-to-at-least-920-dead-and-3360-injured-amid-search-for-missing"},{"id":"4zuh4q","title":"Trump threatens 100% tax on European imports if countries impose tax on digital services","excerpt":"President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tax on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services from United States companies.In a post on social media, Trump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American compani...","content":"President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tax on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services from United States companies.In a post on social media, Trump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies. The U.S. president has repeatedly sought to use tariffs as way to deter such taxes, but many countries are looking for revenues as their economies increasingly operate in digital realms that are dominated by American companies.“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump wrote.He added that the new tax would supersede any previously negotiated trade deals. Trump said the penalty would apply to any country that moves forward with such a tax, but he singled out European nations in his post.The move could lead to a larger showdown that could increase prices and hinder economic growth, possibly setting off a larger trade war if the 27-member European Union was compelled to retaliate.“Unilateral measures targeting such legitimate policies are unjustified. If pursued, the EU will respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy,” said Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission on Friday.He defended taxation on technology companies as “non-discriminatory” and applied equally to “all large companies, regardless of their origin.”Trump has repeatedly pushed against foreign efforts to tax or regulate American tech giants. Last year, he threatened new tariffs on any country that moved to do so. A post from last August said that digital taxes and regulation “are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.”The threat comes ahead of Trump's July 4 deadline for the European Union and the United States to start implementing a tariff deal that caps tariffs on most EU exports at 15%.The European Union in May finalized a trade deal with the United States that caps most tariffs on EU exports at 15%. The deal followed months of debate within the EU after European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tentatively struck the deal last year while visiting Trump’s golf course in Scotland.Digital taxes were not part of the agreement and have remained a sticking point between the U.S. and the European bloc.The U.S. government has previously conducted tariff investigations into digital services taxes under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. But it was unclear how Trump would carry out his threat and whether he would apply the tariffs broadly or initially target certain nations.Britain, which is no longer part of the EU, has since 2020 levied a 2% digital services tax on revenues earned by search engines, social media sites and online marketplaces that “derive value” from U.K. users.The British government said in a policy document at the time that corporate tax rules for digital businesses had “led to a misalignment between the place where profits are taxed and the place where value is created.”The U.K. tax includes thresholds, so mainly large international companies will pay it. The tax was designed to “ensure the large multinational businesses in-scope make a fair contribution to supporting vital public services,” the document said.___AP reporters Sam McNeil in Brussels and Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/trump-threatens-100-tax-on-european-imports-if-countries-impose-tax-on-digital-services/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Collin Binkley, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:39:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBO6FGHLK4ZBZDBJDWLV4J2BDTU.jpg","slug":"trump-threatens-100-tax-on-european-imports-if-countries-impose-tax-on-digital-services"},{"id":"qui2n9","title":"Disagreements between Supreme Court justices bubble into public view as major rulings loom","excerpt":"The Supreme Court is handing down major opinions at a rapid clip, but even with some of the biggest decisions yet to come, there are signs of tension as the justices near the end of the term.A misunderstanding led to a highly unusual exchange for the restrained and traditional atmosphere after th...","content":"The Supreme Court is handing down major opinions at a rapid clip, but even with some of the biggest decisions yet to come, there are signs of tension as the justices near the end of the term.A misunderstanding led to a highly unusual exchange for the restrained and traditional atmosphere after the nation’s highest court took the bench Thursday to hand down their decisions. Those rulings included two major immigration wins for President Donald Trump.After conservative Justice Samuel Alito finished his reading of the majority’s ruling limiting how people can seek asylum at the southern border, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke up to read from her biting dissent.She traced the difficult journey many asylum seekers face and outlined a painful chapter in the country’s history: When the U.S. and other countries turned back a ship full of Jewish refugees attempting to flee persecution in Nazi Germany in 1939. About 250 of those passengers later died in the Holocaust.Sotomayor, the first Latina justice, said the majority’s opinion would allow the Trump administration to block people from applying for asylum at the border, which would result in more deaths. The decision “regrettably and tragically extinguishes the light of the torch of the Statue of Liberty.”Justice Brett Kavanaugh watched her intently as she spoke, while Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson looked straight ahead. Majority opinions are always read from the bench and dissenters can speak up as well to underscore their objections, which typically happens in few cases every term. Additional rulings are expected on Monday. Sotomayor’s spoken dissent, however, appeared to be a surprise for Alito. In a very rare move, he spoke off the cuff. He sounded surprised and frustrated, saying he would have added more detail to his summary if he'd known about plans to speak. The confusion turned out to be a misunderstanding on Alito's part; Sotomayor's chambers had passed along word of her plan.For the conservative majority, the case was about whether the law allows border officials can delay asylum seekers’ entry into the U.S. “until they can be processed in a safe and orderly way,\" not about the wisdom of the policy itself. Out loud, Alito defended his opinion by noting that the policy at the center of the case had been used under both the Obama and Trump administrations. “I won’t add anything more to that,” he said.The exchange comes during the court's busiest time of the year, as the justices prepare to release opinions next week on some of the biggest issues of the term, and Trump’s presidency so far. Those include his push to restrict birthright citizenship and expand the president’s power to fire board members at independent agencies.Supreme Court justices have spoken publicly about their cordial working relationships and regular lunches as a group where they set aside cases to talk and share each other's company. And while there are ideological splits between the court's conservative majority and its liberal wing, they also decide many cases unanimously, including one this month about the Second Amendment rights of marijuana users. Still, it isn’t the first time unusual tensions have surfaced this term. Sotomayor issued a rare public apology in April to another justice, Brett Kavanaugh, for what she termed “hurtful comments.” She had said during a law school talk that a colleague “probably doesn’t really know any person who works by the hour.”In another public appearance in March, Kavanaugh and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson sparred over the many emergency orders the court had issued allowing Trump to move ahead with key parts of his agenda.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/disagreements-between-supreme-court-justices-bubble-into-public-view-as-major-rulings-loom/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst And Fatima Hussein, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:22:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FREEDATOVO5FFXPXBK36Q5CGGMA.jpg","slug":"disagreements-between-supreme-court-justices-bubble-into-public-view-as-major-rulings-loom"},{"id":"hwc3l4","title":"Venezuelans hope online posts will bring news of missing after devastating earthquakes","excerpt":"A father holds the hand of his daughter dressed as a fairy. A 24-year-old man in a pilot uniform stares proudly at the camera. A family embraces on a soccer field.They are among the images posted by relatives within Venezuela and abroad desperately searching for their missing loved ones following...","content":"A father holds the hand of his daughter dressed as a fairy. A 24-year-old man in a pilot uniform stares proudly at the camera. A family embraces on a soccer field.They are among the images posted by relatives within Venezuela and abroad desperately searching for their missing loved ones following two powerful, back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday evening.Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. The number of casualties is expected to climb after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes that caused widespread damage and were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.With communication patchy, social media and online registries have become a crucial tool for many Venezuelans seeking information and resources beyond sparse government statistics. One independent online registry documented 51,000 people missing, while another listed 24,000 people unaccounted for, reflecting the lack of official data or information on those missing.While some rushed to search beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings, others created digital flyers on WhatsApp, Facebook and X with their relatives’ details. Searching for relativesAmong them was Vanesa Marcano, 31, who posted photos from Madrid of her uncle and aunt, who live in La Guaira state, north of the capital Caracas, which suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties. Marcano posted the images in the hopes that they were only unreachable due to damaged communication lines. Her uncle’s daughter and his 7-year-old grandson were visiting from the United States and also are missing.“It’s a feeling of impotence and uncertainty,” Marcano said by phone. “I know you must stay calm and focus on the actions you can take. But it’s very easy to fall into despair.”Jhoyser Concalves, a Venezuelan from the northern coastal city of Catia La Mar, was talking to his partner and her daughter just minutes before the shaking. It was the last he heard from them.When the earthquake stopped, Concalves ran out of his house to their apartment building, where they lived on the sixth floor. There was only debris and people desperately trying to rescue neighbors from the rubble.Concalves posted a flyer reading “MISSING” on X and Facebook in a desperate attempt to find them.“They are pulling people out of the building alive. So I still have hope that they are in there alive,” he said.United Nations calls for restored social media accessThe search was complicated by the country's restrictions on social media and messaging platforms.On Thursday, the U.N. human rights mission in Venezuela issued a statement calling on the government to lift local restrictions on social media and saying timely access to reliable information can save lives. Sites including X and messaging app Signal were blocked in August 2024 by then-President Nicolás Maduro in an attempt to suppress communication among those who rejected his claim of victory in the presidential election. Former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez became the acting president in January after the U.S. captured and removed Maduro from power. Shortly after the U.N.’s request Thursday, Venezuelans in the country were able to access X.Search from abroadOutside the country, such sites have become even more important for many of the 8 million people who have migrated from Venezuela in recent years and were unable to check on their loved ones.Elibel Tovar's 70-year-old father moved to Brazil more than 20 years ago but was in La Guaira for business. Félix Ramón Tovar Hernández was planning to travel Friday to Chile for his first reunion with his son in more than a decade. But Tovar, 38, said he hasn't heard from his father.“I feel powerless because I don’t know how this is affecting him: the shock, the decisions he’s having to make, whether he is physically okay, or even whether he is still alive,” said Tovar, who registered his father on the website for the missing.“Being in Chile makes it very difficult to get information, and everything we see feels confusing,” he said via WhatsApp.In Madrid, Marcano said she was trying to stay calm for the sake of her 1-year-old daughter.“You keep hoping someone will organize a fundraiser or some kind of initiative where you can help,” Marcano said. “But the truth is, from far away, there is very little you can do.”___Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro.___Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/venezuelans-hope-online-posts-will-bring-news-of-missing-after-devastating-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Megan Janetsky And Eléonore Hughes, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T07:18:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7TPGRWE5YRAUVCCOG63XHHIBME.jpg","slug":"venezuelans-hope-online-posts-will-bring-news-of-missing-after-devastating-earthquakes"},{"id":"bdr1ae","title":"‘I could see my bone’: Friendswood boy survives shark attack in Bahamas after brother rushes to save him","excerpt":"What began as a dream family vacation in the Bahamas quickly turned into a terrifying fight for survival when a 12-year-old Friendswood boy was bitten by a shark more than 60 miles offshore.Parker Roll was swimming with his older brother, Jack Roll, during a family excursion when the attack happe...","content":"What began as a dream family vacation in the Bahamas quickly turned into a terrifying fight for survival when a 12-year-old Friendswood boy was bitten by a shark more than 60 miles offshore.Parker Roll was swimming with his older brother, Jack Roll, during a family excursion when the attack happened.The family had spent the day visiting several islands, including stops where they swam with pigs, fed iguanas and interacted with nurse sharks. Their final stop was a secluded beach with crystal-clear water.Jack said he and Parker swam across a shallow bay to explore another part of the island while the rest of their family followed behind.“We see this big beautiful crystal bay,” Jack recalled. “So we start swimming.”The brothers eventually reached a canal lined with mangroves.Parker said he noticed what looked like a large shark in the water moments before the attack.“I called out to him. I said, ‘Look at this rock. It looks like a humongous shark,’” Parker said.Jack initially believed the shark was harmless.“It gets two or three feet away from me,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh, it’s just a nurse shark.’”Seconds later, everything changed.“I just hear this ear-piercing scream, and the clearest blue water turned to the murkiest red.”Parker said adrenaline helped him make it toward shore before the pain set in.“After that it started to hit in,” he said. “I looked down and I could see my bone. It just felt like a knife stabbing over and over, then twisting.”Jack immediately sprang into action.He picked up his younger brother, removed his swimsuit and tied it tightly around Parker’s badly injured leg to slow the bleeding while shouting for everyone else to get out of the water.“It was maybe four feet on either side of just murky red water,” Jack said. “It was very horrifying.”Another member of the excursion group helped scare the shark away while the boat crew rushed over with a first aid kit.Getting Parker back to the boat proved difficult. The brothers had explored to the far side of the island, forcing rescuers to carry him around the shoreline while keeping his injured leg above the water.The group then faced another challenge.They were about 60 miles offshore with no cell phone or radio service.According to the family, it took roughly 45 minutes before the crew regained cell service and was able to contact emergency responders. An ambulance was waiting when they reached the dock.Parker was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors treated extensive injuries to his leg and foot.He said doctors told him the bleeding could have been fatal had it not been stopped quickly.“I didn’t lose my leg,” Parker said, “but there was a high possibility if I kept bleeding and it wasn’t stopped.”The injury required approximately 1,000 stitches, according to the family.Although doctors expect Parker to make a full recovery, he remains unable to walk without assistance and is still recovering from the painful injuries.Jack believes quick thinking made all the difference.“We were 60 miles offshore, our phones don’t work, and we’re on an island with nobody around us,” he said. “It’s either we help him or nobody can really help him.”Looking back, both brothers know the outcome could have been much worse.“I’m also glad I didn’t just bleed out there,” Parker said. “Especially when you’re that far offshore.”The brothers believe the shark may have been either a reef shark or a lemon shark measuring between 8 and 10 feet long, though the species has not been officially confirmed.Despite the frightening ordeal, the family says they are grateful Parker survived and credit Jack’s quick response, along with the actions of the excursion crew, with saving the 12-year-old’s life.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/friendswood-boy-survives-shark-attack-in-bahamas-after-brother-rushes-to-save-him/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-26T18:00:29.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F0dbc8ac7-ddb9-4696-bd35-2321248d48cf%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"i-could-see-my-bone-friendswood-boy-survives-shark-attack-in-bahamas-after-brother-rushes-to-save-hi"},{"id":"f4e86b","title":"Get in on the Toy Story 5 celebration with new toys and gear your family will love","excerpt":"Toy Story 5 is here and so are the coolest new toys and gear! Discover our favorite picks and bring the adventure home.","content":"Toy Story 5 is here and so are the coolest new toys and gear! Discover our favorite picks and bring the adventure home.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/toy-story-5-celebrate-latest-movie-new-toys-gear-inspired-films-magic/19223840/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:34:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19224037_toystory52.jpg","slug":"get-in-on-the-toy-story-5-celebration-with-new-toys-and-gear-your-family-will-love"},{"id":"otsb4l","title":"Small airplane reportedly crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper","excerpt":"A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building on Friday, according to a witness account and media reports, triggering evacuations and drawing a large police and ambulance presence in the city's business district.","content":"A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building on Friday, according to a witness account and media reports, triggering evacuations and drawing a large police and ambulance presence in the city's business district.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/citic-tower-small-airplane-reportedly-crashed-china-zun-tallest-skyscraper-beijing/19388298/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:05:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"small-airplane-reportedly-crashes-into-beijings-tallest-skyscraper"},{"id":"ivyj6z","title":"Deniz Undav’s World Cup success for Germany lifts Yazidi and Kurdish pride","excerpt":"Deniz Undav, one of the surprise stars of this World Cup, is playing for powerhouse Germany. Yet with his Yazidi and Kurdish heritage, the 29-year-old striker is representing two communities on the global stage with no realistic chance of having World Cup teams of their own.After entering as a su...","content":"Deniz Undav, one of the surprise stars of this World Cup, is playing for powerhouse Germany. Yet with his Yazidi and Kurdish heritage, the 29-year-old striker is representing two communities on the global stage with no realistic chance of having World Cup teams of their own.After entering as a substitute for Germany, Undav scored three goals and set up two more, putting him just behind top-scoring superstars such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé of France and Vinicius Jr. of Brazil on the leaderboard.Undav, who identifies as a Kurdish Yazidi, is the son of Yazidi refugees. His success is being celebrated by a small, insular community that has endured decades of oppression and violence, notably a 2014 onslaught in which thousands of Yazidis in Iraq's Sinjar region were killed or abducted by militants from the Islamic State group who considered them to be heretics.Responding to a question at a news conference Wednesday, the German-born Undav said he hoped his performance would inspire fans everywhere, especially within the Yazidi community.“I always get the news from my parents how they view me, how they see me and it’s making me proud, you know, that we finally have somebody,” he said.Undav has fans across Syria, Germany and IraqIn the village of Khirbet al-Ghazal in northeastern Syria, a small group of Yazidis gathered Thursday night to watch the Germany-Ecuador match at the home of community leader Ismail Dalaf. Many residents are related to Undav’s mother, who is from a now-deserted nearby village whose residents left for economic reasons or fled during Syria’s long civil war that began in 2011.Dalaf said Undav’s World Cup performance has made him “a symbol that shows Yazidis can reach a higher position and be seen with respect.”“When people see a Yazidi entering the field, scoring goals and changing the result of matches, it changes public perception,” he said. “It tells the world that Yazidis have a role in the world.”The Kurds are among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world, with roughly 30 million living as minorities in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority mostly found in Syria, Iraq and Turkey. There are around 235,000 Yazidis living in Germany today, according to Irfan Ortac, chair of the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany. Many arrived after the 2014 onslaught.“Until now, we have mostly been known as victims of violence,” Ortac said. “Whenever we spoke about Yazidis, we always had to talk about genocide, discrimination, and displacement. It makes us very proud and happy to be able to talk about something positive.”In Iraq — home to the largest concentration of Yazidis in the world and the location of their most holy site, the Lalish temple — members of the community also have embraced Undav's success.“It makes me very happy to see a Yazidi bringing our name to the World Cup and playing in front of the whole world,” said Luqman Sleiman, spokesperson for the temple.Diyar Bakir, 29, a Yazidi from Sinjar, hopes to travel to Germany one day to see Undav play.His family \"came from a place where his ethnicity and religion were not appreciated, yet he is now recognized and valued by a great team like Germany,” Bakir said. “He emerged from the womb of suffering, and we wish him every success.”Undav has faced abuse for his heritage, but his popularity surgesAt times, Undav has faced abuse over his heritage from spectators and on social media. When his club team Stuttgart played in Turkey at Fenerbahce last year, German media reported the outbreak of obscene chants about his mother. Two Kurdish anti-discrimination groups said social media insults were part of a growing campaign of “racist and ethnically motivated hostility.” Undav’s decision to represent Germany and not Turkey, as other eligible German-born players have done in the past, also resulted in some online hostility from Turkish fans. But now, his popularity is surging.Düzen Tekkal, a German documentary filmmaker and author of Kurdish Yazidi heritage, is from northwestern Germany, like Undav. She is the co-founder of Scoring Girls(asterisk), a nonprofit offering free soccer classes for girls from diverse backgrounds.“There definitely is a Deniz Undav effect and it’s very important,” she said, referencing children who can celebrate their heritage and feel they belong in Germany at a time when migration is often treated as a political problem.“It is no coincidence that he plays with this lightness and freedom,” Tekkal added. “People are asking how come he’s so good under pressure or he can cope with so much pressure? Because he doesn’t know it any other way. That is the DNA, that is the resilience. ... That’s how he scores these goals because what is that pressure compared to being Kurdish or Yazidi?”When Undav scored one of those goals, against Curacao, he broke into a Yazidi-inspired jig with his hands clasped behind his back. He was joined by Antonio Rüdiger, a Black German soccer star who has faced racist and anti-Muslim abuse during his career, in what Tekkal called “one of the highlights, no matter how this World Cup goes from here.”“Dancing is a form of expressing resistance for us,” Tekkal emphasized. “We dance on the graves of our dead. Our mantra is that resistance is life. He’s dancing there for his forefathers who were oppressed.”Mahmoud Kanabi, a Kurd from Irbil, moved to Berlin in 2020 and works in a Kurdish restaurant. Because of Undav, he purchased a Germany jersey.“Unfortunately, for us Kurds, we don’t have a team because we don’t have a country,” he said. “Now, when a Kurdish player is in a team, we have to be fans of it. It doesn’t matter what team it is.”___Martany reported from Irbil, Iraq; Fahey from Berlin and Ellingworth from Duesseldorf, Germany. AP Sports Writer Ron Blum in East Rutherford, New Jersey, contributed reporting.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/deniz-undavs-world-cup-success-for-germany-lifts-yazidi-and-kurdish-pride/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Hogir Al Abdo, Stella Martany, Ciaran Fahey And James Ellingworth, Associated Pr","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:43:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG6DFCFF63JGORKXVNVNCXMAO5U.jpg","slug":"deniz-undavs-world-cup-success-for-germany-lifts-yazidi-and-kurdish-pride"},{"id":"3oa0cd","title":"The Houston rodeo is building a new $300 million arena complex, but promises it’s not leaving NRG Park","excerpt":"The new space will “complement, not replace” operations at NRG Park, but it will move many of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competitions and livestock shows off site.","content":"The new space will “complement, not replace” operations at NRG Park, but it will move many of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competitions and livestock shows off site.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/events/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo/2026/06/24/555376/houston-rodeo-new-arena-complex-nrg-park-harris-county/?utm_source=rss-houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:00:37.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24075341%2Fa8c4ea05-402e-4f6f-8a11-9dd3df9a9c8e-450x252.jpg","slug":"the-houston-rodeo-is-building-a-new-300-million-arena-complex-but-promises-its-not-leaving-nrg-park"},{"id":"8feo22","title":"Prairieland shooter gets 100 years, others 30-70 for ICE detention center ‘antifa’ protest","excerpt":"The sentencing comes three months after a weeks-long trial in which prosecutors argued the group was a \"North Texas antifa cell\" with anti-ICE and anti-government beliefs.","content":"The sentencing comes three months after a weeks-long trial in which prosecutors argued the group was a \"North Texas antifa cell\" with anti-ICE and anti-government beliefs.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2026/06/24/555395/prairieland-shooter-gets-100-years-others-30-70-in-ice-detention-center-antifa-protest/?utm_source=rss-texas-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Toluwani Osibamowo, KERA, Dylan Duke, KERA","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:08:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24090607%2F021326-prairieland-defendants-collage-kera-450x300.webp","slug":"prairieland-shooter-gets-100-years-others-30-70-for-ice-detention-center-antifa-protest"},{"id":"nhgk4e","title":"Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in arson trial over deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles","excerpt":"A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against the man accused of sparking the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles after the jury said it could not agree on a verdict. Prosecutors said they will try again.","content":"A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against the man accused of sparking the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles after the jury said it could not agree on a verdict. Prosecutors said they will try again.","url":"https://abc7news.com/post/deadlocked-jury-palisades-fire-trial-jonathan-rinderknecht-los-angeles-leaves-attorneys-weighing-steps/19387722/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:02:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19388916_062626-cc-abcnl-9a-palisades-breaker-vid.jpg","slug":"mistrial-declared-after-jury-deadlocks-in-arson-trial-over-deadly-2025-palisades-fire-in-los-angeles"},{"id":"bsocam","title":"These are the best final day Prime deals on beauty essentials","excerpt":"Snag these deeply discounts on skincare, makeup and other beauty essentials during Prime Day.","content":"Snag these deeply discounts on skincare, makeup and other beauty essentials during Prime Day.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/amazon-prime-day-2026-beauty-deals-best-sales-skincare-haircare-makeup-other-personal-care-essentials/19363740/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:46:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F17955940_beauty.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"these-are-the-best-final-day-prime-deals-on-beauty-essentials"},{"id":"8e5th9","title":"Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: 'I knew Jekyll. I didn't know Hyde'","excerpt":"Billionaire investor Leon Black said Friday that Jeffrey Epstein deceived him during a yearslong relationship in which he paid the disgraced financier $158 million.","content":"Billionaire investor Leon Black said Friday that Jeffrey Epstein deceived him during a yearslong relationship in which he paid the disgraced financier $158 million.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/doj-epstein-files-news-billionaire-leon-black-defends-158m-paid-knew-jekyll-didnt-know-hyde/19388681/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:26:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"billionaire-leon-black-defends-158m-paid-to-epstein-i-knew-jekyll-i-didnt-know-hyde"},{"id":"tuzned","title":"Disney's new supernatural series 'The Doomies' draws from real French folklore","excerpt":"Disney goes supernatural in its latest series \"The Doomies\"! Watch the animated series now on Disney+.","content":"Disney goes supernatural in its latest series \"The Doomies\"! Watch the animated series now on Disney+.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/disneys-new-supernatural-series-doomies-draws-real-french-folklore-goonies-indiana-jones-says-creators/19357982/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:00:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19358005_062226-cc-otrc-thedoomies-vid.jpg","slug":"disneys-new-supernatural-series-the-doomies-draws-from-real-french-folklore"},{"id":"7yc9lt","title":"Small aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest building, according to flight tracking service","excerpt":"A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building on Friday, the global flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 confirmed, following witness accounts and evacuations in the city's business district.In a social media post, Flightradar24 posted the flight path of the plane, a Sunward ...","content":"A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building on Friday, the global flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 confirmed, following witness accounts and evacuations in the city's business district.In a social media post, Flightradar24 posted the flight path of the plane, a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which took off from an airport about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Beijing. It headed westward and ended just east of the East Third Ring Road shortly before 6 p.m. in local time. The flight data provider said the plane crashed into the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, which rises more than 1,700 feet (528 meters), just east of a major ring road in a cluster of skyscrapers.The 108-story CITIC tower, shaped like an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Beijing.It wasn't immediately known what caused the crash in a city with strict airspace controls, including a recent ban on drones. Information on the pilot also was not immediately available. There was no immediate information on whether there were any on-ground casualties.Chinese authorities have not issued a statement, nor has the crash been reported by state media. Social media posts about the crash have been scrubbed from China's walled-off internet, though footage has made its way outside of China's firewall and is circulating on overseas sites such as X.com. Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper. While the images were consistent with the location, it was not possible to independently confirm their authenticity. One image of the wreckage shows a partial registration number of “B-12.\" The full registration number of the aircraft is B-12PP. Photos by The Associated Press show what appears to be a hole in the glass facade on one side of the CITIC Tower.A person working in the building told AP that an aircraft crashed into the skyscraper, and a fire alarm was triggered. The person spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Incidents such as crashes are considered sensitive by Chinese authorities.A heavy police presence, as well as fire engines and ambulances were seen outside the building. Onlookers gathered to observe and take pictures, but police asked them to stop photographing and leave the area.Last month, Beijing authorities enacted new curbs on its already tightly regulated airspace, effectively banning the sale and operation of consumer drones within the capital.___Associated Press writers Didi Tang in Washington and Josh Funk in Omaha, Neb. contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/26/tallest-building-in-beijing-is-damaged-after-small-airplane-reportedly-crashed-into-it/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T14:11:47.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZZBUGMCQYBCFRGTAZFOCZGRB3A.jpg","slug":"small-aircraft-crashes-into-beijings-tallest-building-according-to-flight-tracking-service"},{"id":"uxwgrs","title":"DNC plans weekend of events to focus on affordability concerns","excerpt":"The Democratic National Committee is organizing hundreds of community events across the country this weekend in hopes of harnessing the same concerns about affordability that President Donald Trump capitalized on to return to the White House. The events include school supply giveaways, food bank ...","content":"The Democratic National Committee is organizing hundreds of community events across the country this weekend in hopes of harnessing the same concerns about affordability that President Donald Trump capitalized on to return to the White House. The events include school supply giveaways, food bank drives, neighborhood door knockings and organizer trainings.“Everything costs too damn much under Donald Trump and the Republicans,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.Martin said party members planned “to reach, engage, register, and mobilize voters who will make the difference in races up and down the ballot.”Two years ago, Democrats were the ones accused of being indifferent to Americans’ anger about rising prices. Now they're pointing the finger at Trump, who has downplayed the impact of lingering inflation.He has described affordability concerns as a “hoax” and recently said, “I love the inflation” because he expects costs to drop as he tries to resolve his war with Iran. About one-third of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy, according to an AP-NORC poll from June. That’s down from the start of his second term, when 40% approved.About 7 in 10 U.S. adults say the country’s economy is “poor,” according to an AP-NORC poll from June. That’s up from 65% in March, and underscores Americans’ ongoing unhappiness with the cost of living, which is being compounded by high gas prices due to the war in Iran.Slightly more U.S. adults say the Democratic Party would do a better job than the Republican Party in handling inflation and the cost of living, according to a Marquette Law School/SSRS poll from May. Roughly one-third of U.S. adults — 35% — said the Democrats would do a better job, while 28% believe the Republicans would. Roughly one-third say the parties would be the same, or neither would be good.This weekend's events vary by region.In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Luján Grisham will convene a training for 150 potential campaign staffers. Nevada’s statewide campaigns will knock on doors in rural and working class neighborhoods. Others will call voters in swing districts with competitive U.S. House races to talk about the rising price of gas. Some events are geared toward directly helping voters to persuade them that Democrats are concerned about affordability. For instance, the local party in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, plans to collect and distribute school supplies to poor families. And canvassers will fan out to discuss affordability issues in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.The Republican National Committee dismissed the weekend's events.“Despite being millions of dollars in debt, the DNC is choosing to throw pitiful pep rallies to distract from the fact they created the inflation crisis,\" said Delanie Bomar, an RNC spokeswoman. \"Meanwhile, Republicans are hard at work fixing the economic mess Joe Biden and the Democrats created.”Democrats hope that the events will show that their time in the political wilderness has made it more serious and effective at tackling kitchen table issues. But some fear their agenda may not be heard by voters in an increasingly fractured media environment.“One of Donald Trump’s greatest strengths is that he’s so loud,” said Brian Derrick, a Democratic strategist. He said that events like the weekend’s itinerary help Democrats focus on an “Achilles’ heel” issue for Trump, “which right now is his lack of interest in addressing everyday costs for people.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/26/dnc-plans-weekend-of-events-to-focus-on-affordability-concerns/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt Brown, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T14:01:30.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F73SMR7JADFCSVALOXN5GJOYOB4.jpg","slug":"dnc-plans-weekend-of-events-to-focus-on-affordability-concerns"},{"id":"x75t5s","title":"Texas leaders are asking data centers how much water they use. Most aren’t responding","excerpt":"Data centers use water to cool their massive arrays of computer servers. A state agency sent out a survey to figure out how much, but less than a third of the companies responded.","content":"Data centers use water to cool their massive arrays of computer servers. A state agency sent out a survey to figure out how much, but less than a third of the companies responded.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/06/24/555390/texas-data-centers-puc-water-survey/?utm_source=rss-energy-environment-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Alejandra Martinez, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:53:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F24084754%2FAnti-DataCenterButton-TT-450x298.jpg","slug":"texas-leaders-are-asking-data-centers-how-much-water-they-use-most-arent-responding"},{"id":"8y3qox","title":"Best deals for Amazon Prime Days under $25 on this final day of sales","excerpt":"Here are the best final-day deals for Amazon Prime Day 2026 under $25. Shop now before they expire.","content":"Here are the best final-day deals for Amazon Prime Day 2026 under $25. Shop now before they expire.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-amazon-prime-2026-deals-25/19371995/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:44:35.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"best-deals-for-amazon-prime-days-under-25-on-this-final-day-of-sales"},{"id":"ycs3p6","title":"Best last-chance deals for Amazon Prime Days 2026 on this final day of sales","excerpt":"Today is the last day of Prime Day sales, grab these deals now before they expire.","content":"Today is the last day of Prime Day sales, grab these deals now before they expire.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-last-chance-amazon-prime-2026-deals-final-day-sales/19383677/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:35:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"best-last-chance-deals-for-amazon-prime-days-2026-on-this-final-day-of-sales"},{"id":"s4pb8z","title":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after completion of costly refurbishment","excerpt":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program","content":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program","url":"https://abc13.com/story/king-charles-iii-will-not-live-buckingham-palace-completion-costly-refurbishment/19388223/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T15:06:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19388227_062626-wpvi-king-charles-moving-1030a-vo-video-vid.jpg","slug":"king-charles-iii-will-not-live-at-buckingham-palace-after-completion-of-costly-refurbishment"},{"id":"kw34mg","title":"Ex-national security adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to illegally retaining classified information","excerpt":"Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a deal with federal prosecutors that could allow him to avoid a prison term.","content":"Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a deal with federal prosecutors that could allow him to avoid a prison term.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/john-bolton-plea-deal-ex-trump-national-security-adviser-pleads-guilty-classified-information-case/19388115/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T14:51:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19388117_AP26156051355399.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"ex-national-security-adviser-john-bolton-pleads-guilty-to-illegally-retaining-classified-information"},{"id":"xwjcjo","title":"Venezuelans across Houston area come together to gather donations after deadly earthquakes","excerpt":"People across the Houston area are coming together to collect donations to help Venezuelans after back-to-back earthquakes rocked the country. Visit ABC13.com to find out how you can help.","content":"People across the Houston area are coming together to collect donations to help Venezuelans after back-to-back earthquakes rocked the country. Visit ABC13.com to find out how you can help.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/venezuelans-houston-area-come-together-gather-donations-deadly-back-earthquakes/19382377/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Daniela Hurtado","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:50:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382530_062526-ktrk-TN-venezuela-quake-aid-img.png","slug":"venezuelans-across-houston-area-come-together-to-gather-donations-after-deadly-earthquakes"},{"id":"d8mlg3","title":"Last Day to shop Prime Day: Best deals for under $100","excerpt":"Here are the best deals for Amazon Prime Days 2026 under $100. Today is your last chance to shop the big sale, so grab what you need before the clock runs out.","content":"Here are the best deals for Amazon Prime Days 2026 under $100. Today is your last chance to shop the big sale, so grab what you need before the clock runs out.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-amazon-prime-2025-deals-100/17026939/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:35:36.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"last-day-to-shop-prime-day-best-deals-for-under-100"},{"id":"ikq95z","title":"Last Chance: Shop our best home and tech deals for Prime Day 2026","excerpt":"Looking to snag savings on home and tech products? Today's your last chance to shop our picks for the best deals going on right now for Amazon Prime Day.","content":"Looking to snag savings on home and tech products? Today's your last chance to shop our picks for the best deals going on right now for Amazon Prime Day.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-prime-big-deal-days-deals-home-goods-tech-devices/17954859/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T13:24:50.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"last-chance-shop-our-best-home-and-tech-deals-for-prime-day-2026"},{"id":"efrfio","title":"GLP-1 weight loss drugs may be misused by patients with eating disorders: Study","excerpt":"Researchers found that 32% of patients with eating disorders report having used a weight loss injection at least once.","content":"Researchers found that 32% of patients with eating disorders report having used a weight loss injection at least once.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-may-misused-patients-eating-disorders-study/19386830/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-26T11:45:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-may-be-misused-by-patients-with-eating-disorders-study"},{"id":"gm8wi","title":"How to help those impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes","excerpt":"Two powerful, back-to-back earthquakes shook Venezuela Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings, killing hundreds and leaving thousands more missing across the northern part of the country. Many more are feared dead.Governments, nonprofits and members of the Venezuelan diaspora around the world ar...","content":"Two powerful, back-to-back earthquakes shook Venezuela Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings, killing hundreds and leaving thousands more missing across the northern part of the country. Many more are feared dead.Governments, nonprofits and members of the Venezuelan diaspora around the world are mobilizing to respond after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes. Help is needed for search and rescue efforts, emergency shelter for displaced families and emergency health care, followed by safe water and sanitation, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Humanitarian organizations will face many challenges, including airport closures and the need for fast-tracked visas for aid workers, said Michael Capponi, president of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). “No single organization can meet all the needs alone,” he said. “Collaboration across governments and NGOs is critical to ensuring we cover all ground efficiently and swiftly.” Here are some of the responding organizations you can support. The nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator recommends donors avoid fraudulent fundraising campaigns by assessing whether an organization has a history of working on the specific type of disaster and in the affected region, and if it is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. How to help those affected by the Venezuela earthquakesGlobal Empowerment Mission: The Doral, Florida-based humanitarian relief organization is collaborating with its long-term partner We Love Foundation, which supports Venezuelans. GEM immediately began packing emergency supplies for shipment Thursday to Caracas, where it has set up a distribution hub. GEM has responded in Venezuela before, including in 2018 and 2019.CORE: The humanitarian nonprofit is deploying personnel and partnering with The Wayuu Taya Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Indigenous Wayuu communities in Venezuela and Colombia and who has staff on the ground in Caracas. They aim to support impacted families with food, drinking water, hygiene kits and other critical resources. CORE was founded after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.Direct Relief: The California-based medical humanitarian organization is funding the deployment of a team from Spanish Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (BUSF) to assist search-and-rescue efforts, and is poised to send medical supplies to local healthcare partners as needed. Direct Relief has responded to multiple earthquakes, including the 2023 disaster in Syria and Turkey. International Red Cross: Despite experiencing damage to its own headquarters, the Venezuelan Red Cross' nationwide network of hospitals and clinics remains active and continues to deliver care. Rescue teams are supporting evacuation and search efforts as well as mobilizing prepositioned relief supplies. Red Cross Societies in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina — countries home to large Venezuelan communities — have activated services to restore family links and help people find news of their loved ones. Children's Bereavement Center/Lift from Loss: The Miami-based group offers free bereavement counseling to children and adults. It is offering free online support in Spanish and English to those impacted in Venezuela and in the diaspora. Those seeking support can sign up online.Airlink: The global humanitarian organization helps facilitate transport and logistics for other nonprofits needing to send relief and personnel to disasters worldwide. It will mobilize airlines and logistics companies to send search-and-rescue teams, medical responders and supplies to Venezuela.World Central Kitchen: The nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés is mobilizing to serve hot meals to affected families and first responders as quickly as possible. WCK has led multiple responses in Venezuela, most recently in 2024 when families in the state of Sucre were displaced by Hurricane Beryl.Catholic Relief Services: The international aid agency of the U.S. Catholic Church is working with local partner Caritas Venezuela to deliver emergency shelter, food, water and medical care to impacted families.Global Impact: The philanthropy adviser and intermediary has set up a Venezuela Earthquakes Response fund that will funnel aid to multiple vetted organizations, including UNICEF USA and Save the Children, which has had a team in Venezuela since 2019. ——Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/how-to-help-those-impacted-by-the-venezuela-earthquakes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:18:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGK3TUWX4LFERNMBUPW35X6VMEE.jpg","slug":"how-to-help-those-impacted-by-the-venezuela-earthquakes"},{"id":"sij3am","title":"Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy after months of investigations, lawsuits on flood deaths","excerpt":"The bankruptcy complicates the fate of multiple lawsuits brought by family members of the campers and counselors who died in the July 2025 flooding, experts said.","content":"The bankruptcy complicates the fate of multiple lawsuits brought by family members of the campers and counselors who died in the July 2025 flooding, experts said.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2026/06/24/555382/camp-mystic-bankruptcy-texas-flood/?utm_source=rss-texas-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Lucio Vasquez, Texas Newsroom, Chelsey Zhu, KUT","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:31:27.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F18132021%2F20260601-kerrcounty-pl-57-450x300.webp","slug":"camp-mystic-files-for-bankruptcy-after-months-of-investigations-lawsuits-on-flood-deaths"},{"id":"hdvra8","title":"Firefighter injured after garbage truck tire blows out during post-fire assessment in Montgomery County","excerpt":"A firefighter was injured after a garbage truck tire blew out while crews were checking the vehicle following a commercial vehicle fire in Montgomery County on Thursday, according to Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 1.The incident happened after Montgomery County ESD 1 responded ...","content":"A firefighter was injured after a garbage truck tire blew out while crews were checking the vehicle following a commercial vehicle fire in Montgomery County on Thursday, according to Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 1.The incident happened after Montgomery County ESD 1 responded to a reported commercial vehicle fire involving a garbage truck.When Engine 91 arrived, the garbage truck’s driver had already extinguished the fire using an onboard fire extinguisher, officials said.As firefighters conducted a post-fire assessment and used a thermal imaging camera to check for lingering hot spots, one of the truck’s inside front dual tires suddenly blew out.According to the department, the blowout sent debris flying from beneath the vehicle, striking one firefighter in the left leg and midsection.The firefighter was evaluated at the scene before being transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe in stable condition for further evaluation.Officials said the firefighter remains in stable condition, is in good spirits and is already up and walking.“We are extremely grateful that our firefighter’s injuries were not more serious and that they are doing well,” Fire Chief Jason Oliphant said in a statement. “Incidents like this remind us that even after a fire has been extinguished, unexpected hazards can still exist.”Oliphant said firefighters train for situations like these every day, but acknowledged the inherent risks that come with serving the community.“We are proud of the professionalism displayed by our crews and thankful for the quick actions of everyone involved in providing immediate medical care,” Oliphant said. “We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community and ask that you continue to keep our firefighter and his family in your thoughts as he recovers.”The department said no additional information about the firefighter will be released out of respect for their privacy.Officials also reminded the public that hazards can remain even after a fire has been extinguished, making post-fire operations an important and sometimes dangerous part of the job.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/firefighter-injured-after-garbage-truck-tire-blows-out-during-post-fire-assessment-in-montgomery-county/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-26T17:01:44.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHN2MX64CIRAGNENMDK2US4D6PM.jpg","slug":"firefighter-injured-after-garbage-truck-tire-blows-out-during-post-fire-assessment-in-montgomery-cou"},{"id":"21luuf","title":"Convicted sex offender arrested again for allegedly possessing child pornography, Harris County Pct. 1 deputies say","excerpt":"A man who pleaded guilty in 2024 to trying to arrange sex with a minor — who was actually an undercover detective — has been arrested again, this time on a charge of possessing child pornography, according to Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.The defendant, Sam Gary Martin, 65, was ta...","content":"A man who pleaded guilty in 2024 to trying to arrange sex with a minor — who was actually an undercover detective — has been arrested again, this time on a charge of possessing child pornography, according to Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.The defendant, Sam Gary Martin, 65, was taken into custody Friday in High Island by detectives assigned to Precinct 1’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Rosen’s office said.PREVIOUS REPORT: Owner of Needville newspaper arrested, accused of sending explicit messages to undercover officer“We will keep doing all we can to protect children,” Rosen said in a statement announcing the arrest.Investigators said Martin’s latest case is being prosecuted in Fort Bend County after Precinct 1 detectives shared additional evidence tied to the earlier Harris County investigation with Fort Bend County prosecutors.Court records show Martin pleaded guilty in Harris County in 2024 to a second-degree felony count of online solicitation of a minor. He was sentenced to five years of probation and was required to register as a sex offender.Martin previously served as the publisher of a newspaper in Needville.Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about Martin’s interactions with minors to contact the Constable Precinct 1 Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 713-722-4929.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/convicted-sex-offender-arrested-again-for-possessing-child-pornography-harris-county-pct-1-deputies-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:52:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFVQJQM7BFVCSLBW7RR6KY7NEMI.png","slug":"convicted-sex-offender-arrested-again-for-allegedly-possessing-child-pornography-harris-county-pct-1"},{"id":"i4a5ru","title":"Woman fatally run over by coworker she was dating after argument in southwest Houston, police say","excerpt":"A woman was killed after she was intentionally run over by a moving truck following an argument with a coworker Thursday afternoon in southwest Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of South Gessner Road.According to HPD Lt. C...","content":"A woman was killed after she was intentionally run over by a moving truck following an argument with a coworker Thursday afternoon in southwest Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of South Gessner Road.According to HPD Lt. Crowson, a three-person moving crew arrived at an apartment complex for a scheduled moving job.Police said a man and woman on the crew, who were also in a dating relationship, got into a heated argument. Investigators said the man then got into the box truck, intentionally drove over the woman and fled the scene.The woman died at the scene.South Gessner officers are at a homicide scene 2400 S. Gessner. Adult female deceased at the scene. Suspect in custody. 202 pic.twitter.com/nBnB0A2toM&mdash; Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 25, 2026Officers later located the moving truck and detained the suspect, police said.The suspect, Keith Bembry Sims, 33, has been charged with manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in an accident involving death.The identity of the 31-year-old victim is being withheld pending notification of family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.The investigation remains ongoing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/woman-fatally-struck-by-moving-truck-after-argument-with-coworker-in-sw-houston/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton, Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:55:35.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7FPDP6IRPFCKFNCNJEGTOQNI2Y.png","slug":"woman-fatally-run-over-by-coworker-she-was-dating-after-argument-in-southwest-houston-police-say"},{"id":"ntgv86","title":"Texas City woman found fatally shot, 73-year-old man charged with murder","excerpt":"A 73-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead inside a Texas City home, according to the Texas City Police Department.Officers responded around 3 p.m. Thursday to a welfare concern in the 7200 block of Mallard Drive. When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Ange...","content":"A 73-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead inside a Texas City home, according to the Texas City Police Department.Officers responded around 3 p.m. Thursday to a welfare concern in the 7200 block of Mallard Drive. When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Angela Gray with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.Gray was pronounced dead at the scene.Following an investigation, police filed a murder charge against 73-year-old Lee Sims. Authorities said Sims’ bond has been set at $250,000. He has been booked into the Texas City Jail.The investigation remains active and ongoing.Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Charles at 409-643-5763 or Detective Stinson at 409-643-5200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477).","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/texas-city-woman-found-fatally-shot-73-year-old-man-charged-with-murder/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:00:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F33W7O42K75FGFC5KKUS7GQZSU4.png","slug":"texas-city-woman-found-fatally-shot-73-year-old-man-charged-with-murder"},{"id":"tj6gzw","title":"Judge blocks Tennessee from reporting sick children to immigration authorities, for now","excerpt":"A judge temporarily ordered the Tennessee Department of Health not to give immigration authorities information about roughly 400 seriously sick and disabled immigrant children who are enrolled in a healthcare assistance program.The restraining order was issued Wednesday at the request of three Na...","content":"A judge temporarily ordered the Tennessee Department of Health not to give immigration authorities information about roughly 400 seriously sick and disabled immigrant children who are enrolled in a healthcare assistance program.The restraining order was issued Wednesday at the request of three Nashville doctors who treat some of those children and who sued after state officials sent letters to providers and immigrant families saying a new law required them to share identifying information for those on the program after the end of June. The law was part of a group of bills that Tennessee Republicans introduced this year to support President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. A spokesperson for the state attorney general's office said Thursday that it had no comment on the lawsuit and the complaint was under review. State officials have not replied to the complaint in court documents.“This is an impossible choice for mothers, and it risks the lives and the dignity of these children,” said Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, which filed the lawsuit on the doctors' behalf. Johnson also said the center has been advising families that they should stay on the program while the issue is before the court. A hearing is set for July 2 in Nashville. The Children's Special Services program, which is partially funded by federal funds and has been around for decades, covers medical costs for children in need who have serious medical conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, seizure diseases and diabetes. The letters sent by the state told families that, based on their immigration status, they would be reported to the immigration division of the Tennessee Department of Safety if they continued to stay on the program. The new law required government agencies to check the legal status of all residents before they can obtain public benefits and was among a slate of bills in recent years targeting immigrants' ability to work, get licenses and access free public education and other services. “We’re going to do what we can to make sure that if you’re here illegally, we will have the data, we’ll have the transparency, and we’re not spending taxpayer dollars on you unless you’re in jail,” House Speaker Cameron Sexton said in January. The doctors behind the lawsuit, all of whom work for Siloam Health clinics that serve uninsured and underserved patients, said in affidavits that some of their patients were afraid they be unable to get important medical care for their children. One said some patients who received a letter are not in the country illegally but merely lived with families with “mixed status,” and they left the program or planned to to because of the threat to inform immigration officials. The lawsuit argues that implementing the rule would prevent the doctors from caring for their patients. “The harm will be irreparable if the court didn’t intervene,” Johnson said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/25/judge-blocks-tennessee-from-reporting-sick-children-to-immigration-authorities-for-now/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:01:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXSVB6HNR4BB65DW34M6UNKE3FQ.jpg","slug":"judge-blocks-tennessee-from-reporting-sick-children-to-immigration-authorities-for-now"},{"id":"ahyw7a","title":"MLB proposes limiting most free agent contracts to 5 years and 15% of a team's salary cap","excerpt":"Major League Baseball proposed limiting most free agent contracts to five years and 15% of a team's salary cap and to eliminate deferred compensation, fleshing out details of a plan likely to spark a confrontation with the players' association.MLB's plan would eliminate deals such as Juan Soto's ...","content":"Major League Baseball proposed limiting most free agent contracts to five years and 15% of a team's salary cap and to eliminate deferred compensation, fleshing out details of a plan likely to spark a confrontation with the players' association.MLB's plan would eliminate deals such as Juan Soto's $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets. The league said just seven players this year exceed the proposed maximum and 98% of free agent contracts would not have been impacted.\"There’s no question that we’re very far apart,” union head Bruce Meyer said during an online news conference.During a bargaining session Thursday at the union's office, MLB said it would accept the union's proposal granting free agency a year early for players who have reached age 30 if the union accepted the league's salary cap system. MLB proposed boosting the minimum salary from $780,000 to $1 million for those with two years of big league service.MLB also proposed increasing the pre-arbitration bonus pool from $50 million to $65 million next year and $75 million by 2032, the sixth season of MLB's proposed seven-year deal.Meyer said “the debate got a little more vigorous today.”“The league has done us a favor because their proposals are in fact so obviously and extremely bad for players at all levels that it’s actually been a benefit for our unity,” Meyer said. “Anybody’s who’s banking on Major League Baseball players cracking, it’s never happened. It’s not going to happen. That’s why we’re the only ones who don’t have a salary cap.”MLB also said it would agree to eliminate the qualifying offer for free agents that since its inception in 2012 has restricted the market for some players.Bargaining started May 13 for a contract to replace the five-year deal that expires Dec. 1, and owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off the system during a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95. MLB is expected to impose a lockout in December, halting free agent signings and trades.After the prior agreement expired in December 2021, intensive bargaining did not start until late February as the threat approached of losing regular-season games — along with revenue and salary. The sides reached an agreement on March 10, the 99th day of the lockout, preserving the 162-game schedule.In the league's cornerstone proposal, made last month, team spending would be capped next year at $245.3 million, using figures for luxury tax payrolls that include $20.1 million for benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. It also would establish a payroll floor of $171.2 million, forcing several teams to spend more. The two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball’s biggest spenders, had a $415.2 million payroll on opening day this year — around $170 million over the proposed cap.“The biggest issue baseball fans want solved to strengthen the game is fixing the payroll disparity that leaves too many fans without hope of their team competing for a World Series title,\" MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said in a statement. “Every other major U.S. sport has tackled this problem, and every year more small market teams in those leagues have a chance to win. The salary cap and floor proposal levels the playing field.”Meyer took issue with that.“It’s appalling that the stewards of the game, the people whose job it is to grow the game primarily and promote the game, have for whatever period of time now in the last couple of years been saying nothing but the game’s broken,” he said.As part of the plan, MLB would establish a “cornerstone player” similar to the NBA's Bird Rule, which would allow a team to re-sign a player at 16% of the cap. A free agent switching clubs would be limited to a $36.8 million salary next year and a re-signing player to $39.2 million.Salaries for free agents in additional seasons of a multiyear contract would be limited to 5% increases, as would salaries for younger players in multiyear deals that cover potential free agent seasons.Contracts would be capped by service time: at $500 million and 12 years for those yet to make major league debuts, $461 million and 11 seasons for those with 0-1 years of service, $421 million and 10 years for 1-2, $382 million and nine seasons for 2-3, $343 million and eight years for 3-4, $304 million and seven years for 4-5, and $265 million and six years for free agent eligible players.Agent Scott Boras claimed the then-record $252 million, 10-year contract he negotiated for Alex Rodriguez in December 2000 would not have been allowed.\"It’s like offering a few pieces of furniture if you agree to live in a house with a 4-foot ceiling,\" he said, \"an attempt to move player contract values back to the 1990s.”Banning deferred compensation would eliminate a business practice used most prominently by the Dodgers, who owe $1.107 billion to 12 players from 2028-47. The 30 teams owe $2.382 billion to 82 players through 2051.MLB said it would accept the union's proposal to drop free agent eligibility to five seasons of service from six for those turning 30 by the Nov. 1 of the offseason. MLB said 354 players on big league rosters as of Thursday would reach free agency a year earlier. MLB would start the change in the 2027-28 offseason.As part of the minimum salary proposal, MLB said players with less than two years of service would have a $900,000 minimum and if earning a full year of service would get an additional $100,000 from the pre-arbitration bonus pool. Minor league minimums for players with major league contracts would increase from $63,600 to $73,400 for initial big league deals and $127,100 to $146,700 for additional contracts.The union proposed to jointly lobby with MLB for the prohibition on prop bets; to allow player endorsement and sponsorship of legal betting entities, including sportsbooks and prediction markets; to have players under MLB betting investigations to be placed on administrative leave, similar to the domestic violence policy; and to allow players near the end of suspensions for betting to have unpaid 15-day minor league assignments, similar to the drug policy.In addition, players asked for increases for in-season meal and tip allowances; housing benefits for players with major league contracts who are assigned to the minors; and increased moving expenses, including for assignments from one minor league affiliate to another.Meyer expects at least one more bargaining session before the All-Star break.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/mlb-proposes-limiting-most-free-agent-contracts-to-5-years-and-15-of-a-teams-salary-cap/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ronald Blum, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T18:48:41.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRLLLPERY3ZE4VESDJ5HZIYCP4E.jpg","slug":"mlb-proposes-limiting-most-free-agent-contracts-to-5-years-and-15-of-a-teams-salary-cap"},{"id":"iay0u5","title":"Gracie, the missing giraffe from the Texas Hill County, has been found","excerpt":"UPDATE | June 26Gracie the giraffe has been found, according to the Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter.The Real County Sheriff’s Office says Gracie was located around 7:30 a.m. Friday during an aerial search about 4 miles south of Cedar Hollow Ranch. Officials say her owner has contacted a veterin...","content":"UPDATE | June 26Gracie the giraffe has been found, according to the Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter.The Real County Sheriff’s Office says Gracie was located around 7:30 a.m. Friday during an aerial search about 4 miles south of Cedar Hollow Ranch. Officials say her owner has contacted a veterinarian and is assembling a team to safely capture Gracie and bring her home.Gracie’s disappearance sparked a wave of attention across Texas and the nation as people reported sightings and shared memes and messages online while she was missing in the Texas Hill Country. Even agencies and schools joined in with social media posts reacting to the unusual search and rooting for her safe return.ORIGINAL REPORTREAL COUNTY, Texas - A missing giraffe in the Texas Hill Country has inspired a flood of humorous social media posts from local agencies and organizations across the state.Houston Weather: Summer Heat Settles In Through The End Of JuneGracie the Giraffe was reported missing from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Real County earlier this week after she was last spotted on a game camera west of Leakey. Ranch officials are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.\nAs news of the unusual missing animal spread online, agencies began joining in with playful posts imagining where Gracie may have ended up.One of the most popular came from the Uvalde Fire Department, which jokingly announced that Gracie had been hired as its newest probationary firefighter.\n“The Uvalde Fire Department would like to welcome our newest probationary firefighter, Gracie the Giraffe!” the department wrote on social media, adding that her height made her uniquely qualified for roof inspections, aerial observations and reaching places “no ladder can.”Other organizations have also shared tongue-in-cheek updates, claiming Gracie was spotted in their communities or helping with local operations.The posts have generated thousands of likes, shares and comments as Texans follow the giraffe’s story online.While the agencies are clearly having fun with the situation, the posts have also helped bring additional attention to the search for Gracie and introduced many people to the original missing giraffe alert.For now, Gracie remains missing, but her unexpected social media fame has turned a local animal search into a statewide conversation.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/missing-texas-giraffe-sparks-social-media-posts-from-fire-departments-schools-and-other-agencies/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra, Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:43:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHBYP6Q665ZARJGJIAC4DYWVBQQ.png","slug":"gracie-the-missing-giraffe-from-the-texas-hill-county-has-been-found"},{"id":"lro6tw","title":"The week in politics (June 24, 2026)","excerpt":"On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we ponder the art of crafting a compelling story from the public radio program, \"The Moth.\"","content":"On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we ponder the art of crafting a compelling story from the public radio program, \"The Moth.\"","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/24/555203/the-week-in-politics-june-24-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-24T11:00:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"the-week-in-politics-june-24-2026"},{"id":"j7ixvz","title":"AC Milan names Massimo Calvelli as CEO as it goes \"in house\" in bid to restore winning culture","excerpt":"AC Milan named Massimo Calvelli as chief executive officer on Friday in a bid to “bring a winning culture” back to the club.The 51-year-old Calvelli replaces Giorgio Furlani, who was fired by U.S. owner, RedBird Capital Partners, last month as it cleaned house after what it deemed “an unequivocal...","content":"AC Milan named Massimo Calvelli as chief executive officer on Friday in a bid to “bring a winning culture” back to the club.The 51-year-old Calvelli replaces Giorgio Furlani, who was fired by U.S. owner, RedBird Capital Partners, last month as it cleaned house after what it deemed “an unequivocal failure” of a season.“The mandate is clear — we will play to win, instead of playing not to lose — in everything that AC Milan touches, but most importantly on the field,” RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale said in a statement.“The entire organization at AC Milan will now benefit tremendously from his full time appointment and sense of urgency to bring a winning culture and results back to the club.”Calvelli will continue to serve as CEO International at RedBird Development Group and Operating Partner at RedBird Capital Partners. A former professional tennis player, he was previously ATP CEO from 2020-25.“Since joining RedBird last year, Massimo has distinguished himself as a leader and driver of organizational design that brings people together and establishes a culture of collaboration and professionalism,” Cardinale added.“Our model at RedBird often requires our senior leadership to go “in house” in our most important investments to ensure best in class execution, especially in situations requiring change and innovation.”Milan spent much of last season in the top two positions and fighting for the Serie A title. But a run of only two wins in its last eight matches dropped it to fifth on the last day of the campaign and saw it miss out on Champions League qualification.That led to a number of dismissals, including coach Massimiliano Allegri. He was replaced by Rúben Amorim earlier this month.“The opportunity to lead AC Milan as it navigates this critical moment in its football trajectory, as well as within the overall state of Italian football, is something I take very seriously and with a profound sense of urgency,” Calvelli said.“The mandate from Gerry is to bring a culture of winning and results both on and off the field back to AC Milan … I’ve had a full year working collaboratively with the senior leadership of the club across all functions and have a hands-on sense of what needs to be fixed and innovated.”___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/ac-milan-names-massimo-calvelli-as-ceo-as-it-goes-in-house-in-bid-to-restore-winning-culture/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T14:27:44.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FURIEM343ZBAVJGNCB72EBID33Y.jpg","slug":"ac-milan-names-massimo-calvelli-as-ceo-as-it-goes-in-house-in-bid-to-restore-winning-culture"},{"id":"5d6rq0","title":"Turkey beats US 3-2 with last-gasp goal as Americans look ahead to World Cup knockout stage","excerpt":"Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 Thursday night for its only win of the World Cup.","content":"Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 Thursday night for its only win of the World Cup.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/usa-turkey-us-loses-3-2-last-minute-goal-world-cup-group-finale/19384768/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T11:31:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19385722_062526-kabc-11pm-usa-vs-turkiye-2-vid-CC-vid.jpg","slug":"turkey-beats-us-3-2-with-last-gasp-goal-as-americans-look-ahead-to-world-cup-knockout-stage"},{"id":"ctz1y2","title":"Massive Shiite crowds mark the holy day of Ashoura against backdrop of Iran-Israel-US war fallout","excerpt":"Shiite Muslims on Friday marked Ashoura, one of the most important days on their calendar, with large gatherings in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other parts of the Muslim world to remember the seventh-century killing of Hussein, the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.The annual commemoration is obse...","content":"Shiite Muslims on Friday marked Ashoura, one of the most important days on their calendar, with large gatherings in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other parts of the Muslim world to remember the seventh-century killing of Hussein, the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.The annual commemoration is observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the lunar-based Islamic calendar. Ashoura is the culmination of a 10-day mourning period and marks the day Hussein was killed alongside members of his family and companions as he fought against the army of Caliph Yazid, to whom Hussein had refused to pledge allegiance.Hussein’s killing cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.Ashoura this year comes after a war between predominantly Shiite Iran and the United States and Israel, who launched strikes on the country on Feb. 28, killing senior officials including Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 86-year-old Khamenei was not just Iran’s top political leader but also had a final say on all religious matters and was revered by millions of Shiites worldwide.A funeral procession for Khamenei is scheduled to take place in early July.On Friday, large crowds of people gathered in the Iraqi Shiite holy city of Karbala to mark Ashoura. Hussein is buried in the city where he was killed in the battle that took place in 680, and his shrine is visited by millions of Shiites from around the world every year.In Baghdad, thousands marched through the streets, including some who slashed their heads with razors and performed other forms of self-flagellation in a show of grief to mark the occasion. In Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah is in place, thousands of black-clad mourners gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs at a shrine to Hezbollah’s former longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a series of massive Israeli strikes in 2024. Women clutched photographs of sons and brothers killed in the war — many of them fighting for Hezbollah — while others held photographs of Nasrallah or Iran’s Khamenei, who was killed in February in an attack by the U.S. and Israel.Many of them sobbed. Expressions of grief for the death of the Imam Hussein are traditional during Ashoura, but many of the mourners were also grieving more personal losses.Nagham Jaber said her fiance was killed in the war.“This war was truly harsh on all of us, and now we are feeling the meaning of Ashoura more than usual,” she said.In the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, that is usually a major center to commemorate Ashoura, dozens of people gathered near the main square, much of which was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes over the past weeks, with some of them inflicting head injuries on themselves to express their mourning. The practice is widely opposed by many Shiites, including Hezbollah.Earlier on Friday, state media and Associated Press journalists on the ground reported two Israeli airstrikes on the nearby village of Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa. It was not immediately clear if the strike inflicted any casualties. “Despite all the hardships, everything happening to the Shiite Muslim community, and the wars we are facing, we came to reaffirm our loyalty, our love and our unwavering passion for Imam Hussein,” said Khader Kamal. To Shiites, who make up the second-largest branch of Islam after the Sunni majority, the killing of Hussein holds deep religious and historical resonance and plays a key role in shaping identity.Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Kassem, said in a speech Friday that Ashoura is being repeated again by the U.S. and Israel, adding that his group and its supporters were subjected to a “war of elimination.”“America and Israel also wanted to eliminate Iran by removing the regime and controlling the country,” Kassem said. “The memorandum of understanding is a declaration of defeat for America and Israel,” Kassem said of the deal reached this month between Washington and Tehran.___Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/massive-shiite-crowds-mark-ashoura-amid-fresh-iran-israel-us-war-fallout/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Fadi Tawil And Abby Sewell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:20:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWMEBJOJO7VDRJOXF3RWJQDUWCI.jpg","slug":"massive-shiite-crowds-mark-the-holy-day-of-ashoura-against-backdrop-of-iran-israel-us-war-fallout"},{"id":"8mryw7","title":"Heat catches Europe’s fashion industry unprepared as models face the sun in fur and wool","excerpt":"The most coveted accessory at the Paris Fashion Week shows this week was not a bag, a sneaker or a watch. It was an ice pack.As a historic heat wave gripped the French capital, fashion houses fought to keep guests cool with mist machines, chilled towels, parasols and iced Evian on silver platters...","content":"The most coveted accessory at the Paris Fashion Week shows this week was not a bag, a sneaker or a watch. It was an ice pack.As a historic heat wave gripped the French capital, fashion houses fought to keep guests cool with mist machines, chilled towels, parasols and iced Evian on silver platters.It wasn’t enough. Historic venues sweltered, guests were packed in tight, air conditioning was absent or inadequate and water ran short — at one house, organizers weighed serving none at all, having found only plastic bottles to hand out.That mattered because Paris Fashion Week is not a minor cultural event. It is one of France’s most visible export machines: six fashion seasons a year, global luxury houses, celebrities, editors, buyers and clients moving through an industry worth billions, often inside aging venues built for a cooler age.This week raised a harder question: whether Paris should keep staging menswear and haute couture in the height of summer at all if climate change keeps bringing more frequent and intense heat waves.“I honestly thought I was going to pass out,” said Ben Freeman, a London-based fashion critic from Australia.Paris neared 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit) during a heat wave that pushed France into emergency mode. Large parts of the country were under red alert, and hospitals were told to prepare for more heat-related cases.Like the dusty Louvre, which cut hours and said its historic building “remains vulnerable and is not sufficiently adapted to climate change,” fashion week exposed a Paris problem as much as a fashion one: how to keep prestige institutions running when the weather no longer fits the building, the calendar or the crowd.“Paris Fashion Week is the canary in the mine,” Freeman said.The deeper contradiction was on the runway. At a Paris Fashion Week Men’s where the industry paid to imagine next summer could barely survive this one, houses cooled the people watching the shows, then dressed their models in unseasonable leather, neoprene, wool and fur. “The calendar does not make any sense,” acknowledged Dior’s Jonathan Anderson, blaming fractured delivery cycles and a business that bears no relation to the season outside.Some in the front row suggested that fashion week in the hottest months be scrapped.“In Paris we don’t have AC everywhere, it’s quite rare,” said Thomas Levy, 24, a fashion student outside one show. “I don’t know how the models did it this week in some of the leather and knit coats.\"The venues couldn’t copePascal Morand, who heads France’s fashion federation, said organizers were following the government’s heat-wave plan.“We are conscious of the challenges and very attentive to preserving the Fashion Week experience in this context of structural change,” he told The Associated Press.The cause ran deeper — an industry whose fixed parts, from the buildings to the clothes, were designed for a cooler world and a customer who lives somewhere else.The response included earlier shows, more water, more mist, more shade.Fashion had already been warned about heat management. In March, Celine built an okoumé-wood pavilion in the courtyard of the Institut de France for a winter show, packed guests inside and still saw some leave because of the temperature. Dior shifted its show to 9 a.m. from mid-afternoon, and Rick Owens moved his forward too. Yet inside Dior’s half-renovated mansion, water was scarce, there was no air conditioning, and some guests looked ready pass out.The strain had already shown at Milan Fashion Week last week. At Thom Browne’s first show there, giant misting fans ran and black umbrellas went out as guests waited out the midday sun. Runways out of seasonThe clothes were made not for summer in Paris but for global markets and customers who pass the hottest months in refrigerated air — the malls of the Gulf, the towers of New York and Shanghai. For them, a wool coat in June is not a contradiction. It is just a purchase.Louis Vuitton presented wetsuits in neoprene, as well as coats in cashmere and fur.At Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello sent models through cooling clouds of vapor from a Fujiko Nakaya fog sculpture, then ran hot and cold at once: featherweight, unlined tailoring stripped down for the heat, against leather briefs, choker scarves and transparent shoes fogging with the wearer’s sweat.Issey Miyake’s IM Men gave the clearest practical answer, handing out ice packs at the door, then bamboo-thread fabrics and shadowy prints that moved with the air rather than against it.Rick Owens made the anxiety literal, sending models through mist in garments with fans whirring inside. One critic called it metaphor for climate catastrophe.France’s uneasy cooling debateAir conditioning remains culturally suspect in France — blamed for sore throats, dismissed as wasteful or bad for the planet — even as heat waves turn cooling into a question of public safety. President Emmanuel Macron’s government leans toward shade, insulation and trees; environmentalists warn that mass cooling would only deepen the emissions driving the heat.Europe is the fastest-warming continent, but its old cities are short on the cooling a hotter climate demands. From sport to tourism to construction, industries built around fixed calendars and outdoor crowds are being forced to adapt to heat that comes earlier, lasts longer and climbs higher.The question is how much longer an aging 19th century Paris can host a summer spectacle where guests need ice packs to reach the finale.___Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/26/a-historic-heat-wave-catches-europes-fashion-industry-unprepared/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Thomas Adamson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:06:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZ5HV4OF26VASDL6BS6NEYSJMO4.jpg","slug":"heat-catches-europes-fashion-industry-unprepared-as-models-face-the-sun-in-fur-and-wool"},{"id":"7aa674","title":"Serena Williams draws 20-year-old Maya Joint in first Wimbledon singles match in 4 years","excerpt":"Serena Williams will face an opponent less than half her age when she plays 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round at Wimbledon for her first singles match in nearly four years.The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, who is 44, accepted a wild-card entry to the grass-court Grand Slam, where...","content":"Serena Williams will face an opponent less than half her age when she plays 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round at Wimbledon for her first singles match in nearly four years.The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, who is 44, accepted a wild-card entry to the grass-court Grand Slam, where she’ll also compete in doubles with her older sister Venus, who turned 46 last week.It's all part of a tennis comeback that started with two doubles warmup matches but kicked into high gear Sunday when the All England Club announced Serena would play singles. Brackets were set in Friday's draw.Joint was born in Michigan — as was Williams — but represents Australia through her father. She is ranked No. 53 and made her Wimbledon debut last year, losing in the first round to Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2.“It’s an honor. I always dreamed about playing Serena Williams,” Joint said. \"If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be playing her first round at Wimbledon, that’s just crazy.“I hope it's on Centre Court, that would be pretty cool. You just have to play the ball. You can't really think about who you are playing because I’ll just get too nervous. I’ll just take it one ball at a time.”Joint won the grass-court Eastbourne Open last year for one of her two WTA tour-level singles titles, but she was slowed by a back injury earlier in 2026.Williams hasn't played a singles match since a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 U.S. Open. At the time, she said she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared she was “evolving” away from tennis. Her second daughter was born in 2023.Tomljanovic said she hopes Joint “enjoys the moment.\"“Especially after (Serena) officially retired four years ago, no one thought that they’d get another chance to play her,” Tomljanovic, an Australian, said Friday at Wimbledon.Williams is “here to win,\" Tomljanovic added.“You never lose that champion mentality. Her coming into the draw means that she thinks she can win,” she said.Williams' most-recent appearance at Wimbledon was in 2022 when she lost in the opening round to then-115th-ranked Harmony Tan.If Williams beats Joint on Tuesday, she may face rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala, who is seeded 29th, in the second round. She could meet defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round.Swiatek opens against Taylor Townsend of the U.S. on Centre Court on Tuesday.In a projected quarterfinals by seedings, No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka would meet French Open champion Mirra Andreeva; No. 2 Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, would face 2025 runner-up Amanda Anisimova; Swiatek, the No. 3 seed, would play Elina Svitolina; and No. 4 Jessica Pegula would meet Coco Gauff.Sinner could meet Djokovic in semifinalsOn the men's side, No. 1 Jannik Sinner will begin his Wimbledon title defense against Miomir Kecmanovic on Centre Court on Monday.Sinner and Novak Djokovic, the No. 7 seed, are in the same half of the draw and could meet in the semifinals.Sinner underwent checks following his French Open meltdown — losing in the second round amid a heat wave in Paris — and said he felt physically good after an exhibition match this week in London, which also experienced high temperatures.Djokovic, a seven-time champion at the All England Club, will play Wu Yibing of China. Djokovic could meet third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz, who lost to Sinner in the 2025 final, will miss this year’s tournament because of a wrist injury.Wimbledon starts on Monday.Serena and Venus in doublesThe Williams sisters are wild-card entries in the women's doubles and will play their first-round match against Colombia's Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra of Argentina.Serena and Venus have won 14 Grand Slam titles together in doubles, including six at Wimbledon — the first in 2000 and the last in 2016. Their first two doubles titles at the All England Club, in 2000 and 2002, came as wild cards.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/wimbledon-draw-serena-williams-to-learn-her-first-round-opponent-in-a-comeback-at-age-44/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:05:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7NERXSXBTVAPRPUNSNBKCA6EBY.jpg","slug":"serena-williams-draws-20-year-old-maya-joint-in-first-wimbledon-singles-match-in-4-years"},{"id":"4gjbil","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3383: Mr. Herschel’s Millstone","excerpt":"Episode: 3383 Mr. Herschel's Milky Way \"millstone\". Today, an early Milky Way model.  ","content":"Episode: 3383 Mr. Herschel's Milky Way \"millstone\". Today, an early Milky Way model.  ","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/24/554586/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3383-mr-herschels-millstone/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Tom Callen","publishDate":"2026-06-24T05:01:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3383-mr-herschels-millstone"},{"id":"anxcrh","title":"Paris Diamond League to go ahead with safety measures amid historic heat wave","excerpt":"This weekend's Diamond League track and field meeting in Paris will go ahead as planned despite the historic heat wave gripping the country and stretching emergency services, organizers said on Friday.Hours after Paris police authorities said they wanted the event canceled, the French athletics f...","content":"This weekend's Diamond League track and field meeting in Paris will go ahead as planned despite the historic heat wave gripping the country and stretching emergency services, organizers said on Friday.Hours after Paris police authorities said they wanted the event canceled, the French athletics federation (FFA) confirmed that it would take place on Sunday at Charlety Stadium, in agreement with the police prefecture. Citing the exceptional heat that has affected Paris since June 21, the police prefecture had asked organizers of the meet, and other events scheduled this weekend including a music festival and a Pride march, to cancel. The prefecture said it would be forced to comply with the order if they didn’t agree voluntarily as emergency services needed to concentrate their efforts on protecting the most vulnerable people.Noah Lyle, Femke Bol and Mondo Duplantis are among the athletes expected to compete in Paris.The FFA, which organizes the meet, said it would be staged in “an adapted format designed to ensure the safety of all participants.”Only competitions involving professional athletes will be held, with all other activities cancelled.“Since the beginning of this extreme weather event, the French Athletics Federation has been closely monitoring the situation in constant coordination with government authorities. The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all staff involved remains our highest priority,” the FFA said.Among the measures put in place to mitigate the effects of the heat, the FFA cited delaying the opening of the stadium gates to the public, reinforcing medical and emergency services and providing additional drinking water stations and shaded areas.The average temperature recorded at 30 weather stations by the Meteo France weather agency on Thursday reached 30 degrees C (86F) again, matching the record for the hottest day nationwide set the previous day.More than three-quarters of France has been placed under a red weather alert for the first time.___AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/26/paris-diamond-league-to-go-ahead-with-safety-measures-amid-historic-heat-wave/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:29:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNH3AHIXUIREQHLDDXPPSRI4GK4.jpg","slug":"paris-diamond-league-to-go-ahead-with-safety-measures-amid-historic-heat-wave"},{"id":"cekv9n","title":"12-year-old girl finds mother, stepfather dead in apparent murder-suicide at NW Harris County home","excerpt":"A 12-year-old girl called 911 after finding her mother unresponsive inside a northwest Harris County home late Thursday night, where deputies say they later discovered both her mother and stepfather dead in what investigators believe was an apparent murder-suicide.The incident happened around 11 ...","content":"A 12-year-old girl called 911 after finding her mother unresponsive inside a northwest Harris County home late Thursday night, where deputies say they later discovered both her mother and stepfather dead in what investigators believe was an apparent murder-suicide.The incident happened around 11 p.m. in the 12500 block of Baldwin Springs.According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the girl told dispatchers her mother was unresponsive. When deputies and EMS arrived, they found the child unharmed outside the home.Conroe woman arrested after cemetery mausoleum theft caught on camera, constable saysInvestigators said they then located a woman dead inside the residence and found a man dead in a separate room.Authorities believe the man was the girl’s stepfather, while the woman was her biological mother. Officials said all three had lived at the home for some time.“This is looking more like it is a murder-suicide,” HCSO Homicide Sgt. Michael Ritchie said during a Friday morning briefing.Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry or evidence that anyone else was involved. One weapon was recovered from the scene, though authorities have not released what type of weapon it was or how either victim died.Female mover hit and killed by moving truck after argument with coworker in SW HoustonThe sheriff’s office has not identified the victims, and their causes of death remain under investigation.Deputies are reviewing surveillance video, speaking with neighbors and working to establish a timeline of what happened. Officials said they are also trying to determine whether there had been any previous domestic violence incidents involving the family.Neighbors who spoke with KPRC 2 off camera said they had previously seen the woman injured during an apparent domestic disturbance outside the home. They claimed deputies responded at the time, but said the woman declined to press charges. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said it has not yet confirmed whether there were any prior calls for service at the residence.Free domestic violence resources offered in and around the Houston areaA friend of the family, who also spoke off camera, said the girl’s older sister is currently in Venezuela and contacted friends after learning what happened. The friend said the 12-year-old had been asleep before discovering her mother and later finding her stepfather in another room.The investigation remains ongoing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/12-year-old-girl-finds-mother-stepfather-dead-in-apparent-murder-suicide-at-nw-harris-county-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra, T.J. Parker","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:53:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3P56LSRBZNCSTNDS4QYSAKJTMQ.png","slug":"12-year-old-girl-finds-mother-stepfather-dead-in-apparent-murder-suicide-at-nw-harris-county-home"},{"id":"zi0i1c","title":"Ukraine unleashes one of its heaviest drone bombardments of Russia","excerpt":"Ukraine launched a major nighttime attack on a dozen Russian regions, Russian-held Crimea and the surrounding seas, Moscow’s Defense Ministry said Friday, in what appeared to be one of Kyiv’s biggest drone assaults since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion more than four years ago.Russian air defen...","content":"Ukraine launched a major nighttime attack on a dozen Russian regions, Russian-held Crimea and the surrounding seas, Moscow’s Defense Ministry said Friday, in what appeared to be one of Kyiv’s biggest drone assaults since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion more than four years ago.Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The previous biggest Ukrainian attack over the past year, as Ukraine has accelerated its drone development, involved 556 drones on May 17.In an effort to turn the tables on Russia’s grinding war of attrition, Ukrainian long-range drones have been battering oil production and energy facilities behind the front line and deep inside Russia. The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, stalling Moscow's efforts on the battlefield, Western officials and analysts say, and has heaped pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.A Russian chemical plant is reportedly hitInitial damage reports from Russia after the overnight attack provided scant information. Russia’s Defense Ministry usually doesn't say what was targeted in Ukraine’s drone attacks, nor does it detail any damage.Russian independent online outlet Astra reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric plant in Novomoskovsk were attacked and caught fire. The Associated Press couldn’t independently verify the report, and there was no official confirmation.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 47 Ukrainian drones were downed as they flew toward the Russian capital. He did not report any casualties or damage.Ukraine’s Security Service said it used drones to strike Russian navy ships and air defense radars in Kerch, an important port city in Crimea.The targets were two reconnaissance and minelaying ships, the Volga and the Vyatka, and the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk, the agency said, claiming that the strikes started a large fire. The claim could not be independently verified.Zelenskyy hints at a 40-day blitz of RussiaThe major attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that he had ordered “a 40-day influence operation,” believed to mean an escalation of attacks, aimed at “compelling (Russia) to end the war” after U.S. peace efforts over the past year yielded no breakthrough.Still, as they have occasionally in the past, Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war, with 160 from each side returning home on Friday, officials said.Ukraine has racked up a list of successful strikes, including hitting targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.Zelenskyy said he got further promises of foreign support when he attended a recent summit of G7 leaders, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, and that the promised aid will help Ukraine step up its effort to force Putin to the negotiating table.A NATO summit next month could be another key moment in beefing up Ukraine's military.Russian attacks killed 3 civilians and wounded 29, Ukraine saysTwo people were killed and seven were wounded in Russian attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region over the previous 24 hours, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Friday. Russian forces struck the city of Kharkiv and 16 other settlements across the region, Syniehubov added.On Friday morning, another Russian drone attack on downtown Izium, a city in the Kharkiv region, killed a woman and wounded three other people, emergency services said. Attacks in the capital, Kyiv, the southern Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions, and Sumy in the northeast, also left at least 19 people wounded, including a 9-year-old, according to authorities. Some of the Russian attacks used powerful glide bombs and also targeted gas stations.Ukraine’s defenses overnight stopped 174 of 189 Russian drones, the Ukrainian air force said. However, four of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles that were fired got through air defenses and struck various locations, it said.No Russian military buildup seen on border with Belarus, Ukraine saysRussia is expanding several of its military sites deep inside Belarus, but there is no buildup of forces near the Ukrainian border, a State Border Guard Service spokesman said Friday.Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine from Belarus, which borders both countries, and Kyiv has kept a close watch on developments there during the war.Ukrainian intelligence units have detected no grouping or reinforcement of Russian units, equipment or personnel close to the border, spokesman Andrii Demchenko said in remarks to Ukrainian television.However, Russia has a growing number of training grounds, bases and other sites deeper inside the country, according to intelligence units.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/russia-reports-one-of-the-biggest-ukrainian-drone-attacks-on-its-soil-and-annexed-crimea/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T07:09:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FN63PUWIB6JAZTFAUCOX6ICFS4I.jpg","slug":"ukraine-unleashes-one-of-its-heaviest-drone-bombardments-of-russia"},{"id":"xbvx3u","title":"Venezuelans search rubble for survivors after 2 strong earthquakes kill at least 235","excerpt":"Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings Thursday and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed at least 235 people and left more than 200 trapped.","content":"Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings Thursday and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed at least 235 people and left more than 200 trapped.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/venezuela-reeling-powerful-twin-earthquakes-kill-least-32-people-promises-aid-pour-amid-airport-closure/19378040/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:20:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382249_062526-wls-hsu-n1-venezuela-quakes-4p-vid.jpg","slug":"venezuelans-search-rubble-for-survivors-after-2-strong-earthquakes-kill-at-least-235"},{"id":"smicjn","title":"Vance, an admirer of Richard Nixon, says Watergate would be 'a 12-hour news story' today","excerpt":"Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon would have been a blip in today's news cycle, and he drew parallels between Nixon and President Donald Trump — arguing that both were targeted by “deep state” forces.Vance described his admira...","content":"Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon would have been a blip in today's news cycle, and he drew parallels between Nixon and President Donald Trump — arguing that both were targeted by “deep state” forces.Vance described his admiration for Nixon during a conversation at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California. Widely expected to be a presidential contender in 2028, Vance spoke at the library while promoting his new book, “Communion.”After talking about the book and his faith journey, Vance shifted to Nixon, saying the legacy of the 37th president is “enjoying a bit of a renaissance.”“If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story. The idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy,” Vance said.He went on: “If you look at the story of how the deep state took down Richard Nixon, it’s not all that different from what the same groups of people, the same institutions tried to do to Donald Trump in the first Trump administration.”Vance then noted his own similarities with Nixon.“Young senator, vice president, writes some bestselling books, is hated by the media,” he said. “It kind of sounds like JD Vance. I've always liked Richard Nixon.\"Nixon was in his second term when he resigned over the Watergate scandal in 1974.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/vance-an-admirer-of-richard-nixon-says-watergate-would-be-a-12-hour-news-story-today/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:55:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQOUQZ2GHENHLNGUVSNNBC4JCME.jpg","slug":"vance-an-admirer-of-richard-nixon-says-watergate-would-be-a-12-hour-news-story-today"},{"id":"z0bltb","title":"HISD board unanimously approves controversial bible-infused Bluebonnet curriculum","excerpt":"HISD board members unanimously approved the use of the bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum.","content":"HISD board members unanimously approved the use of the bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/hisd-board-unanimously-approves-controversial-bible-infused-bluebonnet-curriculum/19383218/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Mo Haider","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:18:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19383176_062526-ktrk-bluebonnet-meeting-img.png","slug":"hisd-board-unanimously-approves-controversial-bible-infused-bluebonnet-curriculum"},{"id":"hj0z9w","title":"Woman killed after man intentionally ran her over during argument in west Houston, HPD says","excerpt":"HPD says they believe that the crash wasn't an accident and that the man intentionally ran over the woman.","content":"HPD says they believe that the crash wasn't an accident and that the man intentionally ran over the woman.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/suspect-custody-car-crash-leaves-woman-dead-south-gessner-road-west-houston-hpd-says/19382745/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:12:30.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19384345_062526-ktrk-moving-truck-img.png","slug":"woman-killed-after-man-intentionally-ran-her-over-during-argument-in-west-houston-hpd-says"},{"id":"3kr5id","title":"AP Exclusive: NATO deputy commander wants Turkey summit to spur more defense spending and show unity","excerpt":"NATO's deputy commander told The Associated Press that he wants a summit in Turkey to spur member countries to spend more on defense, reaffirm support for Ukraine and underline the unity of the alliance. Air Chief Marshal John Stringer, NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, spoke to AP ...","content":"NATO's deputy commander told The Associated Press that he wants a summit in Turkey to spur member countries to spend more on defense, reaffirm support for Ukraine and underline the unity of the alliance. Air Chief Marshal John Stringer, NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, spoke to AP in London less than two weeks before the crucial Ankara summit on July 7-8 tests the cohesion of the 77-year-old alliance.U.S. President Donald Trump has sent conflicting signals over America's force posture in Europe and has threatened to leave the alliance. He has also unnerved European leaders with his push to annex Greenland and his flattery of NATO adversary Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lambasted NATO allies last week for not allowing use of their bases to attack Iran, as he announced a surprise six-month review of American forces in Europe. Meanwhile, in the U.K. — the country which holds the position of NATO deputy supreme allied commander — government ministers quit recently over what they said were military spending plans that fail to keep Britain safe.Summits are “highly political events and they are a demonstration of any organization’s unity,” said Stringer, a senior British air force officer. It would be strange if there weren't moments of turbulence over decades of NATO expanding, he said. “Are we in one of those moments at the moment? Yes, we are,” Stringer said during a military conference in London where AP also interviewed other senior European military officials about their hopes — and fears — for the summit. NATO's European members step up on defenseTrump has long urged European allies to take more responsibility for their own defense, and with the notable exception of Spain they have largely heeded with an unprecedented effort to spend more on their armed forces. Russia is increasingly threatening Europe, so allies should boost their own militaries while helping Ukraine degrade Russia's fighting power, said Maj. Gen. Indrek Sirel, a commander in Estonia's armed forces. “Europe as a whole has a lot to do in order to be credible against Russia,” said Brig. Gen. Jyri Raitasalo of Finland, which shares NATO's longest border with Russia.Stringer said European nations are investing to generate a “really credible force,” citing as an example how some countries are quadrupling production of 155 mm artillery shells. The summit will discuss ramping up production in ways the alliance has not had to do in decades, Stringer said. European military chiefs wait for clarity on US plansThe outcome of Hegseth's six-month review of forces will determine how fast Europeans must take responsibility for their own security. The U.S. military in Europe had said earlier in June that Washington would be withdrawing some capabilities from Europe and expecting other allies to fill the gaps.The Trump administration says that troop reductions in Europe have long been planned and coordinated with allies, but Sirel said it's still not clear how U.S. forces will be positioned in the Baltic states. That includes some U.S.-led deterrence of Russia on NATO's eastern flank.Sirel said he was “confident” he could rely on a U.S. presence, though the Estonian military is finding ways to react to sudden changes.Stringer said it would be difficult to replace U.S. long-range strike and surveillance capabilities, but he was confident allies could bridge the gap — not always with the same equipment, but by mixing a “cocktail” of capabilities.Only the U.S. operates B1 and B52 bomber aircraft, but Stringer said that, in theory, a loss of their capabilities might be offset by firing missiles from a variety of other systems including from the ground, sea and smaller aircraft.Changing plans suddenly is not good for defenseNATO allies were bewildered in May when Trump said he would send 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland just weeks after ordering the same number pulled from Europe.Such sudden changes are challenging because military planning requires long-term strategy, said Raitasalo, the Finnish military's logistics chief. “If you change your mind, or change your plan, every week or every month or even every year, you will not get very good results,” he said. Raitasalo said the allies need to make clear pledges of capabilities, rather than just promise spending.Sweden's army chief, Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors, said a good outcome from the summit would be “a common picture of how to realign when it comes to deterrence and defense.\"Lindfors said he would like at least an outline — if not a “clear vision” — on how defense burdens should shift so that he knows what “NATO 3.0 is starting to look like.” Britain needs to commit to defenseBritish Defense Secretary John Healey resigned earlier this month, along with another minister, saying the government was unable and unwilling to commit the resources Britain needs to “defend the country at this time of rising threats.”At last year’s NATO summit, members agreed to spend 3.5% of their gross domestic product on core defense. The U.K. committed to meeting that target by 2035, but Healey said the proposed defense investment plan would see spending rise to just 2.68% of GDP in 2030.The new defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, has said Britain will keep its commitments, and the British government has committed to publishing the spending plan.By the summit, NATO expects nations to have a “credible path” to 3.5%, and the U.K. is “as beholden to that as anybody else,\" Stringer said.He said the U.K. cannot presume that “thought leadership” in NATO is enough, and that it must match its “forces and resources.\"NATO's credibility is at stakeAt last year's summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte kept Trump on board by telling him he would achieve “BIG” success at getting allies to spend more on defense. “It’s a tricky question,” said Lindfors, the Swedish commander, when asked if a key goal for this summit is to avoid a situation where the U.S. president slams his allies.Stringer said that at this year’s summit it’s important to display “cohesion and unity” among the alliance’s 32 members but also to have “honest” conversations and deliver “credible” plans. Raitasalo of Finland said the meeting must go beyond traditional “communiques, road maps and action plans\" and demonstrate deterrence through deeds. He said if NATO members don't step up and translate promises into action, the “credibility” of the alliance is at stake.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/26/nato-summit-should-display-unity-and-pledges-to-defense-deputy-nato-chief-tells-ap/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Emma Burrows, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:08:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLWJLLFHTMVELLPEVLCVO5O33KE.jpg","slug":"ap-exclusive-nato-deputy-commander-wants-turkey-summit-to-spur-more-defense-spending-and-show-unity"},{"id":"3964eb","title":"Dwayne Johnson reveals two reasons why it was an honor to bring Maui to live-action 'Moana'","excerpt":"Dwayne Johnson shares two reasons why it was an honor to play Maui again in live-action \"Moana.\" Plus, Catherine Laga'aia on mirroring Moana's story in her real life!","content":"Dwayne Johnson shares two reasons why it was an honor to play Maui again in live-action \"Moana.\" Plus, Catherine Laga'aia on mirroring Moana's story in her real life!","url":"https://abc7.com/post/dwayne-johnson-reveals-reasons-was-honor-bring-maui-live-action-moana/19383506/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:10:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19383671_vert-062526-otrc-moana-dwaynetworeasons-vid.jpg","slug":"dwayne-johnson-reveals-two-reasons-why-it-was-an-honor-to-bring-maui-to-live-action-moana"},{"id":"x2dm3s","title":"Houston airline crews are gearing up for a busy travel weekend ahead of Fourth of July","excerpt":"Of the 6 million travelers, they're expecting approximately 550,000 travelers per day and more than 500 flights per day out of Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.","content":"Of the 6 million travelers, they're expecting approximately 550,000 travelers per day and more than 500 flights per day out of Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/houston-airline-crews-are-gearing-busy-travel-weekend-ahead-fourth-july/19383224/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Kelvin Henry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:49:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19383335_062526-ktrk-united-img.png","slug":"houston-airline-crews-are-gearing-up-for-a-busy-travel-weekend-ahead-of-fourth-of-july"},{"id":"1cw0g6","title":"Luigi Mangione's defense team discussed plea deal in federal case: ABC News sources","excerpt":"The sources told ABC News it was not clear how close the two sides came to an agreement before the negotiations stopped.","content":"The sources told ABC News it was not clear how close the two sides came to an agreement before the negotiations stopped.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/luigi-mangiones-defense-attorneys-prosecutors-discussed-possible-guilty-plea-ahead-monday-hearing-abc-news-sources/19382394/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:08:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382150_062526-wabc-ap-luigi-mangione-court-img.jpg","slug":"luigi-mangiones-defense-team-discussed-plea-deal-in-federal-case-abc-news-sources"},{"id":"1ucwz9","title":"Does Fort Bend County have a judge? It depends on who you ask","excerpt":"Despite questions over whether he is still the Fort Bend County judge, Daniel Wong and two commissioners voted to keep him on. Two other commissioners argued the vote was illegal.","content":"Despite questions over whether he is still the Fort Bend County judge, Daniel Wong and two commissioners voted to keep him on. Two other commissioners argued the vote was illegal.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/does-fort-bend-county-have-judge-depends-ask/19381260/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Tony Atkins","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:57:40.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381411_062526-ktrk-wong-comm-court-img.png","slug":"does-fort-bend-county-have-a-judge-it-depends-on-who-you-ask"},{"id":"w5l75k","title":"Texas Rep. Gene Wu says underfunded schools are fueling juvenile justice challenges","excerpt":"State Rep. Gene Wu says Texas must do more to support public education and address the root causes of youth crime, arguing that underfunded schools and a lack of mental health resources are contributing to problems in the state’s juvenile justice system.During a Houston Community Media news brief...","content":"State Rep. Gene Wu says Texas must do more to support public education and address the root causes of youth crime, arguing that underfunded schools and a lack of mental health resources are contributing to problems in the state’s juvenile justice system.During a Houston Community Media news briefing focused on challenges facing children and teenagers, Wu said the state’s education system is one of the biggest issues facing young Texans.Texas high court rejects removal of Democratic lawmakers who led quorum break over redistricting“I would say one of the biggest issues right now, bar none, is our education system,” Wu said.Wu said Texas schools are not equipped to serve students who come from troubled homes, experience poverty or struggle with mental health and behavioral issues. He also criticized lawmakers for failing to fully fund public education.“Every year we defund our schools more and more,” Wu said.According to Wu, lawmakers were told during the 2025 legislative session that Texas public schools faced a $16 billion funding shortfall but only allocated about half that amount. He said the result has been school closures, larger class sizes and increasing pressure on teachers across the state.“Classroom sizes are getting bigger and bigger. Teachers are getting more and more frustrated,” Wu said.Wu also criticized the state’s emphasis on standardized testing, arguing that schools are financially incentivized to move students through the system rather than ensure they are learning.“The system right now is only geared toward testing,” Wu said. “It does not actually care whether students learn or not.”Wu said the lack of educational resources has also changed how schools respond to student behavior, with law enforcement increasingly becoming involved in situations that were once handled by administrators.Texas Supreme Court rejects Abbott’s request to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office over redistricting protest“Back when I was in school, there were no cops in school,” Wu said. “If you got into a fight, you went to the principal’s office.”Today, Wu said, students are more likely to be arrested for behavior that previously resulted in disciplinary action, creating what he described as a pipeline into the juvenile justice system.He argued that placing more police officers on campuses or arming teachers does not address the underlying causes of school violence.“When we deal with things like school shootings, our response is not to provide mental health care, our response is not to provide social services,” Wu said. “Instead, what we say is, ‘Let’s just put cops in every classroom. Let’s give teachers guns.’ Those don’t actually solve anything.”Wu, who represents Texas House District 137 and serves as vice chair of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, said his work on juvenile justice began while serving as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.He said that experience taught him the importance of addressing why children enter the justice system rather than focusing solely on punishment.“A lot of the problems that we see in society, that we see in the criminal justice system, that we see in delinquent children, are problems that we created,” Wu said. “And we put no resources into fixing these problems.”Wu said Texas has made progress in juvenile justice reform but warned against returning to a “tough on crime” approach.“What we’ve discovered is simply beating kids harder doesn’t actually change bad behavior,” he said. “It makes kids more violent.”Wu said improving education, expanding mental health resources and investing in children before they enter the justice system are essential to reducing youth crime and creating better outcomes for families across Texas.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/texas-rep-gene-wu-says-underfunded-schools-are-fueling-juvenile-justice-challenges/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-26T11:09:17.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F35HIZRJLRJCCDHLHQ4OFUZLAX4.jpg","slug":"texas-rep-gene-wu-says-underfunded-schools-are-fueling-juvenile-justice-challenges"},{"id":"26pmy","title":"Texas lawmaker calls for stricter AI rules in schools, says students need stronger critical thinking skills","excerpt":"State Rep. Jolanda Jones is sounding the alarm about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media on young people, arguing the technology is weakening students’ critical thinking skills and calling for stricter limits on AI use in education.During a news briefing focused on p...","content":"State Rep. Jolanda Jones is sounding the alarm about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media on young people, arguing the technology is weakening students’ critical thinking skills and calling for stricter limits on AI use in education.During a news briefing focused on public education, artificial intelligence and social media, the Houston Democrat said she believes students are becoming increasingly reliant on AI instead of learning how to think independently.“I’m not a fan of AI at all, especially in public education,” Jones said. “Kids are not using their brains.”Jones, a former Houston ISD trustee, said the rise of AI has made it easier for students to avoid problem-solving, writing and other foundational skills that she believes are essential to learning.“The one thing before AI, you literally had to use your own brain to figure things out,” she said. “With the advent of AI, kids don’t have to problem solve. They don’t have to spell check. They don’t have to do anything.”Wall Street drifts to a mixed finish after Micron soars and Apple dropsShe said she would require students to handwrite assignments if she were teaching, arguing that writing by hand forces students to think critically and better retain information.Jones also expressed concerns that AI is affecting higher education and even professional fields such as law, where she practices as an attorney. She pointed to reports of attorneys relying on AI-generated legal citations that turned out to be fabricated.“I think AI has literally debilitated the human brain,” Jones said.Jones said she believes children should not be allowed to use AI throughout elementary and middle school and suggested restrictions continue into the first years of high school.“I don’t know what the magic age is, but it definitely needs to be through elementary, middle school, and probably the first two years of high school,” she said.She also questioned whether lawmakers are willing to regulate artificial intelligence, saying she believes Texas has not adopted adequate safeguards for students.“I don’t think there are proper protections for students to be taught to actually use their brains,” Jones said.Beyond artificial intelligence, Jones said social media is contributing to declining self-esteem among young people by creating unrealistic standards through filters and curated online content.She said many users compare themselves to edited versions of others’ lives, leading to unhealthy expectations.“I think social media is really destroying the self-esteem of people,” Jones said.World shares skid as traders sell to lock in profits after recent rallies driven by AIJones also raised concerns about people increasingly turning to AI chatbots instead of licensed mental health professionals.“I know people who literally talk to ChatGPT like it’s a real person,” she said. “These AI tools are programmed to tell you what you want to hear.”Jones encouraged news organizations, particularly community and ethnic media outlets, to continue educating families about the risks associated with AI and social media.She said she is also considering hosting a town hall to discuss the future of education and how parents can help children develop critical thinking skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.“I actually think people need to talk about it,” Jones said. “Write articles about it. If I do a town hall, come to it.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/texas-rep-jolanda-jones-calls-for-limits-on-ai-in-schools-cites-concerns-over-critical-thinking/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:53:27.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHBCA7A5H5VEJNMHLKIXWIKBOWQ.jpg","slug":"texas-lawmaker-calls-for-stricter-ai-rules-in-schools-says-students-need-stronger-critical-thinking-"},{"id":"wfgzs3","title":"2 Newsletter: Another hot & sunny weekend ahead","excerpt":"Good morning, Houston.☀️Happy Friday! Hope you’re easing into the day (and the heat) with an extra sip of coffee, or tea, or milk, or whatever you’re drinking this morning.We’re in Austin again today. The Texas State Board of Education is expected to make a decision on proposed changes to the sta...","content":"Good morning, Houston.☀️Happy Friday! Hope you’re easing into the day (and the heat) with an extra sip of coffee, or tea, or milk, or whatever you’re drinking this morning.We’re in Austin again today. The Texas State Board of Education is expected to make a decision on proposed changes to the state’s K-12 curriculum guidelines — including an overhaul of social studies standards and a new statewide reading list that includes biblical verses and stories. The outcome could shape what students learn in the years ahead. You’ll find more of today’s top local stories below, too.As always, follow us with the latest on Click2Houston.com and watch us live on KPRC 2+.➡️ Love our morning newsletter? Share it with your family and friends!Weather ⛅TODAY: 93° TONIGHT: 79°KPRC Meteorologists Justin Stapleton and Caroline Brown say:“Expect another hot summer afternoon across Southeast Texas with plenty of sunshine and only a few fair-weather clouds. High temperatures will climb into the low to mid-90s, but the humidity will make it feel much hotter, with heat index values reaching 104 to 107 degrees. A light southerly breeze will provide only limited relief, and while an isolated shower can’t be ruled out, most neighborhoods will stay dry through the evening.”Bonus weather note: Saharan dust is back— expect hazier skies at times, potentially lower air quality for sensitive groups, and the chance for more vibrant sunrises/sunsets.➡️ More weather headlines? Check them out hereGet your forecast details here.Houston’s Top Headlines 📰TODAY: Texas State Board of Education to vote on K-12 curriculum changesThe Texas State Board of Education could make a decision as soon as today on proposed changes to the state’s K-12 curriculum guidelines, including an overhaul of social studies standards. Another proposal would create a required statewide reading list that includes biblical verses and stories, taking effect in 2030-31 if approved.12-year-old girl finds mother, stepfather dead in apparent murder-suicide at NW Harris County homeA 12-year-old girl called 911 after finding her mother unresponsive inside a northwest Harris County home late Thursday night, where deputies say they later discovered both her mother and stepfather dead in what investigators believe was an apparent murder-suicide.The incident happened around 11 p.m. in the 12500 block of Baldwin Springs.Free domestic violence resources offered in and around the Houston areaAs part of our ongoing effort to help people in our community, our team put together a list of groups in the Houston area that can help victims of domestic violence. You’ll find nonprofits, legal experts, and law enforcement who work to help people in our community.Conroe woman arrested after cemetery mausoleum theft caught on camera, constable saysA Conroe woman accused of stealing keepsakes and valuables from inside a west Houston cemetery mausoleum has been arrested, according to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton.You Got a Text! 💌Introducing KPRC 2’s newest show... The Villa Verdict!Love Island is more than just a reality show; it’s a cultural phenomenon.The Villa Verdict is KPRC 2’s weekly Love Island USA recap series, where we break down the biggest villa moments, debate the hottest takes, rank the strongest couples, and explore the social, cultural, and relationship trends driving the conversation. Whether you’re rooting for love, calling out red flags, or just here for the drama, this is your place to join the discussion. 🌴❤️📱New episodes every week. Check them out here.Things 2 Know 💡Airbnb activates anti-party technology in Houston ahead of Fourth of July, World Cup crowdsProtect your dog’s paws: Learn the 7-second test for hot pavement2 Helps You: Fort Bend County residents tired of neglected eyesore impacting their community without accountabilityIn case you missed it... 👀Fruit-covered freeway: Spill closes lanes on Southwest Freeway near Bellaire for hoursHouston Dynamo’s Brazilian players are bummed they’ll miss seeing Brazil play on Monday4 shot after argument over trash leads to group exchanging gunfire in Houston’s Fifth WardShare your Pins! 📷See a news story in your neighborhood? Capture a great weather moment? Just want to share a photo of your pet? Send your photos and videos to Click2Pins, and you may see them on air and online!Don’t miss a minuteWe’re tracking your forecast, bringing you traffic solutions, and covering important news LIVE from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KPRC 2 and the KPRC 2+ livestream. Join us today!","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/meta/newsletter/2026/06/26/2-newsletter-another-hot-sunny-weekend-ahead-2/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:26:20.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUZ67CBKXBVAHHOEOQGHEGSDXFA.png","slug":"2-newsletter-another-hot-sunny-weekend-ahead"},{"id":"ayanff","title":"Australia plans to strengthen laws banning children from social media","excerpt":"The Australian government plans to strengthen laws that ban children younger than 16 from social media platforms, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.Observers said on Friday the government was responding to evidence that the ban on young children holding accounts on platforms including Facebook...","content":"The Australian government plans to strengthen laws that ban children younger than 16 from social media platforms, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.Observers said on Friday the government was responding to evidence that the ban on young children holding accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube had failed since it came into force on Dec. 10 last year. Australia was the first country in the world to pass legislation keeping youth off social media, but others have since followed.Albanese told Parliament on Thursday this government was considering options to strengthen the ban.“We’re working on that as a priority because this is something that other generations didn’t have to deal with, which is why it’s complex,” Albanese told Parliament.He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday the government was asking “are the laws as strong as possible?” and did eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s online safety watchdog, “have every power at her disposal?”Britain announced last week plans to ban children under 16 from a range of platforms to protect them from harmful content and excessive screen time.Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have introduced legislation or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media. France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are among others studying or developing similar approaches.Inman Grant said in April she was considering court action against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, alleging they were not doing enough to keep young Australian children off their platforms.These platforms, as well as X, Kick, Reddit, Threads and Twitch, face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($34 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of young children.Melbourne’s RMIT University expert on information sciences Lisa Given said the government’s proposed reform was a response to evidence that the ban was failing. The evidence included eSafety's own data released in March that showed seven in 10 underage children continued to hold accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok since December.Given also pointed to a study published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday that found 85% of a group of Australian 12 to 17-year-olds were using restricted platforms.“I do think it’s failing,” Given said. “Many kids in the media have reported that they also think that this is really a failed exercise.”The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported Inman Grant saying in an interview in early June: “I don’t have potent powers.”“What I would say is a regulator is only as good as the tools and the resources that they’re given,” she is quoted as saying.The Associated Press asked Inman Grant’s office on Friday to comment on the accuracy of that reporting, but her office did not immediately reply.Given said Inman Grant faced a challenge in enforcing legislation that platforms were resisting.“Either the eSafety Commissioner needs more powers or we’ve got to have some other approach to enforcement,” Given said.Given expected the courts would need to decide what constituted “reasonable steps” required by the law to be taken to keep children off platforms. Albanese said as part of increased efforts to enforce the social media ban, his government would proceed with digital duty of care legislation which would hold platforms accountable for foreseeable harms caused by content and algorithms.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/tech/2026/06/26/australia-plans-to-strengthen-laws-banning-children-from-social-media/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rod Mcguirk, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T07:35:01.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCAIMO6MMPJDEFO3CFN4EQODS7E.jpg","slug":"australia-plans-to-strengthen-laws-banning-children-from-social-media"},{"id":"uaq05a","title":"St. Bernard dogs still roam the Swiss Alps as part of this 'living museum' and its breeding program","excerpt":"At the Great St. Bernard Pass high in the Swiss Alps, the eponymous dogs still walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years to find travelers buried beneath the snow. Down in the valley, a living museum honoring the Swiss national dog's history — and its future — i...","content":"At the Great St. Bernard Pass high in the Swiss Alps, the eponymous dogs still walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years to find travelers buried beneath the snow. Down in the valley, a living museum honoring the Swiss national dog's history — and its future — is marking its first year.More than 130,000 people have visited Barryland, the world's only space dedicated to St. Bernards, since it opened last summer in Martigny, Switzerland, after outgrowing a much smaller space. Tourists can watch live grooming and physiotherapy sessions, explore the mountain pass with augmented reality technology and learn more about the dogs.“We have a lot of demand and interest for this breed and this whole history and patrimony,” said Barryland director Mélanie Glassey-Roth. “So we decided to create a new park, a big one.”At 2,469 meters (8,100 feet) above sea level on the Swiss-Italian border, the Great St. Bernard Pass is one of the country’s highest and most treacherous. Since the mid-17th century, large mountain dogs have been kept on the pass. They arrived as guard dogs, became companions, and gradually evolved into something the Alpine world had never seen before: Animals with an extraordinary instinct for locating hikers lost in snow and fog.The breed's name stems from the Great St. Bernard Hospice, which was founded in 1050 by Bernard de Montjoux, the archdeacon of Aosta and future saint, to provide refuge for pilgrims and merchants crossing the dangerous pass. The dogs became central to that mission, and by the early 19th century they had a reputation that was carried across Europe by soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte following his army's own crossing of the route.Barry the First, the most celebrated dog, is traditionally credited with saving more than 40 lives when he was at the hospice between 1800 and 1812. At the Barry Foundation, the steward for the breeding program, there is always a male dog called Barry.Currently, the foundation's 21 keepers care for 32 dogs. Roughly 20 pedigree puppies are born annually. These dogs, as well as other St. Bernards, no longer do mountain rescues because they’re too big to be transported by helicopter. Smaller breeds like Australian shepherds are used instead, though a number of St. Bernards are kept on the pass to keep the tradition alive.The foundation's dogs typically eat about 10 metric tons (22,046 pounds) of dry food each year and spend their summers gamboling in the remnants of snow in the mountains before heading 40 kilometers (25 miles) down winding roads back to the kennel in Barryland. “We get to see them born, and we get to see them grow up, and then become mothers, and we get to accompany them through all those different challenges in life,” keeper Alexandra Piatti said. “We are their guide, so we can help them with socialization and educate them, and really be by their side for their whole lives.”In 2025 alone, the foundation says its dogs completed 609 jobs by visiting hospitals, care homes, schools and prisons across Switzerland.Keeper Déborah Dini balances the weight of the breed's history with affection for the dogs in her charge.“We perpetuate the tradition,” she said. “We take care of them. We love them.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/weird-news/2026/06/26/st-bernard-dogs-still-roam-the-swiss-alps-as-part-of-this-living-museum-and-its-breeding-program/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jez Fielder, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T05:09:31.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4KRGCGDQJJH7NJHMT3ZW6NM7ME.jpg","slug":"st-bernard-dogs-still-roam-the-swiss-alps-as-part-of-this-living-museum-and-its-breeding-program"},{"id":"ax8jf0","title":"US Supreme Court clears way for Trump administration to revive restrictive immigration policy","excerpt":"The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.","content":"The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/supreme-court-clears-trump-administration-revive-restrictive-immigration-policy-used-asylum-seekers/19379974/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:28:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381321_062526-wls-scotus-wrap-11a-vid.jpg","slug":"us-supreme-court-clears-way-for-trump-administration-to-revive-restrictive-immigration-policy"},{"id":"cyp0xt","title":"Former county engineer appointed as new Harris County Flood Control District Director","excerpt":"Marcus Stuckett was appointed as the new director after the previous director abruptly resigned earlier this month amid questions about leadership.","content":"Marcus Stuckett was appointed as the new director after the previous director abruptly resigned earlier this month amid questions about leadership.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/harris-county-commissioners-court-appoints-marcus-stuckett-flood-control-district-director/19381362/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:23:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381424_marcus-stuckett-new-HCFCD.jpg","slug":"former-county-engineer-appointed-as-new-harris-county-flood-control-district-director"},{"id":"fccqd2","title":"What Texas can learn from Japanese cities that give technology to its senior citizens","excerpt":"This story is part of a reporting fellowship sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists and supported by The Commonwealth Fund.TOKYO — In Shibuya, home to one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations and shopping destinations, seniors can choose a monitoring service and the city will instal...","content":"This story is part of a reporting fellowship sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists and supported by The Commonwealth Fund.TOKYO — In Shibuya, home to one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations and shopping destinations, seniors can choose a monitoring service and the city will install it and pay for the service subscription for up to a year. They can pick Hello Light, an LED lightbulb that autonomously sends text messages to caretakers when the light hasn’t been turned on for a while. Or, MaBeee, a battery that powers TV remotes, lights and other small devices and alerts family members when they are not being used. There’s also Bocco, which can store medication reminders, transmit weather alerts and tell when the home is too hot or too cold. A nod to Japan’s affinity for anthropomorphic packaging, the messaging device is shaped like a small snowman.“One of the biggest problems we have in Japan, in this [elder care] industry, is the gap between the demand and the supply because there are a growing number of elderly people but we are understaffed,” said Masaru Yamaoka, general manager of Panasonic’s Smart Aging Project, one of many divisions housed within Japan’s corporate brands focused on technology for the aging population.  Finding sustainable, low-cost ways to care for the elderly population is a problem Texas is all too familiar with and Japan, home to the world’s largest over-65 population at 36 million, is beating Texas in solving.                                  The Best of the Tribune in your Inbox                                                                                        Keep tabs on Texas politics and policy with our morning newsletter.                                                                                            Sign up                                                                                                                                Chronic workforce shortages along with rising costs to care for a growing older population have prompted Japan — from companies to local governments — to heavily invest in technology to make it easier for family members to remotely monitor the elderly. The country’s aim is to keep aging residents in their homes, rather than in an expensive nursing home, for as long as they can.Texas shares the same goal. Keeping older Texans healthier in their own home not only costs both the healthcare system less, but most people prefer it.“I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘Gee, I hope I end up in a long-term care facility,” said Karen Fingerman, director of the Texas Aging and Longevity Center at the University of Texas at Austin. “If you’re going to have all this technology, which most of us have some, at least, wouldn’t it be better if it were more usable and it were designed as you get older to have the ability to help you stay in your own home?” Keiko Kamiya, one of the residents of Sasarindo elderly care home, looks at photographs of residents on the wall on March 2, 2026. Kosuke Okahara for Texas Tribune\n\nA staff member of Sasarindo elderly care home checks residents’ health status on the computer. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas Tribune\n\n\nA power-assisted walker at Sasarindo on March 2, 2026. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas Tribune\n\nCompared to Japan, Texas has far fewer seniors at 4.4 million, but they are among the fastest growing population segments. By 2040, the number of older Texans will grow to 6.8 million and by 2060 reach 9.2 million.Healthcare workforce shortages, sparse public transportation and spotty internet reliability, particularly in rural areas, where 28% of Texas’ over-65 population lives, isolate many older Texans and deprive them of access to healthcare, which can worsen their outcomes and accelerate the need for expensive residential care.  While most elderly Texans live in their own homes, roughly 80% of the 87,000 Texans who live in nursing homes are over the age of 65. Most of them rely on Medicaid, the insurance plan for low-income individuals, to pay for their care. Medicare, the insurance plan for Americans 65 and older, only covers short term stays following a hospitalization. Medicaid spending on Texans over the age of 65 totaled over $8 billion in 2023, according to health policy researchers at KFF. Their analysis of Medicare, which pays for the bulk of healthcare costs for seniors, was $28 billion in Texas in 2021. The Texas Legislature, which reconvenes in January, has made the rising cost of healthcare a primary focus for next year, as it did in 2023.“People want choices,” said Mark Hollis, spokesperson for AARP Texas. “They want options and they deserve to have good affordable safe options where they want to live out their lives.”In Japan, building nursing homes to accommodate the next 20 years of aging baby boomers seems an expensive investment when the number of seniors in subsequent generations will eventually start to decline.An estimated 2.7% of older Japanese, or about 1 million, live in residential care facilities. About 6.7 million Japanese over the age of 65 live alone and most of the rest live with family members, spouses, adult children or extended family. Japan’s community-based, government-funded home healthcare service help seniors live in their own homes. Still, more than 58,000 people over the age of 65 were found dead in their homes last year.To keep seniors living independently and healthily, corporations and local governments in Japan have turned to developing and distributing at no cost to seniors ‘mimamori’ products, or monitoring technology. Less intrusive than a security camera, these drop-in services and personalized chatbots direct older residents on how to maintain their physical and mental health in their own home and keep an open line of communication with caregivers.“In 2040, the number of elderly people who need [residential] care will decrease,” Panasonic’s Yamaoka said. “We are going to see many elderly people staying at home. That’s why we believe that these kind of systems will be necessary in Japan. 
And we also believe the communication model will be in demand.”While Japan has worked for decades on making its transportation and cities elderly-friendly and it fared better than Western countries because of stricter infection controls, the pandemic revealed new vulnerabilities. “It became very difficult to rely entirely on human beings to visit elderly people, especially due to COVID,” said Akihiro Hioki, the aging services chief for Shibuya City, one of Tokyo’s 23 wards or districts.That’s why taking a look at Japan’s less publicized age-tech world, one far from the gushy news streaming daily from robotics labs, could prove instructive for Texas.“We don’t need, you know, an army of robots, just to make sure that mom’s good,” said Darryl Greer, a regional program manager for AARP’s Older Adults Technology Services, which offers digital literacy programs for seniors. By 2021, Shibuya City embarked on an ambitious project: handing out 3,000 smart phones to its older residents preloaded with disaster and health apps. The phones gave residents better access to municipal notifications, forms and payment portals, as well as communication applications like Line, the Asian version of WhatsApp. The city also launched in-person classes on how to use them.“We realized that we need to have a mixed solution with human power and also, technology,” Hioki said. By 2024, Shibuya declared the effort a success with more older residents switching from their old flip phones to smart phones. Then, last year, Shibuya became one of several cities in Japan offering to install monitoring options, like Hello Light, MaBeee and Bocco, in older residents’ homes. “COVID was a turning point,” said Yuichiro Suzuki, chief operating officer for Tokyo-based Yukai which makes Bocco. “So many people, in my generation, they were not able to go visit our parents.” They needed a way to check on family members that didn’t require boarding a bullet train to see them in person, he said. It’s not clear exactly how many monitoring services are available nor a way to accurately capture exactly how many cities offer to front the costs for them. But, the Japanese see the technology as a way to ward off social isolation and depression that can greatly exacerbate a senior’s health problems. Coverage of Care Show Japan, an annual expo showcasing advancement in eldercare technology,  on Feb. 25, 2026 in Tokyo. Toru Hanai for The Texas TribuneCare Show Japan 2026, pictured here on Feb. 25, 2026 in Tokyo, is one of the largest trade shows featuring eldercare technology like virtual reality headsets, bed monitors and fall detection devices used in residential care facilities.  Toru Hanai for The Texas Tribune“If elderly people feel they have a pain in the knee, they avoid going out many times, and then because of the less interaction, they might suffer depression,” Panasonic’s Yamaoka said. “And that’s kind of like a domino effect.” Health starts to deteriorate for the individual and hastens a move to a residential facility. Companies have a vested interest in these devices because if their employees can offload some of their responsibilities of caretaking onto technology, they can remain more productive at work, Yamaoka said. Many municipalities also pay for an app called Health Mileage created by cellphone service company NTT Docomo. To sign up, a participating organization, such as a local municipality, must first invite residents to join and they can use it to track their steps. Officials will also use the app to push out programs to encourage walking, such as new walking paths and events.Local governments “will encourage their residents to use this application,” Satoshi Hiyama, NTT Docomo’s senior manager of Medical & Healthcare Tech Group, said. “Because if they have more healthy residents, they will reduce medical costs.” More than a dozen cities also offer a partial subsidy to those over the age of 70 who live alone for NTT Docomo’s Chikaku, which means nearby. For less than $20 a month, the popular subscription-based device that’s shaped like a white house turns the user’s television set into a videophone and monitor. While there are some similar services in the U.S. like Grandpad or JubileeTV, The Texas Tribune was unable to locate a Texas city that subsidizes them for residents.With permission of the older user, Chikaku allows remote relatives to use a phone app to login to their elderly loved one’s televisions to see if their parents are available for a call and conduct a chat from there.A screen shows a robot’s perspective at the Research Innovation Center in Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on March 5, 2026. University labs have been looking at using robots to combat an eldercare workforce shortage. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas TribuneMisa Matsumura, a graduate student at the University of Tokyo, configures a robot at the Research Innovation Center in Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on March 5, 2026. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas Tribune\n\nYuichiro Suzuki, COO of Yukai Engineering, explains how the company’s Bocco communication device, shaped like a snowman, operates, on March 18, 2026. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas Tribune\n\n\nA diagram explains how users can speak to Bocco. Kosuke Okahara for The Texas Tribune\n\nLocal and federal officials want to lower healthcare costs because in the country’s nationalized healthcare system, the government has to pay for most of it. Residents here pay about 30% of their care. Unfettered healthcare access has allowed the rapidly growing older population to disproportionately use the system. Because the elderly often treat hospital waiting rooms like community centers, the Japanese often joke that if they don’t show up one day, they must actually be sick.To brace for Japan’s silver tsunami, the federal government in 2000 started requiring workers aged 40 and older to pay a monthly long-term care insurance premium that subsidizes the country’s elder care services. Still, about 70% of Japan’s hospitals operate today at a loss. Cities see technology as a way to bring down costs.“We believe there is a growing demand among elderly people and their family members for these types of monitoring services,” said Hioki, Shibuya City’s aging services chief. “We need to work for the improvement of the welfare of the residents. That’s our task.”What Texas could do today and learn from countries with far larger senior populations could help offset future healthcare costs. The state’s Aging Texas Well strategic plan, a general roadmap for state, local and nonprofits stakeholders, identifies social isolation as a factor that can exacerbate health issues, details how residential care options are limited and expensive, and urges Texas leaders to make resources easier to locate and use. “The overwhelming majority of older adults wish to age in place or age in their community to have the best quality of life,” the plan’s 2026-2027 update stated. “Moreover, it is more cost effective to assist older adults and their family caregivers to do this through long-term supportive services than it is to age in an institutional or nursing home setting.”Other than nursing homes, many also live in assisted living facilities. It’s estimated that 1.4% of older Americans live in assisted living, which would mean about 60,000 senior Texans. Moving to an assisted living community, which offers personal care services, medication management and meals for those older individuals who need it, is also expensive, running between $3,000 and $6,000 a month. Medicaid does not pay for that monthly assisted living bill, only for some services received while living there. Medicare pays nothing toward assisted living.Texas’ plan considers access to technology a key element in reducing social isolation and improving health for senior Texans who want to live as independently as possible as long as possible. The state maintains an Age Well Live Well page that lists resources for older adults including how they and their caregivers can find one of the state’s 28 Area Agencies on Aging for more information on local programs. But there is no centralized effort in Texas at this time to improve online access or monitoring efforts like those seen in Japan to help seniors stay healthy in their own homes. Local Texas nonprofits are doing much of the technology heavy-lift, focused mostly on improving the digital literacy of older Texans. Thanks to assistance from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Bastrop County Cares is one of those nonprofits invested in helping seniors connect to technology. It gives participants a smartphone, tablet or laptop if they complete a digital literacy class.The county has also received $43 million in a state broadband grant plus $11 million from a local broadband provider to improve connectivity in this rapidly growing community. With better service on the way, more older adults are interested in getting better connected to telehealth and relatives.  “They recognize that they need it and they just don’t know how to get the training,” said Norma Mercado, Bastrop County Cares’ executive director. “But once they do, it’s made living in their own homes so much easier.”Judy Kanas, 84, lives in a community that is growing dramatically and as a result, has more resources such as the computer class she attended through Bastrop County Cares this month. Alejandra Alcaraz, a lead digital navigator from Digital Lift teaches a class of seniors through Bastrop County Cares, which works to get more residents online.  Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune\n\nAlejandra Alcaraz, left, helps Judy Kansas, 85, with her laptop during the course in Bastrop. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune\n\n\nJudy Kanas makes a list of computer terms during a Bastrop County Cares technology class. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune\n\nThe retired social worker and legal assistant came to class hoping to better navigate healthcare providers’ portals, which have bedeviled her own aging desktop at home. Healthcare appointments are critical at this stage of life for Kanas, who has Type 1 diabetes, and her husband, who has cancer. The couple drives 30-plus miles to Austin for doctors appointments because they want to live in their home as long as they can. “We have deer that come and drink our water, and it’s kind of country living and I don’t want to give that up,” Kanas said. Namkee Choi, a gerontology professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, has been researching better ways to get more seniors, particularly low-income seniors, access to telehealth counseling sessions on tablets and computers. “They want to live in their home using whatever freedom they have,” said Choi.Choi said many lower-income individuals are confined to cellphone plans with limited minutes. But her research shows that if access challenges are conquered, older adults are able to quickly pick up the skills to log on and not only sign up for appointments, but build new social connections with others.According to the state’s strategic aging plan, social isolation increases the risk for premature death by 29%. Greer, the manager at AARP’s digital literacy organization, works in San Antonio with other community partners to get more older adults online. As technology has become easier to operate, more are interested. “Some folks, they really embrace it,” he said. “And with some of our students, especially here in San Antonio, it’s like, some of them feel like technology was never really designed for them because they worked vocationally.”The state’s aging future depends on greater flexibility in our existing support systems, says Hollis with Texas AARP. “We encourage both the public sector and the private sector to be mindful of the needs of a rapidly aging population,” Hollis said. “There’s certainly room for growth, thinking innovatively about liveable communities for people of all ages.”Disclosure: AARP, AARP Texas and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/26/what-texas-can-learn-from-japanese-cities-that-give-technology-to-its-senior-citizens/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Terri Langford, Interview Translations By Mizuki Nakamura","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FF7NYLDZDOFDFXLXM7DWVERE2OY.jpg","slug":"what-texas-can-learn-from-japanese-cities-that-give-technology-to-its-senior-citizens"},{"id":"x7fl0t","title":"Pochettino annoyed by perceived disappointment after US finishes group play with 3-2 loss to Turkey","excerpt":"The United States only wanted to get through its final World Cup group stage match Thursday night without an injury or a red card, while Turkey was playing for a face-saving victory to end a dismal tournament.Both teams got what they wanted most out of their meaningless meeting before the America...","content":"The United States only wanted to get through its final World Cup group stage match Thursday night without an injury or a red card, while Turkey was playing for a face-saving victory to end a dismal tournament.Both teams got what they wanted most out of their meaningless meeting before the Americans head on to the knockout stage — and coach Mauricio Pochettino was annoyed by any suggestion that the Americans' last-gasp, 3-2 defeat said anything negative about the state of his team.Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match to send Turkey past the U.S. in the eighth minute of stoppage time for its only win of the World Cup.The result was meaningless to the Americans, who will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. Pochettino sent out nine new starters, including eight who were starting a World Cup match for the first time.The U.S. tied it early in the second half on a goal by Sebastian Berhalter, and the Americans got within a few seconds of an unbeaten run through the group stage. But in his postgame news conference, Pochettino expressed his annoyance with what he perceived as disappointment in the result.“For you not say congratulations that we won the group, that is a little bit sad,” Pochettino told reporters.“What we need to remember is we won first place in this group,” Pochettino added while speaking in Spanish and English. “We ended up being No. 1, and we managed all the pressure and the expectations quite well. We had other priorities. We wanted to win. We did want the victory, but there are other things we needed to balance out, and that’s how I made the decisions. ... Making history is winning the World Cup, not just winning the group. It’s a little bit petty, if you will. You’re thinking just a little bit too small.”Auston Trusty scored in the third minute for the Americans, who beat Paraguay and Australia by a combined 6-1 to book their place in the knockouts.Pochettino fielded nearly an entirely new lineup for this low-stakes game, notably resting all four key players who picked up yellow cards earlier in the tournament.Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute, however. The AC Milan midfielder hadn’t played since the first half of the Americans’ opener due to a calf injury, and he was involved in a couple of early scoring chances before getting beaten on the wing on Turkey’s winning goal.“We could have done better on some defensive plays, but it happens,” said Brenden Aaronson, one of nine new starters chosen by Pochettino for the group finale.“You make (nine) changes, and the team might not be used to as the guys that have been playing,\" Aaronson added. \"It showed the hustle, the aggressiveness of the team. I think it’s a positive, because Turkey is a top team. They might have not performed their best throughout this tournament, but their quality is on the pitch and you can see it.”Berhalter said he doesn’t believe the Americans lost any momentum from this close defeat.“You saw the second half, how we came out,” said Berhalter, who tied it in the 49th minute by running on to a loose ball about 20 yards out for a vicious strike. “I think we deserved more out of that game. We slipped in the last second of the game. ... We gave everything we had, and we’ll be ready for the knockouts. The guys did well. We fought. Unfortunate not to get a result, but we’ll be ready for sure.”Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü scored in the first half of a resilient performance by Turkey, which had already been eliminated after losing its first two matches despite largely dominating both statistically.Turkey improbably won in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Can Uzun got the ball in space on the back post and pushed it past sprawling goalkeeper Matt Turner to Ayhan, who slid to knock it home.“I’m super-happy with how my players played tonight,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said through an interpreter. “They showcased all of their skills, all of their abilities, all of their character. Playing the way they played tonight in an away match, against a very loud crowd, if they weren’t as strong as they are, they wouldn’t have made it tonight. \"I’m really happy for the Turkish people. I can say that we can go back home with our chin up.”Indeed, the game’s meaninglessness didn’t matter to the raucous sellout crowd that packed SoFi Stadium. The American team’s fan base has been energized by its strong start to this home World Cup -- and this Los Angeles-area crowd was still chanting and standing when Berhalter airmailed a long corner to Trusty, who made the stadium shake when he banged it home inside the back post.Trusty’s goal was the Americans’ seventh of the tournament, tying their scoring record for any World Cup before knockout play even begins. It was also the 173rd goal of this tournament, breaking the record for the most combined goals scored in a World Cup set in Qatar four years ago — and doing it in four fewer matches.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/us-uses-pulisic-as-substitute-sends-out-9-new-starters-vs-turkey-in-world-cup-group-finale/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Greg Beacham, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:42:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTDDVYAYNMFDMVPI22NTLQTVY6A.jpg","slug":"pochettino-annoyed-by-perceived-disappointment-after-us-finishes-group-play-with-3-2-loss-to-turkey"},{"id":"psrvrt","title":"Apple increases prices for Macs and iPads, blaming a shortage of memory chips","excerpt":"Apple announced an increase in prices for Macs and iPads, citing a memory chip shortage brought on by the artificial intelligence boom.","content":"Apple announced an increase in prices for Macs and iPads, citing a memory chip shortage brought on by the artificial intelligence boom.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/apple-increases-prices-macs-ipads-blaming-shortage-memory-chips/19382057/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:18:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19383032_062526-wls-apple-prices-5pvo-vid.jpg","slug":"apple-increases-prices-for-macs-and-ipads-blaming-a-shortage-of-memory-chips"},{"id":"qgggau","title":"Galveston Co. officials seize more than $700k from Hitchcock amid game room investigation","excerpt":"The Galveston County Sheriff's Office seized more than $700,000 from the City of Hitchcock earlier this week amid an investigation into illegal game rooms in the city.","content":"The Galveston County Sheriff's Office seized more than $700,000 from the City of Hitchcock earlier this week amid an investigation into illegal game rooms in the city.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/galveston-officials-seize-more-700k-hitchcock-amid-game-room-investigation/19382633/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Chaz Miller","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:15:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382738_062526-ktrk-TN-hitchcock-gambling-bust-img.png","slug":"galveston-co-officials-seize-more-than-700k-from-hitchcock-amid-game-room-investigation"},{"id":"1x1z7s","title":"New drone method could boost oyster restoration along Texas Coast","excerpt":"According to experts, the entire Texas coast has seen a decline in oyster populations due to the environment, harvesting or man-made diversions such as damming up rivers, which can be deadly for oyster populations.","content":"According to experts, the entire Texas coast has seen a decline in oyster populations due to the environment, harvesting or man-made diversions such as damming up rivers, which can be deadly for oyster populations.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/environment/2026/06/23/555350/texas-oyster-restoration-drones-coast/?utm_source=rss-environment-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:22:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23154713%2FImage-14-338x450.jpg","slug":"new-drone-method-could-boost-oyster-restoration-along-texas-coast"},{"id":"u0g6zq","title":"Houston Cougars basketball star Milos Uzan signs with Celtics","excerpt":"University of Houston Men’s Basketball point guard Milos Uzan has joined the Boston Celtics after signing an Exhibit-10 contract on Thursday morning.Uzan joined forward/center Chris Cenac Jr, who was taken by the Celtics with the #27 overall pick in the NBA Draft First Round on Tuesday.Uzan becam...","content":"University of Houston Men’s Basketball point guard Milos Uzan has joined the Boston Celtics after signing an Exhibit-10 contract on Thursday morning.Uzan joined forward/center Chris Cenac Jr, who was taken by the Celtics with the #27 overall pick in the NBA Draft First Round on Tuesday.Uzan became the fourth member of the Cougars’ 2025-26 team to sign a professional contract. He joined Cenac, point guard Kingston Flemings (First Round • #8 overall • Atlanta Hawks) and guard Emanuel Sharp (#45 overall • Sacramento Kings • Second Round).","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/houston-cougars-basketball-star-milos-uzan-signs-with-celtics/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:43:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2YAWVK4AJVA5NGJUYH3UOU4LX4.jpg","slug":"houston-cougars-basketball-star-milos-uzan-signs-with-celtics"},{"id":"p7ysp4","title":"Australia clinches knockout round spot with 0-0 draw; Paraguay also likely to advance","excerpt":"Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw Thursday night in a result that clinched a spot in the knockout round of the World Cup for the Socceroos and will likely be enough for the Paraguayans to advance.The expanded tournament to 48 teams that provides a spot in the knockout round for eight of...","content":"Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw Thursday night in a result that clinched a spot in the knockout round of the World Cup for the Socceroos and will likely be enough for the Paraguayans to advance.The expanded tournament to 48 teams that provides a spot in the knockout round for eight of the 12 third-place teams in the group stage led to the cautious approach for both teams in their final Group D match after they each entered with three points thanks to wins over Turkey.The winner of this game was assured second place behind the United States in the group with Australia also clinching that spot with a draw thanks to a better goal differential than Paraguay. But the draw that gave Paraguay four points in the group also was likely to be enough barring a string of bad results in the final two days of group play.“We tried to win the game,\" Australia coach Tony Popovic said. \"In the end, a draw was enough for both nations. Congratulations to Paraguay as well. ... I’m sure as we are feeling euphoria and joy as a nation, I’m sure Paraguay is as well.”This marks the third time that Australia has advanced to the knockout round after losing in the round of 16 in 2006 and 2022. The Socceroos will play in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, against the second-place finisher from Group G that will be determined Friday night.“We really did work hard for this moment and I think we should enjoy it,” midfielder Ajdin Hrustic said.Paraguay must wait to learn its fate, but is in good position to advance to the knockout round for the fifth time. “Now we have to wait,” coach Gustavo Alfaro said. “I am optimistic that we will be able to move on to the next phase.” The Socceroos had the best chances in the first half, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill stopped an early attempt from Jackson Irvine and then made another save in stoppage time against Cristian Volpato.The cautious play continued in the second half when Paraguay did have more possession than in the opening 45 minutes but neither team came close to scoring. Jordan Bos had the best chance for Australia in the 90th minute, but his shot went wide from the right side of the box. Patrick Beach then made a save for Australia on a low shot by Mauricio that lacked power in stoppage time.“You can have opinions on how the game was played or what we both thought we needed,\" Popovic said. “We at no stage felt we were playing for a draw. I felt we controlled the game quite well, were in control and had the better opportunities. We just gave one away at the end from the edge of the box, which was a heart in the mouth moment unfortunately for us.”Popovic made six changes to his lineup for the game, including giving 18-year-old Lucas Herrington his first World Cup appearance. Herrington, who plays for the Colorado Rapids in the MLS, became the youngest Aussie to appear in a World Cup game.Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez got his second yellow card of group play and will miss the round of 32 if the team advances. “We wanted a positive result, but it couldn’t be done,” Gomez said. “There is a lot to work on, (lots) to get done, lots of things to improve on.” ___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/australia-clinches-knockout-round-spot-with-0-0-draw-paraguay-also-likely-to-advance/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Josh Dubow, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:04:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FX53IFLFT3REPBIZUPTQHPCFSFQ.jpg","slug":"australia-clinches-knockout-round-spot-with-0-0-draw-paraguay-also-likely-to-advance"},{"id":"babi66","title":"Emmy Rossum is on the hunt for a female serial killer in Hulu's 'Furious'","excerpt":"\"Female killers... kill for power control.\" Get your first look at Emmy Rossum's new series, \"Furious.\" The first three episodes stream July 27 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.","content":"\"Female killers... kill for power control.\" Get your first look at Emmy Rossum's new series, \"Furious.\" The first three episodes stream July 27 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/hulu-drops-first-trailer-emmy-rossum-led-series-furious/19382801/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:50:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382819_062526-otrc-furioushulu-vid.jpg","slug":"emmy-rossum-is-on-the-hunt-for-a-female-serial-killer-in-hulus-furious"},{"id":"72idye","title":"FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil coming to Houston Stadium for Round of 32 match on Monday","excerpt":"Brazil will be one of the two teams coming to Houston for the Round of 32 game that will take place at Houston Stadium on Monday, June 29.","content":"Brazil will be one of the two teams coming to Houston for the Round of 32 game that will take place at Houston Stadium on Monday, June 29.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-brazil-coming-houston-stadium-round-32-match-monday","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:21:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282644870.jpg","slug":"fifa-world-cup-2026-brazil-coming-to-houston-stadium-for-round-of-32-match-on-monday"},{"id":"mkulu8","title":"21-year-old arrested for deadly Texas City double shooting","excerpt":"Two people were found shot on Tuesday afternoon. One of the victims later died in a hospital.","content":"Two people were found shot on Tuesday afternoon. One of the victims later died in a hospital.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-city-shooting-2026-june","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:45:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fkristian_mcmurrin_-mug.png","slug":"21-year-old-arrested-for-deadly-texas-city-double-shooting"},{"id":"td6bq9","title":"17 states take California to court over plastic packaging rules","excerpt":"A coalition of states is suing California to block a sweeping recycling law, claiming its strict plastic waste regulations would force businesses nationwide to overhaul their products and operations.","content":"A coalition of states is suing California to block a sweeping recycling law, claiming its strict plastic waste regulations would force businesses nationwide to overhaul their products and operations.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/states-sue-california-plastic-packaging-rules","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Daniel.Miller@fox.com (Daniel Miller)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:12:45.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fsingle-use-plastics.jpg","slug":"17-states-take-california-to-court-over-plastic-packaging-rules"},{"id":"qngiuu","title":"Trump signals he may pull out of trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, which could impact Texas businesses","excerpt":"President Donald Trump, who negotiated the USMCA during his first presidential term as a replacement for NAFTA, praised it at the time. Negotiations on whether to extend the agreement are likely to stretch past a key July 1 deadline.","content":"President Donald Trump, who negotiated the USMCA during his first presidential term as a replacement for NAFTA, praised it at the time. Negotiations on whether to extend the agreement are likely to stretch past a key July 1 deadline.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/business/2026/06/23/555319/texas-business-trade-agreement-trump-usmca/?utm_source=rss-business-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:58:32.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F04%2F05145725%2FNAFTA-flags2-e1511824115877-1000x750-450x338.jpg","slug":"trump-signals-he-may-pull-out-of-trade-agreement-with-mexico-and-canada-which-could-impact-texas-bus"},{"id":"2dnlbb","title":"Iran and Egypt avoid talking about World Cup ‘Pride Match’ in Seattle","excerpt":"Before the Iranian coach and goalkeeper answered any questions Thursday ahead of the team's World Cup match with Egypt, a FIFA official spoke up.Daniel Marin, FIFA's executive director of public relations, read a statement on behalf of the Iranian team in light of the Pride celebration in Seattle...","content":"Before the Iranian coach and goalkeeper answered any questions Thursday ahead of the team's World Cup match with Egypt, a FIFA official spoke up.Daniel Marin, FIFA's executive director of public relations, read a statement on behalf of the Iranian team in light of the Pride celebration in Seattle on Friday. Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, but they coincidentally will play each other while the host city honors the LGBTQ+ community.“This Islamic Republic of the Iran Football Federation has asked us to inform the media that they are only willing to answer questions in relation to the game,” Marin said. “We fully respect the right of all journalists to ask questions. In this case, we ask you respect the rights of the federation here today to only answer questions in relation to the team, the tactics, the match, and so on.” Nonetheless, Amir Ghalenoei was peppered with questions about what will transpire inside Lumen Field and around the stadium on Friday.In December, both countries asked for the Pride-themed celebrations to be canceled. FIFA treats the rainbow flag as a statement of human rights and will allow fans to wave it inside the stadium, according to Hana Tadesse, a spokesperson for Seattle's World Cup organizing committee.Egypt took a similar approach to the Iranians in trying to steer the conversation back to the match and away from the Pride festivities. At Thursday's practice at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle, Egypt players were barred from answering questions about Pride. Team staffers stepped in and would not allow reporters to ask such questions.“We are all focused on football,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said in Arabic. \"This is all that we think about.”With a win, Iran could advance to the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time.“I said to you earlier we are here to play football. For nothing else,” Ghalenoei said in response to a reporter’s question in Farsi. “Our entire focus is going to be on tomorrow’s game, on succeeding in tomorrow’s game. And, anything else that is banned ... we don’t want to speak about it. “We are only going to speak about football, what a beautiful game it is, and how enjoyable it’s going to be.”Iran has faced numerous complications off the field. The team has endured travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in light of the war in Iran.In March, Iran sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team’s arrival. Several team officials and members of the support staff have been barred from traveling into the U.S. with the team.For the first two matches, near Los Angeles, the team was not permitted to travel until the day before and had to return to Mexico immediately after each game. The U.S. then eased its restrictions, allowing the squad to travel to Seattle two days before Friday’s match.Ghalenoei said the team is in a better position with its fitness as a result.“This was a right that we should have had in the two previous games,” Ghalenoei said. “They deprived us of the right to arrive in time. ... What they did for us this time, they didn’t do for the two previous games.”Ghalenoei commended FIFA president Gianni Infantino for doing the “utmost” to “minimize the challenges” Iran has faced.But on Friday, Iran is sure to be tested in multiple ways. Egypt is in first place in Group G, and Iran will try to focus strictly on its opponent.“We are not going to think about what is going on outside of the pitch, because the game is going to be so arduous,” Ghalenoei said. “It is going to be so exciting that we are going to have our total focus on that. We are representatives of our great Iranian nation and great Iranian country, and football only. We are only focused on football, and nothing else.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/iran-and-egypt-avoid-talking-about-world-cup-pride-match-in-seattle/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Andrew Destin, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T02:03:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTEKTP2L2JBEAZF3JUGYPOAW3OM.jpg","slug":"iran-and-egypt-avoid-talking-about-world-cup-pride-match-in-seattle"},{"id":"bjk6jl","title":"Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says","excerpt":"The Park Police posted surveillance footage and asked for help \"identifying the individual depicted here in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation.\"","content":"The Park Police posted surveillance footage and asked for help \"identifying the individual depicted here in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation.\"","url":"https://abc7.com/post/reflecting-pool-liner-was-cut-sharp-knife-razor-national-park-service-says/19382765/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:48:26.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382640_062526-wls-pool-threat-11avo-vid.jpg","slug":"reflecting-pool-liner-was-cut-with-a-sharp-knife-or-razor-national-park-service-says"},{"id":"v888nq","title":"Driver was celebrating birthday before high-speed car crash that killed man in Katy: Court docs","excerpt":"Court documents showed that the 20-year-old driver, who is now charged, showed signs of intoxication, and that he did not remember when he had his last drink.","content":"Court documents showed that the 20-year-old driver, who is now charged, showed signs of intoxication, and that he did not remember when he had his last drink.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/20-year-old-driver-charged-was-celebrating-birthday-before-high-speed-car-crash-killed-man-katy-docs-show/19381419/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:41:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381862_062526-ktrk-fatal-car-crash-westheimer-pkwy-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"driver-was-celebrating-birthday-before-high-speed-car-crash-that-killed-man-in-katy-court-docs"},{"id":"hhebkz","title":"Suspect arrested after 5 felony warrants for livestock theft, Waller County Sheriff's Office says","excerpt":"Investigators say they worked with multiple agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest the suspect in Lake Jackson.","content":"Investigators say they worked with multiple agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest the suspect in Lake Jackson.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/suspect-arrested-5-felony-warrants-livestock-theft-waller-county-sheriffs-office-says/19382563/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Brianna Willis","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:40:03.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382670_062526-ktrk-cattle-img.png","slug":"suspect-arrested-after-5-felony-warrants-for-livestock-theft-waller-county-sheriffs-office-says"},{"id":"z4gq7y","title":"UN agency pauses evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after attack on vessel","excerpt":"A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile.","content":"A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/agency-pauses-evacuation-ships-strait-hormuz-attack-vessel/19382218/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:30:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19379888_062526-wtvd-housing-bill-stalled-pkg-10a-vid.jpg","slug":"un-agency-pauses-evacuation-of-ships-through-the-strait-of-hormuz-after-attack-on-vessel"},{"id":"c26p9c","title":"Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says","excerpt":"Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the closure of the temporary immigration center known as \"Alligator Alcatraz.\"","content":"Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the closure of the temporary immigration center known as \"Alligator Alcatraz.\"","url":"https://abc7.com/post/floridas-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-has-closed-governor-says/19380832/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:23:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19382259_062526-wls-gator-alcatraz-closing-4pvo-vid.jpg","slug":"floridas-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-has-closed-governor-says"},{"id":"fhyofg","title":"NHL exploring Texas expansion in Houston or Austin with billionaire Dan Friedkin and family","excerpt":"Houston has never been home to an NHL franchise but previously had two pro hockey teams that both were called the Aeros.","content":"Houston has never been home to an NHL franchise but previously had two pro hockey teams that both were called the Aeros.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/2026/06/23/555336/hockey-houston-nhl-austin-texas-expansion/?utm_source=rss-sports-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:32:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2F17170313%2FAP23135776504461-450x247.jpg","slug":"nhl-exploring-texas-expansion-in-houston-or-austin-with-billionaire-dan-friedkin-and-family"},{"id":"3m49vp","title":"National pride meets breathable mesh: A look at the design of World Cup uniforms","excerpt":"Heat. Moisture. National pride.These were top of mind as Nike designed its uniform kits for this year’s World Cup, including for football powerhouses France and Brazil as well as the U.S. and Canada in their role as host nations.In a tournament that has seen storm delays and temperatures hovering...","content":"Heat. Moisture. National pride.These were top of mind as Nike designed its uniform kits for this year’s World Cup, including for football powerhouses France and Brazil as well as the U.S. and Canada in their role as host nations.In a tournament that has seen storm delays and temperatures hovering around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in some locations, the first step was to ensure players' performance and comfort. Phil McCartney, chief innovation, design and product officer for Nike, said the company worked with athletes, coaches and football federations to understand how uniforms affect the game.“We also talk to fans — so what does it mean to wear a Uruguay jersey, what does it mean to represent France, what does it mean to play for Canada?” McCartney told The Associated Press. “We take that and we merge that with all the science and the innovation to make sure that we have beautiful designs.”Adidas, which designed jerseys for defending champion Argentina, host nation Mexico and Colombia, also unveiled cooling gear for the tournament. Puma designed the kits for Portugal as well as Morocco and Senegal, the two finalists at the most recent African Cup of Nations.While the three companies are behind most of this year's kits, some teams are sporting uniforms designed by other apparel makers.Testing facility features thermal chambers and robot mannequinsOn a recent morning, McCartney spoke from the sports research lab at Nike’s headquarters just outside Portland, Oregon, where experimentation helped the kits come to life.The indoor facility includes a 200-meter (219-yard) track, a small football pitch and a basketball court, with hundreds of motion-capture cameras placed throughout. Thermal chambers replicate the effects of heat and humidity on apparel donned by people or robot mannequins.“We take motion-capture to see how they’re moving in the kit, how the kits are responding,” McCartney said. “We also use the thermal chambers that we have to test the kit’s breathability, to test wicking and moisture management.”For the World Cup kits, Nike engineered a new fabric that it says is more breathable and made from fully recycled materials. The way the jerseys are knit, with mesh stitching in certain areas allowing more air flow, helps “get that thermal regulation that all the players have been asking for,” McCartney said.Despite all the testing, the rollout of the kit was still a bit bumpy.During matches earlier this year, bulges could be seen in the shoulder seams on jerseys for teams including France and Uruguay, the Guardian reported.When asked by AP, Nike said it was able to identify the issue before the start of the World Cup, and worked with federations “to ensure kits show up as intended.”Designs incorporate symbols of national prideWhile a kit’s physical attributes are important for athletes, its appearance is just as significant for fans who sport the jerseys and want to feel connected to their team.“We take inspiration from lots of different places, from the past, from art, from music, from culture, so anything that gets us connected to the country we really want to harness,” McCartney said.France’s away kit, for example, is a light green akin to the Statue of Liberty, which France gifted to the U.S. in the late 19th century. The interior tag features the word “Liberté” inside a silhouette of the monument’s crown. On the front of the jersey there's a rooster — an emblem of the national team and the country itself — and two stars representing France's two previous World Cup victories.France's home kit features a collar — as does Uruguay's. The decision to use collars comes from the federations, Nike said, with France leaning into its history as a fashion capital and Uruguay looking to evoke a more classic football look. In previous decades, many uniforms included collars.Key national symbols were also considered when designing kits for the U.S. and Canada. The home kit for the U.S. features horizontal red and white stripes reminiscent of a waving American flag, while Canada’s displays a prominent maple leaf.“Especially in an event like the World Cup, we really play into national pride,” McCartney said.___See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/26/national-pride-meets-breathable-mesh-a-look-at-the-design-of-world-cup-uniforms/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Claire Rush, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:08:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQUHLWMUEFVBMDCSJIUZOSR2OEU.jpg","slug":"national-pride-meets-breathable-mesh-a-look-at-the-design-of-world-cup-uniforms"},{"id":"91n9ux","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 23, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/23/555283/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-23-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:00:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-23-2026"},{"id":"yp2vtk","title":"Europe's extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say","excerpt":"The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is...","content":"The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago.Millions in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe are experiencing extreme temperatures and humidity this week associated with a heat dome. Daytime temperatures have topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in many places, while high nighttime temperatures have also made it harder to cool down and recover.The scientists estimated that a heat wave with similar characteristics occurring in the climate of June 1976 would have been about 3.5 degrees Celsius (6.3 Fahrenheit) cooler during the day and about 2 degrees Celsius cooler (3.6 Fahrenheit) in 2003. The nighttime temperatures would have been about 2.4 degrees Celsius (4.3 Fahrenheit) cooler in June 1976 and about 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) cooler in 2003.They chose 1976 and 2003 for comparison because those years saw extreme heat in Europe.“The increase in temperatures was so dramatic that we would have expected to have never seen this event in the 1976 climate,” said the study’s lead author Theodore Keeping, also a climate scientist at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London. “And it would also still have been very, very rare, even 23 years ago in 2003.”Climate change is the driving force behind the heatWorld Weather Attribution, a Europe-based collaborative of scientists who study the causes of global extreme weather events, began assessing in 2015 the extent to which those could be attributed to climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. The organization’s rapid attribution studies, including this one, aren’t peer-reviewed but use peer-reviewed methodology.The current study used observed temperature data and forecasts for an analysis of the heat wave that started on June 18. It also found that 45% of the 850 cities analyzed across 30 European countries have broken, or are expected to hit, records for heat stress levels, a measure that includes humidity and temperature. \"It directly relates to the heat stress on the human body and our ability to cool ourselves down, and it’s a really good metric for the expected health impacts we expect to see from this heat wave,” Keeping said. Heat and humidity make for a dangerous combination for humans.Ultimately, this marks the most severe heat wave to have ever been recorded in this region of Europe and most severe humid heat event, WWA researchers said.Europe is especially unequipped for these extreme temperaturesEurope is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at twice the speed as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. In a separate study last year, WWA researchers found there were about 1,500 climate change-caused deaths during a European heat wave last summer.This week, weather agencies across Europe have issued red alerts about heat risks, and sporting events, schools, public transportation and attractions have been limited as a result. Many of these countries do not have widespread air conditioning or other infrastructure to account for warmer climates. France, which has been bearing much of the brunt of the heat wave, recorded its hottest day ever this week, and has also reported 40 deaths from drownings as people seek cooling relief. The WWA scientists said the current El Nino warming cycle did not influence this heat.Europe also experienced record-shattering high temperatures in May. Typically, Europe does not see dramatically warmer weather until July and August.The findings of the study released Friday are reasonable, but may downplay climate change's role in the heat, said Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania who was not involved in the research.“If anything, this latest assessment — and all similar assessments — are actually underestimating the role that climate change is playing here,” said Mann, who has separately studied how climate change is increasing heat stress in North America. Keeping, the study author, said the Europe heat wave shows the need to adapt infrastructure and behavior to extreme temperatures.\"We need to expect them to happen. They’re only going to become more frequent in the near term,” Keeping said. “We also need to address the source of climate change as well. And that is very simply carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels.”___Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.___Read more of AP’s climate coverage.___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/26/europes-extreme-heat-would-be-impossible-without-climate-change-scientists-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alexa St. John, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T04:01:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBL47TWMYBJDLROJHW6MEL56RTY.jpg","slug":"europes-extreme-heat-would-be-impossible-without-climate-change-scientists-say"},{"id":"553kts","title":"A New Sprouts Farmers Market Has Opened in Webster—Here’s What You’ll Find Inside","excerpt":"Fresh produce, bulk snacks, and one exclusive watermelon are just a few of the reasons to check out the newest addition to the Bay Area shopping scene.If your grocery routine could use a refresh, there’s a new stop worth exploring. Sprouts Farmers Market has officially opened its newest Houston-a...","content":"Fresh produce, bulk snacks, and one exclusive watermelon are just a few of the reasons to check out the newest addition to the Bay Area shopping scene.If your grocery routine could use a refresh, there’s a new stop worth exploring. Sprouts Farmers Market has officially opened its newest Houston-area location in Webster, bringing its signature mix of fresh produce, natural foods, pantry staples, and specialty products to Bay Area Boulevard just off Interstate 45.Known for its farmers market feel, Sprouts has built a loyal following by stocking everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and organic products. The bright, open layout is designed to encourage browsing, making every shopping trip feel a little like a treasure hunt.One of the biggest conversation starters at the new store is the Moon & Stars Watermelon. Grown exclusively for Sprouts, you won’t find this sweet, juicy, seedless variety anywhere else. Its deep green rind is speckled with golden markings that resemble tiny moons and stars, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.Store Manager Adam Berry also shared a few insider tips for choosing the perfect watermelon. Instead of tapping on the fruit, Berry recommends paying attention to what you can actually see.First, look at the blossom end—the small circular mark opposite the stem. The smaller the blossom-end scar, the sweeter the watermelon is likely to be. Next, check for a creamy yellow field spot, the patch where the watermelon rested on the ground while it ripened. According to Berry, the darker the yellow spot, the longer the watermelon spent ripening in the field, allowing it to become sweeter and more flavorful.As for the age-old tradition of knocking on a watermelon? Berry laughs, “Do you know what you’re listening for?” His advice: skip the guessing game and trust the visual clues instead.Another shopper favorite is Sprouts’ expansive bulk department, where rows of bins are filled with roasted nuts, dried fruit, granola, trail mixes, spices, coffee beans, baking essentials, and sweet treats. Whether you’re stocking the pantry or buying just enough for a recipe, purchasing only what you need is good for both your wallet and the environment. Guests are even encouraged to bring reusable containers or purchase reusable bulk bags in-store.Giving back is another part of Sprouts’ mission. Berry says supporting local nonprofits is something the company is passionate about. In addition to donating edible surplus groceries to the Houston Food Bank and sending produce that can’t be donated for animal feed at local farms, Sprouts is always looking for new ways to support organizations in the community. Berry says nonprofits interested in partnering with Sprouts are encouraged to reach out to their local store to learn more about community partnership opportunities.The new Sprouts Farmers Market is located at 1001 W. Bay Area Boulevard in Webster, just off Interstate 45, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.For more information, visit Sprouts.com.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/26/a-new-sprouts-farmers-market-has-opened-in-websterheres-what-youll-find-inside/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Melanie Camp","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:57:06.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F09796656-a021-441c-bdb8-fab964e2500e%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"a-new-sprouts-farmers-market-has-opened-in-websterheres-what-youll-find-inside"},{"id":"os4eu0","title":"Houston Dynamo's Brazilian players are bummed they'll miss seeing Brazil play on Monday","excerpt":"The Houston Dynamo roster has four Brazilian players on the 1st team who were really excited when they found out that Brazil would play at Houston Stadium in a Round of 32 match on Monday. The only problem, the Dynamo will be out of town playing on the East Coast in a couple of pre-second half of...","content":"The Houston Dynamo roster has four Brazilian players on the 1st team who were really excited when they found out that Brazil would play at Houston Stadium in a Round of 32 match on Monday. The only problem, the Dynamo will be out of town playing on the East Coast in a couple of pre-second half of the season scrimmages. The players told us that they’re happy their country’s team will get to experience Houston and its fans but wish they could be in the stadium to see them play.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/houston-dynamos-brazilian-players-are-bummed-theyll-miss-seeing-brazil-play-on-monday/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Nick Mantas","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:30:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F98325f13-d572-45e2-8f12-ec72b07100d1%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-dynamos-brazilian-players-are-bummed-theyll-miss-seeing-brazil-play-on-monday"},{"id":"tx8g6j","title":"Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says","excerpt":"A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to ...","content":"A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to a complaint by the park service, said Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service. Lands made the statement in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization to halt the Trump administration's work on the project.His statement does not say when exactly the damage occurred or whether it was a suspected case of vandalism and does not identify anyone who might have been involved. The police report indicates damage to the pool, \"including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material,'' Lands said. About 70 fence post tops also were thrown into the pool, he said.The statements are the first time the Republican administration has offered specifics for when and how the Reflecting Pool may have been damaged after work on the project was substantially completed. Interior Department thought the reported damage was an ‘isolated incident'A spokesperson for the Interior Department said Thursday that public notification about the damage was delayed because, “at the time of the June 9 incident, the vandalism was under investigation and believed to be isolated. So as not to encourage deranged individuals, we did not announce what we hoped to be an isolated incident.”Around the same time, park service staff \"discovered another incident where fencing around the pool had been forcibly removed and thrown into the pool,'' the spokesperson said in an email. The department soon noticed that \"recurring cases and videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate. We then knew this was not an isolated incident, but a new trend to attempt to damage the Reflecting Pool,'' the email said. President Donald Trump and other officials have repeatedly blamed, without citing evidence, unidentified vandals for peeling paint as well as a “350-foot gash” in the liner and other problems. Six people have been arrested, Trump said this week, without providing details.The Interior Department said Thursday there have been seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports filed. The department did not specify what the charges were or identify anyone cited by police.Trump pledged to beautify the century-old Reflecting Pool before the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, draining its water and directing the bottom to be painted a color he called “American flag blue.” But after the site was restored, its water was plagued by an algae bloom for more than a week, and pieces of the new coating have appeared to be peeling off the bottom. The pool has largely cleared in recent days after devices called nanobubblers infused ozone into the water to kill algae and bacteria.Trump's administration faces a self-imposed deadline to complete the renovation before July Fourth. Trump also has said the federal government would release images to substantiate his claim. Trump said Wednesday that “sick people” had used razors and box cutters to slice portions of the lining.Reflecting Pool was refilled between June 4 and June 9 The Associated Press reviewed videos showing that the Reflecting Pool was refilled between June 4 and June 9, meaning the alleged cut reported to law enforcement on June 9 could have occurred before the basin was fully refilled. Days later, pieces of the new blue liner were observed peeling up from the bottom.The Park Police posted surveillance footage Wednesday evening and asked for help “identifying the individual depicted here in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation.” The grainy, 30-second video appears to show a person kneeling down, reaching into the reflecting pool and removing something from the water. Police said it was taken on Friday afternoon. In his statement to the court, Lands said the parks agency plans to begin draining the Reflecting Pool following Independence Day celebrations to conduct repairs, including assessing and repairing any damage to the lining.The park service completed more than two months of renovations at the Reflecting Pool in early June. The 2,000-foot-long basin was drained and a tinted, plastic-like liner was installed to waterproof and protect the concrete pool surface, and the pool was refilled with water, Lands said.The Cultural Landscape Foundation, an education and advocacy group that sued in May to halt work on the project, asked a federal judge to block further renovations.“It is also not too late to correct course,” the group wrote in a filing Monday. It urged the administration to “engage with experts and the public, and make an informed decision about what is best based on the consultations mandated by the law, instead of once again rushing ahead with half-baked ideas.”Democrats call for investigations into the pool renovationsCongressional Democrats have called for formal investigations into the pool renovations, saying no-bid contracts for the project were awarded to vendors with prior ties to Trump.Ohio-based Green Water Solutions, also known as Greenwater Services, was given a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system in the Reflecting Pool, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations panel overseeing the Interior Department's budget, said the pool renovation appears to be a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.“After railing about waste, fraud and abuse, Donald Trump spent more than $16 million on a renovation of the Reflecting Pool that’s now peeling and chock full of algae,” Merkley said Thursday. He said this is a \"massive waste\" of tax dollars and the public deserves \"swift answers — and a refund.”Merkley is one of about 10 Democratic senators and House members investigating the pool project.\"Taxpayers deserve a full explanation of how these failures occurred and who will be held accountable for correcting them,'' said another letter, signed by New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich and five other senators.Heinrich is the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the Interior Department.___Associated Press writers Michael Kunzelman and Michael Biesecker contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/reflecting-pool-liner-was-cut-with-a-sharp-knife-or-razor-national-park-service-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:18:50.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDM6UQR2XDVFSBFAZXUBGPBS6AM.jpg","slug":"reflecting-pool-liner-was-cut-with-a-sharp-knife-or-razor-national-park-service-says"},{"id":"derj27","title":"Ken Paxton and James Talarico are neck and neck in U.S. Senate race, new poll finds","excerpt":"The vast majority of Republicans indicated they had moved on from the bitter GOP primary and now support Paxton. Talarico had commanding leads among independents and moderates.","content":"The vast majority of Republicans indicated they had moved on from the bitter GOP primary and now support Paxton. Talarico had commanding leads among independents and moderates.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/06/23/555318/texas-us-senate-poll-ken-paxton-james-talarico-ut-austin/?utm_source=rss-election-2026-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kayla Guo, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:44:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23144100%2FPaxtonTalaricoBW-TT-450x298.jpg","slug":"ken-paxton-and-james-talarico-are-neck-and-neck-in-us-senate-race-new-poll-finds"},{"id":"ny3l6l","title":"Parents of former NFL player Doug Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death","excerpt":"The parents of former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin say excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to his death last year, according to a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, California, several police officers and an ambulance company.In the lawsuit filed Tuesda...","content":"The parents of former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin say excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to his death last year, according to a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, California, several police officers and an ambulance company.In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court, Leslie and Douglas Martin say their son was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when responding Oakland police officers held him \"face down while one or more officers pressed on his back.” The lawsuit alleges this restraint was a “substantial factor” in causing his death.“The family is very much interested in finding out what happened to their son,” said attorney John Burris. “Unfortunately the litigation is a mechanism to best get that done.”Martin, 36, best known for his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was selected last August as one of the top 50 players in franchise history as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration. He was originally from Oakland and lived in Stockton, where he played high school football. Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found. That includes George Floyd, whose murder by a police officer in 2020 led to a national reckoning over law enforcement's use of force, especially against Black people.Police said in a statement at the time of Martin's death that he was involved in a break-in and that a “brief struggle” happened as police were trying to detain him and he became unresponsive. The department did not release any other details.The Oakland Police Department said Thursday it does not comment on pending litigation and referred inquiries to the Oakland city attorney's office, which declined comment. Oakland police also said the investigation into Martin's death is ongoing.Leslie Martin had called 911 because she was worried about her son, Burris said in an interview. He had been acting strangely and she “thought that he needed some medical attention,\" he said.Burris said Doug Martin took off after she called. Police officers responding to Leslie Martin's call and separate reports of a break-in found Doug Martin hiding in a neighbor’s home.Oakland police released several minutes of officers' body camera footage and 911 calls in March. In the video, officers called Martin by name.The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down. There are several minutes not shown in the released video.The complaint alleges that Martin was later turned onto his side and was unresponsive and says officers initially thought he was “sleeping or pretending to be.” They only requested medical assistance after he remained unresponsive, the lawsuit says.The lawsuit also accuses Falck USA, Inc. and its subsidiary Falck Northern California Corp.'s paramedics of taking more than 15 minutes to respond to the call and not promptly providing medical care after they arrived. Messages seeking comment were left Thursday for Falck.The Alameda County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy report is awaiting test results after extra testing was requested by Martin's family. Burris said he does not know what additional testing is holding up the report. Burris said he had a second autopsy conducted, and the pathologist determined tentatively that the cause of death was restraint asphyxiation. In addition to the autopsy, Burris said Martin's brain was immediately sent to be examined posthumously for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which can affect regions of the brain involved with regulating behavior and emotions and is linked to contact sports such as football. The family also is awaiting those results.“They're concerned enough about it that they immediately sent the brain to Boston for examination,” Burris said, though he added the degenerative brain disease might account for his behavior but not how he died that night. Research is done at the Boston University CTE Center.Martin was the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft after a standout career at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards, scored 11 touchdowns as a rookie and was selected to the Pro Bowl. He also was named first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl again in 2015.Martin played six seasons with the Buccaneers and one season with the Raiders.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/parents-of-former-nfl-player-doug-martin-allege-excessive-police-force-led-to-his-wrongful-death/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:37:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLHLBXNS2WFBG5K3UXJQSZOJMDU.jpg","slug":"parents-of-former-nfl-player-doug-martin-allege-excessive-police-force-led-to-his-wrongful-death"},{"id":"gf7vzk","title":"Venezuela health minister says around 235 people dead and 4,300 injured in catastrophic earthquakes","excerpt":"Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings Thursday and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed around 235 people and left at least 4,300 people injured. “Unfortunately we have received around 235 patients who arr...","content":"Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings Thursday and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed around 235 people and left at least 4,300 people injured. “Unfortunately we have received around 235 patients who arrive without vital signs or die when they arrive at our health facilities,” Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told state media Thursday.The number of dead and injured is expected to rise with thousands reported missing after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday evening, which was among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and was felt throughout the region. Thousands were reported missing and buildings were evacuated as far away as Brazil’s Amazon.In response to the devastation, the U.S. Treasury on Thursday moved to waive some sanctions until Oct. 23 to allow transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela that would otherwise be prohibited.Meanwhile, in cities across northern Venezuela, panicked residents poured into the streets and searched for the missing in the debris.The injured were pulled out of the rubble covered in dust and blood, among them children and animals. Venezuelan state TV showed dramatic images of rescues, including a woman who was trapped under a cement slab, only a barefoot poking out before crews managed to get her out alive. But few government search teams were seen outside Caracas.In the capital, Dayana Delgado, mother of three children, asked where the heavy machinery was that government officials had promised, pointing out that neighbors were the ones digging through the rubble.“I want to know where my child is, if he’s trapped or in a shelter,” she said of her 8-year-old son who was missing. One mother sobbed and collapsed in grief as the bodies of her 3- and 10-year-old children were wrapped in blankets and carried away. Others screamed the names of missing loved ones. Some stood in silent shock. The coastal region of La Guaira — north of the capital, Caracas — suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties. The country’s main airport is there and was closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.Retired schoolteacher Juan Alberto Mendaño climbed through wreckage in La Guaira and past a dead body when he spotted a woman who was trapped and signaling with her hand for help. “May God rescue her as quickly as possible,” said Mendaño. “When we heard the scream, there was nothing we could do.”Offers to send aid and supplies poured in from around the world, including from the United States, which seized Venezuela's then-president Nicolas Maduro at the beginning of the year in a surprise military operation. The natural disaster is just the latest challenge for acting President Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after Maduro's capture. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents. Rescue teams head to heavily damaged coastal regionVenezuelan authorities said they were diverting rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira, which is no stranger to natural disasters: a 1999 mudslide killed thousands in what is considered one of the country’s worst natural disasters.Rodríguez appealed to businesses Thursday to make heavy construction equipment available for rescue operations. “We hope to rescue as many living people as possible,” said Rodríguez, who referred to La Guaira as a “disaster zone.”She said the first rescuers from the Dominican Republic were about to land and more from other countries were expected to arrive in the coming hours. While Venezuela sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the South American and Caribbean plates makes strong earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America. The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, hit west of Moron on the Caribbean coast, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) west of Caracas. It had a depth of 22 kilometers (about 14 miles). Just a minute later, USGS reported a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) and an epicenter 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Moron.The one-two punch of the quakes, combined with the shallow seismic movements, amplified the destruction, said Marcos Ferreira, a geophysicist and researcher at the Geological Survey of Brazil.“It is as if I am screaming and then someone starts screaming, too. That amplifies the vibration and adds to the potential hazard,” Ferreira said.Venezuela residents reeling from quakesDuring the quakes, people ran from swaying buildings. Many were stunned Thursday morning as they saw buildings reduced to skeletons, furniture hanging out of windows and helicopters circling overhead. In La Guaira, Cristian Carreño stared at his charred apartment building tilting precariously to one side.“I lost everything,” he said. “There are people still inside, I imagine, that couldn’t get out. It’s incredibly devastating.”In downtown Caracas, hundreds spent the night huddled in parks, parking lots and other open spaces. “We were afraid the buildings would collapse on us,” said María Cristina Díaz, a 41-year-old janitor. “My mother, my daughter and I were cold. We didn’t sleep a wink.”Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone service, Rodríguez said. Subway services were suspended and natural gas was shut off, she said. Classes will also be canceled for several days, and the Ministry of Education said some school buildings would be used as shelters and donation centers.Families began posting missing-person flyers with photos of loved ones, while others shared handwritten lists of names as they searched for loved ones. Venezuelans living abroad struggled to make contact with relatives. Shortly after United Nations officials in Venezuela called on the government to lift social media restrictions so people can get potentially life-saving information, Venezuelans in the country were able to access X. The site had been blocked by Maduro since August 2024, in an attempt to suppress the exchange of information among those who rejected his claim of victory in the July presidential election.Several governments offered assistanceRodríguez declared a state of emergency in an address to the nation late Wednesday. She said the government was creating a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged hospitals and homes.Leaders from Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Canada vowed to send aid. A number of shipments were already on the way Thursday. Aid included emergency and military personnel, canine and search teams, medical supplies, water purifiers, airplanes and drones.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who spoke to Rodríguez following the quake, said the United States was “immediately” deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources other assistance, though he acknowledged the closure of Venezuela's main airport created logistical challenges.“We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big; it’ll be fast; and it’ll be effective,” Rubio said.___Janetsky reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Regina Garcia Cano, Mauricio Savarese, Anna-Catherine Brigida, Danica Coto, Clara Preve and Alexandra Olson contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/venezuela-reeling-after-powerful-twin-earthquakes-as-promises-of-aid-pour-in/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Regina Garcia Cano And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:46:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FA3JUXX55SRBVFDPHQRXJ36Z3AI.jpg","slug":"venezuela-health-minister-says-around-235-people-dead-and-4300-injured-in-catastrophic-earthquakes"},{"id":"wqzlzp","title":"Japan and Sweden play to 1-1 draw as both advance to knockout round at the World Cup","excerpt":"Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, helping Sweden to a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.Elanga’s impressive left-footed strike from just outside the right corner of the box in the 62nd minute was h...","content":"Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, helping Sweden to a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.Elanga’s impressive left-footed strike from just outside the right corner of the box in the 62nd minute was his second goal of this year’s tournament. Elanga has scored only three goals in 49 games for Newcastle, but zero in 32 Premier League matches.Six minutes earlier, Maeda settled a nifty pass from Ritsu Doan with his left foot in the penalty area and easily beat Jacob Widell Zetterstrom with his right foot.It was Japan’s seventh goal of the tournament, the country’s most for an entire World Cup. That topped the six the Japanese scored while reaching the round of 16 in Russia eight years ago.Japan is advancing out of the group stage for the third consecutive World Cup and fifth time in seven tries since first reaching the round of 16 as co-hosts in 2002. The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will play Brazil in Houston on Monday.“For the good of football in Japan, I think it would be a very good experience,” coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator of his 16th-ranked team facing No. 5 Brazil. “We do believe there's a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further move on to the next stage.”The Swedes have advanced to the knockout round the past four times they’ve qualified for the World Cup going back to 1994 — when they reached the semifinals the last time the U.S. hosted soccer’s biggest event.Sweden will have to wait to find out its opponent in the round of 32 next week.“We have to probably recover the players first and make sure that physically we’re in a good place for whoever we play,” coach Graham Potter said. “We’ve got to be on our toes in terms of logistics. I would say if you had said to me when we first came that would be the challenge we’d face, I would have absolutely taken it.”Elanga had another chance to score in injury time, with his right-footed attempted forcing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to make a diving deflection.On the ensuing corner kick, Suzuki deflected Alexander Isak’s header off the crossbar and into the air, eventually ending the scoring chance with a leaping grab in a crowd of players.The Blue Samurai's bag-waving, chanting fans among 70,137 at the sold-out home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys were persistent as a scoreless game dragged into the second half. Japan seemed content to sit back and play for a draw that would have guaranteed the same spot in the knockout round as a win.Just like that, things changed when Doan put Maeda in perfect position to score.Elanga wasn't anywhere near scoring range, but Suzuki appeared screened and reacted late as the shot beat him to the far post.Just three minutes later, Isak was inside the penalty area with a great scoring chance, but Suzuki deflected it wide and over the end line, angrily gesturing toward some of his teammates as Sweden lined up for another corner kick. The Swedes had eight corner kicks to only two for Japan.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/japan-and-sweden-play-to-1-1-draw-as-both-advance-to-knockout-round-at-the-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:58:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYFWCGRP53NELDA7EULKFGAWYUM.jpg","slug":"japan-and-sweden-play-to-1-1-draw-as-both-advance-to-knockout-round-at-the-world-cup"},{"id":"lkqnmr","title":"4 shot after argument over trash leads to group exchanging gunfire in Houston’s Fifth Ward","excerpt":"Houston police say four people have been transported to hospitals after an argument over trash being dumped resulted in two groups exchanging gunfire in the Fifth Ward Thursday evening.It happened in the 5300 block of Coke Street.Police say there were two groups of individuals in an adjoining apa...","content":"Houston police say four people have been transported to hospitals after an argument over trash being dumped resulted in two groups exchanging gunfire in the Fifth Ward Thursday evening.It happened in the 5300 block of Coke Street.Police say there were two groups of individuals in an adjoining apartment that were involved in an argument over trash being dumped. Lt. Larry Crowson says this argument went on for several hours before one of the groups fired gunshots at the other, who then returned fire.Conroe woman arrested after cemetery mausoleum theft caught on camera, constable saysTwo male victims received graze wounds, one of the victims is a 11-year-old boy.Northeast and Patrol Support are at a shooting scene 5300 Coke. Four victims transported and are expected to survive. Possible suspects detained. 202 pic.twitter.com/xsZo832t94&mdash; Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 26, 2026 Two women were also shot during the incident. All four victims are expected to survive their injuries.Police say a vehicle believed to be occupied by the suspects was stopped and the people inside have been detained.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/26/4-shot-after-group-exchanges-gunfire-in-houstons-fifth-ward/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Terry","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:34:14.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2O6IYZERJBEUTPTQLCOX7QNFAU.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"4-shot-after-argument-over-trash-leads-to-group-exchanging-gunfire-in-houstons-fifth-ward"},{"id":"z0m6om","title":"WORLD CUP: The cheapest tickets to a game in Houston are still available","excerpt":"With the biggest frustration of going to a FIFA World Cup 2026 game being the prices to get in the door, one of the cheapest ways to attend a game in Houston will be Friday’s game against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde. Right now on StubHub, the lowest ticket to the game is around $516, while the ch...","content":"With the biggest frustration of going to a FIFA World Cup 2026 game being the prices to get in the door, one of the cheapest ways to attend a game in Houston will be Friday’s game against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde. Right now on StubHub, the lowest ticket to the game is around $516, while the cheapest ticket to Monday’s Round of 32 game between Brazil and a team to be named later is $1,665. Below is the link to tomorrow’s game: https://www.stubhub.com/world-cup-houston-tickets-6-26-2026/event/153020962/?quantity=1It’s not just that both teams don’t have a huge fan base, which usually drives up the price of tickets; there’s also a thought that both teams could be mathematically eliminated from advancing to the Round of 32 by the beginning of the match.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/world-cup-the-cheapest-tickets-to-a-game-in-houston-are-still-available/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Nick Mantas","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:06:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5N2HEXRHTNBTPKYK34WW7QE4ZY.jpg","slug":"world-cup-the-cheapest-tickets-to-a-game-in-houston-are-still-available"},{"id":"9107pl","title":"Brian Brobbey and the Dutch roll in the rain to a 3-1 win over Tunisia to top World Cup Group F","excerpt":"The lightning that streaked over Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night only briefly slowed the Oranje Fanwalk, as Dutch supporters marched en masse to watch the Netherlands play Tunisia in the World Cup, the top spot in Group F hanging in the balance.Nothing else seems to be slowing down the Dutch ...","content":"The lightning that streaked over Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night only briefly slowed the Oranje Fanwalk, as Dutch supporters marched en masse to watch the Netherlands play Tunisia in the World Cup, the top spot in Group F hanging in the balance.Nothing else seems to be slowing down the Dutch these days.Certainly not a Tunisian team in chaos.Brian Brobbey scored his third goal of the tournament, and the Netherlands got two more goals that deflected off Tunisian players and into their own net, sending the Dutch to a 3-1 victory and ultimately first place in their group.The Netherlands had begun the day tied at the top with Japan. But when the Samurai Blue only managed a 1-1 draw with Sweden in a game played simultaneously in Arlington, Texas, that left Virgil van Dijk and his teammates looking forward to a matchup with Group C runner-up Morocco on Monday in Monterrey, Mexico — and Japan with the heavy task of playing Brazil in the round of 32.“These are the kind of games you want to play. These are the big games, why you want to play in the World Cup,” Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke said. “I think the team is prepared for a big game, and everyone knows it's game on.”Tunisia, which sacked its coach after a loss to open the World Cup, had already been eliminated from the tournament.The opening minutes Thursday night summed up the last couple of weeks for the Eagles of Carthage, too: Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries sent a ball across the front of the goal, Ellys Skhiri slapped at with his foot in an attempt to clear, and the Tunisian captain found the back of his own net instead.Brobbey made it 2-0 in the seventh minute, after the Dutch had earned a free kick from about 25 yards. The 6-foot-5 van Dijk expertly headed it across the box, and Brobbey was in perfect position to chip the ball past Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.“If you can’t defend,” Tunisia coach Hervé Renard said, “you can’t do anything in football.”Tunisia finally scored in the 54th minute, when Hazem Mastouri redirected a corner kick into the net, only for the Dutch to match the goal a few minutes later, when van Hecke’s header off a corner glanced off Anis Slimane's head and into his own net.“We (scored) directly after,” Brobbey said, “so that was a good response.”That's an understatement.The Netherlands controlled the game from there, even as a first-half drizzle turned into a second-half downpour.The threat of thunderstorms had persisted all the week, and lightning briefly forced fans to take cover before the game. But once they were given the all-clear, the Dutch fans clad in their highlighter-orange shirts poured down the aisles and into the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, making it look like deer hunting season had suddenly begun in the Midwest.“That gives you a fantastic feeling,” Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said, “when you enter the stadium and see all that orange.”The Netherlands is certainly big-game hunting in this World Cup.The nation of Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten has long held the moniker of best never to have won the tournament. Three times the Dutch have advanced to the finals and each time they have lost, most recently to Spain in extra time in 2010.They got off to a lackluster start this go-round, too, tying Japan 2-2 in their opener. But with two goals apiece from Brobby and Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands routed Sweden 5-1, and now it has some serious momentum heading into the knockout stage.Tunisia seemed quite content just to finish a disastrous World Cup.The Eagles of Carthage opened with a 5-1 loss to Sweden, which led to coach Sabri Lamouchi's firing. Renard took over amid reports of tension and infighting within the team, and little seemed to have changed during a 4-0 loss to Japan last week.Tunisia has never reached the knockout rounds in seven trips to soccer's grandest stage.“It’s a big tournament with very good teams, especially in this group. It was a very good group,” Renard said. “We needed to be much stronger, and we weren’t strong enough, so this is the conclusion.”___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/brian-brobbey-and-the-dutch-roll-in-the-rain-to-a-3-1-win-over-tunisia-to-top-world-cup-group-f/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dave Skretta, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:58:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F77Z22PYT65FURE47UGQHZFOSCQ.jpg","slug":"brian-brobbey-and-the-dutch-roll-in-the-rain-to-a-3-1-win-over-tunisia-to-top-world-cup-group-f"},{"id":"deof6l","title":"Ina Yoon opens the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine with a record-tying 63","excerpt":"Ina Yoon matched the best score in the history of the Women's PGA Championship with a 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead over Karis Davidson on Thursday in the third major of the season.Yoon, a 23-year-old South Korean seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, birdied five of her last six holes at H...","content":"Ina Yoon matched the best score in the history of the Women's PGA Championship with a 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead over Karis Davidson on Thursday in the third major of the season.Yoon, a 23-year-old South Korean seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, birdied five of her last six holes at Hazeltine National Golf Club with a putter that was consistently on point. Nelly Korda, who’s aiming to become just the third woman to win the first three major tournaments on the schedule, had a 70.Davidson, who finished more than four hours after Yoon, had eight birdies on the way to a career-best 65 on a calm and partly cloudy afternoon that yielded a bevy of low scores on the long course on the prairie southwest of Minneapolis that requires accuracy and muscle off the tee. Alexa Pano and A Lim Kim were tied for third at 67. Aline Krauter, Hye-Jin Choi and Megan Kang followed at 68. Five Americans landed among the top eight scores, including ties.“Just trying to go out there and make solid swings,” said Pano, who had an eagle and three birdies on the back nine. “My goal for this week was just to really focus on where my feet are and focus on the shot at hand.”Korda (second round in 2021) and Patty Sheehan (third round in 1984) also posted 9-under 63s at previous Women’s PGA Championships. Yoon logged the fourth-best first-round score at any major since at least 1980, trailing Hyo Joo Kim at the Evian Championship in 2014 (10-under 61), Mirim Lee at the Women’s British Open in 2016 (10-under 61), and Lorena Ochoa at the Kraft Nabisco Championship (10-under 62).The 39th-ranked player in the world, Yoon sounded like she surprised even herself with the stellar start.“I just hit the golf ball and it just dropped in the hole and it was really an awesome experience,” Yoon said, later explaining her mental approach: “Just try to think nothing. Focus on what I need to do. Focus on process. That part I think I did great today.”Davidson, who has made cuts in 15 straight tournaments for the third-longest active streak on tour behind Korda (31) and Celine Boutier (20), is also seeking her first career victory. “Hit a lot of fairways. Hit a lot of greens. Putting was pretty on today. Really felt like I was going to hole everything,” Davidson said. “So it was a pretty perfect round.”Davidson, a 27-year-old Australian, had her best finish earlier this year with a tie for fifth at the Aramco Championship in April. Fellow countrymate and close friend Hannah Green won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2019, the last time it was at Hazeltine.Jeeno Thitikul, the second-ranked player in the world who's seeking her first career major, shot a 69. This is the fifth time she has finished the first round in the top 10 in a major, including the Women's PGA Championship last year. The Thai star broke 70 in official regular stroke play last season 45 times, the second-highest total on tour.The runaway LPGA tour scoring leader at the midpoint of the season, Korda double-bogeyed the lakeside 16th hole with “one bad swing” that landed in a pond to the left for a first-shot penalty stroke.“I just overturned it. By now you just feel it when it’s bad. So the wind was off the right and I actually I think just made a too fast of a swing and I was kind of in between clubs,” Korda said. “It’s a pretty intimidating tee shot, and I just didn’t really like the way I hit it off the start.”Korda's 19-foot putt on the 18th green stopped an inch from the hole before she tapped in for par, finishing about the same time as Yoon, who wrapped up nearby on the ninth hole. Inbee Park (2013) and Babe Zaharias (1950) are the only women in golf history to win the first three majors in one calendar year. Amanda Doherty had hole-in-one on the 17th in a 72.___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/26/ina-yoon-opens-the-womens-pga-championship-at-hazeltine-with-a-record-tying-63/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dave Campbell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:48:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIFMXSC3NTFCLPHJ7TPSD2HJBDE.jpg","slug":"ina-yoon-opens-the-womens-pga-championship-at-hazeltine-with-a-record-tying-63"},{"id":"hnfpkh","title":"A rifle-toting war reporter died with Custer at Little Bighorn 150 years ago","excerpt":"They've died from artillery fire, aircraft crashes, gunfire, disease — even by execution — in conflict zones and elsewhere around the world.Over the 180-year history of The Associated Press, 38 journalists have fallen on the job while working for the independent not-for-profit news organization.T...","content":"They've died from artillery fire, aircraft crashes, gunfire, disease — even by execution — in conflict zones and elsewhere around the world.Over the 180-year history of The Associated Press, 38 journalists have fallen on the job while working for the independent not-for-profit news organization.Thursday marked the 150th anniversary of the very first: Mark Kellogg, one of five civilians killed alongside Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his men at the Battle of Little Bighorn.Kellogg, 43, was embedded with Custer's troops. He was reporting for The Bismarck Tribune and New York Herald — the AP circulated his reports across the country — when Custer underestimated the size of a Sioux village that he attacked.Custer and his outnumbered men made a last stand on a hill. There, they were annihilated by Native American defenders. Kellogg's scalped body was found not far away.His last published dispatch read in part: “I go with Custer and will be at the death.”It was more of an attempt at poetry than prophecy. “At the death” is a foxhunting term for the end of the hunt, suggesting Kellogg expected Custer to prevail.Still, Kellogg's final words and fate circulated far and wide through his employers and the AP. It gave the obscure, part-time journalist — a widower who worked a variety of jobs to support his two daughters — fame in death.He got to know Custer. He covered the campaign. He mingled with the soldiers and interviewed them at their camps, historian Sandy Barnard said.“While his record as a journalist might be very small compared to modern reporters who go into combat, he certainly was doing exactly what they are doing,” Barnard said.Yet in other ways, Kellogg was much different from modern journalists. He carried a rifle into action, Barnard pointed out. And he made no attempt to avoid not just bias but racism against Native Americans, whom he called “red devils.”“During the last stages of the campaign, Kellogg was probably more of a soldier than he was a newspaper man,” said Barnard, author of a Kellogg biography and other books on the Battle of the Little Bighorn.The State Historical Society of North Dakota preserves Kellogg’s diary and various belongings, including eyeglasses, tobacco, clothing and a mosquito head net. The fragile diary, now digitized online, documents weather, distances covered, who was riding in front and in back, how many antelope they saw and other day-to-day operations, Deputy State Archivist Lindsay Meidinger said. The diary ends before the battle.“It’s a primary source of the historical event, that not many other primary sources remain from that time period related to the Seventh Cavalry and Custer,” Meidinger said.Others who have perished while reporting for AP in war zones include:— Mariam Dagga, a freelance visual journalist who was killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip last August;— Anja Niedringhaus, a photographer shot by a police officer as she sat in her car in Afghanistan in 2014;— Myles Tierney, a videojournalist killed while traveling in a convoy that came under fire in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 1999;— Joseph Morton, a war correspondent who was the only U.S. reporter known to have been executed by the Nazis following his capture alongside Slovakian partisans in 1944.___This story has been updated to restore correct attribution in final quote to Meidinger, not Barnard.___Associated Press corporate archivist Sarit Hand in New York and Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/a-rifle-toting-war-reporter-died-with-custer-at-little-bighorn-150-years-ago/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mead Gruver, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:03:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDOVLWLFEPFA4TONEDUVHYDL3RY.jpg","slug":"a-rifle-toting-war-reporter-died-with-custer-at-little-bighorn-150-years-ago"},{"id":"fsmz6u","title":"Montgomery County traffic stop bodycam sparks questions: We reviewed Texas police training to find answers","excerpt":"Since KPRC 2 first published body camera video showing a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy arresting a Conroe woman during a traffic stop, the video has gone viral on social media.Many viewers asked the same questions: Did the deputy have reason to believe he was in danger? Should the dri...","content":"Since KPRC 2 first published body camera video showing a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy arresting a Conroe woman during a traffic stop, the video has gone viral on social media.Many viewers asked the same questions: Did the deputy have reason to believe he was in danger? Should the driver have complied? And did the deputy handle the stop the way Texas officers are trained?KPRC 2 reviewed the arrest report, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training materials and spoke with a retired Houston police captain to answer those questions.‘I’m so scared’: Bodycam shows Conroe woman’s traffic stop escalate into arrestThe stop happened on May 21 in Shenandoah.40-year-old Elizabeth Kim said she was driving to the gym when a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled her over after failing to use her turn signal and for having dim license plate lights.Body camera video shows the deputy immediately giving commands from behind his patrol vehicle instead of first approaching Kim’s truck.Kim was ultimately arrested and charged with interfering with public duties and resisting arrest.According to the deputy’s arrest report, he asked Kim to step out of the truck so he could explain the reason for the stop and discuss the license plate lights. The report states Kim was instructed 19 times to exit the vehicle before she complied. It also states she resisted being placed into the patrol vehicle after she was arrested.Did the deputy have reason to believe he was in danger?One of the most common questions from viewers was whether the deputy stayed back because he believed the situation was dangerous.KPRC 2 reviewed the patrol vehicle’s fleet camera video showing the moments before the deputy exited his vehicle.The video shows the deputy activating his emergency lights on Interstate 45. Kim then activated her hazard lights before pulling over.KPRC 2 also showed the video to Dr. Greg Fremin, a retired Houston police captain and policing expert.“I looked at that also,” Fremin said. “Traffic stops are very, very unpredictable, but there was nothing that jumped out at me that showed there was an imminent threat or some type of potential threat from this traffic stop.”The deputy’s arrest report states he asked Kim to exit the vehicle “in order to explain to her the reason for the stop and speak to her about her license plate lights,” rather than citing concerns about officer safety or suspicion of another crime. Should the driver have complied?Another question raised repeatedly online centered on Kim’s decision not to immediately exit her vehicle.Fremin acknowledged many people will question whether she should have followed the deputy’s commands sooner.“But I have to say she was scared,” Fremin said. “I’m putting myself in her shoes. Why is this person asking me to come out of the car? It’s dark. It’s nighttime.”What does Texas training teach officers during traffic stops?While KPRC 2 is still waiting on Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office policies and training records related to traffic stops, KPRC 2 reviewed statewide training required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.The Civilian Interaction Training Program is mandatory for Texas peace officers and reviews the “Seven Step Violator Contact Method” taught in Texas police academies. The training says the first step of a traffic stop is “Greeting and Identification of the Police Agency.” It states officers should identify themselves and the agency they represent and use a courteous greeting to help put motorists at ease. The same training also states officers should “treat motorists with dignity and respect,” noting that most traffic stops are routine interactions where citizens have a reasonable expectation of courtesy. The training further explains that Texas drivers are taught to remain inside their vehicles, keep their hands visible and wait for an officer’s instructions. If an officer orders a driver out of the vehicle, drivers are instructed to comply safely. The curriculum also recognizes that misunderstandings during traffic stops often stem from officer uncertainty and driver confusion, which can escalate encounters if both sides do not understand each other’s expectations. KPRC 2 has requested the deputy’s personnel records, including any disciplinary history. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office referred that request to the Texas Attorney General’s Office for a ruling on whether the records can be released.KPRC 2 has also asked the sheriff’s office whether the deputy is the subject of an internal investigation.A spokesperson told us:“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is aware of recent media reports concerning a traffic stop involving a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy and Elizabeth Kim on May 21. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has not received a formal complaint regarding this incident.The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has a specific, established avenue for citizens to report a complaint about deputy behavior. That formal process was never initiated by Ms. Kim or anyone else. We take all concerns seriously and encourage anyone who wishes to file an official Internal Affairs complaint to do so by calling 936-538-5900 or by visiting our website www.mctxsheriff.org.Under established constitutional and Texas law, a law enforcement officer has the legal authority to command a driver to exit their vehicle during a traffic stop for officer safety and investigative purposes. Montgomery Sheriff’s Office encourages all citizens to cooperate with law enforcement during all interactions for both the individual’s and the officer’s safety. Any concerns regarding an interaction with a deputy can be brought up at a more appropriate time, through the proper channels.The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of both our deputies and the community we serve.\"","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/montgomery-county-traffic-stop-bodycam-sparks-questions-we-reviewed-texas-police-training-to-find-answers/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaewon Jung","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:48:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F5acc45f6-e51b-4ea3-aa8d-cb90f91ed0bf%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"montgomery-county-traffic-stop-bodycam-sparks-questions-we-reviewed-texas-police-training-to-find-an"},{"id":"erlal6","title":"Ecuador advances to World Cup knockout rounds, beats Germany 2-1 on Plata's 77th-minute goal","excerpt":"A little flick of Gonzalo Plata’s big toe helped Ecuador make a great escape.Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute and lifted Ecuador to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday and into the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.“Life is diff...","content":"A little flick of Gonzalo Plata’s big toe helped Ecuador make a great escape.Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute and lifted Ecuador to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday and into the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.“Life is different now. We suffered a lot,\" said Plata, a 25-year-old winger who scored his ninth international goal. “We suffered too much in the first two matches. We would have liked to secure qualification much earlier, but now we’re going forward more hungry, knowing we have to give it our all.”Ecuador, which has lost only one of its last 22 games, finished third in Group E with four points and advanced past the group stage for the second time, headed to a possible matchup with Mexico on Tuesday in Mexico City.A four-time champion already assured of advancement by winning its first two games, Germany will play its round of 32 game Monday at Foxborough, Massachusetts, most likely against Paraguay, Australia or Sweden.“On Monday it’s important that we start well,\" Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said through a translator.Germany's winning streak was stopped at 11 games, one shy of the team record set in 1979-80.\"The difference was today that the opponent wanted to win more than us, and you could really feel it, especially in the second half,” Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich said.Germany went ahead on Leroy Sané's second-minute goal. Aleksandar Pavlović chested the ball and ended up kicking Pedro Vite in the head following Nathaniel Brown’s throw-in, but American referee Tori Penso didn't whistle a foul. Pavlović passed to Florian Wirtz, who centered to Sané just inside the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute with Ecuador's first goal of the tournament following a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 0-0 draw with Curaçao. Felix Nmecha lost the ball in midfield to Vite. The midfielder passed to Angulo, who dribbled toward goal and beat Neuer to the far post from just outside the area.Penso originally awarded Germany a penalty kick less than 30 seconds into the second half after Joel Ordóñez took down Kai Havertz, but a video review ruled Sané had first fouled Vite.With the crowd tensing as time ran down, Plata scored after Vite's corner kick was nodded on by Kevin Rodríguez, who was 6 yards out at the near post. Neuer, the 40-year-old Germany goalkeeper who ended two years of international retirement for the World Cup, was about to grasp the ball when Plata raised his left foot and stabbed it into the net.Sebastián Beccacece, an Argentine who has coached Ecuador for two years, sprinted to the front of the stands, his shoulder-length blond hair flowing, to hug his wife, Patricia Persson. He had been pilloried after the poor start and paraphrased a lyric from Argentine rock band Los Redondos.“In loneliness you cannot always listen to what you hear. You just keep pushing forward. You ignite your fire and you continue,” he said.A crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium was mostly in Ecuador's yellow. FIFA said it boosted attendance to a record 3,587,539 in the 56th game of the expanded World Cup, one more than the 52 matches for the 1994 tournament in the U.S.“We felt at home in all these stadiums,” Rodríguez said.Ecuador had prepared to return to its training camp in Columbus, Ohio, rather than head home to South America.“They told us: `You will be back here,'” he said. “The staff in the kitchen, in the spa, even the drivers.”Ecuador isn't sure of its next opponent or even where the match will be played, so fans can't lock in travel just yet.“I hope they brought plenty of clothes in their luggage,\" Plata said.___This story corrects the name of the Argentine rock band to Los Redondos.___AP Sports Writers Eric Núñez and Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.___\nSee more of AP’s World Cup coverage here","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/ecuador-advances-to-world-cup-knockout-rounds-beats-germany-2-1-on-platas-77th-minute-goal/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ronald Blum, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:58:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEKU2MT2AOVC7XJBTPSKAAD4EOE.jpg","slug":"ecuador-advances-to-world-cup-knockout-rounds-beats-germany-2-1-on-platas-77th-minute-goal"},{"id":"gmfy62","title":"Daniel Wong pushes back against claims he no longer has authority as Fort Bend County judge","excerpt":"Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong is pushing back against claims that he no longer has the authority to lead county government and is scheduled to address the controversy during a Thursday afternoon press conference.Wong announced he will hold a press conference at noon Thursday at the Historic ...","content":"Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong is pushing back against claims that he no longer has the authority to lead county government and is scheduled to address the controversy during a Thursday afternoon press conference.Wong announced he will hold a press conference at noon Thursday at the Historic Courthouse in Richmond, where he is expected to discuss what he calls “improper actions” by the Fort Bend County Attorney and two out of the four members of Commissioners Court who have questioned his authority to conduct county business and carry out the duties of the county judge’s office.        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Rilwan Balogun (@kprc2rilwan)\nThe press conference comes one day after the county attorney stated that Wong no longer has authority to serve as interim county judge.PREVIOUS: Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no longer has authority as interim county judgeThe dispute centers around Wong’s appointment following the resignation of former Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who stepped down from office earlier this month.The growing disagreement has created uncertainty over who has the authority to lead county government and oversee county operations until voters elect a permanent replacement.Wong’s attorney, Christopher D. Hilton of Stone Hilton PLLC, is expected to join him at Thursday’s press conference.KPRC 2 will continue following developments and provide updates from the press conference as they become available.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/daniel-wong-pushes-back-against-claims-he-no-longer-has-authority-as-fort-bend-county-judge/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Re'Chelle Turner, Gage Divin","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:42:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Facfd5912-22fd-4aad-9c3d-3d53bad72896%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"daniel-wong-pushes-back-against-claims-he-no-longer-has-authority-as-fort-bend-county-judge"},{"id":"vq8avz","title":"Katy widow says she asked for a window estimate; months later, she received a $44K demand letter","excerpt":"Irene Lynn says she contacted Renewal by Andersen after receiving an advertisement for replacement windows. She says she simply wanted an estimate.Instead, she alleges a salesperson asked her to sign multiple times on an electronic tablet, telling her the signatures were needed so an underwriter ...","content":"Irene Lynn says she contacted Renewal by Andersen after receiving an advertisement for replacement windows. She says she simply wanted an estimate.Instead, she alleges a salesperson asked her to sign multiple times on an electronic tablet, telling her the signatures were needed so an underwriter could generate a price quote.“I thought I was signing for the estimate of the window,” Lynn said.Lynn says she questioned why she was being asked to sign documents she had not read.“Why am I signing all this? I didn’t even read the documents.”She says she refused to continue signing and repeatedly asked to review the paperwork first.According to Lynn, she did not receive copies of the documents until about a week to 10 days later.“When I read it, it says, ‘You got three days before you sign this paper.’ I didn’t even have three days,” she said.Lynn says she later learned the electronic signatures had been applied to a contract for approximately $50,000 worth of replacement windows. No windows have been installed at her home.Now, she says she has received an attorney demand letter alleging breach of contract and seeking more than $44,000.“I didn’t do any windows. Why am I owing this money?” Lynn said.Friend says widow only wanted a quoteSue Saba, a longtime friend who has been helping Lynn navigate the dispute, believes the widow was pressured into signing documents she did not understand.“She was just asking for an estimate. She didn’t say, ‘I want brand-new windows today.’ Just, ‘Please give me an estimate,’” Saba said.Saba also questioned why a contract would be signed before Lynn received a price.“Who signs a contract without knowing the price of anything?”Saba says Lynn’s homeowners association never approved the project, and she believes the contract should be canceled.Consumer attorney explains Texas protectionsKPRC 2 also spoke with an attorney from Lone Star Legal Aid, who reviewed the general legal issues involved but did not evaluate Lynn’s specific case.The attorney explained that, under Texas law, consumers who sign certain contracts in their homes are generally entitled to receive a cancellation form at the time they sign.“If the consumer does not get a copy of the form at the time they sign the contract, then the law says that the contract can be canceled,” the attorney said.The attorney added that if a consumer receives the cancellation paperwork only after the three-day deadline has already passed, “there may be room to argue that the cancellation period starts on the date that the consumer received that form.”The attorney also urged consumers to be cautious before signing electronically.“The most valuable thing they own is their signature. When you sign something, you are bound to it.”The attorney recommends asking for paper copies of contracts before signing and taking time to carefully review the documents.Company’s responseKPRC 2 spoke with a district manager for Renewal by Andersen, who said the company believes all of the required steps for installation had been completed, which may have been triggered by the signed documents.However, the district manager said the company is now reviewing the case to determine what may have gone wrong and where the confusion occurred.What consumers should knowConsumer advocates recommend homeowners:Read every document before signing.Ask for paper copies of all contracts and cancellation forms.Avoid signing on electronic signature pads if you have not reviewed the full agreement.Consult an attorney before signing major home improvement contracts.Seek legal advice immediately if you receive a demand letter or lawsuit related to a home improvement contract.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/katy-widow-says-she-asked-for-a-window-estimate-months-later-she-received-a-44k-demand-letter/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joy Addison","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:49:34.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F257c15f3-945e-4387-81f3-746f449e31a3%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"katy-widow-says-she-asked-for-a-window-estimate-months-later-she-received-a-44k-demand-letter"},{"id":"tfan1i","title":"East Houston residents demand air quality answers after Mammoth Metal Recycling tire fire","excerpt":"Residents on Houston’s East Side are demanding answers after a massive tire fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling sent a cloud of smoke into the air — and left people wondering what they have been breathing.Houston recycling company had history of illegal burning citations before massive fireThe fire b...","content":"Residents on Houston’s East Side are demanding answers after a massive tire fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling sent a cloud of smoke into the air — and left people wondering what they have been breathing.Houston recycling company had history of illegal burning citations before massive fireThe fire broke out around 2:49 p.m. Monday, June 22, near the intersection of Kellogg and Lawndale streets. Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Munoz said the fire and smoke cloud stretched about the size of a football field, as a large pile of tires, trash and debris on the property ignited.For Angelina Sanchez, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, the smoke was right outside her home. Her biggest concern: her newborn granddaughter.A massive blaze, a massive responseTo battle the blaze, approximately 100 firefighters were rotated in and out of the scene — a strategy designed to keep crews fresh while fighting both the fire and the intense summer heat. Several fire engines and hoses were deployed, and rehabilitation services trucks were also on site to support firefighter health and safety. Cooling buses and on-site medical assistance were also made available to help prevent heat exhaustion.No injuries have been reported.Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fireThe fire continued burning into Tuesday, June 23. In posts on Facebook and Instagram, HFD said firefighters, Public Works and the Health Department remained on scene Tuesday, working to extinguish hotspots in the debris.Agencies step in to monitor air, waterChief Munoz sought to reassure the community as crews worked to contain the blaze.“At this time, there is no immediate danger to the community, and we will maintain a presence here for as long as necessary to ensure the area remains safe,” Munoz said.Multiple agencies have been called in to back up that commitment. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring air quality and water runoff in the surrounding area. Hazmat teams have also been on scene.But Air Alliance Houston, a clean air advocacy group, is pressing state environmental officials for more on Thursday. The organization wants to know exactly how air quality is being tested — and where that data is.Air Alliance Houston to hold news conference after massive Mammoth Metal Recycling fire in East Houston“Given the fact that this fire burned for 24 hours, that’s a long time,” said Dr. Inyang Uwak, an environmental epidemiologist at Air Alliance Houston. “So it is important for us to know how much pollution is out there, what type of pollution are we looking at.”The group says its closest air monitor, located 4 miles from the fire site, detected elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. State environmental regulators, however, have yet to share their findings.What residents near the fire should doWhile officials say there is no immediate danger, health experts and fire officials are urging residents near the fire site to take precautions. Dr. Uwak recommends that people in the area stay indoors and wear a mask if venturing outside.HFD also warned residents in the area to expect smoke and odor to remain present, specifically cautioning individuals sensitive to smoke — including those with respiratory conditions — to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.Toxic pollutants detected, symptoms to watch forDr. Uwak says the fire released a dangerous mix of pollutants into the air, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide and heavy metals — all byproducts of burning tires. Those findings underscore why vulnerable residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children, should take the precautions health experts are recommending.“Irritation of the throat, coughing, sneezing, wheezing — especially if you have asthma, you can have exacerbation of symptoms of chronic respiratory disease like asthma, bronchitis,” Uwak said. “Contact your healthcare provider.”Gaps in the systemEnvironmental and air pollution experts say a reliable system for tracking and recording short-term, high-exposure impacts still doesn’t exist — leaving residents to navigate the aftermath with incomplete information.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/east-houston-residents-demand-air-quality-answers-after-mammoth-metal-recycling-tire-fire/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sandy Torres","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:01:05.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F3677b4da-fffc-42eb-bcee-b1dd7e713c88%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"east-houston-residents-demand-air-quality-answers-after-mammoth-metal-recycling-tire-fire"},{"id":"j8bksj","title":"The Latest: Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump administration on 2 immigration cases","excerpt":"The Supreme Court voted 6-3 on Thursday to allow the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.The Department of Homeland Security can now end temporary p...","content":"The Supreme Court voted 6-3 on Thursday to allow the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.The Department of Homeland Security can now end temporary protected status, a program that protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries.The Supreme Court also voted 6-3 to clear the way for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. The court overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the number of people who could apply for asylum each day.Meanwhile, a liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project,  a top official at the National Park Service said.Heres' the latest:What Trump fed farmers at the White HouseFarmers and ranchers invited to a Rose Garden dinner on Thursday were served New York strip steak joined by sides and desserts packed with seasonal ingredients.The menu included a caprese salad with garden tomatoes, plus a side dish featuring White House-harvested peppercress. The meat was billed as a grilled prime New York strip steak. Dessert included roasted peaches and White House honey.Dinner guests received organic garden seeds and tomato jam prepared by White House chefs.In keeping with the theme, there was a white farm stand at the back of the garden, surrounded by baskets overflowing with carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, corn and other fruits and vegetables.Vance says Watergate would fly over in today’s news, draws parallels between Nixon and TrumpSpeaking at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance said the legacy of the 37th president is “enjoying a bit of a renaissance.”“If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story, the idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy,” Vance said in a conversation promoting his new book.He went on: “If you look at the story of how the deep state took down Richard Nixon, it’s not all that different from what the same groups of people, the same institutions tried to do to Donald Trump in the first Trump administration.”Vance noted his own parallels with Nixon. “Young senator, vice president, writes some bestselling books, is hated by the media,” he said. “It kind of sounds like JD Vance.”Nixon was in his second term when he resigned over the Watergate scandal in 1974.Housing bill being sent to White House, starting clock on Trump’s signatureSpeaker Mike Johnson returned from what he called a “very productive” hourslong meeting with the president in the Oval Office following a highly dysfunctional week in Congress.“We’re on exactly the same page,” Johnson said back at the Capitol.Trump earlier this week abruptly abandoned plans to sign the bipartisan Housing package, which had overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate but got tangled when the president insisted Congress must first pass an unrelated voting bill called the SAVE America Act. That bill has failed to draw broad support in the Senate.A group of House GOP lawmakers joined Trump’s rally call and refused to vote on other measures, essentially shutting down business in the House.Trump, after meeting with Johnson, told Republicans in a social media post: “no more grandstanding.”Johnson said they had to get back to work, and he said they were transmitting the Housing bill, which starts a 10-day clock for Trump to either sign it or veto the bill.Merchant vessel hit by Iranian drone todayThe merchant vessel that was attacked earlier today was hit by an Iranian drone, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation, said that the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was attacked by a drone being flown by the Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported the attack earlier on Thursday but only said that the ship was struck by a “projectile off Oman near UN-approved route for Strait of Hormuz.”The center noted that there were no causalities nor any environmental impact.U.S. says no Iranian funds have been releasedA U.S. official told The Associated Press that no frozen funds have been released to Iran and will not be done until Iran meets the requirements of Trump’s interim Iran agreement.The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC’s Squawk Box this week that Treasury would oversee how unfrozen funds would be spent.“A very large percentage of it will go to buy U.S. foodstuffs and medicines,” he said.U.N. agency pauses evacuation of ships through the Strait of HormuzA U.N. maritime agency has paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the British military said a vessel was hit Thursday by a projectile off the coast of Oman.The head of the International Maritime Organization said the plan to move stranded ships through the strait will be on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region.It was unclear who launched the projectile or the type of vessel that was targeted. The report of a strike came hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using a U.N.-approved route through the strait without Tehran’s permission.▶ Read moreReflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service saysA liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project,  a top official at the National Park Service says.The agency reported the June 9 incident to U.S. Park Police, said Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service. Lands made the statement in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization to halt the Trump administration’s work on the project.The police report indicates damage to the pool, “including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material,″ Lands said. About 70 fence post tops also were thrown into the pool, he said.▶ Read more‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center in Florida is officially closed, governor saysThe immigration center built in the Florida swamps known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday.DeSantis said the center was always supposed to be temporary and now federal officials have enough ability to handle detention and deportation in more permanent facilities.Officials announced a temporary closure of the facility earlier in June, saying hurricane season made it unsafe to keep the detainees in the Florida Everglades. All the of people kept at the isolated airstrip had been sent to other facilities.Immigration advocates said the tents were never safe or humane to hold people. Detainees at the facility have talked about their difficulty accessing lawyers, and have described poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that don’t flush, flooding floors with fecal waste, and mosquitoes and other insects everywhere.▶ Read moreHomeland Security touts TPS win at Supreme CourtThe top legal official at Homeland Security praised the Supreme Court’s decision on temporary protected status.“The Court vindicates DHS yet again,” said James Percival, the department’s general counsel in a statement on X.“The T in TPS stands for TEMPORARY, yet many of these designations became de facto amnesty. This is a win for the rule of law and common sense,” Percival said.DHS secretary says the department is reevaluating warehouses purchased for ICE detentionMarkwayne Mullin says his department is reevaluating the eleven warehouses his predecessor purchased to use as immigration detention facilities.Mullin says some just “probably won’t work” and suggested a lack of “due diligence” when it came to purchasing the warehouses. They were purchased under Mullin’s predecessor, Kristi Noem.Immigration and Customs Enforcement received huge pushback around the country after the purchases became known.When Mullin came into office, he paused any new purchases and federal officials have been looking at ways to offload some of them.Federal judge halts Trump’s election executive order seeking to create a federal voter listThe executive order also sought to limit who can receive a mail ballot.U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, sided with a coalition of nearly two dozen states that challenged the Republican president’s order in granting a summary judgment. Her ruling applies to this year’s midterm election cycle.Plaintiffs argued in two lawsuits, both filed in federal court in Boston, that Trump’s order should be found unconstitutional because the states and Congress, not the president, have the power to set election rules. The judge agreed, noting in her ruling that the provisions of Trump’s order “unconstitutionally violate the separation of powers.”▶ Read moreSupreme Court allows Trump administration to end legal protections for Haitians and SyriansThe Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.The decision overturns lower court orders and allows the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status, a program that protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries.The Trump administration argued judges can’t second-guess immigration officials’ decisions about the protections, which were intended to be temporary.Immigration attorneys said the countries remain unsafe to return, and the administration ended them in an unlawfully hasty process tinged by racial animus. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating dogs and cats.▶ Read moreSupreme Court clears way for the Trump administration to revive a restrictive immigration policyThe policy was once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.The justices overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the number of people who could apply for asylum each day under the Obama administration and during Trump’s first term.Advocates said the tactic created a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people settled in unsafe makeshift shelters to await their turn. The Trump administration said it was necessary to deal with an increase of asylum seekers at the border.The policy isn’t in place now, though authorities have imposed other restrictions on asylum seekers.The administration argues that metering is a critical tool that’s been used by presidents of both parties and should stay available.▶ Read moreTrump’s showdown with Republican Sen. Bill CassidyPresident Trump was attending a private lunch Wednesday with the Senate GOP when he wondered aloud how anyone could have voted for a war powers resolution  a day earlier that sought to block further U.S. military action against Iran.Cassidy, one of the four Republicans who backed the measure, was ready with an answer.“I stood and said, ‘You have not told the American people what’s going on,’” Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, recounted to reporters afterward. “This is supposed to last four weeks. It’s lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved.”Things deteriorated from there.When Cassidy told Trump he would continue voting for war powers resolutions until there’s a congressional briefing on developments in Iran, the senator recalled that Trump “did not particularly care for my comments” and “raised his voice.”Trump repeatedly told Cassidy to sit down, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting. At one point, the president called the senator a “lunatic,” the person said.Cassidy acknowledged losing his temper, which he said was “not appropriate.”▶ Read more— Steven Sloan and Lisa MascaroOil tankers use new route through Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian threatsSeveral tankers made their way out of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday using a new route promoted by a U.N. maritime agency. Iran has threatened vessels using the path, which runs along the coast of Oman.The opening of an alternative passage through the vital waterway would relieve pressure on the world economy and remove Iran’s main source of leverage in ongoing talks about the interim deal signed last week with the United States.Traffic through the strait has increased but is still well below prewar levels. Oil on Thursday briefly dipped below its last prewar price of just under $73 a barrel, a sign that the market believes the situation is improving.The two sides are still debating terms of the deal — from getting ships through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf to the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.▶ Read moreKey inflation gauge jumps to 3-year high in latest sign of affordability challengesThe Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, a sign rising costs could pose political problems for President Trump as midterm elections near.The Commerce Department said Thursday that consumer prices rose 4.1% in May from a year earlier, the largest annual increase since April 2023. On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.4% last month, matching April’s increase and down from 0.7% in March.The increase was largely driven by more expensive gas, as well as pricier semiconductors and other computer equipment that are in high demand for the AI build out. Rising prices have caused the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve to keep their key rate unchanged this year, a reversal from January when they had penciled in two cuts. Some economists forecast the central bank could lift rates this year instead.▶ Read moreLawmakers demand answers as turmoil over Reflecting Pool repair continuesCongressional Democrats called for investigations Wednesday into renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the ongoing drama over the president’s problem-plagued, $16 million rehabilitation project continued to roil the capital.Lawmakers in the House and Senate demanded answers about the saga that’s been highlighted in the news cycle for weeks, even as the White House has repeatedly blamed — without evidence — unidentified vandals for peeling paint and other problems. Six people have been arrested, President Donald Trump said, without providing details, and a local wildlife nonprofit conducted necropsies on dead ducks found near the Reflecting Pool. The president has said the pool may need to be drained once again for additional repairs.Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, challenged the Trump administration over no-bid contracts for work on the Reflecting Pool, saying they were awarded to vendors with previous relationships to Trump.▶ Read moreSenate Republicans reject war powers resolution after Trump berates them at Capitol meetingSenate Republicans who were berated by President Donald Trump over opposition to his war in Iran held a late-night vote Wednesday to try to appease him, rejecting a war powers resolution a day after a similar measure passed.Trump harangued GOP senators face-to-face earlier in the day for allowing a vote to block his war in Iran on Tuesday, further escalating a feud that has diverted GOP efforts to focus on election-year affordability issues and brought much of the chamber’s business to a halt. He exchanged particularly harsh words with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of four Republicans who had voted with Democrats on the measure.Hours later, though, Cassidy was invited to receive a personal briefing on the war at the White House from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff. Cassidy then returned to the Capitol to vote against a separate but nearly identical war powers resolution.▶ Read more","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/the-latest-senate-republicans-reject-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-berates-them-at-meeting/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:17:53.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F567N3TR3WBER7COC3XNUBSRJNM.jpg","slug":"the-latest-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-trump-administration-on-2-immigration-cases"},{"id":"gwabtk","title":"Venezuelan community in Houston collecting donations for earthquake victims","excerpt":"The pair of earthquakes that struck Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday night caused widespread damage across several states, leaving many people injured and homeless after buildings collapsed and residents fled into the streets.MORE INFO: Things to know about the Venezuela earthquakesNow, members o...","content":"The pair of earthquakes that struck Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday night caused widespread damage across several states, leaving many people injured and homeless after buildings collapsed and residents fled into the streets.MORE INFO: Things to know about the Venezuela earthquakesNow, members of Houston’s Venezuelan community are coming together to help.Several donation sites have been established across the Houston area to collect supplies for those impacted by the earthquakes. Each location is accepting clothing, bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, personal hygiene products, and lanterns beginning today and continuing through the weekend.Here are the locations accepting donations:Beer and GrillWhere: 25810 Westheimer Pkwy., KatyContact: 469-918-2589Beer and Grill, a restaurant and bar, opens at 11:30 a.m. and will accept donations throughout the day.Lieskawin StyleWhere: 2727 N. Mason Road, Suite 301, KatyContact: 305-927-4731Lieskawin Style will begin accepting donations at 9 a.m.Pa Que La NegraWhere: 6160 Highway 6 N., HoustonContact: 346-309-1678The Venezuelan food truck will accept donations from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.Pasteles EdwardWhere: 164 Applewhite Drive, KatyContact: 281-734-3426Los CuchosWhere: 3210 FM 528 Road, FriendswoodContact: 346-289-7593The Venezuelan food truck is accepting donations beginning at 9:30 a.m. and again starting at 6 p.m.Pa Que MaruWhere: 4410 42nd St., DickinsonContact: 346-579-2004The Venezuelan restaurant is accepting donations throughout the day until 10 p.m.La MoraWhere: 2004 S. Mason Road, Suite D4, KatyContact: 936-285-7992La Mora is accepting donations from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant plans to ship all donated items to Venezuela on Monday, June 29.Other ways to giveOrganizers say every donation, no matter how small, will help families affected by the earthquakes.Those who are unable to donate supplies in person can contribute financially through the following nonprofit organizations:I Love Venezuela FoundationGlobal Empowerment MissionInternational Rescue Committee","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/venezuelan-community-in-houston-collecting-donations-for-earthquake-victims/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:35:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSKQMEPPOPVH6FOONW37KTRAHGA.jpg","slug":"venezuelan-community-in-houston-collecting-donations-for-earthquake-victims"},{"id":"tfzfzf","title":"74-year-old man becomes oldest inmate executed in modern Florida history","excerpt":"A 74-year-old man convicted of fatally stabbing his wife became the oldest person executed in Florida's modern history on Thursday, and the state is scheduled to execute another 74-year-old inmate next month. Dusty Ray Spencer was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. followinga three-drug injection at Fl...","content":"A 74-year-old man convicted of fatally stabbing his wife became the oldest person executed in Florida's modern history on Thursday, and the state is scheduled to execute another 74-year-old inmate next month. Dusty Ray Spencer was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. followinga three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. Spencer was convicted of the 1992 stabbing death of his wife Karen.The curtain to the death chamber went up promptly at the 6 p.m. execution time and the warden asked Spencer if he had any statement as he lay strapped to a metal table with an IV inserted in his arm. “Sorry, sorry to the family. Into thy hands I commit my spirit and my soul. I’m on my way, Lord. I’m on my way. Amen,\" Spencer said, a spiritual adviser nearby at the foot of the table.Immediately after his words, the lethal drugs began flowing and, after a few minutes of labored breathing, Spencer ceased all movements. The warden then shook Spencer and shouted his name several times, but there was no response. Several more minutes elapsed before a medic was called in to check Spencer’s vital signs, and the inmate was declared dead.Alex Lanfranconi, in the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis, told The Associated Press in a text message that there were no complications. He had no immediate response to further phone and text messages seeking comment about the ages of the inmate executed Thursday and the next facing execution. The family of the victim released no statement. Florida Department of Correction records dating to 1924 show the oldest inmates previously executed by the state were both 72 — Samuel Lee Smithers on Oct. 14, 2025, for the 1996 killings of two women; and R. Charlie Gifford on Feb. 21, 1951, for the 1950 shooting death of a state lawmaker, Charles Schuh Jr.Another 74-year-old Florida inmate, Dennis Sochor, is scheduled to be executed on July 14. Socor was convicted of killing a woman just hours into 1982 after meeting her at a New Year’s Eve party.Nationwide, the oldest person ever executed in modern times was Walter Leroy Moody Jr., 83, who was put to death in Alabama in 2018 for sending mail bombs during a wave of Southern terror, killing a federal judge and a Black civil rights attorney.Thursday's execution was the ninth in Florida this year after a record 19 executions in 2025. DeSantis, a Republican, oversaw more executions in a single year in 2025 than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The previous record was eight executions set in 2014.Court records show Spencer was arrested after choking and threatening to kill Karen Spencer in December 1991. While in jail, Dusty Ray Spencer called his wife and warned her that when he got out, he was going to finish what he had started.On Jan. 18, 1992, Spencer beat his wife’s teenage son with a clothes iron when the boy tried to stop Spencer from attacking his mother, officials said. Then about a week later, the son responded to a commotion outside their home and found Spencer hitting his mother in the head with a brick, according to officials.Court records show the teen tried to shoot Spencer with a rifle, but the gun misfired. Spencer threatened the teen with a knife, and the boy ran away to get help. When police arrived, they found Karen Spencer dead with several stab wounds to the chest.Spencer was initially sentenced to death in 1992 after being convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery. In 1994, the Florida Supreme Court ordered his new sentencing after finding that the trial court had mishandled evaluating aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Spencer was resentenced to death the next year, and subsequent appeals were denied.Last week, the state Supreme Court rejected Spencer’s appeals. His attorneys had argued that he had health issues such as liver disease that posed a heightened risk of pain and suffering. They also argued that executing him at his advanced age would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a final appeal earlier Thursday without comment.All Florida executions are carried out by the lethal injection of a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.____Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/25/man-convicted-of-fatally-stabbing-his-wife-set-to-be-9th-person-executed-this-year-in-florida/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:00:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEHH62JI4NZGRPFS2VD6QQGLFFU.jpg","slug":"74-year-old-man-becomes-oldest-inmate-executed-in-modern-florida-history"},{"id":"iyp0ud","title":"Native Americans commemorate victory at Little Bighorn with horse races, dance and song","excerpt":"The quiet, wind-swept hills of the Battle of Greasy Grass, known to many as the Battle of Little Bighorn, are the setting for Native Americans commemorating the battle's 150th anniversary with horse rides, battle reenactments and a camp of hundreds of people this week.The battle, one of the most ...","content":"The quiet, wind-swept hills of the Battle of Greasy Grass, known to many as the Battle of Little Bighorn, are the setting for Native Americans commemorating the battle's 150th anniversary with horse rides, battle reenactments and a camp of hundreds of people this week.The battle, one of the most famous and symbolically charged events in American history, marked its anniversary Thursday. Allied tribes came together on that hot day near the banks of the Little Bighorn River in present-day Montana to hand the U.S. Army a rare defeat as they fought to preserve their way of life in the face of westward expansion. Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and more than 200 his troops were killed.Reenactments will illustrate the battle. Horse riders from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota and elsewhere traveled hundreds of miles to the Crow Agency area in Montana to mark the occasion. Families were encouraged to share their oral histories. At the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, people planned horse races and traditional songs and dances.Gathering at the battlefield area in Montana means “we’re still here,” said William Good Bird, a traditional singer from the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation in North Dakota who woke up the camp where hundreds of people were gathered from numerous tribes with a song and drumming.“Today I am celebrating the victory of our people, celebrating my life as a human being and my spot on this earth,” he said.Native warriors overpowered divided U.S. Army forcesThe discovery of gold in the Black Hills in what is now South Dakota by a Custer expedition just years earlier spurred a military campaign against Great Plains tribes that aimed to push them onto reservations, or what were known then as agencies, said historian Dakota Goodhouse.There were bigger, longer battles and other Native victories between March 1876 and June 1877, but Goodhouse said only the Battle of Greasy Grass — named by Native Americans for the slick grass along the river — gained national recognition because the commanding officer was killed. At the time, the Lakota were one of the largest and most powerful tribal nations, with strong leaders in Sitting Bull and warriors like Crazy Horse. Native warriors quickly overwhelmed Custer's men as the U.S. forces were spread miles apart over the hilly area.News of Custer's defeat stunned Americans, who were celebrating their country's centennial.The federal government accelerated efforts to subdue resistance, bringing years of hardship and upheaval for Native Americans. Crazy Horse was killed in 1877, and starvation brought about the surrender of others in 1881.Sitting Bull didn’t surrender as history books tell it, said Jon Eagle Sr., a former Standing Rock tribal historic preservation officer from the Hunkpapa band of the Oceti Sakowin.“Our people say that he looked at his son Crow Foot and said, ‘My boy, if you live, you can never be a man in this world because you can never own a gun or a pony,’” Eagle said. “I think that he understood that things were going to change for his children, his grandchildren and those not yet born.”Sitting Bull was killed with about a dozen other people when agency police attempted to arrest him in 1890.Custer is remembered as a polarizing figure Biographer T.J. Stiles described Custer as one of the most distinguished combat officers in the Army at the end of the Civil War. But he said the “Boy General” with his long hair and flamboyant battlefield wardrobe often bristled at the chain of command and did not take to the management side of leadership.“Custer was someone who whenever he got into the frying pan, he immediately started looking for the fire,” he said.In 1873, Custer was assigned to lead the Seventh Cavalry at Fort Abraham Lincoln, near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota. From there, he led military expeditions, including one that confirmed the gold in the Black Hills, a sacred place to the Lakota.Seen in the U.S. as a tragic hero and memorialized for his military feats, Custer could also be considered progressive even as the federal government sought to displace Native Americans and stamp out Native languages through boarding schools, Goodhouse said. He learned to speak Arikara and Lakota and became fluent in sign language used by tribes in the region.Still, as many Americans are celebrating the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, for many Native Americans it's not a reason to rejoice.“It’s just a mark to me of 250 years of injustice to the Native people,” Crow tribal member and reenactment coordinator Jim Real Bird said.Eagle agreed: “That’s one of the things that we always tell our people when we come together, is they failed at their attempts to rub us out. We’re still here as ancient people deeply connected to our environment.” Commemoration keeps history alive for future generationsFor more than 30 years, reenactments featuring hundreds of warriors have marked the anniversary near the battlefield. The choreography is based on Northern Cheyenne oral history and highlights horsemanship and language preservation.“All the other things that are Native American don't mean nothing if you don't know your language,” said Real Bird.The atmosphere at the battlefield area was celebratory as hundreds of people from numerous tribes had gathered. Several hundred horse riders charged up a hill and circled at the top as they whooped and yelled. The sun shined on the battlefield area, a wide-open grassland with few trees, mountains in the distance.Elders wore headdresses. People sang and played drums as flags flew from various tribal nations. The camp with dozens of tepees stood along the Little Bighorn River, with people there from tribes in the Dakotas and as far away as Washington state.“This is our fuel for the year. We come here and this is a renewal for us, too, you know, personally,” said Theresa Long Turkey, of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.At Standing Rock, Eagle said the races honor the horse nation that carried their ancestors to victory 150 years ago. The commemoration also includes oskáte, a traditional celebration of oral histories, victory songs and tribal dancing.“It's just an opportunity for us to share with the generations coming behind us that they’re descendants of a very powerful nation and ancient people that are still here despite everything that was done to us,” said Eagle, whose great-great-grandfather, Sunka, fought that day. His father, Charging Thunder, also was there.Goodhouse recalled stories his grandfather would tell him of their ancestors who were in the Hunkpapa camp when troops attacked. His grandfather’s great-grandfather, Striped Face, was shot but mounted his horse and joined the fight.“There’s this kind of energy there that still lives on because we have this direct narrative that was handed down,” he said.___Dura reported from Bismarck, North Dakota.___This story is published through the Global Indigenous Reporting Network at The Associated Press.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/native-americans-commemorate-victory-at-little-bighorn-with-horse-races-dance-and-song/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Brown And Jack Dura, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:00:17.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOZGE27PJTNGYRJOBDDQ6XT5574.jpg","slug":"native-americans-commemorate-victory-at-little-bighorn-with-horse-races-dance-and-song"},{"id":"orybrs","title":"Supreme Court ruling blocks thousands of lawsuits against maker of Roundup weedkiller","excerpt":"The Supreme Court sided with the maker of Roundup weedkiller Thursday in a ruling expected to block thousands of lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people the product could cause cancer.","content":"The Supreme Court sided with the maker of Roundup weedkiller Thursday in a ruling expected to block thousands of lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people the product could cause cancer.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/supreme-court-decisions-today-scotus-blocks-thousands-lawsuits-bayer-maker-roundup-weedkiller-glyphosate/19382062/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:53:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381321_062526-wls-scotus-wrap-11a-vid.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-ruling-blocks-thousands-of-lawsuits-against-maker-of-roundup-weedkiller"},{"id":"4rucy","title":"DEA asks watchdog to investigate claims that agents permitted fentanyl to hit the streets","excerpt":"The federal Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday asked the U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog to investigate a whistleblower's claims that DEA agents permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico.The request came days after an Associated Press ...","content":"The federal Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday asked the U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog to investigate a whistleblower's claims that DEA agents permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico.The request came days after an Associated Press investigation found agents repeatedly monitored — but did not seize — major shipments of the synthetic opioid in a bid to build bigger criminal cases between 2023 and 2025.In a letter sent Thursday to the U.S. Justice Department's Inspector General, DEA administrator Terry Cole wrote that an internal probe was necessary because “the allegations have generated significant public attention and have raised questions regarding DEA’s operational decisions, supervisory oversight, and response to concerns.”Cole wrote in a public statement that his request “should not be interpreted as reflecting any lack of confidence in the professionalism or integrity of DEA personnel or in the investigative decisions made during this matter.”“If improvements are identified, DEA will implement them,” he added. “Strong institutions are sustained — not diminished — by objective oversight and a willingness to continuously assess and improve.”Current and former DEA agents told the AP the investigative strategy — known as letting the counterfeit painkillers “walk” — amounted to a gamble with public safety in a state ravaged by the fentanyl epidemic and may have violated Justice Department rules intended to safeguard communities from a drug the White House last year designated as a “ weapon of mass destruction.”The AP investigation cited three current and former agents and government records, including an internal report of a 2023 delivery of 74,000 pills the DEA watched happen at a mobile home park in Albuquerque. One of those agents, David Howell, first raised serious concerns about this strategy in a 2023 whistleblower complaint. He continued to raise his objections internally and spoke at length with the AP about what he described as a strategy that “poisoned our community to make cases.\"In an earlier statement to AP, a DEA spokesperson said \"public descriptions suggesting that DEA knowingly permitted fentanyl to reach communities are false and fundamentally mischaracterize the facts.\"The DEA's request for the watchdog investigation came just a day after New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked the state’s attorney general to examine whether the agency’s actions violated New Mexico law, an extraordinary challenge to a federal law enforcement agency at a time when fentanyl remains one of the country’s deadliest public health threats.“There are no words to describe how reckless and dangerous these decisions were,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “Make no mistake: the DEA knew people would die if these pills made it into New Mexico communities, and the agency let it happen anyway.”The Justice Department said in a statement that it welcomes a partnership with New Mexico leaders to keep the state safe. \"Protecting the public requires more than addressing individual transactions as they occur,\" the statement said. “It requires identifying the sources of supply, the individuals directing criminal activity and the organizations responsible for moving dangerous drugs into our communities.”Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico, meanwhile, sent Cole a letter asking for a briefing on the DEA's tactics in the state. “New Mexicans are paying the price for a fentanyl epidemic that is tearing families apart and deserve answers,\" U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury said in a statement. “At a time when overdose deaths continue to devastate our state and communities, the DEA should be focused on stopping these drugs before they reach our streets — period.”___Associated Press reporter Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/dea-asks-watchdog-to-investigate-claims-that-agents-permitted-fentanyl-to-hit-the-streets/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Mustian, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:28:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMHXBWC42EBHVPEOJQGHGMH5OUE.jpg","slug":"dea-asks-watchdog-to-investigate-claims-that-agents-permitted-fentanyl-to-hit-the-streets"},{"id":"uv4hyf","title":"The Supreme Court lets the Trump administration end legal protections for Haitians and Syrians","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.The 6-3 decision overturns lower court orders and allows the Departmen...","content":"The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.The 6-3 decision overturns lower court orders and allows the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status, a program that protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries. It marked another victory at the high court for Republican President Donald Trump's sweeping crackdown on immigration. Though the conservative-dominated court has put the brakes on some of Trump’s immigration policies, it handed him a second win Thursday in a decision clearing the way for the revival of a policy restricting immigrants seeking asylum. The court’s conservative majority found that the law doesn’t allow courts to question the process that immigration authorities use to revoke the protections.The opinion from Justice Samuel Alito also brushed aside arguments that Trump's derogatory comments about Haitians showed the decision was unlawfully tinged by prejudice. He called the statements “insufficient to show that the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation was based on the race of the Haitian people.”Justice Elena Kagan forcefully disagreed, calling Trump's comments “so repellent and racially inflected that the majority declines to put them in print.” Her dissent pointed out that Trump had said Haitians in the U.S. “probably have AIDS,” and he also amplified false rumors during the 2024 campaign that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating dogs and cats. Federal authorities deny that prejudice played a role, and argued that TPS was supposed to be temporary but has lasted over a decade in some cases.James Percival, DHS general counsel, applauded Thursday’s ruling. He said the program had become “de facto amnesty. This is a win for the rule of law and common sense.”In a Fox News interview Thursday, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called it “a victory 10 years in the making,\" saying it allows Haitian migrants to “finally” be removed.Lawyers said Haitian immigrants would be in danger if they are sent back. “Simply put, the Supreme Court’s ruling will directly result in thousands of innocent people dying violent, needless deaths,” Geoff Pipoly and Andy Tauber said.They urged the Senate to approve an extension of deportation protections for Haitians that passed the House on a rare bipartisan vote in April.“Families are here, kids are going to school, parents are going into work, folks are trying to commute, and it’s like the Supreme Court just put all those activities on stop and put folks in limbo,” said Viles Dorsainvil, who runs a support center for Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. People with TPS are also a key part of the workforce in long-term care facilities, an industry group said. “This would be a dreadful loss for all seniors in our community,” said Rita Siebenaler, a resident at Goodwin Living, a senior living community in Virginia. The Justice Department appealed to the Supreme Court after judges postponed the end of the program for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. The high court sided with the administration before and allowed the end of the program for people from Venezuela.Since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Homeland Security has moved to end the protections, including some that had been in place for more than a decade, for people from 13 countries.Immigration lawyers said the terminations were made through an improperly fast process, even though countries such as Haiti and Syria remain dangerous. Four Haitian women who were deported from the United States in February were later found beheaded and dumped in a river several months later, lawyers said in court documents.Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, called the ruling “a devastating betrayal of Haitian families who have lived, worked, and contributed to this country for years — only to be cast out based on anti-Black immigration sentiment.”The United States first granted protections to Haitians in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake and extended them multiple times amid ongoing  gang violence that has displaced more than a million people, according to court documents.Syrians were first granted protected status in 2012, during a civil war that lasted for more than a decade before the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government in late 2024. “Today, many of our community members, they feel lost,” Farrah AlKhorfan of Immigrants Act Now said about Syrian immigrants losing TPS protections. “They are trying to understand … what this decision means for them and how it will be implemented and how much time they will have to prepare for what comes next.”The program was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters, civil strife and other instability. It allows people already in the country to stay with work permits in increments of up to 18 months, but it does not provide a path to citizenship. ___ Associated Press writer Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis and Collin Binkley in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-end-legal-protections-for-haitians-syrians/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:30:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FA7B6PNXB6NC53N2BQBUNKZYXB4.jpg","slug":"the-supreme-court-lets-the-trump-administration-end-legal-protections-for-haitians-and-syrians"},{"id":"k6sqpn","title":"UN agency pauses evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after attack on vessel","excerpt":"A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman following the passage of several tankers that used a route backed by the U.N.The head of the International Maritim...","content":"A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman following the passage of several tankers that used a route backed by the U.N.The head of the International Maritime Organization said the plan to move stranded ships out of the Persian Gulf through the strait will be on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region.The report of a strike came hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using the route through the strait without Tehran’s permission. The vessel that was attacked was not part of the evacuation effort, said Arsenio Dominguez, the U.N. agency’s secretary-general.A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation, said the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was attacked by a drone being flown by the Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.Following reports of the attack, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority — a new government agency established to control shipping in the strait — wrote on X that transit outside its own designated routes “will not be covered by the guarantee of safe passage.”The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the vessel sustained damage, but it reported no injuries or environmental effects from the attack off the coast of Oman.An alternative passage would relieve pressure on economyThe opening of an alternative passage through the vital waterway would relieve pressure on the world economy and remove Iran’s main source of leverage in ongoing peace talks with the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a visit to the Gulf to reassure American allies, said Washington was committed to the new route and ensuring that ships are able to transit the strait.“If that stops, then we’re going to have a problem,” Rubio said Thursday before the report of the strike on the ship.Traffic through the strait increased in recent days but was still well below prewar levels. Oil on Thursday briefly dipped below its last prewar price of just under $73 per barrel, a sign that the market believes the situation is improving.The U.S. and Iran are still debating terms of an interim peace deal, including issues such as getting ships through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf and addressing the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.Under the memorandum of understanding signed last week, the U.S. and Iran have 60 days to iron out the details. As talks are held behind closed doors, U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders have seemed to negotiate in public, trading threats and claiming concessions the other side denies.Meanwhile, a flare-up of fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants threatened the wider truce. Lebanon says five people have been killed by Israeli strikes over the past two days. Iran says the tentative deal to end the war would require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon — a condition Israel has rejected.More ships pass through the strait, but far fewer than before the warOil tankers, led by the Stoic Warrior vessel, sailed along the United Arab Emirates and then Oman early Thursday, passing by Oman's Musandam Peninsula fairly close to the shore. The route was laid out by Oman and the International Maritime Organization.North of the route is a corridor in the center of the strait where ships moved freely before the war, transporting about a fifth of all the world’s oil and natural gas.Iran said it mined that passage after the U.S. and Israel attacked it on Feb. 28. At least one mine has been sighted there.Though some ships had been getting out of the strait, with U.S. military support, the U.N. agency's effort was the latest to free trapped vessels. The shipping company Maersk said its container ship, the Maersk Baltimore, and another chartered vessel made it out on Thursday.Last week, 125 vessels crossed the strait, up from 33 the week before, according to marine data and analysis firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence.According to S&P Global, Wednesday saw 78 transits, the most since the war began, but still below the daily prewar average of 130 or more.Iran says the new shipping route is ‘unacceptable’The naval arm of the Revolutionary Guard issued a warning Thursday against using the new route.In a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, naval officials said the route was established without notice or coordination with Iran, calling it “unacceptable and completely dangerous.”“The only authorized route for passing through the Strait of Hormuz is the one declared by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Iranian force said. “Vessel traffic outside these routes is extremely dangerous and prohibited.”“Violators will be dealt with,” it added, without elaborating. On Wednesday, the Guard threatened one tanker over the radio, with a soldier warning, “You are in range of my missiles and maybe (I) fire on you,” according to the private security firm Ambrey.Rubio says the US will ensure there are no tolls on shipsRubio met with foreign ministers from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to assure them that their interests would be protected in any agreement with Iran.Those countries, including major energy producers reliant on the strait for exports, came under attack by Iran after the start of the war.“There is no part in this deal that’s undertaken that in any way undermines the security, the stability or the prosperity of any of our partners in the Gulf region,” Rubio said at the meeting in Bahrain.Bahrain’s foreign minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, said the agreement brought a glimmer of hope but stressed that it was “critically important that Iran adheres to its obligations.”Lebanon remains a flashpointA lull in fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah that started Sunday began to show cracks after Israel said it targeted Hezbollah militants.Lebanon’s health ministry said Thursday that three people were killed by an Israeli strike on a car in southern Lebanon.Hezbollah has called the recent strikes a ceasefire violation but has not retaliated. The Israeli military said Thursday that it fired on two separate groups it suspected of being Hezbollah members. The strikes came as Lebanese and Israeli officials were in Washington discussing a proposed phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.Israel’s military also said Thursday that a reservist soldier was killed in southern Lebanon.___Lee reported from Manama, Bahrain. Associated Press writers David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/an-oil-tanker-navigates-the-strait-of-hormuz-despite-threats-from-irans-revolutionary-guard/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jon Gambrell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T06:11:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFW3QWUJ6AZCIXCYNOTJMOMCVGQ.jpg","slug":"un-agency-pauses-evacuation-of-ships-through-the-strait-of-hormuz-after-attack-on-vessel"},{"id":"ivg94h","title":"Mexican man dies in ICE custody in Laredo, at least the 20th fatality this year","excerpt":"A 63-year-old man died in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Laredo this month, marking at least the fifth death in Texas ICE detention centers this year, a quarter of the nationwide total, as the fatalities have skyrocketed to a record pace not seen in decades.According to a noti...","content":"A 63-year-old man died in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Laredo this month, marking at least the fifth death in Texas ICE detention centers this year, a quarter of the nationwide total, as the fatalities have skyrocketed to a record pace not seen in decades.According to a notification ICE officials sent congressional members late Wednesday, Felix Alcorta-Rodriguez died about an hour after being rushed to the emergency room from the Webb County Detention Center on June 19. His death has not previously been reported. It is not yet listed on ICE’s website and spokespeople for the agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Neither did congressional representatives who oversee the agency.Dr. Corinne Stern, Webb County’s medical examiner, said in a brief interview that although the autopsy and notification of family is ongoing, Alcorta died from “natural causes.”“It’s not in any way related to his incarceration,” she said, without providing more details. According to the email from ICE notifying Congress, which the agency is required to do so under federal law, Alcorta entered the U.S. without inspection at an “unknown date and time.” ICE arrested Alcorta following his release from Webb County Jail on June 16. The Laredo Police Department had detained him the previous month on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court for a 2018 driving while intoxicated charge. Alcorta has previous arrests for unauthorized use of a vehicle, unauthorized disposal of a lead acid battery and drunken driving.The email sent to Congressional representatives Wednesday said that Alcorta was found “unresponsive at 9:13 p.m” on June 19. Detention staff called medical emergency providers and began “lifesaving measures.” He was rushed by an ambulance to the Laredo Medical Center and pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. His official cause of death is currently pending an autopsy.“While in custody he received medical care and was seen by medical professionals,” according to the notification ICE sent congress. A Laredo police department spokesperson confirmed Alcorta’s previous arrests. His recent arrest was the result of an outstanding warrant from the sheriff’s office for drunken driving in 2018. Webb County Judge Tino Tijerina said he was not familiar with the case. A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, wrote in an email that the congressman had been advised of the death and was concerned.“It’s critical that we get the facts and investigate what happened,” said the statement from Cuellar, who is in a heated election battle against Tijerina, the former Democrat turned Republican. “Any death in federal custody is a serious matter and transparency is important.”Cuellar is ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which helps oversee billions in annual federal spending for the agency that Congress recently ballooned. He was absent from some votes last year due to his federal indictment on bribery and money laundering allegations. As he and his wife, who were accused of accepting some $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank, were preparing to go to trial, President Trump pardoned the couple.Earlier this year, Cuellar was one of a handful of Democrats to vote to fund DHS and prevent a partial government shutdown in the face of mass protests after ICE’s Minnesota operation. ICE agents killed two U.S. citizens in that surge.Alcorta’s death in Laredo marks the latest in ICE detention in Texas, which has been home to at least a quarter of the deaths in ICE custody since Trump took office last year.It also unfolds as the Webb County Detention Center, where Alcorta was detained, has come under some recent criticism. An ICE report this February found that the facility had at least nine violations for providing proper care in the span of the three-day visit. The facility is operated by CoreCivic, which did not immediately respond to questions. About a third of those complaints related to concerns of improper medical care. Among the allegations was that staff did not properly check on inmates for concerns about suicide or sufficiently care for pregnant women.Such complaints have ramped up in Texas this year. In the span of six weeks between December and January, for example, six people died while detained by ICE in Texas — three of them at El Paso’s Camp East Montana. The deadly period began with a 48-year-old Guatemalan, Francisco Gaspar-Andres, who ICE said died last December of liver and kidney failure after being hospitalized for more than two weeks following detention. His relatives have disputed ICE’s characterization that he died of natural causes. But the most controversial case has been that of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban with a criminal history, who died earlier this year at that sprawling and troubled tent camp at the U.S. Army’s Fort Bliss. Initially, ICE officials said it was a suicide. The local medical examiner later ruled it a homicide involving staff. Lunas Campos’ death remains under federal investigation. Thirty-two people died in ICE custody nationwide last year, surpassing the previous high of 20 in 2005, according to federal data. Detention facilities are seeing more overcrowding and understaffing as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement in the interior of the country, experts said. Unlawful border crossings have plummeted due to the administration’s restrictions. Federal data shows that most current ICE detainees are not accused of crimes beyond civil immigration offenses. The government last fall also temporarily stopped paying many medical providers due to bureaucratic changes under the administration. As a result, ICE for months has been unable to reimburse health care officials, including for prescription medication, dialysis and chemotherapy.                     Help us report on Texas ICE detention                          The Texas Tribune is continuing to report on the record deaths in the state’s immigrant detention facilities and the conditions inside. We’re seeking people who can speak about the quality of care at ICE’s two dozen centers in Texas, including El Paso’s Camp East Montana and the Dilley facility for parents and children, as well as anyone who can provide information on the new detention warehouses slated to open in Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.                     We take your confidentiality seriously and will protect your identity.                             Among the people we would like to hear from are:                        Immigrants and their relatives who have been held at Texas ICE detention centers and who can speak to the quality of care and treatment by staff there in the past decade. .                Family and attorneys of those who died either in Texas ICE custody or shortly after being released or deported, or those who experienced medical harm during or as a result of detention.                Current or former ICE employees and contractors, such as medical staff and safety inspectors, as well as emergency officials and health care workers who have treated ICE detainees.                       You can contact us anonymously    on     Signal, an encrypted, secure app    , or on Whatsapp, via phone or through email:       Lomi Kriel (se habla español): 832-729-3421 (Signal, Whatsapp, cell) or       lkriel@texastribune.org          Colleen DeGuzman: 956-605-9321 (Signal, Whatsapp, cell) or       colleen.deguzman@texastribune.org         Mail us: Lomi Kriel and Colleen DeGuzman, The Texas Tribune, 919 Congress Ave, STE 600,  Austin, TX 78701.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/24/mexican-man-dies-in-ice-custody-in-laredo-at-least-the-20th-fatality-this-year/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Lomi Kriel","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:20:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHEAJ2ZB2K5BGTAN46D3CC7FWAQ.jpg","slug":"mexican-man-dies-in-ice-custody-in-laredo-at-least-the-20th-fatality-this-year"},{"id":"j1efwv","title":"Venezuelans in the US rush to send aid to earthquake victims, but Caracas airport is closed","excerpt":"Venezuelans in the U.S. rushed to organize donation drives Thursday after devastating earthquakes that officials say killed at least 188 people and injured hundreds more in their home country. The United States government and other countries also pledged aid.Oscar Torres and thousands of others s...","content":"Venezuelans in the U.S. rushed to organize donation drives Thursday after devastating earthquakes that officials say killed at least 188 people and injured hundreds more in their home country. The United States government and other countries also pledged aid.Oscar Torres and thousands of others spent the last 24 hours keeping up with a flurry of messages posted to a WhatsApp group that connects people in Venezuela with their families. He lives in Doral, Florida, a city outside Miami that's home to the largest Venezuelan population in the U.S. “Already this morning, I was looking at the group in Doral and everybody’s pitching in — money, medicine, water. First, necessity items,” said Torres, a sales manager who moved to the U.S. from Venezuela in 1995. “They’re talking about making the first shipment ASAIn Washington, the Trump administration said it’s sending $150 million to support relief efforts by aid groups and the United Nations, according to a U.S. State Department news release.Meanwhile, the U.S. government was mobilizing a disaster response team to Venezuela that includes two urban search and rescue teams from fire departments in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles. The U.S. military, which seized Venezuela's then-president Nicolas Maduro in a surprise January drug arrest, will provide aircraft to help assess damage, assist searches and deliver aid.Other countries including Mexico and Colombia also promised assistance.People in the US scramble to reach their families in VenezuelaThe 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes Wednesday night caused severe damage to the country’s main airport in the capital of Caracas, which could hamper efforts to get aid into the country quickly. The quakes were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century.In photos and videos of the aftermath, injured children, animals and civilians are seen covered in dust and blood being pulled out of concrete rubble.In addition to those killed and injured, thousands more were reported missing — leaving many families members in the U.S. scrambling for updates. More than 770,000 Venezuelans live in the U.S., with large communities settling in Texas and Utah, in addition to Florida.In the Houston area, home to a large Venezuelan community, residents used community Facebook groups and other social media to spread the word about local donation sites. First aid and medical supplies such as gauze, bandages, antiseptics, disposable gloves, face masks, syringes, thermometers and blood pressure monitors all were in demand. Local resident Daniel Arenas translated a Spanish-language post into English and shared it Thursday on his LinkedIn page hoping people across Houston would step up and donate. “I came to this country 10 years ago, built a life here, but my heart is still in Venezuela,” Arenas said. “It’s devastating what’s happening over there. They don’t have the resources to handle this.”Arenas, a maritime industry consultant, said that his wife is concerned about her aunt, who lives in a high-rise apartment in Caracas and sent a distraught message on WhatsApp after the quakes hit. “She was crying and screaming and saying she was in pain but not sure from where,” Arenas said. “She said she lost everything. She was desperate.”Arenas said his wife was later able to reach her aunt. In Venezuela, people are trapped in their homes or forced to sleep outsideMany of the sites mobilizing donations are in Katy, a suburb about 30 miles (48 km) west of downtown Houston that’s earned the nickname “Katyzuela” because of its high concentration of Venezuelans. Luis Angarita, who lives in Katy, said his younger sister and family were forced to sleep outside in a park after their home was damaged in the mountain community of Caribia, some 6 miles (10 kilometers) northwest of Caracas.Angarita’s sister told him in a WhatsApp message that she’s trying to get everyone to their father’s home on the other side of the capital. But no taxis or buses are running and roads leading out of their mountain community are closed.“Thank God they’re safe,” Angarita said in Spanish. “There are many displaced people and others are stuck in their homes, unable to leave. They need help.”In Florida, workers for the Doral-based aid group Global Empowerment Mission on Thursday packed medical supplies, toiletries, cases of bottled water and nonperishable foods to be sent to Venezuela. Despite damage to airports and roads, the aid group doesn’t foresee delays getting supplies into Venezuela, said Billy Richardson, the group’s U.S. logistics director.“Sometimes it means using other airports, other means of transport, or even coming into other countries,” Richardson said by email. Torres planned to contribute money for relief efforts. He still has uncles and cousins who live in Caracas and Valencia, another hard-hit Venezuelan city. He said some of them were injured as they fled buildings during the quakes.“Their homes are destroyed and a few buildings have collapsed,” Torres said. “Thankfully, I don’t know anyone who passed away.”___Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Marcelo reported from New York.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/venezuelans-in-the-us-rush-to-send-aid-to-earthquake-victims-but-caracas-airport-is-closed/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Russ Bynum And Philip Marcelo, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:28:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLQFJZNA5QNE2XJU474IB2JDKNE.jpg","slug":"venezuelans-in-the-us-rush-to-send-aid-to-earthquake-victims-but-caracas-airport-is-closed"},{"id":"nyls76","title":"Leaders and celebrities react after powerful quakes hit Venezuela","excerpt":"World leaders and Venezuelan celebrities reacted Thursday with messages of solidarity and offers of assistance after two powerful earthquakes shook the South American nation, killing at least 164 people, injuring more than 1,000 and trapping many beneath collapsed buildings.Wednesday evening’s 7....","content":"World leaders and Venezuelan celebrities reacted Thursday with messages of solidarity and offers of assistance after two powerful earthquakes shook the South American nation, killing at least 164 people, injuring more than 1,000 and trapping many beneath collapsed buildings.Wednesday evening’s 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and could be felt throughout the region.Venezuelan officials were trying to make the most of the daylight hours to speed up efforts to rescue people believed to remain trapped under the rubble.Here are some of the reactions from world leaders and celebrities to the earthquakes in Venezuela.US State Secretary Marco Rubio“The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the social platform X.“America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.”UN emergency relief chief Tom FletcherU.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement that Venezuela will need “all hands on deck” from the international community to deal with the aftermath of the earthquakes.“I’m in close contact with our team in Caracas to ensure a full and urgent response, including search and rescue support and emergency relief for survivors. International solidarity coming in,\" Fletcher said.French President Emmanuel MacronFrench President Emmanuel Macron took to social platform X to express France's solidarity with the Venezuelan people and said that a team of 85 French rescue workers specializing in search and clearance operations is “being deployed immediately” to Venezuela.“France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs identified by the Venezuelan authorities,” he wrote.Venezuelan actor-model Alicia MachadoThe 1996 Miss Universe Alicia Machado, who was born in Maracay, is using her Instagram account to give visibility to distressed Venezuelans and linking them to an initiative named Global Empowerment Mission for aid.“Venezuela needs us united more than ever! We are waiting for you here,” Machado said in an Instagram post. “Our reconnaissance and emergency response team is deploying immediately and is expected to be on the ground by Friday to assess needs, coordinate with local partners, and begin response operations. Please keep the people of Venezuela in your thoughts during this challenging time.”Actor Édgar RamírezEmmy Award-winning actor Edgar Ramírez, a native of San Cristobal who has appeared in several movies and TV series in the U.S., posted more than 20 messages on his Instagram account by Thursday morning showing people who had disappeared after the earthquakes. He also shared an image of the Venezuelan flag that Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis had posted.Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaPresident Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil said Thursday evening he had just talked ro Rodríguez to offer solidarity and decide the best way to support the neighboring nation.“We will send Friday morning a humanitarian search and urban rescue mission in a KC-390 plane,” Lula said on X, adding 36 firefighters and eight other specialists on risk assessment and telecommunications will be aboard. “With them, we are sending nine tonnes of equipment to help.”“On Saturday, we will send another flight with equipment to assemble an open hospital, 100 water purifiers moved by solar panels, medication and medical supplies for surgeries,” the Brazilian president added. Mexico’s President Claudia SheinbaumMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that a team of military rescue workers, along with medical personnel, will depart for Venezuela on Thursday. She did not say how many people would be traveling.“We will determine tomorrow exactly what additional personnel are needed to continue helping the communities that need it,” the Mexican president said.China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun“China has taken note of the reports concerning Venezuela. We extend our sincere condolences to the Venezuelan government and the affected people,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday in a news conference.He added that “China is willing to provide assistance to Venezuela to the best of its ability, according to Venezuela's needs.\"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SánchezSánchez said he spoke with the Venezuelan president on Thursday to say his country was sending a plane later that day with two government-sponsored search-and-rescue teams, along with other aid workers to assess needs on the ground.“Our government is working to give all the possible assistance to our Spanish expatriates in Venezuela (too),” Sánchez said in his social media channels.Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella“I stand in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake. Colombia stands with you during this difficult time with affection, respect, and hope. My prayers are with the victims and their families. God will provide,” Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella wrote on X.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/25/leaders-and-celebrities-react-after-powerful-quakes-hit-venezuela/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:32:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5X5GKIYICNCOFN7FIST4X6ZLI4.jpg","slug":"leaders-and-celebrities-react-after-powerful-quakes-hit-venezuela"},{"id":"rs4g2u","title":"What to know about Harvey Weinstein's cases after a rape charge was dropped","excerpt":"New York prosecutors have dropped a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying it a fourth time. His accuser supported Thursday's decision, which puts an end to one piece of a landmark #MeToo-era prosecution.It doesn't clear the former Hollywood honcho's criminal record. The 74-year-o...","content":"New York prosecutors have dropped a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying it a fourth time. His accuser supported Thursday's decision, which puts an end to one piece of a landmark #MeToo-era prosecution.It doesn't clear the former Hollywood honcho's criminal record. The 74-year-old has been convicted of other sex crimes in two states and is still behind bars while he appeals those verdicts.Here’s what you need to know about the case:Charge dropped when accuser said she couldn't endure another trialJessica Mann, the hairstylist and actor who accused Weinstein of raping her in a New York hotel room in 2013, told the court in a letter that she “could no longer endure going through this.”She had given extensive, emotional testimony at three trials. One produced a conviction that later got overturned for reasons unrelated to her testimony. Then two retrials ended in hung juries. Mann, 40, said in her letter that she “gave my all” in the case, it “put me through more harm than good” and she wanted to close this chapter of her life.Prosecutors said they believed Mann and were confident in the case, but they would drop it because of her wishes and Weinstein's other convictions.Weinstein's lawyers said the charge should never have been brought in the first place. He denies the allegation, and his lawyers said the encounter was part of a consensual, yearslong relationship. Mann testified that in the early months of that relationship, Weinstein raped her after cornering her in a Manhattan hotel room, grabbing her arms and ignoring her repeated pleas not to have sex.Dismissal doesn't affect Weinstein's convictionsMann's allegation was one of a number of criminal charges that evolved from a 2017 deluge of sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein, an Oscar-winning producer who had huge sway in Hollywood. The accusations propelled the #MeToo movement against sexual assault and sexual harassment.Weinstein was convicted of some charges and acquitted of others at trials in New York and California. The dismissal of the Mann-related case doesn't affect his convictions, which involved other women. Weinstein is facing sentencing in other caseWeinstein, who has said he “never assaulted anyone,” is challenging his convictions. He was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting an Italian actor-model in Los Angeles and sexually assaulting Miriam Haley, a production assistant and producer, in New York.The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they choose to make their names public, as Mann and Haley have done.Weinstein, 74, is facing sentencing in September on the conviction tied to Haley — a verdict reached in at a 2025 retrial after an appeals court reversed an earlier conviction. Haley testified that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her after inviting her to stop by his Manhattan apartment before a flight in July 2006. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year sentence for that conviction. Weinstein's lawyers say they haven't yet decided what sentence they will seek.After whatever punishment Weinstein gets in New York, he faces a 16-year sentence in California.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/25/what-to-know-about-harvey-weinsteins-cases-after-a-rape-charge-was-dropped/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:11:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEQO2FDK74NHFLD5IEN2BEUOYVM.jpg","slug":"what-to-know-about-harvey-weinsteins-cases-after-a-rape-charge-was-dropped"},{"id":"fj5uxv","title":"Best Friends Animal Society hosts a free pet adoption event this Saturday","excerpt":"Sometimes the best teammates don’t wear cleats — they have four legs and a wagging tail. While the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has Houston buzzing, there’s another kind of match happening this Saturday that might just be the most rewarding one yet.Best Friends Animal Society is hosting its Bring Love Ho...","content":"Sometimes the best teammates don’t wear cleats — they have four legs and a wagging tail. While the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has Houston buzzing, there’s another kind of match happening this Saturday that might just be the most rewarding one yet.Best Friends Animal Society is hosting its Bring Love Home Adoption Event on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Garage HTX, located at 1201 Oliver St., Suite 106, in Houston. More than 100 adoptable cats and dogs will be looking for their fur-ever homes — and the best part? Adoption fees are completely waived.To make the day even sweeter, every adopted pet goes home with a special match-day adoption pack, which includes pet food and a toy to welcome their new teammate home.Best Friends has partnered with eight shelter partners and rescue groups throughout the greater Houston area to bring this event to life — a reminder of just how many animals are still waiting for a home. You’ll meet the cutest animals from SPCA of Brazoria County, Sugar Land Animal Services, Galveston Island Humane Society and more.Houston-area shelters and rescue groups are currently caring for thousands of homeless pets. Choosing to adopt rather than purchasing from a pet store or breeder is one of the most impactful ways to help. If adoption isn’t in the cards right now, there are still ways to get involved. Volunteers and temporary foster families are always needed to help save more lives.Best Friends Animal Society has been championing homeless pets since 1984, when a group of friends — along with roughly 200 rescued dogs and cats, a few bunnies and birds, and a couple of burros — settled in a remote canyon in Utah’s high desert. Those first steps would launch what became the nationwide no-kill movement for homeless pets.Watch the interview in the video above to meet some of this weekend’s adoptable pets. For more information about the organization, fostering or volunteering, visit bestfriends.org/houston.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/25/best-friends-animal-society-hosts-a-free-pet-adoption-event-this-saturday/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:10:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe3224e88-f46f-40e0-9261-94c30c7874b2%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"best-friends-animal-society-hosts-a-free-pet-adoption-event-this-saturday"},{"id":"3levrn","title":"Houston’s financial outlook revised to ‘stable’ by S&P Global Ratings, Mayor Whitmire says","excerpt":"S&P Global Ratings has revised the City of Houston’s financial outlook from negative to stable, a move Mayor John Whitmire says reflects the city’s recent efforts to strengthen its finances.The revised outlook comes about two years after S&P changed Houston’s outlook to negative, citing budgetary...","content":"S&P Global Ratings has revised the City of Houston’s financial outlook from negative to stable, a move Mayor John Whitmire says reflects the city’s recent efforts to strengthen its finances.The revised outlook comes about two years after S&P changed Houston’s outlook to negative, citing budgetary pressures related to increased debt service, salary obligations and limited revenue flexibility under the city’s property tax cap.In a statement released Wednesday, Whitmire called the change “an indication that Houston is meeting its challenges and moving in the right direction.”Mayor Whitmire is proud to announce that S&P Global has improved the City of Houston’s rating to Stable in its newest report. This rating shows the City has a stronger and responsible financial foundation.  Learn more: https://t.co/oLuaZTWmL0 pic.twitter.com/Jji7knjzUA&mdash; Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) June 25, 2026“When I took office, I promised to focus on good government, eliminate waste, fraud, and corruption, strengthen the city’s finances, and restore confidence in City Hall,” Whitmire said.The mayor credited the recently approved fiscal year 2027 budget and his administration’s financial management for helping improve the city’s outlook.“Today’s announcement shows that the FY 2027 budget recently approved by the City Council and the work my administration does every day are making a difference,” Whitmire said. “While we have more work ahead, this change demonstrates that the difficult decisions we have made are producing results and strengthening Houston’s financial foundation.”S&P’s outlook revision does not change the city’s credit rating but signals the agency’s view of the city’s financial direction over the coming years. A stable outlook generally indicates the agency expects the city’s credit profile to remain steady if current financial trends continue.Whitmire also said the revised outlook sends a positive message to residents, businesses and investors.“A stable outlook sends a positive message to residents, businesses, and investors that Houston is serious about managing its finances and planning for the future,” he said. “Houston is a strong city, and we are getting stronger every day.”The mayor acknowledged challenges remain but said the city will continue working to improve its long-term financial position.What led to the change?S&P revised Houston’s outlook to negative in July 2024 while affirming the city’s AA general obligation bond rating. At the time, the ratings agency cited concerns over expected budget shortfalls, increased debt service, salary increases tied to a legal settlement and limited ability to raise revenue because of Houston’s voter-approved revenue cap.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/houstons-financial-outlook-revised-to-stable-by-sandp-global-ratings-mayor-whitmire-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:05:41.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6LPVRHTWBBGOPKNVKZBHG7S54U.jpg","slug":"houstons-financial-outlook-revised-to-stable-by-sp-global-ratings-mayor-whitmire-says"},{"id":"6frdqa","title":"Houston weather: Hot, humid pattern continues with triple-digit heat index through June","excerpt":"Summer has officially settled into Southeast Texas, and the weather is starting to look the same day after day. A strong area of high pressure is parked over the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, limited rain chances and afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. When you factor in Hous...","content":"Summer has officially settled into Southeast Texas, and the weather is starting to look the same day after day. A strong area of high pressure is parked over the region, bringing plenty of sunshine, limited rain chances and afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. When you factor in Houston’s trademark humidity, it’ll feel even hotter, with heat index values topping 100 degrees each afternoon through the end of June.Tonight’s ForecastExpect another warm and muggy night across Southeast Texas. Temperatures will only fall into the upper 70s to lower 80s by daybreak, and with all the recent rainfall plus our tropical humidity, mosquitoes will be especially active after sunset. If you’re spending time outside this evening, you may want to have the bug spray handy. Skies will stay mostly dry overnight with a light southerly breeze.Friday’s Forecast:Expect another hot summer afternoon across Southeast Texas with plenty of sunshine and only a few fair-weather clouds. High temperatures will climb into the low to mid-90s, but the humidity will make it feel much hotter, with heat index values reaching 104 to 107 degrees. A light southerly breeze will provide only limited relief, and while an isolated shower can’t be ruled out, most neighborhoods will stay dry through the evening.The weather pattern changes very little through the next 7 days:After what felt like two solid months of rain and a region that is no longer in a drought, a strengthening ridge of high pressure will take control this week, bringing hotter temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The result will be a quieter forecast overall, but one that comes with increasing heat and humidity.Afternoon highs will generally range from 92 to 96 degrees through much of the week, with overnight lows falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s.While this won’t be an extreme heat wave by Houston standards, the lack of rainfall combined with several consecutive days of triple-digit heat indices will make for a prolonged stretch of summer heat. Most afternoons will feature heat index values between 104 and 107 degrees, and there may be isolated spots that briefly exceed those numbers. Staying safe in the heat:Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you do head outside, seek shade when possible, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. And never, under any circumstances, leave a person or animal alone in a closed car. Plus, as our temperatures hit the 90s, it’s a good reminder of how hot it gets inside your car - reaching life-threatening temperatures quickly. According to Stanford researchers, on a 90-degree day a parked car’s interior can reach 109 in just 10 minutes and 133 in 60 minutes. Cracking the windows make no significant difference in the rate of temperature rise, it can still be life-threatening.10 Day Forecast:Looking ahead, the forecast remains remarkably consistent. High temperatures stay in the low-to-mid 90s through the beginning of July, while overnight lows remain in the upper 70s. Rain chances remain very limited for most locations through the weekend and into next week.A few isolated showers may return around the middle of next week, but widespread rainfall is not expected at this time.For now, Houston’s weather pattern is firmly locked into summer mode: hot afternoons, warm nights, plenty of humidity, and very few opportunities for cooling rain.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/25/houston-weather-summer-heat-settles-in-through-the-end-of-june/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown, Justin Stapleton","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:44:22.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F53RIEVR22FGDFMZXAWR7J6BCOI.jpg","slug":"houston-weather-hot-humid-pattern-continues-with-triple-digit-heat-index-through-june"},{"id":"fx4n56","title":"Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding speculation grows as friend says it is 'close'","excerpt":"Reports that Swift and Kelce may tie the knot around the Fourth of July holiday have sparked more recent speculation about their wedding","content":"Reports that Swift and Kelce may tie the knot around the Fourth of July holiday have sparked more recent speculation about their wedding","url":"https://abc13.com/story/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-wedding-speculation-grows-friend-says-is-close/19379305/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:12:59.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19379334_062526-wpvi-gma-swift-wedding-speculation-pkg-video-vid.jpg","slug":"taylor-swift-travis-kelce-wedding-speculation-grows-as-friend-says-it-is-close"},{"id":"rzpnqe","title":"WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas 1 game for hit to Caitlin Clark's throat","excerpt":"The WNBA has suspended Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark's throat in Wednesday night's matchup against Indiana.It happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter and was deemed to be a non-basketball act. The league gave Thomas a Flagrant Fou...","content":"The WNBA has suspended Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark's throat in Wednesday night's matchup against Indiana.It happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter and was deemed to be a non-basketball act. The league gave Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty for it. No foul was called on the play by officials.The WNBA is allowed to review a game to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game.Thomas will serve her suspension on Saturday when the Mercury visit the Toronto Tempo.“It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,” said Fever coach Stephanie White after the game. “You’re coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago and that (expletive) still happens? Absolutely unacceptable.”The Fever renewed their call for player safety in a statement Thursday.“Player safety should be paramount in our league,” Fever team president Kelly Krauskopf said in a statement. “We appreciate the WNBA’s review of last night’s incident and the action taken. Right now our focus is on Caitlin and our entire team as we prepare for Saturday.”The Fever host Los Angeles on Saturday night.This isn’t the first time the league has upgraded a foul against Clark. Last season Marina Mabrey, when she was with Connecticut, received a technical foul in a game against Indiana. The league later upgraded it to a Flagrant 2. Over the years the NBA has had a few instances where the league upgraded a play that resulted in a suspension.The two teams also played on Monday night and there were six technical fouls called and one ejection. Clark picked up her fifth technical of the season in that game. The team petitioned the league to have it rescinded, but the WNBA confirmed that the technical will stand.The physical play carried over to Wednesday's game which the Mercury won 111-109.Clark left the game in the third quarter as she was dealing with a back issue. She appeared to tweak her back in the second quarter when she was fouled shooting a 3-pointer in the second quarter. She fell to the ground and was rubbing her back as she stood up. In the first quarter she went back to the tunnel and returned to the bench wearing a wrap around her back.She finished the game with 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/wnba-suspends-alyssa-thomas-1-game-for-hit-to-caitlin-clarks-throat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Feinberg, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:08:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK4LH3XHNDBA4BLAPZTSX53JSTE.jpg","slug":"wnba-suspends-alyssa-thomas-1-game-for-hit-to-caitlin-clarks-throat"},{"id":"8zec5x","title":"'Lucky Strike' reunites Scott Eastwood, Rod Davis Lurie for WWII film","excerpt":"Inspired by true events, the new film \"Lucky Strike\" takes audiences back to World War II and honors veterans like 107-year-old Colonel Herb Stern.","content":"Inspired by true events, the new film \"Lucky Strike\" takes audiences back to World War II and honors veterans like 107-year-old Colonel Herb Stern.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/lucky-strike-reunites-scott-eastwood-rod-davis-lurie-wwii-film-honors-veterans/19381243/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-25T18:57:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381259_062526-cc-kabc-lucky-strike-img.jpg","slug":"lucky-strike-reunites-scott-eastwood-rod-davis-lurie-for-wwii-film"},{"id":"3nion3","title":"Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold is charged with directing attack against 3 people in Florida","excerpt":"NFL player Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions was charged Thursday in Florida with leading a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people whom he believed had stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.It turned out that the three, including Arnold's personal driver, had nothing to do with...","content":"NFL player Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions was charged Thursday in Florida with leading a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people whom he believed had stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.It turned out that the three, including Arnold's personal driver, had nothing to do with the theft in February, investigators said.Two people charged alongside Arnold have pleaded guilty in the attack and agreed to cooperate with Tampa-area authorities, court records show.“Fame doesn’t get you out of criminal charges or our pursuit of justice and holding criminals accountable,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.Three men in their late teens were held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped and robbed in a Tampa apartment on Feb. 4, police said. It was three days after Louis Vuitton bags and shoes, Rolex watches, a Bible, cash and more were reported stolen from Arnold at an Airbnb rental in Largo, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) west. Arnold, 23, was the “primary conspirator” in the attack, police said.“He’s absolutely denying these allegations,” defense attorney R. Timothy Jansen said in Hillsborough County court.Arnold briefly appeared in court by video as a judge announced charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy, crimes that carry a sentence of up to life in prison. He surrendered to authorities Wednesday and will remain in jail at least until a detention hearing Monday.Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, an agency that represents Arnold, said there's “no credible evidence” against him, only accounts from others who may have an incentive to get a lighter sentence.At least six other people face charges, including two women who pleaded guilty Wednesday and are cooperating. Jasmine Randazzo, 19, was immediately sentenced to four years in prison for kidnapping, conspiracy and robbery with a gun, records show. The victims told police that Arnold’s friends lured them to an apartment, held them at gunpoint and hit them, all the while streaming the attack to Arnold. Police said he was giving orders in a group chat and later arrived at the apartment.“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. A dispute over missing property does not justify kidnapping, violence or retaliation,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said.Arnold, a cornerback on Detroit's defense, was a first-round pick in the 2024 draft after playing at the University of Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception last season for the Lions. The Lions and the NFL said they were aware of the arrest but declined to comment.Police in Largo spent weeks investigating the thefts from Arnold's Airbnb stay. One neighbor said there were “pretty wild parties” there that seemed to last until dawn, with multiple people coming and going, according to a report released to The Associated Press. The Airbnb host told police that 20 bags of trash were removed.Police said they declared the investigation inactive on March 25 because Arnold and others whose property was also reported stolen did not want to pursue it.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/detroit-lions-player-terrion-arnold-arrested-in-connection-to-florida-kidnapping-and-robbery/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:33:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGS2NVXU4TJAMFO23THYO5XCWP4.jpg","slug":"detroit-lions-player-terrion-arnold-is-charged-with-directing-attack-against-3-people-in-florida"},{"id":"96gxn6","title":"Why this financial expert says small business success starts with financial organization","excerpt":"Business owners often pour their time and energy into growing their companies, but understanding the financial side of the business is just as important. On Houston Life, Manuel Aragon, founder and CEO of Aragon Tax Return Services, shared how organized bookkeeping, proactive tax planning, and a ...","content":"Business owners often pour their time and energy into growing their companies, but understanding the financial side of the business is just as important. On Houston Life, Manuel Aragon, founder and CEO of Aragon Tax Return Services, shared how organized bookkeeping, proactive tax planning, and a solid understanding of cash flow can help entrepreneurs make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.Aragon explained that bookkeeping is much more than preparing for tax season. Regularly reviewing financial reports can help business owners track profitability, manage cash flow, and know when it’s the right time to hire, invest, or expand. He also stressed the importance of separating personal and business finances and staying on top of financial records throughout the year, rather than waiting until tax time.Drawing from his own journey of overcoming adversity to building a successful business, Aragon said his mission is to help entrepreneurs gain financial confidence and create businesses that can support their families and future generations.Other services offered:Tax preparation and filingTax planning and advisoryBookkeeping and accountingPayroll servicesAudit protectionSecure digital servicesWatch the video player above to learn more about Aragon Tax Return Services","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/25/why-this-financial-expert-says-small-business-success-starts-with-financial-organization/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Javana Vela","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:10:43.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fba1ba660-41fb-4254-9fb9-fbed4e3cf6a0%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"why-this-financial-expert-says-small-business-success-starts-with-financial-organization"},{"id":"5g73rc","title":"Zach Cregger's hit horror movie 'Barbarian' releasing on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray SteelBook","excerpt":"Watch the terror at home with Zach Cregger's hit horror film \"Barbarian\" releasing on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray SteelBook. 🎬🍼🎬","content":"Watch the terror at home with Zach Cregger's hit horror film \"Barbarian\" releasing on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray SteelBook. 🎬🍼🎬","url":"https://abc7.com/post/bring-terror-home-zach-creggers-hit-horror-film-barbarian-releasing-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-steelbook/19381251/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-25T18:40:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19381148_062526-otrc-barbarianbluray1-img.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"zach-creggers-hit-horror-movie-barbarian-releasing-on-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-steelbook"},{"id":"235kew","title":"80-year-old man killed in hit-and-run while trying to cross road with his wife, HPD says","excerpt":"Police said the 80-year-old man died after being hit by a driver while he was crossing the road with his wife, who had just gotten off work.","content":"Police said the 80-year-old man died after being hit by a driver while he was crossing the road with his wife, who had just gotten off work.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/airline-drive-hit-run-80-year-old-man-dies-being-driver-trying-cross-road-wife-hpd-says/19380021/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:43:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19380968_062526-ktrk-airline-autopedimg.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"80-year-old-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-while-trying-to-cross-road-with-his-wife-hpd-says"},{"id":"in2hur","title":"Lanes cleared after 18-wheeler hauling tomatoes catches fire along Southwest Fwy NB at Bellaire: HPD","excerpt":"Authorities said the truck was hauling tomatoes before it caught fire, causing backups along the freeway near Bellaire. The incident has since been cleared.","content":"Authorities said the truck was hauling tomatoes before it caught fire, causing backups along the freeway near Bellaire. The incident has since been cleared.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/18-wheeler-hauling-tomatoes-catches-fire-southwest-freeway-bellaire-slowing-down-drivers-going-northbound-hpd/19378663/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Charly Edsitty","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:38:11.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19378896_062526-ktrk-rig-fire-img.png","slug":"lanes-cleared-after-18-wheeler-hauling-tomatoes-catches-fire-along-southwest-fwy-nb-at-bellaire-hpd"},{"id":"888y2a","title":"Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge dropped after accuser says she can't endure a fourth trial","excerpt":"Harvey Weinstein won't face a fourth trial on a New York rape charge. Prosecutors dropped the #MeToo-era case on Thursday after his accuser said she could not bear to testify again.The movie mogul still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York and others in California, and he remains...","content":"Harvey Weinstein won't face a fourth trial on a New York rape charge. Prosecutors dropped the #MeToo-era case on Thursday after his accuser said she could not bear to testify again.The movie mogul still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York and others in California, and he remains behind bars. But the New York rape charge had remained unresolved after an overturned conviction followed by two hung juries. Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, spent days on the witness stand at all three trials, telling jurors that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel in 2013 and being questioned extensively about the complex relationship she had with him before and afterward. The Oscar-winning producer denied the charge and said everything that happened between him and Mann was consensual. In a letter that prosecutor Nicole Blumberg quoted in court Thursday, Mann said she could “no longer endure going through this,” adding that the 8-year-old case has “put me through more harm than good.”Blumberg told the court that prosecutors believe Mann and hail her “bravery, strength, courage and inspiration” to other survivors, but given her feelings about proceeding, “dismissal is appropriate.” With that, Judge Curtis Farber formally dismissed the case. Weinstein left court with a neutral expression, returning to jail to await a September sentencing on a New York sexual assault conviction involving a different woman. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison term. Once Weinstein finishes whatever punishment he gets in New York, he's due to serve 16 years in California, where he was convicted of raping a third woman, who's an Italian actor. He is appealing both convictions.Weinstein's lawyers said he was relieved by the dismissal of the case surrounding Mann's allegation. “These charges should never have been brought to begin with,” lawyer Jacob Kaplan said outside court. “He is innocent.”Mann has testified that she had a consensual, on-and-off relationship with Weinstein, who was married at the time. But she told jurors she repeatedly tried to leave and said no to any sexual activity as he cornered her in a hotel room on March 18, 2013. They had planned to meet in the lobby for breakfast, but he had spontaneously taken a room. She said he persevered, demanding that she undress and grabbing her arms, until she was afraid to keep protesting.The latest trial, this spring, took a visible toll on Mann, 40. During five days of testimony, she was questioned for the first time about a diarylike, soul-baring note she wrote two days after the alleged rape, which the note did not mention. At one point during her testimony, Mann said she was struggling to focus, prompting court to wrap up early for the day. In her letter to the court Thursday, she said she had suffered a concussion shortly before her testimony, had headaches and other symptoms on the stand and ultimately “disassociated.” It was a humiliating addition to an already crushing experience, she wrote. “I have been fragmented, silenced, defamed and traumatized. I’ve paid the price of my reputation,” Mann wrote. Slamming the court, the media and Weinstein, she said her experience showed that \"pursuing justice is better left a pipe dream.” Weinstein was one of the movie industry’s most powerful figures, a producer of such tastemakers and hits as “Shakespeare in Love,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Chocolat.” Then a series of sexual misconduct allegations against him became public in 2017, fueling the #MeToo campaign for accountability and eventually leading to criminal charges in New York and Los Angeles. He denied all of them and was acquitted of some, even as he was convicted of others.During a series of trials, Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of raping Mann. Then an appeals court overturned that verdict for reasons unrelated to her testimony. Jury deliberations broke down at a 2025 retrial, and jurors deadlocked again at this year's retrial.The rape charge in this case was a low-level felony punishable by up to four years in prison — less time than Weinstein, 74, already has served. Weinstein didn’t testify at any of the trials, though he complained during and after the 2025 New York retrial that it was unfair; the judge disagreed. His lawyers have maintained that all his accusers had completely consensual sexual liaisons with a movie studio boss who could help them go places in show business. Weinstein himself has said he “acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone.”The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they choose to be named, as Mann has done.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/25/prosecutors-to-drop-harvey-weinsteins-unresolved-rape-charge-his-other-convictions-stand/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:34:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FL3WTPHTBPZH4VAK7N7LG5UN63M.jpg","slug":"harvey-weinsteins-new-york-rape-charge-dropped-after-accuser-says-she-cant-endure-a-fourth-trial"},{"id":"wnopoy","title":"Wall Street drifts to a mixed finish after Micron soars and Apple drops","excerpt":"The U.S. stock market meandered to a mixed finish Thursday after several artificial-intelligence stocks  veered back up their roller-coaster ride, while Apple dropped after hiking prices on many of its products. The S&P 500 finished nearly unchanged with a dip of less than 0.1% after swinging bet...","content":"The U.S. stock market meandered to a mixed finish Thursday after several artificial-intelligence stocks  veered back up their roller-coaster ride, while Apple dropped after hiking prices on many of its products. The S&P 500 finished nearly unchanged with a dip of less than 0.1% after swinging between gains and losses throughout the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 71 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%.Micron Technology helped lead the market after jumping 15.7%. The maker of computer memory reported much bigger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, and it gave a stronger growth forecast for the current quarter than Wall Street expected. That helped allay worries a bit that its stock had grown too expensive after coming into the day with a surge of 267% so far this year.Micron and AI stocks broadly have been under pressure recently  because of worries that their profits can’t possibly keep pace with the tremendous rallies for their stock prices. But beyond Micron, Qualcomm said late Wednesday that the acceleration of the AI era is forcing it to upgrade forecasts for its own growth in upcoming years. They’re the latest signals of the deluge of dollars heading into AI data centers  and other investments.Qualcomm said it expects its revenue outside of handsets, including data centers, to hit $40 billion in its fiscal year of 2029, roughly double its prior target. Qualcomm’s stock rose 3.8%. But all the strong demand for computer memory and storage that’s driving profits and stock prices higher for producers is also leading to higher costs for customers. Apple on Thursday raised prices for many of its products, including increases of 15% to 20% for Mac computers, according to analysts. Its stock slumped 6.1% and was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500.SpaceX, meanwhile, fell 1% to drop below $153 for its lowest finish since its ballyhooed debut on the Nasdaq earlier this month.All told, the S&P 500 slipped 0.73 to 7,357.49 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 71.72 to 51,960.62, and the Nasdaq composite fell 118.03 to 25,358.60.In the bond market, Treasury yields eased to lessen the pressure on stocks and other investment prices. They regressed after a report showed inflation is behaving pretty much as economists expected.The report said that a measure of inflation hitting U.S. consumers accelerated to 4.1% last month from 3.8% in April, but the hope is that inflation is set to ease because of a drop-off in oil prices. The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 2.2% to $75.50 Thursday. But it’s still well off its highs above $100 caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  because of the war, which slowed the global flow of oil. Earlier Thursday, it dropped near its roughly $72 price from before the war. That helped the yield on the 10-year Treasury slip to 4.39% from 4.41% late Wednesday and from 4.56% earlier this month.“As long as gasoline prices trend lower, inflation expectations will likely follow suit,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management.High yields in bond markets worldwide  caused by worries about inflation are threatening to slow economies, and they have already sent rates higher for mortgages and other kinds of loans. High yields also hurt prices for investments, particularly those seen as the most expensive. That raises the pressure on AI winners. In stock markets abroad, South Korea’s Kospi jumped 5.4% after its own AI winners shot higher, including a 13.1% surge for SK Hynix.Other markets also rallied, including gains of 4.6% for Japan’s Nikkei 225 and 0.7% for the United Kingdom’s FTSE 100. A 1.4% drop for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier.___AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/rebound-in-tech-shares-pushes-asian-shares-higher-while-oil-prices-fall/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:53:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCZU2XU2BQJG2FNXH36BEHZINDU.jpg","slug":"wall-street-drifts-to-a-mixed-finish-after-micron-soars-and-apple-drops"},{"id":"1yu35v","title":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after completion of costly refurbishment","excerpt":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program as the monarchy seeks to increase public access to the historic building that has been the center of royal life for almost 200 years.Royal officials stress...","content":"King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program as the monarchy seeks to increase public access to the historic building that has been the center of royal life for almost 200 years.Royal officials stressed that the king and Queen Camilla would continue to work out of the palace, which will remain “the ceremonial and operational center” of the monarchy. But for the rest of Charles’ reign, the king and queen will remain in nearby Clarence House.“It is and will remain Monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings,” said James Chalmers, the senior royal official responsible for managing the king’s financial affairs.The decision was announced Thursday during a briefing on royal finances at which Charles became the first British monarch to reveal the taxes he paid to the government. The king paid 12.9 million pounds ($16.1 million) in income and capital gains taxes in the 2024-25 financial year, up from 11.7 million pounds the previous year.The royals are trying to respond to criticismThe announcements come as the royal family tries to shift the narrative after months of embarrassing headlines about the links between the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.The public’s focus on Mountbatten-Windsor has overshadowed the king’s efforts to modernize the monarchy and show that the 1,000-year-old institution can evolve.Built in the 1820s, Buckingham Palace has been the London home of every British monarch since Queen Victoria. With 775 rooms, the palace also provides office space for the royal bureaucracy and hosts lavish state dinners for visiting presidents and potentates.The palace is also a focal point for the public, with crowds gathering under its famous balcony to cheer as kings and queens announce the end of wars, celebrate their marriages and mark historic events, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne. It also provides the backdrop for parades down the broad ceremonial avenue known as The Mall.Buckingham Palace needed some loveBut after all the wear and tear, the palace was starting to show its age. In 2017, the royal household began a 10-year program to update obsolete plumbing, wiring and heating and upgrade the building so it could continue to house the monarchy for another 50 years. The project is scheduled to be completed next year.But now the king and queen have decided to live at Clarence House, a stately home close to the palace where Charles has lived since he was Prince of Wales.That decision will allow the palace to increase access public access, hosting more events and expanding the number of visitors and tours of the building, Chalmers said. The palace already receives about 700,000 visitors a year. Royal watchers are waiting for more details about plans for the palace. Ed Owens, author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself,’’ said it would be a shame if, for example, the building lies vacant for much of the year.“I’m hoping for a second act in terms of this decision,’’ he told The Associated Press. “I’m waiting to see whether there will be a sort of a more radical proposal for what Buckingham Palace might be in the future.”The palace recognizes it needs more transparencyThe other big news of the day was the announcement on royal taxes.While Charles released the details of his personal taxes when he was Prince of Wales, this is the first time he has done so since ascending the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022.While monarchy receives funding from a number of sources, the king pays taxes only on his personal income, much of which comes from his privately owned estates, Balmoral in Scotland and Sandringham on the east coast of England. Charles also paid capital gains taxes related to the sale of assets.Prince William, the current Prince of Wales, also released his tax details on Thursday. William paid 7.76 million pounds in income and capital gains taxes in the 2024-25 tax year, down from 8.34 million pounds the previous year, his office said.The figures for the first time give the public a concrete idea about the King’s personal wealth, as opposed to the castles, jewels and artwork that go with the job but aren’t the monarch’s personal property.Charles didn’t have to do this. The king’s tax affairs, like those of any citizen, are strictly confidential. But he decided to give up that right to privacy as the monarchy tries to put as much distance as possible between itself and Mountbatten-Windsor.It also underscores the idea that the monarchy is a public institution and its workings should be public, said Craig Prescott, an expert on constitutional law and the monarchy at Royal Holloway, University of London.“If they’re open and as transparent as possible, then the contrast with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor becomes all the greater,” he said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/king-charles-iii-will-not-live-at-buckingham-palace-after-completion-of-costly-refurbishment/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Danica Kirka, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:10:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6N4CRFBNCZE6PA5ZICXLNBQAHI.jpg","slug":"king-charles-iii-will-not-live-at-buckingham-palace-after-completion-of-costly-refurbishment"},{"id":"vhq57n","title":"Mexico beats Czech Republic 3-0 to win all 3 World Cup group-stage matches for 1st time","excerpt":"Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has been saying for a while now that the key to his players' success at the World Cup is that they are a family. This family, it seems, is on a historic journey.Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored in a six-minute span early in the second half, and Mexico beat the C...","content":"Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has been saying for a while now that the key to his players' success at the World Cup is that they are a family. This family, it seems, is on a historic journey.Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored in a six-minute span early in the second half, and Mexico beat the Czech Republic 3-0 on Wednesday to complete wins in all three of its World Cup group-stage matches for the first time.The 22-year-old Chávez, in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 55th minute and Quiñones scored his second goal of the tournament in the 61st. Alvaro Fidalgo added a goal in stoppage time.“It was something very beautiful, and I’ll take it with me to the grave,” Chávez said of his goal. “I imagined it many times; I dreamed of this.”Mexico's previous best group-stage performance was two wins and one draw, done in 1986 and 2002 and both featuring Aguirre, the first as a midfielder and the second as El Tri's coach. Aguirre is now in his third stint leading the national team.After topping Group A, Mexico will play again at Estadio Azteca on Tuesday in a round-of-32 match against an opponent to be determined.“Now comes the knockout stage; statistics and data don’t matter. We’re achieving things, but what lies ahead is what counts,” Aguirre said. “Neither the players nor I dwell on what we’ve just done; we’re thinking about what’s next.”Mexico is undefeated at nine World Cup matches at the massive stadium, which was packed with 80,824 fans on Wednesday. El Tri has only two losses at Azteca, most recently in World Cup qualifying against Honduras on Sept. 6, 2013.The match Wednesday included nods to Mexico’s past and future. Gilberto Mora, at 17, became the youngest Mexico player to start in a World Cup. And 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa entered in the 77th minute, joining Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to appear in six World Cups.“It’s like a dream come true after everything I’ve worked for,” Mora said.“Now we have tough opponents ahead,” he added. “We’re going to keep working to stay on this path. We want to keep advancing because the Mexican national team can become champion.”Mexico's triumph was marred, however, by the return of a homophobic chant by fans that has previously led to fines and other sanctions against its soccer federation. The chant, a one-word slur, was heard near the end of the first half when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar took a goal kick.The Czech Republic was eliminated, finishing with one point in three games.Mexico is unbeaten in 11 games dating to a friendly loss against Panama last November. And Aguirre has made the most of his roster, using 25 of 26 players in the tournament. Chávez was one of five starters Wednesday who didn't start in the previous win over South Korea.“Twenty-five of the 26 have played — that is no small detail — nor is it a small detail that everyone celebrates the goals,” Aguirre said.Ochoa makes history in his likely farewellOchoa, who wears No. 13, played the last 13 minutes in regulation, plus stoppage time, in what's likely to be his last appearance for Mexico. He turns 41 on July 13 and plans to retire from international competition after the World Cup.“Life — football — had this farewell in store for me, to cap it all off perfectly. For my part, I’ve left it all out there; I gave everything,” Ochoa said. “I leave with nothing left because I poured it all into my teams and the national squad.”He was a substitute in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and started for Mexico in 2014, 2018 and 2022.“I felt Memo had to play (but) for how long? I never knew until I said, ‘This is the moment,’” Aguirre said. “These are coaching decisions, but it was a night for Mexico to honor its legend, Memo.”Raúl Rangel is the starter this year, stepping in for the injured Luis Ángel Malagón, who helped Mexico win the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup last year. Malagón's injury opened the door for Ochoa's return.Ochoa became the oldest Mexican to play in the World Cup. The previous record holder was Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who was 37 when he played in South Africa in 2014.After the match, the veteran goalkeeper kissed the goal post before kneeling down and was hugged by the rest of the squad.“Regarding Memo’s appearance, we don’t know if he’s going to say goodbye or not, but it was a nice tribute for his six World Cups,” Aguirre said. “He is a legend — he is Mexican.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/mexico-beats-czech-republic-3-0-to-win-all-3-world-cup-group-stage-matches-for-1st-time/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Carlos Rodriguez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:01:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FAK6BLFMV5JDJHD7NYT5KWFVUHM.jpg","slug":"mexico-beats-czech-republic-3-0-to-win-all-3-world-cup-group-stage-matches-for-1st-time"},{"id":"mcd1e2","title":"IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says","excerpt":"The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce.","content":"The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/irs-did-better-expected-tax-season-slashing-staff-except-phone-watchdog-says/19380791/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:22:31.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"irs-did-better-than-expected-in-tax-season-after-slashing-staff-except-on-the-phone-watchdog-says"},{"id":"leqmsm","title":"Supreme Court clears way for Trump administration to revive restrictive policy for asylum seekers","excerpt":"The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.The justices, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the numbe...","content":"The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.The justices, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the number of people who could apply for asylum each day, first under the Obama administration and then expanded during President Donald Trump’s first term. Advocates said the tactic created a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people settled in unsafe makeshift shelters along ports of entry to await their turn for days or months. The Trump administration said it was necessary to deal with an increase in asylum seekers at the border.The policy is not in place now, and crowds are much thinner as authorities have imposed other restrictions on asylum seekers. The Department of Homeland Security did not say if it plans to revive it, but applauded the ruling. “This decision opens up an important tool to continue securing our southern border,” said James Percival, the agency's general counsel. The administration argued that metering is a critical tool used by presidents of both parties and should remain available. Federal attorneys say people turned away at the border could come back later, though lines were thousands of people long when the policy was in place before.The case is one of several immigration suits the court is considering this term, including Trump’s push to restrict birthright citizenship. The high court also allowed his administration to end deportation for migrants fleeing instability and armed conflict on Thursday. Under federal law, migrants who arrive in the U.S. must be able to apply for asylum and be screened for fear of persecution in their home countries.The Justice Department argued that people stopped by authorities haven’t arrived in the country, so immigration agents don’t have to let them apply.The court's conservative majority agreed. “A guest does not arrive in a house when he knocks on the front door,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote. But attorneys for people seeking asylum say the law has long meant anyone arriving at a port of entry should be screened, and blocking arrivals disregards the nation’s ideals.Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the bench, saying that the majority’s opinion “regrettably and tragically extinguishes the light of the torch of the Statue of Liberty.” The decision could also give people a “perverse incentive” to enter the country illegally if they can't count on being able to legally apply for asylum at a port of entry, she said, a concern that Alito's opinion said was overblown. In an unusual exchange, Alito voiced a response after she finished speaking. He expressed surprise that she had read her dissent aloud and defended his opinion by noting that the policy had been used under two presidential administrations. “I won’t add anything more to that,” Alito said.Metering was first used under President Barack Obama when large numbers of Haitians appeared at the main crossing to San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. It was expanded to all border crossings from Mexico during Trump’s first term in the White House.Customs officers often cited reaching maximum capacity in holding cells at the port of entry as a reason for delays in processing asylum seekers waiting to be accepted for inspection, but those claims were refuted by official data that was disclosed in a lawsuit in 2020. Many waiting in Mexico were exposed to violence by organized crime, severe heat during the summer and cold conditions during the winter. The queue was managed differently at each port of entry, sometimes by Mexican authorities, volunteers or migrants.The policy ended in 2020 when the government introduced greater restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, and President Joe Biden formally rescinded it in 2021.The same year, a California-based federal judge found that metering violated the asylum seekers' rights and the law requiring screening. A divided appeals court panel affirmed the ruling, but nearly half of the judges on the full San Francisco-based court voted to rehear it, a strong signal that might have caught the attention of the Supreme Court.Since Trump returned to the White House, crowds at international bridges have decreased significantly. In May, the government reported an average of 114 immigrants encountered by customs officers along the southwest ports of entry. Those numbers reached a daily high of 1,703 immigrants in May 2024.Attorneys with the group Democracy Forward first brought the case, and condemned Thursday's ruling. “We are disappointed in the Court’s decision and call on all Americans to demand that our government protect the families the Court today decided to keep in harm’s way,” said President and CEO Skye Perryman. They represented the group Al Otro Lado, whose executive director said the decision would mean a “hardening of borders to keep out the most vulnerable\" that is \"sure to result in many more lives lost.”U.S. law allows people seeking refuge to apply for asylum once they are on American soil, regardless of whether they came legally. To qualify for asylum, they must show a fear of persecution in their homeland for specific reasons, like race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.People who are eventually granted asylum can’t be deported. They can legally work, bring in immediate family, apply for legal residency and seek citizenship.___ Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Rebecca Santana in Washington, as well as Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen, Texas, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/supreme-court-clears-way-for-trump-administration-to-revive-restrictive-immigration-policy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:17:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2NWTLIQIHVEQ3L7XRZSMLY3WQY.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-clears-way-for-trump-administration-to-revive-restrictive-policy-for-asylum-seekers"},{"id":"7crz39","title":"Supreme Court ruling blocks thousands of lawsuits against the maker of Roundup weedkiller","excerpt":"The Supreme Court sided with the maker of Roundup weedkiller Thursday in a ruling expected to block thousands of lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people the product could cause cancer.The case came before the justices after a tidal wave of litigation that included some multibillion-dollar verd...","content":"The Supreme Court sided with the maker of Roundup weedkiller Thursday in a ruling expected to block thousands of lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people the product could cause cancer.The case came before the justices after a tidal wave of litigation that included some multibillion-dollar verdicts against Bayer, a German agrochemical manufacturer that acquired Roundup’s original producer, Monsanto, in 2018.The decision is a victory for President Donald Trump's administration, which argued in support of Bayer. But it provoked outrage from allies in the “ Make America Healthy Again” movement who want to rein in pesticide use.The high court, in a 7-2 ruling, held that Roundup cannot be sued in state courts for failure to warn because federal regulators have found a cancer link unlikely and do not require a warning label. Federal law also bars states from imposing additional or different labeling requirements, the opinion from Justice Brett Kavanaugh states. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Neil Gorsuch, dissented, saying that Monsanto could have added a warning without violating federal law. Though focused on Roundup, the ruling could affect similar health claims against other pesticide products. “This decision is good for American farmers who help feed the world,“ Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said. ”It provides the regulatory clarity necessary for innovators like us to develop the agricultural tools that guarantee an affordable food supply.”Though Bayer said the ruling should result in the dismissal of failure-to-warn lawsuits, the company said it plans to proceed with a proposed $7.25 billion class-action settlement intended to resolve many of the remaining claims. The ruling was denounced by environmental groups and lawyers representing people who believe they were harmed by Roundup.“This Supreme Court ruling wrongly slams the courthouse door on Americans sickened by pesticides,\" said attorney Christopher Seeger, who is a claimant’s representative in the settlement. But he said a settlement still would allow some people to receive compensation. The decision “is a tragic setback for public and environmental health,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, a health and environmental group.A sickened gardener had won $1 millionThe case before the Supreme Court was filed by Missouri resident John Durnell. He developed a cancer called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after more than 20 years of serving as the neighborhood association’s “spray guy,” using Roundup on parks in his historic St. Louis community.A jury agreed that the company failed to warn him about possible cancer dangers and awarded him $1.25 million. But Durnell never received the money as his case was appealed. Durnell, 75, said Thursday that his cancer is in remission, and he will be fine without the money.But “there are thousands of cases that are like mine that will not see court now,\" Durnell said. \"So that is the biggest disappointment for me.”There is still fierce debate about whether Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, causes cancer. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the chemical as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that it’s not likely to cause cancer in humans when used as directed.The agency approved a label without a cancer warning, and Bayer argued that it was required to follow those federal standards. The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that separate warning requirements cannot be compelled by state laws and courts. The ruling still leaves room for other lawsuits alleging problems with the product’s design, and Durnell said he is considering bringing a new case on different grounds. Bayer has pledged billions for settlementsBayer disputes the cancer claims but previously set aside $16 billion to settle cases, and earlier this year proposed a $7.25 billion class-action settlement. A federal judge recently ruled that the proposed settlement will be heard in a Missouri state court, where many of the lawsuits have been filed. At the same time, Bayer has tried to persuade states to pass laws shielding it from liability in failure-to-warn lawsuits. North Dakota was the first to do so, followed by Georgia and Kentucky.About 200,000 Roundup-related claims have been made against Bayer, mostly from home users. It has stopped using glyphosate in Roundup sold in the U.S. residential lawn and garden market.The company had said it might have to consider pulling glyphosate from U.S. agricultural markets if it keeps getting sued. Agricultural industry groups have said Roundup is important for a strong food supply.\"Today's decision protects our access to the tools that let us care for our soil, protect our crops, and keep food affordable for your family and mine,” said Blake Hurst, a corn and soybean farmer who is a former president of the Missouri Farm Bureau.The court ruling runs counter to the MAHA movementPesticides have created a rift between the administration and members of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s MAHA movement, who were frustrated by an executive order aimed at boosting glyphosate’s production.Kennedy has said repeatedly that glyphosate causes cancer, even as he says he recognizes the executive order was necessary for food supply and national security reasons.After the high court's decision on Thursday, prominent MAHA activist Kelly Ryerson, known to her supporters as “Glyphosate Girl,” called the Trump administration's participation in the case “unforgivable.” Some health advocates contend the EPA's approval of glyphosate-based weedkillers was based on limited information and that lawsuits in state courts have turned up additional evidence against it.“The fact that EPA approved a pesticide label does not mean a product is safe, and it should not become a shield for companies that fail to warn about cancer risks, neurological harm, and other serious dangers,” said Patti Goldman, senior attorney at Earthjustice, an environmental legal organization. ___Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/supreme-court-ruling-blocks-thousands-of-lawsuits-against-maker-of-roundup-weedkiller/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:08:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFB2XIBWWCZDFDLQMHL54ROX2KQ.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-ruling-blocks-thousands-of-lawsuits-against-the-maker-of-roundup-weedkiller"},{"id":"tda2d7","title":"Fruit-covered freeway: Spill closes lanes on Southwest Freeway near Bellaire for hours","excerpt":"The major traffic backup on the Southwest Freeway at Bellaire Boulevard this morning was caused by a spill of fruit and has since been cleared.Sky2 was over the scene after the crash occurred around midnight, leaving fruit scattered across the freeway and causing significant delays for drivers du...","content":"The major traffic backup on the Southwest Freeway at Bellaire Boulevard this morning was caused by a spill of fruit and has since been cleared.Sky2 was over the scene after the crash occurred around midnight, leaving fruit scattered across the freeway and causing significant delays for drivers during the morning commute.Elderly man killed in hit-and-run while crossing Airline Drive, Houston police searching for driverFrom the ground, debris from the crash involving an 18-wheeler was scattered across the roadway, though it wasn’t immediately clear what had spilled onto the freeway.Officials said the crash blocked multiple northbound lanes, including the center lanes and right shoulder, causing significant delays for drivers heading into Houston during the morning commute.The accident was cleared around 10 a.m.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/massive-backup-on-southwest-freeway-after-hazmat-spill-involving-18-wheeler-near-bellaire/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-25T13:11:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F8dbeb342-1e3e-4a3b-a0f7-fba6debd875d%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"fruit-covered-freeway-spill-closes-lanes-on-southwest-freeway-near-bellaire-for-hours"},{"id":"gq2i8g","title":"Top draft pick AJ Dybantsa arrives in Washington, ready to work on turning the Wizards around","excerpt":"Before basketball became such a big part of AJ Dybantsa's life, he was like any other kid — growing up as a fan of a fictional superhero.When he was about five, his father bought him a Spider-Man basketball hoop that went on the back of his door.“I loved Spider-Man growing up. So I just started s...","content":"Before basketball became such a big part of AJ Dybantsa's life, he was like any other kid — growing up as a fan of a fictional superhero.When he was about five, his father bought him a Spider-Man basketball hoop that went on the back of his door.“I loved Spider-Man growing up. So I just started shooting from my bed, started shooting from my bed with this miniature ball. Then I started playing in the YMCA leagues ... ended up falling in love with the game,\" Dybantsa said. \"So Spider-Man is the reason why I love basketball.”The Washington Wizards are certainly glad Dybantsa took up the sport and committed himself to it. Two days after taking the 6-foot-9 star out of BYU with the top pick in the NBA draft, the team introduced him Thursday at a hotel overlooking the Potomac River, about 1 1/2 miles south from where the Wizards play their home games.“Nothing comes easy, but I want to be a piece of the puzzle that is part of the rebuild,” he said. “Obviously, Wizards fans have been waiting for a long time.”This was the first time the Wizards have picked first in the draft since 2010 when they took John Wall. Dybantsa joins a team that hasn't won 50 games in a season since 1979 — and more recently managed only 50 victories over the past three seasons combined.One issue of uncertainty was resolved at the news conference. Dybantsa wore No. 3 in college, but in Washington that belongs to Trae Young. Dybantsa will change to No. 4.“Previously wore No. 3, but I was the No. 1 pick,” he said. “Wanted to add those up, and we got four.”Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points per game in college, becoming the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since his new teammate, Young, did it at Oklahoma in 2017-18.Washington fans will have a chance soon enough to see what Dybantsa brings on the court, but Thursday's event was an opportunity to see the type of person they'll be investing so much hope in. Dybantsa was personable and confident, and he seemed eager to get down to business. That much was clear back at the combine before the draft.“It was like a job. My dad was like, ‘This is your first job interview,’” he said. \"So we decided to dress up. I went to a suit and tie in every single interview. Media availability, that was in a suit and tie. So I just wanted to treat it like a real job.”That made quite an impression on Wizards general manager Will Dawkins.“It was a pretty fun first introduction, just to learn the maturity that he brings,\" Dawkins said. \"We allow opportunities to ask questions. Sometimes you get the standard questions from guys. We didn’t get that from AJ. He’s just curious and mature and asked some really deep questions.”Dybantsa said he intends to graduate college, finishing his studies online, and he has big plans for how he can make a difference away from basketball. The 19-year-old has already started a foundation aimed at empowering young people.“My mom’s from Jamaica, my dad’s from Congo. We’re going to start off just sending 20 kids from there to different universities,\" he said. \"If that’s universities in the continent of Africa, if that’s different universities in Jamaica, if that’s universities in the States, we’re going to try that. But after those two, we’re just going to expand all around the world. We just want to help kids all around the world.”___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/top-draft-pick-aj-dybantsa-arrives-in-washington-ready-to-work-on-turning-the-wizards-around/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Noah Trister, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:15:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWP2LHFASVVGPJGNQIVF5F7ZKVQ.jpg","slug":"top-draft-pick-aj-dybantsa-arrives-in-washington-ready-to-work-on-turning-the-wizards-around"},{"id":"fz0baf","title":"Score the best 2026 Amazon Prime deals under $50: Wellness, home, beauty, pets and more","excerpt":"Don't miss these 2026 Amazon Prime steals, all under $50!","content":"Don't miss these 2026 Amazon Prime steals, all under $50!","url":"https://abc7.com/post/amazon-prime-2026-deals-50-amazing-finds-wellness-home-beauty-pet-items-more/19363833/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:14:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"score-the-best-2026-amazon-prime-deals-under-50-wellness-home-beauty-pets-and-more"},{"id":"t1kdwl","title":"Pope Leo XIV receives World Series baseball from former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski","excerpt":"Pope Leo XIV has received a special gift from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski.The pontiff has been given the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was unclear when exactly the exchange occurred, but Pierzynski posted pictures on social media on Thursd...","content":"Pope Leo XIV has received a special gift from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski.The pontiff has been given the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was unclear when exactly the exchange occurred, but Pierzynski posted pictures on social media on Thursday showing the moment at the Vatican.“7 year old me, at my First Communion, would have never thought that I would get to meet The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” Pierzynski wrote on Instagram. “I was honored to give him the last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the game he attended.”Leo is a White Sox fan dating to his days growing up in Chicago. He was known as Robert Prevost or Father Bob when he went to the World Series opener 21 years ago, a 5-3 White Sox victory that ended when Bobby Jenks struck out Houston's Adam Everett with Pierzynski behind the plate.There is a graphic installation at Rate Field that marks the section where the pope sat for Game 1. The White Sox went on to a four-game sweep for the championship.The first pope from the U.S. in the history of the Catholic Church has received several sports-related gifts since he was elected last May.He was given a pinstriped No. 14 White Sox jersey with “Konerko” and “Pope Leo” written on the back and signed by former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who wore No. 14 during his playing career. He also has a bat that once belonged to Hall of Famer Nellie Fox, who spent most of his career with the White Sox.Shortly after he became the pope, Leo was given a custom Chicago Bears jersey from Vice President JD Vance. He was presented with a Chicago Bulls jersey with No. 14 and “Pope Leo” on the back from Bulls radio broadcaster Chuck Swirsky in November.The White Sox plan to pay tribute to Leo at their Aug. 11 game against Cincinnati, handing out pope-themed hats to fans. The hats are shaped like the pope’s miter, with the team’s sock logo in the middle.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/pope-leo-xiv-receives-world-series-baseball-from-former-white-sox-catcher-aj-pierzynski/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jay Cohen, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:57:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK77J3NBIQBEX7ENWPHIE4TQTC4.jpg","slug":"pope-leo-xiv-receives-world-series-baseball-from-former-white-sox-catcher-aj-pierzynski"},{"id":"8g05ko","title":"Fort Bend County Commissioners walk out of meeting over Daniel Wong dispute","excerpt":"A dispute over whether Daniel Wong can legally continue serving as Fort Bend County judge brought county business to a brief standstill Thursday after two commissioners walked out of a Commissioners Court meeting, leaving the court without enough members to proceed.The standoff stems from an ongo...","content":"A dispute over whether Daniel Wong can legally continue serving as Fort Bend County judge brought county business to a brief standstill Thursday after two commissioners walked out of a Commissioners Court meeting, leaving the court without enough members to proceed.The standoff stems from an ongoing legal disagreement over Wong’s authority following the removal of former Fort Bend County Judge KP George earlier this month when he was sentenced for his money-laundering conviction. Before the walkout, Commissioner Dexter McCoy urged commissioners questioning Wong’s authority to step aside temporarily so county business could continue.“If you feel you have a legitimate claim, there is nothing that prevents you from returning in a subsequent meeting. But if holding this office and putting the people’s work at jeopardy is more important, that’s a challenge and that’s problem,” McCoy said.McCoy continued, “Take a knee. Do the statesman thing here. And let us proceed with the business. And if you resolve this in a subsequent meeting, come back.”McCoy warned that continuing with county business while questions remain about Wong’s authority could expose the county to legal challenges.“We should not open ourselves up to a future where, because we are awarding contracts in today’s meeting, a contractor who did not win that contract now has a legitimate claim to void the action of this court or any other items on this agenda being voided because there are questions over whether or not those actions were legally taken,” McCoy said.Commissioner Grady Prestage was heard saying he couldn’t participate in an illegal meeting, as he walked out.RELATED: Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no long has authority as interim county judgeCommissioner Andy Meyers defended Wong’s authority to remain county judge, citing legal advice he said he received from multiple attorneys and pointing to the Texas Constitution’s holdover provision.“I’ve consulted multiple knowledgeable attorneys who have advised me that, in their opinion, Judge Daniel Wong remains the Fort Bend County judge under the Texas Constitution’s holdover provision because no successor has been sworn into office to replace him,” Meyers said.Meyers said he could not participate in a meeting led by anyone other than Wong.“If I were to participate in this Commissioner’s Court proceedings with either one of the other commissioners that is the acting presiding officer instead of the county judge, I believe I would be acquiescing in what I believe to be a violation of Texas law and accordingly I cannot and will not participate in such a proceeding,” Meyers said.Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson disagreed with Meyers’ interpretation, arguing that Wong’s appointment does not fall under the constitutional holdover provision.“So out of an abundance of caution, we would prefer that the court proceed without Mr. Wong unless and until he gets a court order that gives him the legal authority to preside and to hold the seat,” Smith-Lawson told commissioners.“He is not a holdover,” Smith-Lawson said. “Holdovers apply to positions that are elected and appointed to a legal vacancy. Mr. Wong was appointed again under 87.017, allowing for a temporary suspension and an appointment pending trial. There is no trial. It is over.”Smith-Lawson acknowledged the unusual nature of the dispute and said there appears to be little legal precedent to guide the county.“And let me be very clear, this is novel for the state of Texas,” she said. “We have found no precedent on point regarding this to anyone. I am just doing the business of the county because if we get it wrong, everything that we do could be challenged by any interested person per the government code.”The disagreement comes one day after Smith-Lawson publicly stated that Wong no longer has authority to serve as interim county judge, a position Wong has strongly rejected.Earlier Thursday, Wong announced he would preside over commissioners’ court because under his, and his attorney’s understanding, he remains in charge of Fort Bend County.“Public office has never been about titles. It has never been about personalities. It certainly should never be about political theater,” Wong said during a press conference.RELATED: Daniel Wong pushes back against claims he no longer has authority as Fort Bend County judgeAs county leaders remain divided over who has the legal authority to preside over Commissioners Court, the dispute has created uncertainty over the county’s ability to approve contracts, conduct official business and oversee day-to-day government operations until a permanent successor is selected.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/fort-bend-county-commissioners-walk-out-of-meeting-over-daniel-wong-dispute/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rilwan Balogun, Re'Chelle Turner, Gage Divin, Ava Popovits","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:22:19.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIEYH3KM7OZE3LBUKRXHYFWMYDU.png","slug":"fort-bend-county-commissioners-walk-out-of-meeting-over-daniel-wong-dispute"},{"id":"djs8zn","title":"Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge dropped after accuser says she can't endure a fourth trial","excerpt":"The decision was announced Thursday after his accuser said she could not endure testifying again.","content":"The decision was announced Thursday after his accuser said she could not endure testifying again.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/harvey-weinsteins-new-york-rape-charge-dropped-accuser-says-she-cant-endure-fourth-trial/19380316/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:30:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19380357_062526-wabc-ap-harvey-weinstein-img.jpg","slug":"harvey-weinsteins-new-york-rape-charge-dropped-after-accuser-says-she-cant-endure-a-fourth-trial"},{"id":"vvfgmb","title":"Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says","excerpt":"The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups.DeSantis said the center, which opened in...","content":"The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups.DeSantis said the center, which opened in July 2025, was always meant to be only temporary until more permanent detention centers could be secured and federal officials now have that capacity.“We stepped up because there was a gap, but my hope is that they’ll be able to handle that,” the Republican governor said at a news conference at the facility.Officials announced a temporary closure of the facility earlier in June and sent all of the detainees to other facilities, saying hurricane season made it unsafe to keep them in the Everglades. Immigration advocates said the center's tents were never safe or humane for holding people. Detainees at the facility have talked about their difficulty accessing lawyers and described poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that didn’t flush, floors flooded with fecal waste, and mosquitoes and other insects everywhere.They described large white tents with rows of and rows of bunk beds surrounded by chain-link cages. The air conditioning could shut off abruptly in the sweltering Florida heat. Detainees could go days without showering or getting prescription medicine.Advocates for immigrants said the closure of “Alligator Alcatraz” does nothing to stop the harm to people who spend months in custody as their families suffer. The Florida Immigrant Coalition said the only winners were corporations and contractors who profited millions of dollars as Republicans pushed an immigration emergency that does not exist.The detention center of tents and trailers was built by DeSantis’ administration in a matter of days. The governor and President Donald Trump said the center was critical to Republican efforts to return people in the country illegally back to their home countries.“There is no question this mission has made the state of Florida safer,\" said DeSantis, noting that 21,000 people were deported through the facility.Even with the closure of the facility, Florida continues to play a key role with other detention centers and an increased role in helping with immigration enforcement, White House border czar Tom Homan said at Thursday’s news conference.“Gov. DeSantis did a good job, and he’s going to continue doing what he’s doing to help us make this country safe again,” Homan said. “This isn’t the end of relationship. This is a continuation.”Lawyers for the immigrants at the facility said their clients suddenly started leaving for other facilities in South Florida, California, Arizona, Louisiana and Texas earlier this month, disappearing for about a week before their attorneys and families were told where they were sent.DeSantis said the Everglades airstrip the facility was built around will continue to be used.Environmental groups sued over the detention center, saying Florida officials never got the proper permits or did required reviews on its impact.The state and federal governments built the site with no oversight and closed it with no input, but they will still be held responsible even with the site is closed, said Paul J. Schwiep, an attorney for Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.\"The administration believes it can quietly walk away and leave its mess for others to clean up. The law will not allow them to escape accountability. We will ask the courts to ensure that the environmental damage is fully addressed,\" Schwiep said in a statement Thursday.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/25/floridas-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-is-closing-governor-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:05:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7P7RCCV5HFBQ5DEKHURFDQO6J4.jpg","slug":"floridas-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-has-closed-governor-says"},{"id":"glvvl7","title":"Jeremy Allen White and the cast of 'The Bear' prepare for emotional final service","excerpt":"The cast of FX's \"The Bear\" reflects on the final season, sharing emotional goodbyes as the Emmy-winning series serves its last course.","content":"The cast of FX's \"The Bear\" reflects on the final season, sharing emotional goodbyes as the Emmy-winning series serves its last course.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/bear-final-season-cast-tease-emotional-goodbye-fx-series-heads-last-chapter/19366974/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:00:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19366809_062326-otrc-thebearjunket-vid.jpg","slug":"jeremy-allen-white-and-the-cast-of-the-bear-prepare-for-emotional-final-service"},{"id":"7g4tel","title":"'Crypt Crook' arrested after stealing from cemetery mausoleum with toddler in tow, Pct. 5 says","excerpt":"The 37-year-old woman whom officials called the \"Crypt Crook\" was taken into custody on Wednesday, but that wasn't her first run-in with police.","content":"The 37-year-old woman whom officials called the \"Crypt Crook\" was taken into custody on Wednesday, but that wasn't her first run-in with police.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/pct-5-deputies-arrest-crypt-crook-accused-stealing-memorial-oaks-cemetery-toddler/19379978/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:40:08.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19319691_061726-ktrk-woman-stealing-dead-img.png","slug":"crypt-crook-arrested-after-stealing-from-cemetery-mausoleum-with-toddler-in-tow-pct-5-says"},{"id":"uhv5kz","title":"Massive Saharan dust plume headed to Florida, Gulf Coast. Here’s what to expect","excerpt":"‘Tis the season. It’s about this time every year where we look for Saharan dust to make its several thousand-mile trip across the Atlantic. The Saharan Air Layer as its most known is most notable for helping to suppress tropical activity due it’s dry, dusty and hot atmospheric conditions. By the ...","content":"‘Tis the season. It’s about this time every year where we look for Saharan dust to make its several thousand-mile trip across the Atlantic. The Saharan Air Layer as its most known is most notable for helping to suppress tropical activity due it’s dry, dusty and hot atmospheric conditions. By the upcoming weekend, some dust will try and sneak into Florida.Unless really thick, you’ll only know it’s there by the milky haze in the sky or dirt residue left on outside objects from rain carrying dust particles to the ground.The dust is usually suspended thousands of feet in the air.The thickest concentration of the plume is expected to head toward Texas. This is where air quality would be most impacted.Florida ImpactsWhile extremely sensitive groups may notice lower air quality, most will not be impacted.The dry, dusty airmass is expected to move in Saturday into Sunday. As a result rain chances will drop and temperatures will soar.Highs will top out in the upper 90s with rain chances falling to 30%.In the areas that do receive rain, keep an eye out for the dusty spots on cars or outdoor porch furniture.Florida may see just the right amount of dust to help enhance the sunrise and and sunset Sunday and Monday.The extra particles in the atmosphere will help to scatter light more enhancing the red color in the sky.What’s The Deal With The Dust?There are several good and bad things that comes with the dust.Limits tropical developmentDuring the months of May, June and July, when the dust is most prolific, it helps to keep tropical development at bay in this part of the world. The dust tends to a much lower impact during August, September and October.Amazon rainforest fertilizerThe dust cloud contains phosphorous, among other things, which is then transported more than 5,000 miles across the Atlantic often settling in the Amazon. The phosphorous helps to fertilize the soil in the rainforest.The bad side of this is it can help fuel algae blooms and red tide.Poor air quality & dirty rainThe dust typically hangs out anywhere from 5,000 feet to 20,000 feet above the ground. Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds can bring some of this dust down to the surface, aggravating allergies and impacting those with respiratory ailments. Air quality when the dust is thick could become unhealthy for sensitive groups.Some of the raindrops could also contain the dust leaving dirty marks on your car or porch furniture when the raindrops evaporate.Vibrant sunrise/sunsetsWhen the sun is low on the horizon in the morning and evening, the sun’s rays have to travel through more of the Earth’s atmosphere. The light scatters more, producing beautiful red, orange and pink colors in the sky. When small dust particles are introduced, more scattering takes place, enhancing the already vibrant colors.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/25/massive-saharan-dust-plume-headed-to-florida-gulf-coast-heres-what-to-expect/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jonathan Kegges","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fwkmg%2F6eeec36d-43f0-494f-a883-11c4f3f287b0%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"massive-saharan-dust-plume-headed-to-florida-gulf-coast-heres-what-to-expect"},{"id":"f8bmpa","title":"Paris court gives French oil company TotalEnergies 6 months to tighten its climate policies","excerpt":"A court in Paris ruled on Thursday that energy company TotalEnergies must account for its consumers' greenhouse gas emissions, giving the French oil giant six months to report the environmental risks caused by the consumption of its gas and oil products.The decision, which comes amid a record hea...","content":"A court in Paris ruled on Thursday that energy company TotalEnergies must account for its consumers' greenhouse gas emissions, giving the French oil giant six months to report the environmental risks caused by the consumption of its gas and oil products.The decision, which comes amid a record heat wave in France, fell short of requests from the climate organizations who brought the lawsuit to force the company to reduce its oil and gas production.The court scheduled a new hearing for January to consider TotalEnergies’ new assessment under a 2017 law that requires companies to prevent human rights abuses and environmental risks. It's the first time that the so-called corporate duty of vigilance law is being applied to climate change.The law is not intended to make companies “responsible for the risks linked to climate change, which result from all human activity on the planet since the Industrial Revolution” the court said in a statement, but rather requests them to act “according to their own situation.”TotalEnergies expressed \"satisfaction\" that the court didn’t ban it from pursuing new oil and gas projects or force it to reduce oil and gas production.In a statement, the company said it will update its climate policies following the ruling. It also said it has expanded development of other energy sources and reduced emissions of its operations by 28% since 2015.It's a landmark case for environmental campaignersEnvironmental groups Notre Affaire à Tous, Sherpa, ZEA, France Nature Environnement, together with the city of Paris, launched the proceedings in 2020. The groups said that they were happy that the court decided that climate change was included in the 2017 duty of vigilance law.“This decision marks a significant step forward, confirming that the duty of vigilance fully applies to climate risks generated by multinational corporations,” they said in a statement. They claim that TotalEnergies is one of the largest historical emitters of greenhouse gas and asked the court to require the company to reduce oil production by 37% and gas production by 25% by 2030. The lawsuit also asked for a halt to all new fossil fuel projects. Sébastien Duyck, a senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, told The Associated Press that including the effects of climate change in the duty of vigilance law could set a precedent across Europe. This legislation “is a key legal path to corporate accountability,” he said, adding that the French law has “served as a model for other laws of the same nature in other countries and at the EU level.” Europe is feeling climate change this weekThe court's decision comes as Europe is experiencing a heat wave. Punishing temperatures extended to the United Kingdom and Spain, where weather agencies issued red alerts — like France — about the risks of extreme heat for tens of millions of people.The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum have been forced to restrict visiting hours, and school and transportation schedules have been interrupted across the continent. Human-caused climate change is tied to increasingly extreme weather, and U.N. climate agency projections say the next five years are likely to shatter more heat records. Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Over the last four years, more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes, and most of those deaths were preventable, the World Health Organization’s Europe office said this month.Court cases about the climate are on the riseThe decision is the latest in a series of rulings in climate change cases. Last year, the United Nations’ top court, the International Court of Justice, said that countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change. In 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that countries must better protect their people from the consequences of climate change. In 2019, the Netherlands’ Supreme court handed down the first major legal win for climate activists when judges ruled that protection from the potentially devastating effects of climate change was a human right, and that the government has a duty to protect its citizens. ___Quell reported from The Hague, Netherlands.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/paris-court-gives-french-oil-giant-totalenergies-6-months-to-tighten-its-climate-policies/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Molly Quell, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:06:06.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJ4ZDUMZ5SNB5ZJY2XBM4TVIWBM.jpg","slug":"paris-court-gives-french-oil-company-totalenergies-6-months-to-tighten-its-climate-policies"},{"id":"2qne2","title":"Hello Houston (June 23, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We explore what’s behind rising political extremism and violence, learn about the Live at the Founder’s Club 2026 – 27 season, find out what the best practices are for writing a will or trust, and more.","content":"Today: We explore what’s behind rising political extremism and violence, learn about the Live at the Founder’s Club 2026 – 27 season, find out what the best practices are for writing a will or trust, and more.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/23/555280/hello-houston-june-23-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:18:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-23-2026"},{"id":"rqa5qb","title":"Thousands of Portugal, Uzbekistan fans march to match in Houston, where Ronaldo makes World Cup history","excerpt":"Fans marched to NRG Stadium to cheer on Portugal — and its titan captain Cristiano Ronaldo — before what could be the team’s final match in Houston. Ronaldo scored a historic goal just a few minutes in.","content":"Fans marched to NRG Stadium to cheer on Portugal — and its titan captain Cristiano Ronaldo — before what could be the team’s final match in Houston. Ronaldo scored a historic goal just a few minutes in.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/23/555292/ronaldo-world-cup-houston-portugal-uzbekistan-fan-march/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison, Keenan Vaughan","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:21:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23113548%2FImage-2026-06-23T113513.771-450x338.jpg","slug":"thousands-of-portugal-uzbekistan-fans-march-to-match-in-houston-where-ronaldo-makes-world-cup-histor"},{"id":"ku64gk","title":"Waco judge who won’t marry gay couples awarded $640,000 in lawsuit against Texas judicial agency","excerpt":"A Travis County judge sided with a McLennan County Justice of the Peace who refused to marry gay couples and sued the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for disciplining her for her choice.","content":"A Travis County judge sided with a McLennan County Justice of the Peace who refused to marry gay couples and sued the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for disciplining her for her choice.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/lgbtq/2026/06/23/555275/waco-mclennan-county-judge-gay-marriage-wins-lawsuit-texas-dianne-hensley/?utm_source=rss-lgbtq-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Toluwani Osibamowo, KERA","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:00:21.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23085402%2F090424-lgbtq-pride-flag-drc-450x298.webp","slug":"waco-judge-who-wont-marry-gay-couples-awarded-640000-in-lawsuit-against-texas-judicial-agency"},{"id":"1h9r1h","title":"King Charles III is expected to reveal personal tax bill in bid to boost transparency","excerpt":"King Charles III is expected to reveal his personal tax bill on Thursday, becoming the first British monarch to do so","content":"King Charles III is expected to reveal his personal tax bill on Thursday, becoming the first British monarch to do so","url":"https://abc13.com/story/king-charles-iii-is-expected-reveal-personal-tax-bill-bid-boost-transparency/19380058/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:28:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"king-charles-iii-is-expected-to-reveal-personal-tax-bill-in-bid-to-boost-transparency"},{"id":"gpsizb","title":"Supreme Court strikes down Hawaii law requiring permission to carry guns in stores and hotels","excerpt":"The Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law requiring people to get permission to carry guns into stores and hotels on Thursday, in its latest opinion backing Second Amendment rights. The high court's 6-3 decision means people can carry guns onto privately owned property like shopping malls and ga...","content":"The Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law requiring people to get permission to carry guns into stores and hotels on Thursday, in its latest opinion backing Second Amendment rights. The high court's 6-3 decision means people can carry guns onto privately owned property like shopping malls and gas stations, unless the owners specifically say guns are banned at their establishments. It comes shortly after the court found that marijuana users can't be completely banned from owning firearms. It's a win for President Donald Trump's Republican administration, which argued the law violates the Second Amendment. The measure was sometimes referred to as a “vampire rule\" because it required people with guns to get permission to enter, according to vampire lore, bloodsuckers need an invitation to enter a home. Hawaii argued that the 2023 measure ensured private owners could decide whether they wanted firearms on their property. The state passed the law as thousands more people got legal permission to carry guns in the wake of a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that found the Second Amendment gives most people the right to have guns in public. About four other states have enacted similar laws, though presumptive restrictions for guns on private property open to the public have also been blocked elsewhere. Hawaii also restricts guns in places like parks, beaches and restaurants that serve alcohol, but those rules weren't before the court. They are being challenged in lower courts, however. The suit before the Supreme Court was filed by a gun rights group, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, and three people from Maui. A judge originally blocked the measure, but an appeals court allowed it to be enforced. Trump's Republican administration backed the Supreme Court appeal. The Second Amendment Foundation applauded the ruling. “This law was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to disarm peaceable citizens, and we’re grateful the Supreme Court saw through the ruse,\" said Alan Gottlieb, its founder and executive vice president.The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General said they are disappointed, but will “continue to pursue common-sense regulation of firearms, consistent with the Second Amendment, for the safety of our people.”The gun-control group Everytown Law pointed out that business owners can still post signs forbidding firearms on their properties. “The Supreme Court may have changed the default rule, but it cannot take away a private property owner’s authority over their own land,\" said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment Litigation. The two Second Amendment decisions this term are the latest in a series of gun cases that have come before the Supreme Court in the wake of its 2022 ruling, which led to a flood of challenges to firearm restrictions across the country. The justices have since struck down a ban on bump stocks, gun accessories that enable rapid firing, but upheld a federal gun law intended to protect domestic violence victims as well as strict regulations on firearms known as ghost guns, which are nearly impossible to trace. ___Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/supreme-court-strikes-down-hawaii-law-requiring-permission-to-carry-guns-in-stores-and-hotels/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:11:40.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTDK4E7AHIBHVJBKAG7X2FMGPTQ.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-strikes-down-hawaii-law-requiring-permission-to-carry-guns-in-stores-and-hotels"},{"id":"apek9p","title":"Texas’ big health priorities — dementia research, food labeling and ivermectin — have hit roadblocks","excerpt":"Priorities for Republican leadership last legislative session have either been stuck in the courts or left to linger in the state rulemaking process.","content":"Priorities for Republican leadership last legislative session have either been stuck in the courts or left to linger in the state rulemaking process.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/2026/06/23/555271/texas-dementia-food-labeling-ivermectin-health-legislation-maha/?utm_source=rss-health-science-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Terri Langford, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:27:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F23082429%2FMakingTexasHealthierSign-TT-450x300.jpg","slug":"texas-big-health-priorities-dementia-research-food-labeling-and-ivermectin-have-hit-roadblocks"},{"id":"kcq6qu","title":"Questions about resume gaps are expected. Here's how job seekers can address them","excerpt":"When Monique Di Liberto began looking for a paying job after putting her career on pause to parent full-time, she felt paralyzed by self-doubt. “Who do you think you are trying this after 17 years?\" Di Liberto recalled asking herself. \"You have no business doing this.”The fear and uncertainty she...","content":"When Monique Di Liberto began looking for a paying job after putting her career on pause to parent full-time, she felt paralyzed by self-doubt. “Who do you think you are trying this after 17 years?\" Di Liberto recalled asking herself. \"You have no business doing this.”The fear and uncertainty she felt is familiar to many people seeking work after an absence from the job market. Whether they lost a position during mass layoffs or needed to leave one to care for an ill loved one, job applicants can expect questions about employment history lapses to surface during screenings and interviews.“You have to address it honestly and directly,” said Andy Decker, CEO of Goodwin Recruiting, a candidate recruitment and placement firm. “Make sure that you’ve included anything you did during that time. Did you get certifications? Did you volunteer?”Extended periods between jobs have become far more common and are less stigmatized than they were before many people worked from home or took time off during the COVID-19 pandemic to take care of children or relatives, Decker said. Some people note these periods on their resumes as a “career break” or “family responsibility,” he said. Here are strategies suggested by a recruiter and workers who have been there for addressing a career gap.Highlight transferable life skillsEmployers are more focused on skills or results than a perfect career path, and volunteering your services at a nonprofit organization is a good way to keep those skills fresh, Decker said. Di Liberto, 57, was a classically trained opera singer before she got married and became a mother. While her husband built a chiropractic practice, she set aside her music career ambitions to raise their children. Once she decided to reenter the workforce, Di Liberto didn’t have 9-to-5 job experience to feature on her resume. Instead, she reviewed activities beyond family life for skills that would translate into a work environment. Serving as PTA president at her children’s school, for example, required managing budgets and presenting project plans to the school board. She also helped with budgeting, software rollouts and hiring for her husband's business. Even so, she kept hearing as she applied for administrative support roles that she wasn't qualified. However, one person who interviewed Di Liberto was intrigued, saying, “This resume was so different than anything I had ever seen. I needed to see the person who created this.\"Determined not to walk away empty-handed, Di Liberto proposed a monthlong trial run as an administrative assistant. Her pitch was: “I recognize that you probably are getting resumes of people who are far more qualified than me, but I would challenge that they are not as tenacious and driven as me. If you give me 30 days, I’ll prove to you that I can learn this job and I can do this job.”The company hired her. Over the next decade, she was promoted and recruited away by other employers and worked her way up to head of client services at an artificial intelligence company. Di Liberto said she was asked about her employment lull each time she interviewed for a new position. “I was fortunate enough to stay home for 17 years and raise amazing humans,” she tells potential employers. \"And I worked from the ground up to be where I am today.\"Laura Sandvik, who left a marketing job to care for her mother and later her children, highlighted in her LinkedIn profile the soft skills she gained from her experiences.“I have no regrets about those choices. They strengthened my patience, perspective, and sense of responsibility. In returning to formal roles, I have done so intentionally,” she wrote.Practice telling a layoff story If you lost a job due to restructuring or layoffs, you don't need to volunteer that information on a resume but be honest if an interviewer asks why you left, Decker said. “I would simply say, ‘I was one of 270 people caught up in this reduction of force,’ or if you made it through a few rounds of layoffs, say, ‘Over two years we had five rounds of reductions in force, I made it through four, I was caught up in the fifth,’\" Decker suggested. Practice your response before the interview, and avoid negativity such as blaming the employer. “Own it, acknowledge it and move on,” Decker said.Baura Zia, 35, was laid off in 2022 shortly after returning from maternity leave. She was upset initially but says losing her job “was honestly a blessing in disguise\" because she spent the next three years raising her two children full-time.On her resume, Zia describes those years as a “parenting gap,” and states that she also moved across the country in that time. When she decided to find a part-time job after her son's first birthday, she explained during interviews that the organization she previously worked for didn't let her go over performance issues but because it lost the contract she was working on.“Having grace with yourself is really important,\" Zia said. \"It’s not a flaw to have a career gap. If anything, you’ve grown so much from that.”During her job hunt, Zia sometimes sent messages to people she found online to ask about their experience working at the company where she'd applied. Many didn’t reply, but some did. She also reached out to contacts from a networking group for women in public relations she joined years ago. “When I was ready to go back to the workplace, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, only because I had my network to tap into,” Zia said.Own your accomplishmentsAddressing resume gaps due to major employment barriers such as incarceration can be especially difficult. Ryan Cuellar, 29, who was charged with felony possession of stolen property at age 18 and sent to jail a month before he expected to graduate high school, is proud of his perseverance and record of overcoming hurdles.“Don’t reflect on your mistake but take pride in what you learn from it and what you are doing about it,\" Cuellar advised. After being incarcerated for a few months, Cuellar returned to high school to repeat his senior year. Then he took a string of odd jobs that didn't require background checks, including acting gigs and working as a machine operator, while also taking college classes.After receiving certification as a paralegal, Cuellar said he used the training to petition to have his criminal record sealed. That meant he did not have to disclose his legal history on job applications or worry about getting asked about it following background checks. Cuellar chose to tell potential employers about it anyway, even though doing so often hurt his chances of getting hired. He also volunteered at the jail, helping people held there acquire skills to help them succeed after their release. He recently landed his first full-time job, working as a salesperson for a company that provides online tutoring services. “It’s part of my story,” Cuellar said of his incarceration. “At the end of the day, I think that you need to know that about me as a person to understand my side and where I come from and my perspective.”___This story has been updated to correct the spelling of a subject's surname to Di Liberto, not De Liberto's name.___Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/questions-about-resume-gaps-are-expected-heres-how-job-seekers-can-address-them/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T18:27:38.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKBVPVLYZFFG5TET3URW3LECVXQ.jpg","slug":"questions-about-resume-gaps-are-expected-heres-how-job-seekers-can-address-them"},{"id":"ahvq6s","title":"David Clayton-Thomas, powerhouse lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies at 84","excerpt":"David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, whose husky, high-strung tenor on “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and other hits helped make the so-called brass rock band among the most popular acts of the late 1960s, has died at age 84.Spokesperson Eric Alper said that Clayton-...","content":"David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, whose husky, high-strung tenor on “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and other hits helped make the so-called brass rock band among the most popular acts of the late 1960s, has died at age 84.Spokesperson Eric Alper said that Clayton-Thomas died “peacefully” Wednesday at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Alper did not cite a specific cause.Clayton-Thomas was a onetime street fighter and petty thief from Canada who briefly became a rock superstar, the front man of a nine-member group that sold millions of records and won two Grammys for “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” which beat out the Beatles' “Abbey Road” for best album of 1969. Calling out amid a jazzy parade of horns, keyboards and percussion, Clayton-Thomas’ urgent shout was a signature voice of the era, preaching love on the Motown cover “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” a lasting legacy on Laura Nyro’s “And When I Die” and a cool head on his own “Spinning Wheel.” Meanwhile, Blood, Sweat & Tears helped inspire a wave of horn-led bands, among them Chicago, the Electric Flag and Ten Wheel Drive.“A lot of the guys (in Blood, Sweat & Tears) would play a Broadway show matinee, then go up to Harlem and play Latin music or R&B and funk at night, or come down to the Village and play pure jazz the next night,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com in 2023. “I was just a blues player: give me three chords and I’ve got a song.”At its peak, Blood, Sweat & Tears’ appeal was so broad it helped lead to the band’s downfall.Hip enough to perform at the 1969 Woodstock festival, where they were among the highest paid acts, they also were known enough to the establishment to tour Eastern Europe the following year on behalf of the State Department. When Clayton-Thomas and other band members denounced the Communist regimes on the other side of the Cold War, Rolling Stone’s David Felton wrote that “the State Department got its money worth.” Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.The band had practical reasons for going along with the government: Clayton-Thomas, who had allegedly wielded a gun at his girlfriend, had been denied a green card and faced deportation. But after topping the charts in 1970 with the album “Blood, Sweat & Tears 3,” their appeal soon faded. A burned out Clayton-Thomas left the group in 1972, and neither he nor the remaining musicians ever regained their old stature. Blood, Sweat & Tears would continue recording over the next few years, and even briefly reunited with Clayton-Thomas, who went on to release more than a dozen solo albums and tour on his own for decades.Clayton-Thomas was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996. “Spinning Wheel,” covered by everyone from James Brown to TV star Barbara Eden, was voted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame a decade later.Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.Up from the streetsBorn David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, and raised near Toronto and Ottawa, he was the son of a Canadian World War II veteran and of a pianist-entertainer who helped inspire her son’s interest in music. Thomsett was lucky to have the chance. He fought violently with his father, was living in the streets by his mid-teens and by age 20 was serving time in a reformatory for vagrancy, assault and other crimes.An old guitar, left behind by a fellow inmate, changed his life. He taught himself to play and began spending extensive time in the early 1960s around Toronto’s Yonge Street music “strip,” where peers included the American rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins, a mentor to Robbie Robertson and other future members of the Band and a guide for Thomsett early in his career.Anxious to reinvent himself, he changed his last name to Clayton-Thomas while leading his own groups. In the mid-60s, he released such albums as “Sings Like It Is” and had a hit single with the anti-war rocker “Brainwashed.” He would also befriend a rising star, Joni Mitchell, whose childlike “Circle Game” helped inspire “Spinning Wheel,” and the venerable John Lee Hooker, who would indirectly contribute to Clayton-Thomas’ breakthrough in the U.S.America beckonsHooker had encouraged Clayton-Thomas to move to New York, where the American bluesman had an engagement at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village. When Hooker unexpectedly departed for a tour of Europe, club owner Howard Solomon needed a replacement and recruited Clayton-Thomas.“So I played him a couple songs on the guitar,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com. “He said, ‘Do you have a band?’ I said, ‘Sure,’ and went out into Greenwich Village looking for anybody carrying a guitar case or even looking like a musician, and we put together a little band and we opened there that night. We ended up staying there for several months.”Around the same time, session man-producer Al Kooper was looking to form a jazz-rock group and was joined by such musicians as guitarist Steve Katz, drummer Bobby Colomby and horn players Randy Brecker and Jerry Weiss. They called themselves Blood, Sweat & Tears, releasing the debut album “Child Is Father to the Man” early in 1968. Although praised by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner as “a fine, exemplary group,” members were torn between those allied with Kooper and those who thought his vocals too weak to attract a substantial audience.By the end of the year, Kooper and others had departed, and the band was seeking a new singer. After Judy Collins saw Clayton-Thomas perform, she recommended him to Colomby.“I got home and just a couple of days later, Bobby Colomby called me up and said, ‘Hey, Kooper’s gone. We got four guys left out of the nine. And we still got a record contract with Columbia. Do you want to come down and try out for the band?”’ Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com. ”I said, ‘You’re damn right.’ I knew (bassist) Jim Fielder real well and I knew they were superb musicians. So I was on the next plane. We had a rehearsal that afternoon, an audition, and it was instant magic. We just knew right off the bat.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/25/david-clayton-thomas-powerhouse-lead-singer-of-blood-sweat-tears-dead-at-84/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Hillel Italie, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:56:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMHGBFPKZNZDODFQYFO5MPVZMSI.jpg","slug":"david-clayton-thomas-powerhouse-lead-singer-of-blood-sweat-tears-dies-at-84"},{"id":"b813n2","title":"US Senator warns of administration plan to hastily remove over 500 unaccompanied migrant children","excerpt":"A Democratic U.S. senator warns the Trump administration is getting ready to round up 500 immigrant children in a hasty effort to remove them from the country, bypassing legal protections. It would be their second attempt after a federal court intervened last year in an overnight plan to fly out ...","content":"A Democratic U.S. senator warns the Trump administration is getting ready to round up 500 immigrant children in a hasty effort to remove them from the country, bypassing legal protections. It would be their second attempt after a federal court intervened last year in an overnight plan to fly out hundreds of children on Labor Day weekend. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon wrote in a letter Wednesday to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that he had “credible information” that the Trump administration had a list of more than 500 migrant children it was targeting for a fast-track removal process and that the department was racing to act in days. He warned that the administration was abdicating “core humanitarian and child welfare mandates” and demanded an immediate halt to any plans to remove the children.Wyden, who is the ranking member and senior Democrat of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Office of Refugee Resettlement, did not detail how he came by his information. His office declined to provide further details. The ORR, which oversees the care of unaccompanied migrant children, falls under the Department of Health and Human Services.An HHS spokesperson denied any such plans.“The new information I obtained leads me to believe that the Department is laying the groundwork for another lawless deportation effort, this time on a greater scale, across more countries of origin,” Wyden wrote. “You have been entrusted with the care and safety of the children placed within the ORR network. Proceeding with this plan knowingly endangers their lives and violates your duty to these vulnerable children.”Trump administration made a similar attempt in 2025Wyden also issued an early warning last August ahead of what eventually became a chaotic weekend of efforts by the Trump administration to remove Guatemalan children in its care and send them home.HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in “there are no plans to target these children,” calling Wyden’s claims ”irresponsible fearmongering.\" “The Trump Administration is working to identify the parents or legal guardians of unaccompanied alien children in our care because ensuring every child is placed with a properly vetted sponsor is our top priority,” she said.Over the Labor Day weekend, dozens of migrant children either staying in government-supervised shelters or with foster families were taken from their homes and bused to airfields in Texas bound for Guatemala. A federal judge woken up in the middle of the night eventually stopped the planes. Lawyers for the children — many who had fled violence at home to come to the U.S. — later described how traumatic the middle-of-the-night removal effort was for them.The administration insisted it was reuniting the Guatemalan children — at the Central American nation’s request — with parents or guardians who sought their return. Lawyers for at least some of the children said that wasn’t true and argued that in any event, authorities still would have to follow a legal process that they did not.Some of the children in the plane last year were represented by the American Bar Association’s ProBar project. Lauren Fisher Flores, the legal director, said children that day were seen “crying, praying, vomiting” and some entered into a catatonic state. The effects were long-lasting.“One child was hospitalized for several days due to nerves. For months, one young client refused to board buses for medical appointments or court hearings. All the rules and laws that exist to protect these children were unable to prevent them from experiencing something deeply traumatic,” Fisher Flores added.Congress established legal protections for migrant childrenMigrant children traveling alone are usually entrusted to U.S. government care, and there are various legal protections designed to protect them once they’re in the U.S. and navigating the immigration system.The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 is one of the key pieces of legislation designed to protect them. With some limited exceptions, it requires that children be placed in the “least restrictive setting possible,” which generally means that they can be released to a sponsor such as a relative in the U.S. while their immigration proceedings play out.The children can apply for a specially protected status if they can’t return to their home country because of abuse or neglect and they can also apply for asylum.The Trump administration has made it increasingly difficult for those children to be released to sponsors though. The administration says that they are doing due diligence to make sure that sponsors are thoroughly vetted and that in the past, children were released into dangerous situations.But advocates say that the result has been children lingering for months in government shelters.This time, Wyden said the children at risk of being removed come from various countries, potentially including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Afghanistan, and have been in U.S. custody — mainly in foster care — for at least 180 days. He said they were described as not having any “viable sponsor” who could come forward and take care of them in the U.S.Not having an identified sponsor could mean the child’s parents are in their home countries, are deceased or are too afraid to claim their children after ICE started arresting some parents who are not in the country legally during their reunification efforts.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/us-senator-warns-of-administration-plan-to-hastily-remove-over-500-unaccompanied-migrant-children/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Valerie Gonzalez And Rebecca Santana, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:00:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFAJNGLDM3ZHQDEG5VUNTWOONOQ.jpg","slug":"us-senator-warns-of-administration-plan-to-hastily-remove-over-500-unaccompanied-migrant-children"},{"id":"uj90q2","title":"Best Prime 2026 deals for Disney merch under $50","excerpt":"Here are the best Disney merch deals for Amazon Prime Days 2026 under $50","content":"Here are the best Disney merch deals for Amazon Prime Days 2026 under $50","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-amazon-prime-2026-disney-merch-deals-50/19372662/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:52:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"best-prime-2026-deals-for-disney-merch-under-50"},{"id":"ad0akd","title":"Key inflation gauge jumps to 3-year high in latest sign of affordability challenges","excerpt":"The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, a sign rising costs could pose political problems for President Donald Trump and his political party as midterm elections near. Consumer prices rose 4.1% in May from a year earlier, the Comm...","content":"The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, a sign rising costs could pose political problems for President Donald Trump and his political party as midterm elections near. Consumer prices rose 4.1% in May from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Thursday, the largest annual increase since April 2023. On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.4% last month, matching April’s increase and down from 0.7% in March. The increase was largely driven by more expensive gas, as well as pricier semiconductors and other computer equipment that are in high demand for the AI buildout. Rising prices have caused the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve to keep their key rate unchanged this year, a reversal from January when they had penciled in two cuts. Some economists forecast the central bank could lift rates this year instead.“Underyling inflation is closer to 3% rather than 2%,” said Mark Vitner, chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital. \"It does suggest to me that the next Fed move, whenever it comes, is more likely to be a hike than a cut.” The Fed probably won't raise rates until next year, he added.Oil and gas prices have fallen substantially since Trump agreed to a peace deal with Iran earlier this month, but the conflict lifted gas prices to nearly $4.50 a gallon on average nationwide in May. They have since fallen back to $3.92 as of Thursday, according to AAA, but that's more than 20% above prices at this time last year as the driving season gets underway. Declining gas prices will likely pull down headline inflation next month, yet measures of underlying inflation remain stubbornly elevated and will be a concern for the Fed. Excluding the volatile energy and food categories, core prices rose 3.4% in May compared with a year earlier, up from 3.3% in April and the largest increase since October 2023. On a monthly basis, they rose 0.3% from April to May, the same as the previous month.Higher gas prices aren't the only thing worsening inflation. The AI buildout has made computer components more expensive, and Apple announced last week that it would raise prices for its computers and iPads because of the higher costs. Services prices also rose sharply last month, lifted by more expensive restaurant meals, hotel rooms, auto repairs, and health care.At the same time, consumers appear willing to keep spending and boost the economy. Adjusted for inflation, spending rose 0.3% from April to May. And inflation-adjusted incomes rose for the first time in four months, picking up 0.3%, which could bolster consumer spending in coming months.A separate report Thursday showed that the economy expanded at a 2.1% annual rate in the first three months of the year, an upgrade from a previous estimate of 1.6%. And the number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week, a sign that layoffs remain low.New Fed chair Kevin Warsh last week underscored the central bank’s determination to drive inflation back to its 2% target, but he gave no sign of what steps the Fed might take. Some economists, however, now expect the central bank to increase rates this year. Those expectations upended U.S. markets this week, hammering fast-growing sectors like tech. Inflation has been above the Fed’s 2% target for more than five years, leaving many Americans more gloomy about the future. Vitner points out that inflation hadn't topped 2.5% for nearly a decade before the pandemic, likely making the inflation spikes since then even harder to accept for most households. Thursday’s report covers the personal consumption expenditures price index, a lesser-known measure compared to the consumer price index, which was released earlier this month and showed a similarly large increase. The Fed prefers the PCE index because it puts less weight on housing and also reflects changes in how Americans shop when prices rise, such as when consumers buy cheaper off-brand items.The new inflation data arrives a day after Trump refused to sign housing legislation, approved by Congress, that is intended to spur more construction and lower home prices over time, a response to Americans' concerns about rising costs. Trump responded to the CPI report earlier this month by saying he “loved the inflation.” He has previously dismissed Democrats’ focus on “affordability” as a “hoax.”Inflation jumped to 9.1% under former President Joe Biden, but even as it fell back closer to 2% in 2024, voters remained angry about the cumulative rise in the cost of groceries, rent, and other necessities. The PCE price index was last below 2.5% in April 2025, when Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs. Inflation then climbed steadily to 2.9% just before the Iran war.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/key-inflation-gauge-jumps-to-3-year-high-in-latest-sign-of-affordability-challenges/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:41:47.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7DZDS6U2SNEUHNLYQLSK3J234Y.jpg","slug":"key-inflation-gauge-jumps-to-3-year-high-in-latest-sign-of-affordability-challenges"},{"id":"7mmvyp","title":"TCEQ  now investigating Houston recycling plant fire","excerpt":"The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has launched an investigation into this week’s fire at Mammoth Metals Recycling in southeast Houston.This comes after the TCEQ confirmed to KPRC 2 that the company did not have the proper permits to recycle tires on site.The Houston Fire Dept. says a ...","content":"The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has launched an investigation into this week’s fire at Mammoth Metals Recycling in southeast Houston.This comes after the TCEQ confirmed to KPRC 2 that the company did not have the proper permits to recycle tires on site.The Houston Fire Dept. says a large pile of trash and debris, primarily tires, is what burned on the Mammoth Metals property near Manchester and Kellogg Street.RELATED:Large fire burning at recycling facility in Houston’s East EndTCEQ says any facility that recycles tires is required to register with them. However, looking at their current scrap tire facility operators in Texas, Mammoth Metals is not on that list. The TCEQ confirms the company does not have a current scrap tire registration. Which means technically, they’re not permitted to recycle that material. The only active TCEQ permits right now for Mammoth Metals are stormwater and air source permits.RELATED: Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fireTCEQ says once its investigation is complete, the report will be available on the commission’s website.In addition to state registration, the City of Houston requires facilities to obtain a local scrap tire facility permit. KPRC 2 verified with the city’s tire inspection team that Mammoth Metals has not been issued a permit for tire disposal, transport or storage under the city of Houston’s scrap tire ordinance. We’re working to find out what that means for this facility moving forward.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/fire-reveals-missing-permits-at-houston-recycling-plant/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kylie Frakes","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:55:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG6GONMRY5NFLHEFXV6JQABRRRA.png","slug":"tceq-now-investigating-houston-recycling-plant-fire"},{"id":"u0bhol","title":"COVID 19 Vaccine","excerpt":"The Science of Effective Vaccine Communication","content":"The Science of Effective Vaccine Communication","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/bauer-business-focus/2026/06/23/554043/covid-19-vaccine/?utm_source=rss-bauer-business-focus-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Macie Kelly","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:00:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22153626%2FAdobeStock_220120304-450x300.jpeg","slug":"covid-19-vaccine"},{"id":"92gjg9","title":"Event permit request fuels speculation of possible Taylor Swift‑Travis Kelce wedding at MSG","excerpt":"An event company has filed a permit requesting the closure of West 31st Street near MSG, the first concrete sign of planning for a possible Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding July 3, two city officials told ABC News.","content":"An event company has filed a permit requesting the closure of West 31st Street near MSG, the first concrete sign of planning for a possible Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding July 3, two city officials told ABC News.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-madison-square-garden-wedding-rumors-fueled-event-permit-request/19374068/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:45:19.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"event-permit-request-fuels-speculation-of-possible-taylor-swifttravis-kelce-wedding-at-msg"},{"id":"tipk9b","title":"Data centers and heat (June 23, 2026)","excerpt":"On Tuesday's show: We’ve heard a lot about the toll large data centers might take on water and energy demand in Texas. But how might they also affect the weather and climate around them -- including here in Houston?","content":"On Tuesday's show: We’ve heard a lot about the toll large data centers might take on water and energy demand in Texas. But how might they also affect the weather and climate around them -- including here in Houston?","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/23/555194/data-centers-and-heat-june-23-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-23T11:00:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"data-centers-and-heat-june-23-2026"},{"id":"w35v5l","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3382: Disorder","excerpt":"Episode: 3382 Thoughts about coping with the disorder in our lives and the disorder in our world. Today, disorder.","content":"Episode: 3382 Thoughts about coping with the disorder in our lives and the disorder in our world. Today, disorder.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/23/554583/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3382-disorder/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-23T05:01:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3382-disorder"},{"id":"ko61f1","title":"JPMorgan Chase promotes Petno, Rohrbaugh to copresidents, setting up two more successors for Dimon","excerpt":"JPMorgan Chase promoted investment bankers Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh to copresidents of the bank, elevating two additional potential contenders to succeed Jamie Dimon whenever the longtime CEO step downs from running the nation’s largest bank.The bank also announced Thursday that Marianne Lak...","content":"JPMorgan Chase promoted investment bankers Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh to copresidents of the bank, elevating two additional potential contenders to succeed Jamie Dimon whenever the longtime CEO step downs from running the nation’s largest bank.The bank also announced Thursday that Marianne Lake, who had held several top positions in the company including chief financial officer and CEO of the consumer banking division, will retire at the end of the year. Lake was long thought to be a potential person to take over the company when Dimon retired.The promotion of Petno and Rohrbaugh is a sign that JPMorgan’s board is also looking to its commercial and investment banking ranks as it develops the next generation of leadership, even as Rohrbaugh will now move over to run the bank’s giant consumer business. Petno and Rohrbaugh both ascended JPMorgan’s ranks through the company’s investment bank but worked on different sides of the house: much of Petno’s experience has been working with clients and doing advisory work, including natural resources investment banking, while Rohrbaugh came up through the bank’s trading desks, with a background in foreign-exchange derivatives and options trading.“The changes announced today mark an important step in our Board’s thoughtful process around succession planning and development of our top leaders,” Dimon said in a statement.There are two other potential successors, both women, who remain on JPMorgan’s operating committee, the group of top management at the bank who report to Dimon. Jennifer Piepszak, 55, is JPMorgan’s chief operating officer, while Mary Erdoes, 58, runs its asset and wealth management division. The bank disclosed Thursday that Piepszak and Erdoes each received $20 million equity-based retention awards, underscoring that the board is trying to preserve a broad bench of senior leaders as it plans for Dimon’s eventual succession.But even with those retention bonuses for Piepszak and Erdoes, analysts noted that promotion of Petno and Rohrbaugh is a signal that the board is leaning toward them.“Given that Lake has been viewed as a front-runner, her retirement reshapes the succession field for Jamie Dimon’s CEO role, while elevating Petno and Rohrbaugh into president-level roles that have historically served as the springboard for the CEO job,” said analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in a note to investors after the announcement.Further, the retention bonuses mean that the person who takes over for Dimon will have a full slate of senior executives to help them with the transition, analysts said.Wall Street loves to speculate who will succeed Dimon, who is 70 years old and has been CEO since 2006. Dimon has had several health scares over his 20 years running the bank, including a throat cancer diagnosis in 2014 and emergency heart surgery in 2020. Still, Dimon has repeatedly said he enjoys being chairman and CEO, and has emphasized that JPMorgan’s board of directors will decide the timing of Dimon’s replacement.Whoever replaces Dimon will inherit one of the most prominent roles on Wall Street and, more broadly, in Corporate America. Dimon is among the last of the generation of Wall Street CEOs who steered their firms through the 2008 financial crisis and is widely seen as the banking industry's elder statesman.Before joining JPMorgan Chase in 2004, Dimon’s career was rooted more in consumer finance than trading and investment banking. He held leadership roles at American Express, Citigroup and Bank One. JPMorgan Chase acquired Bank One in 2004 in a deal to expand its consumer banking and credit card businesses. Bank One’s credit card division was considered a strategic asset in that deal.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/jpmorgan-chase-promotes-petno-rohrbaugh-to-copresidents-setting-up-two-more-successors-for-dimon/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ken Sweet, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:58:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F45UP6FBP7VEBRECPDKH2MEX54E.jpg","slug":"jpmorgan-chase-promotes-petno-rohrbaugh-to-copresidents-setting-up-two-more-successors-for-dimon"},{"id":"n5dz55","title":"Federal judge halts Trump’s election executive order seeking to create a federal voter list","excerpt":"A federal judge on Thursday halted President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to create a federal voter list and limit who can receive a mail ballot.U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, sided with a coalition of nearly two doz...","content":"A federal judge on Thursday halted President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to create a federal voter list and limit who can receive a mail ballot.U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, sided with a coalition of nearly two dozen states that challenged the Republican president's order in granting a summary judgment. Her ruling applies to this year's midterm election cycle.Plaintiffs argued in two lawsuits, both filed in federal court in Boston, that Trump’s order should be found unconstitutional because the states and Congress, not the president, have the power to set election rules. The judge agreed, saying in her ruling that the provisions of Trump's order seeking to create a federal list of eligible voters and using the U.S. Postal Service to determine who can receive a mail ballot are “legally void” because they \"unconstitutionally violate the separation of powers.”It was the second ruling in as many days against executive orders Trump has signed seeking oversight of the nation's elections. A separate ruling Wednesday prohibited an executive order he had signed last year that would have required people to show documents proving their citizenship when registering to vote.Order targeted mail voting, administration likely to appealArizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, whose state was among the plaintiffs, celebrated the court’s decision.“Millions of independents, Republicans and Democrats across Arizona have voted by mail for decades,” she said in a statement, noting that nearly 80% of ballots in the state are cast by that method.Mayes, a Democrat, singled out military families, voters in the state’s rural expanses and Native Americans who cast ballots from tribal lands.“Donald Trump’s executive order targeted all of these voters,” she said. “But today, the courts affirmed what the Constitution makes clear: States run their elections, not the President.”The White House stood by Trump's executive order and indicated the administration would appeal the ruling. The order, said spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, “lawfully protects our elections, and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail in its implementation.”The administration, in its motions to dismiss the lawsuits challenging the order, argued that the motions were premature and that plaintiffs lacked the legal basis to bring their claim based on the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations.But in an interim order before Thursday's ruling, Talwani said the motions pertaining to this year’s election cycle were relevant: “In light of the EO’s specific deadlines over the next three months, and the reality that elections will be occurring throughout this period with the November 3, 2026 midterm occurring in just five months, postponing judicial review is impracticable and may inflict significant hardship on Plaintiffs,” she wrote. That order denied the Trump administration's motion to dismiss the challenges.Executive order sought to give Postal Service a central role in electionsTrump’s executive order, the second one aimed at elections during his second term, comes as he continues to raise the specter of widespread voting by noncitizens as a reason to change election rules. But states already have detailed processes aimed at keeping their voter rolls accurate, and voting by noncitizens has been shown to be rare. It also is a felony that can be punishable by deportation.Trump issued his second order in March after a bill he supported to overhaul voting stalled in Congress. The order would have had the federal government — through the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the commissioner of the Social Security Administration — create a “state citizenship list” of eligible voters. It then directed the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to those on the list.Election officials argued that it was ripe for abuse and could cause chaos.The Postal Service has published a proposed rule required by Trump’s executive order in the Federal Register. Among other things, the rule would not apply to primary elections or overseas ballots.Postal Service workers have pushed back against the order, saying they are not equipped to determine who is eligible to vote in each state. After Trump issued his order last spring, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association said forcing its members into such a role “risks politicizing one of the nation’s most trusted public institutions.”Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat whose state was among the plaintiffs, said the executive order illustrated how Trump was attempting to “abuse power in previously unthinkable ways” to interfere in elections.She said it “strains credulity” to think the U.S. Postal Service could set up a workable system for pre-screening individual voters to determine whether they would be allowed to vote by mail, adding that it would be “a shocking violation of American constitutional rights.”The Postal Service did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment.Trump's second election executive order faces multiple legal challengesThe lawsuit seeking summary judgment was filed by Democratic attorneys general representing 22 states and the District of Columbia. Also signing on were attorneys representing Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, which has a Republican attorney general.The states also told the court that the move imposes a costly burden on election officials to comply and would spread fear about the possibility of prosecution. Stephen Pezzi, a lawyer for the Trump administration, had argued that no one would be prosecuted for violating the order.The other lawsuit filed in Talwani’s court was by the League of Women Voters and other voting rights groups, which have sought a preliminary injunction against the executive order.In yet another lawsuit filed against the executive order, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., in May agreed with the Trump administration that it was too early to block the order because it had yet to be implemented. That lawsuit was brought by Democratic and civil rights groups, which have appealed.Since his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, Trump has groundlessly claimed mail voting is rife with fraud and has launched a federal investigation into that year’s vote, even though repeated audits and investigations, including ones run by Republicans, found it was free of widespread fraud. Trump also has said he wants to “take over” election administration in Democratic areas.___Barrow reported from Atlanta and Hanna from Topeka, Kansas.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/federal-judge-halts-trumps-election-executive-order-seeking-to-create-a-federal-voter-list/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Casey, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:23:05.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7SYDVB5PCVBKTIZPDOC4LG4WRU.jpg","slug":"federal-judge-halts-trumps-election-executive-order-seeking-to-create-a-federal-voter-list"},{"id":"snz8dr","title":"Hornets trade LaMelo Ball, Josh Green to Timberwolves for Naz Reid, draft picks, AP source says","excerpt":"LaMelo Ball is the latest NBA star with a new home.The Charlotte Hornets agreed to trade Ball, their starting point guard, and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps and three future second-round...","content":"LaMelo Ball is the latest NBA star with a new home.The Charlotte Hornets agreed to trade Ball, their starting point guard, and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps and three future second-round picks, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, has yet to be approved by the league.The three first-round pick swaps will be in 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Hornets also get three second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033.The Hornets quickly moved to agree on a three-year, $74 million contract with new projected starting point guard Coby White following the trade, the person familiar with the situation told the AP.White, the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina high school basketball history, averaged 15.6 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range last season for the Hornets after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bulls.The 24-year-old Ball, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, had three years left on a five-year, $203.9 million designated rookie contract with the Hornets, which was a franchise record.An All-Star in 2022, Ball has struggled with ankle and foot injuries during his career, but he played in 72 games last season and averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, helping the Hornets win 44 games before being blown out in the play-in tournament by the Orlando Magic.Ball finished second in the league in 3s made last year with 272, one behind rookie teammate Kon Knueppel.Ball is considered an exceptional offensive player, but his shortcomings on the defensive end were at times a source of irritation for coach Charles Lee.Still, Ball's ability to create opportunities for his teammates off the dribble, his exceptional passing and unique knack for getting off 3-pointers — with shots often coming off one foot — via a stepback move, make him one of the league's most dynamic scoring point guards.But Ball was never able to get the Hornets to the playoffs in his six seasons with the club, with injuries playing a role. Before this season, Ball missed 141 games over the previous three seasons.This trade is expected to be included as part of the transaction in which Minnesota agreed to send Julius Randle to Brooklyn in a deal that involved the Chicago Bulls, a second person with knowledge of the agreement told the AP. It will create an NBA-record trade exception of nearly $41 million for the Hornets.The deals cannot be finalized until July 6, when the league moratorium on such moves is lifted.It’s another blockbuster for the league, which has seen Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded by Milwaukee to Miami for a package that includes Tyler Herro, a move that followed the Randle deal before the draft.Reid, 26, has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Timberwolves.After reaching the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025, the Timberwolves stagnated at times last season and were ousted in six games in the second round of the playoffs by the runner-up San Antonio Spurs.President of basketball operations Tim Connelly has never been shy about aggressive pursuit of roster improvement, from the package of draft picks he sent the Utah Jazz in 2022 for defensive ace Rudy Gobert shortly after taking the job in Minnesota, to the stunning trade of franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks two years ago.To make this work, the Timberwolves had to give up one of the most popular players in their history in Reid, the 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year who would’ve been in line for a starting spot after the departure of Randle.The 6-foot-11 Reid, who went undrafted out of LSU in 2019, worked his way into an excellent offensive player with a shooter’s touch from the outside who has the quickness to get to the rim. Playing through a painful shoulder injury this season, Reid appeared in 77 regular-season games while averaging 13.6 points and a career-best 6.2 rebounds per game.Their five-game loss in 2025 to the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder and their defeat by the Spurs last month made clear to the Timberwolves that they’re not yet at the championship level they’ve been chasing since building their roster around 2020 first overall pick Anthony Edwards. Now they’ll have the third pick in that draft to play next to Ball, one of the few remaining pure point guards in a league that has evolved toward more volume scorers serving as the primary initiators of the offense.Timberwolves coach Chris Finch lamented after the season his abrupt decision to make Edwards the starting point guard, a move Finch said last month set the whole team back.Trusty veteran Mike Conley will be a free agent and is now more of a limited-role player, leaving Minnesota's front office looking outward for ball-handling options. The agreement to bring back Ayo Dosunmu went a long way toward solidifying the backcourt for the long term, but he’s more of a combo guard who can thrive off the ball.Connelly even hinted at a move like this on Tuesday night after the first round of the draft.“We have to ensure that we’re creating as many good shots as possible, specifically for Ant, and whether that’s on our present roster or whether it’s looking outside of our team, it’s something that we certainly have to address,” Connelly said.Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson decline to address the trade during a news conference Thursday in which the team introduced first-round draft picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr.“There will be a time when we will address the roster and the transactions and stuff,” Peterson said. “We want to make this day about Christian and Hannes. They have earned it.”___AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami and AP Sports Writer Dave Campbell in Minneapolis contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/hornets-trade-lamelo-ball-to-timberwolves-for-naz-reid-draft-picks-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steve Reed, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T14:07:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG3ADNGHLMZHTTAHOCPLAIKX2KI.jpg","slug":"hornets-trade-lamelo-ball-josh-green-to-timberwolves-for-naz-reid-draft-picks-ap-source-says"},{"id":"a0mr5d","title":"Air Canada Flight AC7664 from Newark Airport diverts to Boston after captain suffers medical episode","excerpt":"A horrifying mid-air emergency unfolded when a plane was diverted after the captain experienced a medical episode during the flight.","content":"A horrifying mid-air emergency unfolded when a plane was diverted after the captain experienced a medical episode during the flight.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/air-canada-flight-ac7664-newark-airport-diverts-boston-captain-suffers-medical-episode/19378809/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:17:59.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19376165_062426-wabc-air-canada-img.jpg","slug":"air-canada-flight-ac7664-from-newark-airport-diverts-to-boston-after-captain-suffers-medical-episode"},{"id":"zh6ehy","title":"Increasingly fierce storms are coming for the upper Texas coast. Is the petrochemical industry ready?","excerpt":"Galveston County is home to 22 refineries and chemical plants. The level of emergency preparedness varies widely.","content":"Galveston County is home to 22 refineries and chemical plants. The level of emergency preparedness varies widely.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/06/22/555236/galveston-county-texas-petrochemical-storm-readiness/?utm_source=rss-energy-environment-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Elena Bruess, Public Health Watch","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:41:20.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22160259%2FPHW-Petrochemical-Storms-Main-Art-Isabel-Simpson-450x281.jpg","slug":"increasingly-fierce-storms-are-coming-for-the-upper-texas-coast-is-the-petrochemical-industry-ready"},{"id":"sdurkw","title":"LIST: No plans this weekend? Houston has you covered!","excerpt":"If you’re looking for ways to fill your weekend without having to break the bank, you’ve clicked on the right article. From makeup classes to watch parties, there’s free events happening all over the city. Check out the list below to see what’s best for you! Hot Girl Walk When: Saturday, June 27,...","content":"If you’re looking for ways to fill your weekend without having to break the bank, you’ve clicked on the right article. From makeup classes to watch parties, there’s free events happening all over the city. Check out the list below to see what’s best for you! Hot Girl Walk When: Saturday, June 27, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Where: 6104 Hermann Park Drive (Hermann Park) Hot Girl Walk, founded by Mia Lind, hosts walking events across the country, and it has taken social media by storm. The event is an outdoor walk that spans three miles and includes three focus points for participants: what they’re grateful for, their goals, and their self-confidence. All are welcome, no matter your age, gender or fitness level. To reserve your spot or to learn more about Hot Girl Walk, click here. Screen on the Green When: Saturday, June 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Where: 1500 McKinney Street (Discovery Green) Discovery Green will be showing “Kicking & Screaming,” a family-friendly movie about a dad who becomes the coach of his son’s underdog soccer team. The movie is rated as PG, and attendees are encouraged to show up early for fun activities and to wear their soccer jerseys. Make sure to bring blankets, camping chairs and anything else you may need to be comfortable outside. No alcohol or glass containers are allowed. To register or to learn more about the event, click here. Saturday Bayou City Community Market When: Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Where: 10425 Hillcroft Street (Westbury Baptist Church) The Saturday Bayou City Community Market happens every second and fourth Saturday of the month, and although it includes a variety of incredible vendors selling their products, there are free offerings too!For this weekend’s market, the community collection drive will be needing kids and adult books, as well as puzzles. Attendees can also donate their leftover school supplies. Additionally, attendees can use the book and puzzle swap table. If you bring a book or puzzle, you can take home another book or puzzle. For further information, click here. The Glow Up: Full Glam Edition When: Sunday, June 28, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Where: 5015 Westheimer Road (The Galleria) If you’re looking to perfect your full-glam makeup look, MAC Cosmetics will be hosting an advanced makeup class! No need to bring anything, because the makeup will be provided, and an in-store artist will be sharing their tips and tricks. Participants will learn how to properly contour, apply lashes, perfect a bold lip, and more. The event will include prize giveaways and treats, as well as plenty of photo opportunities. To reserve your spot, click here. Austrian Grand Prix Watch Party When: Sunday, June 28, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Where: 3101 San Jacinto Street (Social Beer Garden) This is the perfect event for early risers who are fans of Formula One. Hosted by Space City Racing Club, the watch party is for all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite breakfast snacks. Motorsport publications and merchandise will be for sale. To reserve your spot, click here. Big Cup Pop-Up When: Sunday, June 28, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. Where: 2118 Lamar Street (Truck Yard Houston) Catch the World Cup games at Truck Yard Houston, a fun hangout spot that features food trucks, themed drinks and live music. This event isn’t only on Sunday; it will be running until July 19, so if you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry. Tickets are not required, but entry free and first-come, first-served. All ages are welcome for entry until 9 p.m., and then it becomes 21+ to enter. For more details, click here.Click here for events in Houston that cost some money","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/list-no-plans-this-weekend-houston-has-you-covered/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ava Popovits","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:16:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXANT2IVR35H2BENNC7R62REYDY.png","slug":"list-no-plans-this-weekend-houston-has-you-covered"},{"id":"d8cuzn","title":"X Games looks for a reboot featuring familiar names — Scotty James, Eileen Gu — and new teams","excerpt":"The X Games is out to show there are riskier moves in action sports than flying upside down above a halfpipe.The name that put action sports on the map, then turned it into big business that eventually landed in the Olympics with its risk-taking, counterculture vibe, will debut its multimillion-d...","content":"The X Games is out to show there are riskier moves in action sports than flying upside down above a halfpipe.The name that put action sports on the map, then turned it into big business that eventually landed in the Olympics with its risk-taking, counterculture vibe, will debut its multimillion-dollar reboot with nothing less than the future of one of the sports industry's best-recognized brands at stake.Sports like snowboarding, skateboarding and BMX biking that were founded on a spirit of devil-may-care individuality are becoming team enterprises.Those same sports that were founded on the idea that it was more about hanging out and doing cool stuff than medals, money and winning are now building franchises that organizers say are selling as part of eight-figure transactions.The debut of the new team concept, scheduled to cover both the upcoming summer and winter seasons, is set for Friday in Sacramento, California. Among the headliners are skateboarding's Nyjah Huston, Garrett Reynolds and Chloe Covell.Eileen Gu, Chloe Kim, Mark McMorris and Scotty James are among those signed up for the winter portion.“I love working on big ideas, and this is a big idea,” said Jeremy Bloom, the Olympic freestyle skier and former NFL receiver who was hired by MSP Sports Capital shortly after they bought a majority stake in the X Games from ESPN in 2022. “But ideas are only worth the word on the page. The execution of ideas is always the hardest part.”Did the X Games really need a reboot?What was wrong with the X Games? Nothing, really.The winter version, traditionally held in Aspen, Colorado, drew 50,000 fans this year and ratings on ESPN and ABC rose 48%.But when MSP — which has stakes in F1, and Premier League soccer teams among its investments — bought the property in 2022, it had a bigger vision.It wanted to build a season-long race for a title. The way to do that was by creating summer and winter teams that hold drafts. Both seasons will run over three events — for instance, the summer league will go to Tokyo and New Orleans after the debut in Sacramento; the final event takes place late next month.Earlier this year, the investment group UNA Sports Group bought the summer and winter teams based in New York for what the X Games said was an eight-figure transaction. Private equity investor Allen Thorpe bought the summer team in Los Angeles and the winter team based in Park City, Utah, the home of the 2034 Olympics. On Thursday, private equity group Summit Ventures and entrepreneur Ali El Ali bought the team based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.Thorpe called the new version of the X Games “an entirely new category of sports ownership.”Bloom sees owning a franchise not as a revenue stream but rather, a growth opportunity.“When you set aside the NFL, which is really the 2,000-pound gorilla, it's not really a world where you're looking for, like, (cash-flow) return or profit-sharing return,” Bloom said. “You're just looking at growth. Growth in a brand, growth in fans, growth of viewership.”Sports leagues have potential for growth (WNBA) but also carry risk (LIV)A best-case scenario for owners of these X Games teams might be to replicate what happened in the WNBA where, for instance, the Indiana Fever is worth an estimated five times its former value since the arrival of Caitlin Clark.F1 teams, thanks to spending caps and a surge in popularity driven by the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” have also enjoyed a surge in value.UNA, which bought the New York franchises, made the decision partly based on a study it published that projected the value of the global action sports market at $650 billion in 2027.\"Action sports today look remarkably like women’s basketball did five years ago or women’s soccer eight years ago: passionate participants, a loyal core audience, strong brand equity in the category leader, and a fragmented competitive landscape with no dominant league format,\" the paper said in detailing the strength of the league idea.The paper made no mention of lessons learned from LIV Golf.The league always hoped its franchises would generate value and was trying to sell minority stakes in the teams, saying they were worth $300 million. The team concept hasn't caught on and the pullout of the Saudi investment fund backing the league is putting the worth of those teams at risk.Will fans follow sports beyond X Games, Olympics?While golf still resides in the category of a niche sport, its schedule has a familiar cadence and the tug between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf largely was a difference in vision among some players who were rich and others who were richer.Action sports has less of that. For every athlete like Huston or Gu — whose sponsorship income dwarfs what they've collected in prize money over the years — there are dozens more who have to scratch out paychecks in sports that have struggled to generate big prize pools.“Skateboarding, depending on what your deals are, you can make some money,” said Bob Burnquist, a 14-time X Games skateboard champ who is the general manager of the Sao Paulo team. “But there were several times throughout your career, where I was there for glory and I did it and I knew it. Because if you quantify the risk, it's not really on my side. If I won the event, I'd make ‘X,’ but if I got broken trying to win the event, I'd owe the hospital.”One of the lures for the athletes was a guaranteed base salary, the likes of which is basically unheard of in actions sports. Also, travel expenses will be covered and they'll receive a health-care stipend, in addition to a prize-money pool. That's among the reasons some of the biggest names, including Kim, Gu, Huston, James and McMorris signed on.Now, the question is whether enough people will buy into the team concept to the point where they're willing to watch an entire season of action sports unfold.Bloom — a once-in-a-generation athlete and entrepreneur who made his mark both in individual and team sports — is staking his reputation and that of the X Games that the new idea will work.“It's still special to win a world championship and World Cup overall titles and make it to the Olympics, there’s no doubt,” Bloom said. “But I was really drawn to this idea and notion that for the first time ever, action sports athletes could feel that camaraderie.”___AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/x-games-looks-for-a-reboot-featuring-familiar-names-scotty-james-eileen-gu-and-new-teams/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eddie Pells, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:17:51.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FC75B3SHNRBF4NOSGLVP5LVSWEA.jpg","slug":"x-games-looks-for-a-reboot-featuring-familiar-names-scotty-james-eileen-gu-and-new-teams"},{"id":"kgxnme","title":"Powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off northern Japan. No tsunami warning","excerpt":"A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan's northern coast, but there was no danger of a tsunami, the country's meteorological agency said.","content":"A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan's northern coast, but there was no danger of a tsunami, the country's meteorological agency said.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/powerful-69-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-northern-japan-meteorological-agency-says/19374871/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T07:51:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19375386_062426-kabc-5pm-japan-quake-vid.jpg","slug":"powerful-72-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-northern-japan-no-tsunami-warning"},{"id":"wdt631","title":"Powerful 7.1 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes hit Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital","excerpt":"A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake shook Venezuela on Wednesday, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.","content":"A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake shook Venezuela on Wednesday, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/powerful-71-magnitude-earthquake-hits-venezuela-swaying-buildings-capital/19374775/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T07:51:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19377358_062426-kabc-11pm-earthquakes-vid-CC-vid.jpg","slug":"powerful-71-and-75-magnitude-earthquakes-hit-venezuela-collapsing-buildings-in-the-capital"},{"id":"jv591c","title":"Officials monitor air quality in southeast Houston after tire fire causes massive smoke plume","excerpt":"No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which erupted Monday afternoon near the intersection of Kellogg and Manchester streets.","content":"No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which erupted Monday afternoon near the intersection of Kellogg and Manchester streets.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2026/06/22/555221/houston-fire-department-smoke/?utm_source=rss-local-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan, Bianca Seward","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:47:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22152054%2FIMG_5671-450x300.jpg","slug":"officials-monitor-air-quality-in-southeast-houston-after-tire-fire-causes-massive-smoke-plume"},{"id":"ccv650","title":"LIST: Got the cash? Houston has the events!","excerpt":"If you are looking for something to do this weekend, and have the extra cash to do so, Houston has you covered.Andy Huggins LiveWhere: 1204 Caroline Street (Punch Line Houston) When: June 26; from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Price: $32.05+ If you are looking for a good laugh with the family or your spe...","content":"If you are looking for something to do this weekend, and have the extra cash to do so, Houston has you covered.Andy Huggins LiveWhere: 1204 Caroline Street (Punch Line Houston) When: June 26; from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Price: $32.05+ If you are looking for a good laugh with the family or your special someone, Andy has been doing standup for 45 years. Go watch a 74-year-old take a good crack at making the younger and older generations laugh.For more information: Click hereDrunk Pirates Where: 412 Travis Street (Drunk Pirates Houston)When: May 14 - Sept. 19Price: $43+ Want to take a deep-sea dive into theatre? Watch some pirates navigate their way to Treasure Island. Only problem, one has taken five sips of rum and plays a major role in finding the island.For more information: Click hereHappy Hour Fridays at MFAH Where: 1001 Bissonnet Street (Museum of Fine Arts)When: Weekly on Fridays; between 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Price: Visit link belowLooking for a group gathering spot with some adult friends? Well look no further than the Museum of Fine Arts. Check out Arrival Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building. Museum admission is required.But you can check out Cafe Leonelli, with $5 Happy Hour specials until 8 p.m.For more information: Click hereKick it off Houston Where: 1500 Binz Street (Children’s Museum of Houston)When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Price: See link belowFor those looking for a more family friendly setting, check out the Children’s Museum of Houston for their month-long celebration of world soccer.They have action-packed activities, cultural experiences, creative challenges and larger-than-life fun.For more information: Click hereTamarie’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 Where: 3400 Main Street (MATCH - Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston)When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; between 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Price: $0 - $40 Music is a big part of Houston, so make sure to go check Tamarie Cooper with her wholly original, full-scale musicals for the summer.A Houston institution featuring wildly irreverent scripts, riotously funny songs, wackadoodle dances, spectacular sets, large casts of quadruple-threat performers and a small but mighty band, take the stage.For more information: Click hereGalaxy’s Game at Space Center Houston Where: 1601 E Nasa Parkway (Space Center Houston 1601 E Nasa Parkway)When: Recurring daily; between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Price: See link below For the kiddos interested in space, Space Center Houston is the place to go. With more than 400 extraordinary and unique space artifacts, exhibits and experiences, guests can take part in hands-on, space-themed athletic challenges.The challenges will combine physical play with scientific discoveryFor more information: Click hereJunk Hippy Vintage & Handmade Market Where: 7601 Red Bluff Road (Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo Medical Committee)When: June 27; between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Price: $5 at the door; kids 13 and under get in for freeLooking for a unique shopping trip? This market has a wide variety of favorite vintage and handmade dealers at their one-day popup market. With vintage and midcentury decor, architectural salvage, cottage core and shabby chic, rustic and rusty, vintage clothing and vintage vinyl, plus handmade goods like candles, soap, salsa, jellies, popcorn and sweets.For more information: Click here Rewind & Play: Soccer Edition! Where: 1500 Binz Street (Children’s Museum of Houston)When: June 27; between 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Price: $39 For the adults who are looking to throw it back to the good ole’ days and bring out their inner child, Children’s Houston Museum is on your side. Once the museum doors close, the museum turns into a high-energy, playful social space filled with interactive exhibits, music, hands-on experiences, and plenty of ways to tap into your competitive side, curious side and inner kid.For more information: Click hereIf there are any events you would like to see added, let us know! Click for free events in Houston this weekend","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/list-got-the-cash-houston-has-the-events/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Juliana Russell","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:53:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGNQYASYSLNF3LDUS5XWTPTHSJQ.png","slug":"list-got-the-cash-houston-has-the-events"},{"id":"dm8am8","title":"Elderly man killed in hit-and-run while crossing Airline Drive","excerpt":"A Houston family is grieving after an elderly man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday night in north Houston.According to the Houston Police Department, the crash happened around 10:45 p.m. on Airline Drive near Buckboard Drive.Drivers stuck in massive backup on Southwest FreewayInvestiga...","content":"A Houston family is grieving after an elderly man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday night in north Houston.According to the Houston Police Department, the crash happened around 10:45 p.m. on Airline Drive near Buckboard Drive.Drivers stuck in massive backup on Southwest FreewayInvestigators said a man in his 70s was crossing the street with his wife after she finished work at a nearby restaurant. Police said the woman was a few steps ahead when a vehicle traveling northbound on Airline Drive struck her husband.The man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.Authorities said the driver did not stop and fled the area.Police noted the couple was not crossing at a marked crosswalk or a busy intersection when the crash occurred.Harris County has a new Flood Control District executive director Investigators are now searching for the vehicle involved. Based on evidence collected at the scene, detectives believe the suspect vehicle may be either a silver or white SUV or a small pickup truck.Police also believe the vehicle may be missing its driver’s side mirror as a result of the crash.Authorities are urging anyone who has seen a vehicle matching that description with recent damage to contact investigators.If located, the driver could face serious criminal charges.Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Houston Police Department’s Hit and Run Unit or Crime Stoppers of Houston.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/elderly-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-while-crossing-airline-drive-houston-police-searching-for-driver/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra, T.J. Parker","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:14:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F1bb6da1e-4108-46ad-ad65-573b892817b7%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"elderly-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-while-crossing-airline-drive"},{"id":"64vkjc","title":"Harris County appoints Marcus Stuckett as new Flood Control District executive director","excerpt":"Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday unanimously appointed Marcus Stuckett as the new executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District, making him the first African American to lead the agency.The appointment comes two weeks after former Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen...","content":"Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday unanimously appointed Marcus Stuckett as the new executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District, making him the first African American to lead the agency.The appointment comes two weeks after former Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen resigned amid concerns over delays tied to federally funded flood mitigation projects and questions about meeting key spending deadlines.Executive director of Harris County Flood Control District resigns, officials confirmIn a statement following the vote, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones praised Stuckett’s experience and emphasized the importance of keeping flood control projects on track.“We’re making a bet that a change in Flood Control leadership will result in clearer communication with both Commissioners Court and the residents, so this is the best path forward for us to be able to get these projects back on track. I look forward to working with Director Stuckett to get these projects done as soon as possible for the community,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.“Today, Harris County Commissioners Court made history by unanimously appointing Marcus Stuckett as our new Flood Control District Executive Director. He will be the first African American to serve in this crucial role,” Briones said.Briones said Stuckett brings more than two decades of experience delivering major flood control projects throughout the region and is prepared to lead the district at a critical time.“Nothing is more important than keeping our families safe from flooding, and I look forward to working with Stuckett and our dedicated team to do just that,” she said.Harris County flood officials push back on delay claims, promise construction by JuneAccording to reports, Stuckett previously served in several leadership roles at the Flood Control District, including engineering division director and watershed management department manager. Most recently, he worked in the private sector after leaving the agency in 2022.“Members of Court who have abandoned the process of engaging in a nationwide search have put Mr. Stuckett in a difficult situation with looming GLO deadlines. Nonetheless, there’s too much at risk not to do all that I can to ensure Mr. Stuckett’s success,” stated Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct Two. The leadership transition comes as Harris County continues to advance a historic number of flood mitigation projects while facing pressure to meet deadlines associated with Hurricane Harvey recovery funding. County officials have said more flood control projects are currently underway than at any point in the district’s history.Briones said the county has also made unprecedented investments in infrastructure maintenance and must continue working with federal, state and community partners to deliver projects designed to protect homes and reduce flood risk.Harris County flood officials push back on delay claims, promise construction by June“While our Flood Control District has a new leader today, my focus remains the same: relentlessly delivering protection to the people of Harris County,” Briones said.Stuckett’s appointment follows Petersen’s resignation on June 11. Petersen, who became the first woman to lead the Flood Control District in 2022, stepped down as county leaders scrutinized project delays and the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal flood mitigation funding.“I am honored by the confidence placed in me by Commissioners Court and Administrator Carter,” Stuckett said. “The Harris County Flood Control District has a long history of protecting residents from flooding through innovative engineering, strong partnerships, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees, community partners, and elected officials to continue delivering projects that reduce flood risk and improve quality of life for Harris County residents.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/harris-county-appoints-marcus-stuckett-as-new-flood-control-district-executive-director/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:20:02.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5FJHRVUSTNGOPO2NUPWK3HAYII.png","slug":"harris-county-appoints-marcus-stuckett-as-new-flood-control-district-executive-director"},{"id":"461t0g","title":"JPMorgan Chase plans to expand Community Center program, doubling branches in low-income areas","excerpt":"JPMorgan Chase will significantly expand its national “Community Center” program, the bank said Thursday, with plans to double the number of these specialized branches the bank operates particularly in low-income neighborhoods.Along with doubling the number of Community Center branches, the bank ...","content":"JPMorgan Chase will significantly expand its national “Community Center” program, the bank said Thursday, with plans to double the number of these specialized branches the bank operates particularly in low-income neighborhoods.Along with doubling the number of Community Center branches, the bank plans to hire an additional 150 employees, known as community managers, and provide additional programming at these locations.The Community Center program focuses on Chase opening branches in low- and moderate-income communities, particularly in areas where residents may be underbanked or unbanked. Chase opened its first Community Center in Harlem in 2019 as an experiment and the program’s success led to 19 locations in operation across the country. Jamie Dimon, the bank’s CEO, has historically attended the grand opening of nearly all the Community Centers, and their openings are typically attended by local government officials and other dignitaries.“We are doubling down on our efforts to expand access,” said Diedra Porché, head of Chase's community and business development division. These Community Centers are still Chase branches, but they include open areas where financial educators, local nonprofit organizations and other groups can provide financial workshops to neighborhood residents. The programs and workshops are free to the public. The bank says the locally-hired community managers who run the centers are directed not to sell products, and attendees are not required to be Chase customers or interested in Chase products.The centers are focused on financial education, ranging from teaching a person how to build a household budget to workshops for small business owners. The bank estimates it has hosted 14,000 of these workshops since the first community center opened, with more than 1 million attendees. Chase has set a goal of increasing the programming to reach 5 million attendees.Banks by law are required to provide services to low-income communities under the Community Reinvestment Act. But how banks provide these services can be in several different forms. While Chase does charitable giving through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Dimon has said in the past that he believes the bank can have a greater impact in low-income communities by opening branches in those neighborhoods, creating jobs and providing financing in underserved areas.“We try to meet people where they are, and then give them the tools and resources they might need to take their next step successfully,” Porché said.The program is also generally good business for the bank. While there are no salespeople involved in the actual programming, the opening of a community center branch in an underserved neighborhood tends to result in new accounts being opened and new customers for the bank. Chase has issued reports in the past that show its community centers lead to higher account openings, often far more account openings than what other branches in the area provide.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/jpmorgan-chase-plans-to-expand-community-center-program-doubling-branches-in-low-income-areas/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ken Sweet, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:06:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVVBMP4STMVCGNBMW46EHSD34AI.jpg","slug":"jpmorgan-chase-plans-to-expand-community-center-program-doubling-branches-in-low-income-areas"},{"id":"ns084o","title":"New video shows woman being rescued from hostage situation at southeast Houston hotel","excerpt":"In a newly released video, you can hear Houston police officers knocking on a hotel room door during a hostage situation that unfolded early Thursday morning at a southeast Houston hotel.The incident happened at the WoodSpring Suites on Cityscape Avenue.According to investigators, a woman texted ...","content":"In a newly released video, you can hear Houston police officers knocking on a hotel room door during a hostage situation that unfolded early Thursday morning at a southeast Houston hotel.The incident happened at the WoodSpring Suites on Cityscape Avenue.According to investigators, a woman texted a relative Wednesday afternoon, saying her boyfriend was holding her against her will inside a hotel room. Police responded and attempted to make contact with the man, but authorities said he refused to cooperate and would not confirm the woman was safe.Houston Weather: Summer Heat Settles In Through The End Of JuneThe situation escalated, prompting a SWAT response.Investigators said officers eventually breached the hotel room and deployed flashbang devices to distract the suspect before rescuing the woman.One witness said guests were forced to evacuate as law enforcement worked to resolve the situation.“I intended to come here, pick up someone and keep going. But after that happened, they rushed them out of their rooms and had to move rooms real fast,” the witness said.Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no longer has authority as interim county judgePolice said the woman was rescued safely and was not seriously injured.The suspect was taken into custody and is charged with unlawful restraint. Authorities said he is expected to be booked into the Harris County Jail.According to investigators, the couple has a history of domestic violence incidents, including a previous SWAT response.The investigation remains ongoing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/new-video-shows-woman-being-rescued-from-hostage-situation-at-southeast-houston-hotel/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:18:30.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F12494ff5-54a0-495a-ae98-d8aad60713a7%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"new-video-shows-woman-being-rescued-from-hostage-situation-at-southeast-houston-hotel"},{"id":"7htat1","title":"President Donald Trump holds tense meeting with Senate Republicans after calling off signing ceremony for housing bill","excerpt":"President Donald Trump says he's canceling the signing of a housing bill at the Capitol, saying a voting bill should pass Congress first.","content":"President Donald Trump says he's canceling the signing of a housing bill at the Capitol, saying a voting bill should pass Congress first.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/house-gives-final-approval-bipartisan-housing-bill-aimed-lowering-costs/19370693/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:28:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19376424_062426-wls-hsu-trump-vs-gop-10p-vid.jpg","slug":"president-donald-trump-holds-tense-meeting-with-senate-republicans-after-calling-off-signing-ceremon"},{"id":"64il0e","title":"Supreme Court clears way for Trump administration to revive restrictive immigration policy","excerpt":"WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.The justices, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that...","content":"WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.The justices, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the number of people who could apply for asylum each day under the Obama administration and during President Donald Trump’s first term.Advocates said the tactic created a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people settled in unsafe makeshift shelters to await their turn. The Trump administration said it was necessary to deal with an increase of asylum seekers at the border.The policy isn’t in place now, though authorities have imposed other restrictions on asylum seekers.The administration argues that metering is a critical tool that’s been used by presidents of both parties and should stay available. Federal attorneys say people turned away at the border could come back later, though lines were thousands of people long when the policy was in place before.The case is one of several immigration suits is considering this term, including Trump’s push to end restrict birthright citizenship and his administration’s effort to strip legal temporary protections for migrants fleeing instability and armed conflict.Under federal law, migrants who arrive in the U.S. must be able to apply for asylum and be screened for fear of persecution in their home countries.The Justice Department argued that people stopped by authorities haven’t arrived, so immigration agents don’t have to let them apply.But attorneys for people seeking asylum say the law has long meant anyone arriving at a port of entry should be screened, and blocking arrivals disregards the nation’s ideals.Metering was first used during President Barack Obama’s administration when large numbers of Haitians appeared at the main crossing to San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. It was expanded to all border crossings from Mexico during Trump’s first term in the White House.It ended in 2020 when the government introduced greater restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, and President Joe Biden formally rescinded it in 2021.The same year, a California-based federal judge found that metering violated the asylum seekers rights and the law requiring screening. A divided appeals court panel affirmed the ruling but nearly half of judges on the full San Francisco-based court voted to rehear it, a strong signal that might have caught the attention of the Supreme Court.U.S. law allows people seeking refuge to apply for asylum once they are on American soil, regardless of whether they came legally. To qualify for asylum, they must show a fear of persecution in their homeland for specific reasons, like race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.People who are eventually granted asylum can’t be deported. They can legally work, bring in immediate family, apply for legal residency and seek citizenship.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/25/supreme-court-clears-way-for-trump-administration-to-revive-restrictive-immigration-policy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:01:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FFKKUSUJQXRGRLHDSH64H3YGBIQ.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-clears-way-for-trump-administration-to-revive-restrictive-immigration-policy"},{"id":"5rxknk","title":"As supporters praise Texas’ proposed “Judeo-Christian” curriculum, rabbis say it dismisses Judaism","excerpt":"Praising a proposal to require Texas public school students to read Bible stories and passages in class, supporters say the perspective is an important acknowledgment that the nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Rabbis and Jewish leaders, however, criticized the biblical passages chosen...","content":"Praising a proposal to require Texas public school students to read Bible stories and passages in class, supporters say the perspective is an important acknowledgment that the nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Rabbis and Jewish leaders, however, criticized the biblical passages chosen by the State Board of Education as heavy on Christianity and dismissive of Judaism, reducing the term Judeo-Christian to “a fig leaf at inclusion.”The State Board of Education kicked off a week of meetings Monday by hearing from more than 400 experts, teachers and concerned citizens on two proposals — one that would overhaul the state’s social studies curriculum, and another that would create a required reading list for K-12 public schoolchildren. Both proposals include biblical references, passages and stories. A final vote is expected by Friday.Many of the speakers who praised the proposed reading list said it was important to teach children about Judeo-Christian heritage and values. “Don’t lie about where we came from as Americans,” witness Richard Green said. “It was the Judeo-Christian value system that produced the greatest, most powerful, the wealthiest, most free, the most benevolent nation in the history of the world.”Larry Holland with the conservative grassroots group Citizens for Education Reform endorsed the reading list because it was aligned with “a nation founded on the principles of Judeo-Christian heritage.” Several rabbis and Jewish individuals rejected the use of “Judeo-Christian” to support the list. “One would think that this phrase is meant to evoke friendship between the two faiths, but I do not find that here — or in the language surrounding support for this list,” said Blake Ziegler, a Texas field organizer for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.Cameron Samuels, executive director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, which works to include young people in state policy decisions, objected to using “Judeo-Christian” to characterize Texas values. “Not in my Jewish faith shall you mandate entire chapters of the Bible for over five and a half million students in Texas and proclaim that this speaks for Jewish people,” Samuels said.“A Fig Leaf at Inclusion”The term Judeo-Christian was popularized during the Cold War — a conflict frequently characterized as a spiritual battle between those of faith and “godless” enemies abroad, said Robert O. Smith, associate professor at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.In the United States, the term united Protestants, Catholics and Jews under a banner of shared religious origins that excluded Muslims, he said. “The Protestant, Catholic, Jew construct” of the Judeo-Christian ethos is based on the “rejection of the atheist and the rejection of the Muslim,” Smith said in an interview.Though Judaism is embedded in the phrase, the partnership has not been equal, Smith added. The term Judeo-Christian “implies a Christian construction of Jewish existence” in which “Jews exist inherently to fulfill Christian purposes,” he said.“Christianity, from its very beginnings, has had a very ambivalent relationship with Jews and Judaism,” Smith said. “There’s a desire for Jews to convert — and therefore for Judaism to disappear into Christianity — but there’s also a recognition that Judaism is the foundation of Christianity.”For many of the Jewish leaders who testified before the State Board of Education, the required readings signified the contradictions behind the term Judeo-Christian.Of the roughly dozen scriptural passages included in the reading list, many were taken from the Hebrew Bible — the shared text between Jews and Christians — but most of the excerpts are from distinctly Christian translations. Ziegler and Houston Rabbi David Segal criticized the reading list’s inclusion of Lamentations Chapter 3, the only biblical passage taken from the Tanakh, the Jewish translation of the Hebrew Bible. The Texas curriculum requires using a translation produced in 1917 by the Jewish Publication Society, and many contemporary Jewish communities no longer use it.Ziegler told the education board that the translation was outdated and said he was concerned that the passage’s “graphic violence isn’t appropriate for eighth grade.”Lamentations 3 details the physical, mental and spiritual effects of God’s wrath on those who stray from him. Ziegler also criticized placing Lamentations 3 alongside Holocaust literature, like Elie Wiesel’s “Night,” in the curriculum.“Lamentations understands the destruction of the ancient temple in Jerusalem as God’s punishment for the Israelites’ sins,” he said. “When it’s taught alongside Holocaust literature — suggesting that was similarly a divine punishment for Jews — that is an unacceptable implication that invites antisemitism and hurts Jews across the state.” Segal agreed. “Of course, [the translation] is outdated, but worse, you’ve anchored it to Holocaust literature, which invites eighth graders to consider whether the Holocaust was God’s punishment for the Jews,” he told the board.“I assume this poor choice comes from ignorance, not intent, but either way it’s unacceptable, as is the proposed list as a whole, which I ask you to reject and start over,” Segal said. Joshua Fixler, rabbi at Houston’s Congregation Emanu El and a member of the Religious Action Center, said the curriculum’s near-exclusive use of Christian interpretations and scriptures will result in the “further alienation of non-Christian students.”Speaking after his testimony, Fixler said he is almost always troubled by invocations of “Judeo-Christian,” which to him “make actions that Christians are doing seem more inclusive by including Jews in the phrase.”“It feels like a fig leaf at inclusion,” Fixler said. “They’re promoting a particular version of Protestant Christianity in our public schools and trying to use Jews as cover by using the term Judeo-Christian.”“Pride in our moral, cultural and civic traditions” Several speakers told the education board that the proposed reading list honored the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage and values. Susan Perez of Citizens for Education Reform said the “nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values,” adding that aspects of the American judicial system “were set up under Moses in the Bible.”Kason Huddleston, a pastor from Rockwall, said the reading list would create “strong readers … who love America and understand our Constitution and the Judeo-Christian foundations.” “We do not need to emphasize other cultures like Islam,” Patricia Franklin of Lubbock told the board of education. Focusing instead on Judeo-Christian ideas “will foster our students’ understanding and pride in our moral, cultural and civic traditions,” she said.Laurie Cardoza Moore, the evangelical Christian founder of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, a group that mobilizes support for Israel, emphasized Judaism’s impact on Western civilization. “For more than two decades, PJTN has warned that anti-Israel propaganda and historical revisionism and ideological activism are entering classrooms,” she said.“Students are being exposed to narratives that minimize the Jewish roots of Western civilization, distort the history of Israel, ignore the contributions of the Jewish people to America’s founding,” she said. The Judeo-Christian Caucus says it unites pastors, legislators and citizens to “uphold and promote our Judeo-Christian heritage.” Contacted by email, Dran Reese, president of the group, said the term “Judeo-Christian” recognizes Christianity’s heritage “and affirms the timeless moral and ethical principles shared by both Jews and Christians.” The group was not present at the hearing.“United by these common values,” Reese said, the caucus seeks “to strengthen faith, family, freedom, and the biblical foundations that have blessed our nation and civilization.”Fixler, the rabbi from Houston, has a different perspective. Though Jewish people were in the United States at its founding, he said, “we were not the founding fathers.” Using “Judeo-Christian” to describe the nation’s origin is “a prime example” of how the term rewrites the Jewish experience, he said in an interview.The founding fathers were a “group of men representing a variety of religious beliefs” who built “the world’s first government that was explicitly not rooted in religion,” he said. Fixler wore a tie depicting the Constitution when he testified before the education board — a choice he later said reflected his concern that the “sacred principles of the United States Constitution and our secular democracy were under threat.”“The reading list and the social studies standards are part of a concerted effort to chip away at the wall of separation between church and state, which has been so important to people of all faiths in America for its 250-year history,” he said. For Fixler, there is “a big difference between teaching about religion and teaching religion.” In his view, the list accomplishes the latter, and he would rather the vast majority of scriptural references be eliminated.The Jewish Federations of Texas and Shalom Austin recommend using the 1985 Jewish Publication Society translation for passages from the Hebrew Bible, as well as additional representations of the Jewish experience beyond Holocaust literature.Segal is similarly open to including some scriptural passages on the reading list. “I do think it should be taught” to foster religious literacy, Segal said in an interview. But he said Jewish texts should not be taught “through a Christian lens” or be insensitively paired with Holocaust literature.Ziegler said if lessons include religious texts, “they should reflect the diversity of our society.”“The First Amendment does not permit the state to anoint one religious tradition above others. Texas students deserve an education that broadens their understanding of the world’s religious traditions, rather than narrowing it,” he said.This story is published through a collaboration between The Texas Tribune and Religion News Service.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/25/as-supporters-praise-texas-proposed-judeo-christian-curriculum-rabbis-say-it-dismisses-judaism/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune, And Chloe Landen, Religion New","publishDate":"2026-06-25T10:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUGHQZ5TF55BZ5COUHT6YZQRTRU.jpg","slug":"as-supporters-praise-texas-proposed-judeo-christian-curriculum-rabbis-say-it-dismisses-judaism"},{"id":"xh1uvv","title":"Fort Bend County Interim Judge Daniel Wong fights back against claims he is no longer county judge","excerpt":"Fort Bend County Interim Judge Daniel Wong is no longer legally the county judge, according to Commissioner Dexter McCoy.","content":"Fort Bend County Interim Judge Daniel Wong is no longer legally the county judge, according to Commissioner Dexter McCoy.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/fort-bend-county-interim-judge-daniel-wong-no-longer-legally-commissioner-says/19367720/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:22:05.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19367714_062326-ktrk-daniel-wong-img.png","slug":"fort-bend-county-interim-judge-daniel-wong-fights-back-against-claims-he-is-no-longer-county-judge"},{"id":"hym3hj","title":"Owners of 2 Houston clinics, Conroe pharmacy indicted in pill mill operation","excerpt":"The owners of two Houston clinics and a Conroe pharmacy are accused of taking part in a pill mill operation which saw more than 3 million pills improperly prescribed.","content":"The owners of two Houston clinics and a Conroe pharmacy are accused of taking part in a pill mill operation which saw more than 3 million pills improperly prescribed.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/owners-2-houston-clinics-conroe-pharmacy-indicted-pill-mill-operation/19375539/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Luke Jones","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:20:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19375871_062426-ktrk-ewn-pill-mill-TN-img.png","slug":"owners-of-2-houston-clinics-conroe-pharmacy-indicted-in-pill-mill-operation"},{"id":"9fvvtb","title":"Tensions with landowners rise as a raft of gas pipelines push through Texas properties","excerpt":"Brandon Mulder is a journalism fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute.In 2022, Ty and Leslie Eggemeyer received a notice in the mail that would shape the next four years of their lives. Their nearly 4,000-acre wildlife resort in Lampasas County — featuring everything from giraffes to ...","content":"Brandon Mulder is a journalism fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute.In 2022, Ty and Leslie Eggemeyer received a notice in the mail that would shape the next four years of their lives. Their nearly 4,000-acre wildlife resort in Lampasas County — featuring everything from giraffes to wildebeests and gazelles — was along the route of a planned pipeline project proposing to connect the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast.Matterhorn Express, a pipeline entity majority-owned by the Austin-based infrastructure company WhiteWater Midstream, would transport Permian Basin gas 580 miles to the Houston area using the powers of eminent domain to sail through thousands of acres of private property.On Artemis Ranch, the 42-inch pipeline would clip through just a half-mile strip of the property. But it would create an eyesore near the ranch’s entrance, visible to guests coming for wedding parties, corporate retreats and other events.\nTy Eggemeyer sits in a section of pipeline to offer a sense of its size. Courtesy of Ty Eggemeyer\n“We’ve been pushing our ranch as an eco-tourism ranch. How does that fit with a 42-inch gas pipeline running through the front entrance?” Ty Eggemeyer said.To compensate, Matterhorn offered the landowners what it claimed was market value for the strip of land — around $21,000. The Eggemeyers refused, forcing the two sides into a yearslong legal battle that dragged on as the pipeline was built.In April, nearly two years after the project went into service, the Eggemeyers and a packed Lampasas County courtroom listened as a jury delivered its final judgment. Matterhorn was ordered to pay them about $7 million for easement rights and property damages, a sum roughly 330 times greater than the pipeline company’s final offer.“I had tears running down my face,” Eggemeyer recalled.Tensions between landowners and pipeline companies over eminent domain are stirring up as Texas faces a surge of pipeline projects seeking to move more natural gas from West Texas oil fields. By 2029, several new gas pipeline projects are expected to be completed, three of which are slated to finish construction this year. All are spurred by either data centers thirsty for more electric power generation or liquefied natural gas exporters seeking to supply a turbulent global economy with American energy.Caught in the middle are Texas landowners confronted with the power of Texas’ eminent domain laws, which attorneys say can trample on property rights while leaving landowners with little compensation.In the overwhelming majority of cases, pipeline developers acquire easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners, where companies seek to achieve “fair, mutually beneficial outcomes,” according to Thure Cannon, president of the Texas Pipeline Alliance. But when an agreement can’t be reached — such as in the case between Artemis Ranch and Matterhorn — companies file condemnation suits in state district courts, setting off lengthy and costly legal processes.“Over 80% or 90% of landowners will negotiate 10% or 20% more than that final written offer and think they’ve hit a home run,” said Chris Johns, an eminent domain attorney in Austin. “But they haven’t. They got low-balled and they accepted it.”Neither Matterhorn nor members of its legal team responded to requests for comment. On June 16, the company filed a motion asking the judge to overturn the jury’s verdict or schedule a new trial. The Texas Oil and Gas Association said developers have guaranteed that private property rights are respected while ensuring that pipeline infrastructure — a backbone of the Texas economy and global energy security — can be built.“Because of the Lone Star State’s role as a global energy leader, the very same infrastructure that secures our local economy simultaneously provides stability to our allies abroad,” TXOGA President Todd Staples said in a statement. “Strengthening our infrastructure network allows us to deliver reliable energy that helps our global partners reduce their reliance on energy from hostile regimes.”Construction on the Permian Highway Pipeline through Hays County in Central Texas on June 29, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneIn good faithTexas law grants eminent domain authority to private companies whose projects serve a public purpose, meaning that developers have the power to take private property from landowners if they can demonstrate that their project provides a public benefit. In order for pipelines to meet this requirement, they must qualify as a common carrier — defined as those that transport products for one or more third-party customers.The law also requires developers to make a bona fide offer to landowners, or an amount based on an appraisal of the property being condemned, and engage in good faith negotiations for a voluntary sale. If a landowner rejects the  offer, a developer can file a condemnation suit asking the court to appoint a special commission of three disinterested property owners from the same county to determine the proper compensation. A landowner can still reject that amount and continue the legal fight, but at that point the developer can take possession of the property as soon as it deposits the commission’s recommended price into the court’s registry. But eminent domain attorneys say that the bona fide offer requirement has been weakened by the courts.“The ‘bona fide offer’ is a joke,” said Jeff Mundy, an Austin-based environmental law attorney.Several experts point to a watershed moment in 2004, when the Texas Supreme Court issued a ruling that changed how good faith negotiations play out.Before 2004, landowners unwilling to give up their property were incentivized to drag out negotiations with developers for as long as possible. The longer negotiations take, the more likely companies are to sweeten their offer.The 2004 case, Hubenak v. San Jacinto Gas Transmission Co., sought to end that strategy. The court ruled that any dollar amount offered by a pipeline company qualifies as a bona fide offer, and it’s not up to the courts to evaluate the reasonableness of the offer.“Before the Hubenak case, there was this idea that the offer has to pass this subjective good faith test. That means you look at what everybody else is getting offered and so on, then try to divine the real value of the land,” said Chris Kulander, an oil and gas attorney and senior lecturer at the University of Texas School of Law. “You really don’t have to do that anymore.”The case “assisted pipeline companies in bringing these condemnation actions to a speedier close,” he added.Three months after the Eggemeyers first received the condemnation notice in the mail, Matterhorn obtained a temporary restraining order allowing the company to survey the land. Within two months, the company sent them an initial offer of around $38,000 for the half-mile easement, followed by the $21,000 final offer, both of which they declined.“I don’t know how the state of Texas can equate a $21,000 offer as a bona fide offer,” Eggemeyer said.Ahead of the jury trial, Matterhorn made a final pitch to the landowners — $3 million in exchange for settling the condemnation suit in addition to allowing the company to lay a second pipeline through their property.With global demand for Texas natural gas rising, the company had plans to build a second, even larger pipeline that would run along the same general route as the Matterhorn pipeline. That project, known as the Eiger Express, is expected to begin carrying gas to the Gulf Coast in 2028.The Eggemeyers declined that pre-trial offer, preferring to take their chances before a jury. But it was their first confirmation that the company aimed to install a second pipeline through their ranch.A corridor for four pipelines transporting crude oil, petroleum and natural gas liquids stretches across land that includes Babette Taylor’s ranch in Doole. Joel Angel Juarez for The Texas TribuneThe corridor effectIt’s not uncommon for one pipeline to multiply into several when developers use a right-of-way to install a second, third or fourth line, creating what several experts describe as a pipeline corridor.In the region where the hills of Central Texas flatten into the rolling plains of the west, Babette Taylor and her family have been farming and ranching for six generations. But the previous 45 years have made Taylor an expert on Texas’ eminent domain laws and the pipeline corridor effect.Sitting just east of the Permian Basin, Taylor’s ranch in McCulloch County is marked by a ribbon of cleared land stretching as far as the eye can see. Underneath is a thoroughfare of four pipelines shipping oil and gas to the Gulf Coast.Taylor’s first exposure to the pipeline business was in 1981, when she recalls her parents discussing easement terms at their dining table with a landman representing a Houston-based company. Within two years, a natural gas pipeline was running through their ranchland from the Permian Basin to processing plants east of Houston.The same company returned a decade later with a second pipeline project, then again in 2015 and 2019. Over the course of 40 years, the booming Permian Basin turned Taylor’s ranch into a pipeline corridor.Babette Taylor in her homemade museum of her family and ranch’s history at her home in Doole. Taylor is the fifth generation in her family to operate the ranch since 1900. Joel Angel Juarez for The Texas Tribune\n\nPortraits of Babette Taylor’s parents Dan Taylor and Berva Dawn Sorenson Taylor. Joel Angel Juarez for The Texas Tribune\n\n\nBabette Taylor stands on a rock left over from construction of a pipeline on her ranch in Doole. Taylor says that the easement terms for the pipeline’s construction included removal of large debris including rocks such as the one she is standing on, but a contractor that worked on one of the pipelines did not comply. Joel Angel Juarez for The Texas Tribune\n\n“Once these easement terms are signed, they’re in effect in perpetuity. You can’t go back and renegotiate,” Taylor said. “The land is burdened for eternity with those pipelines.”With each subsequent project, the compensation to the landowner dwindles because every additional pipeline causes less harm to the property’s value than the one before.“Something we tell our landowner clients is to make sure you do a really good job of getting compensation on the first one, because the second, third and fourth one that may come through, you’re not going to get compensated as well,” said Johns.But to Taylor, any kind of upfront lump-sum payments leaves landowners with the short end of the stick. If for-profit companies are using her land to transport their products, the landowner should be cut into some kind of revenue-sharing arrangement, she argues.And it’s an idea that has made its way to the Texas Legislature once before.  Capitol solutionsFew Texans have perhaps felt the strain of the state’s eminent domain laws more acutely than David Simpson, an East Texas Republican who served in the Texas House from 2011 to 2017. Simpson and his family-owned timber company, Avenger Timber, were embroiled in a 12-year condemnation suit filed by pipeline company Enbridge, which both sides ultimately settled out of court.Simpson quickly gained a reputation in the Legislature for his ardent opposition to what he sees as government overreach, and his experience with Enbridge only bolstered his criticisms of Texas eminent domain laws, he said.State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, on the House floor on May 7, 2015. Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune“Oil and gas companies are private, and they should be treated that way,” Simpson said. “My idea is they should pay a royalty for traversing your property against your will.”As a freshman legislator, Simpson floated the idea of royalty payments so that property owners can benefit from the pipeline profits, and he filed bills proposing other landowner protections, although no bills made it out of committee.Eminent domain reform efforts didn’t appear again at the Capitol until 2019, when a bill by state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst sought to prevent companies from making lowball offers to landowners, along with other protections. But the bill died in a joint House-Senate conference committee after another lawmaker led an effort to remove provisions that Kolkhorst said were critical for leveling the landowner-developer playing field.Reform efforts finally gained ground in 2021 when the Legislature passed a version of Kolkhorst’s bill that failed in 2019. Although it did not address landowner compensation, it required companies to restore damaged land around a pipeline easement or compensate landowners for damages that aren’t restored, along with other transparency measures.Kolkhorst described it as a first step to try to bring more balance to the process. Although numerous industry associations threw their support behind the bill, it struggled to gain backing from some landowner groups that felt it didn’t go far enough.State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, at a committee hearing at the Capitol in Austin on May 23, 2025. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Texas Pipeline Association described the reforms as a significant strengthening of landowner protections that resulted from years of negotiations with landowner groups and lawmakers. The bill “created a more consistent process for landowners while preserving the state’s ability to develop infrastructure that serves a public need,” Cannon, the Texas Pipeline Alliance president, said in a statement.Of the six pipeline projects slated to come online by 2029, two will connect the Permian Basin to Dallas-Fort Worth’s growing data center market, where many facilities are expected to build their own on-site gas-fired power plants. Three would feed gas storage hubs along the Gulf Coast, where seven new export terminals are expected to double U.S. liquefied natural gas exports by the end of the decade. “How can something be eminent domain-able if all the product is being piped to get put on a boat and shipped overseas?” said Allison Koester, a Coleman County rancher facing a proposed gas pipeline coming through her land on its way to the Gulf Coast. “Eminent domain should be for the good of the people impacted by it and the people that will be using it.”As pipelines and transmission lines continue expanding across Texas and add pressure on rural landowners, the issue may percolate in the Capitol once again, said Kathi Seay, policy adviser for state Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood.“This is an issue that raises to the surface every couple of years with the gnashing of teeth, then quietly slides back below the surface,” Seay said.Disclosure: Texas Oil & Gas Association and Texas Pipeline Association have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/25/tensions-with-landowners-rise-as-a-raft-of-gas-pipelines-push-through-texas-properties/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Brandon Mulder","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMU7NQLT33REOXPPSZRLFVIZPEY.jpg","slug":"tensions-with-landowners-rise-as-a-raft-of-gas-pipelines-push-through-texas-properties"},{"id":"dn5a41","title":"US economy expanded at solid 2.1% pace in January-March, government says, upgrading last estimate","excerpt":"The U.S. economy expanded at a solid and unexpected 2.1% annual pace from January through March, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in its final estimate of first-quarter growth.The growth in gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — marked a rebound from a slugg...","content":"The U.S. economy expanded at a solid and unexpected 2.1% annual pace from January through March, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in its final estimate of first-quarter growth.The growth in gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — marked a rebound from a sluggish 0.5% in the last three months of 2025 when a 43-day federal government shutdown weighed on the economy. Thursday’s numbers were an upgrade from of Commerce’s previous first-quarter estimate of 1.6% growth.Business investment surged, probably reflecting an investment boom in artificial intelligence. But consumer spending, which accounts for around 70% of U.S. economic activity, fell sharply from fourth-quarter 2025 and from Commerce’s previous estimate in a sign that consumers may be cutting back in the face of higher gasoline prices caused by the war with Iran.“It was unsettling to see consumer spending revised even lower,” Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, said in a commentary. \"Spending is likely to tick up in (the second quarter), but it’s worth watching carefully... It’s been a tough few months for American consumers, but most have been able to make it through. The question is how much relief is coming” as the U.S. and Iran continue talks toward a resolution of the conflict.Excluding housing, private investment jumped 10.6%, up from 2.4% in fourth-quarter 2025. In a sign of the AI boom, investment in information-processing equipment jumped at a 39.9% pace as companies scrambled to outfit their data centers. But Michael Reid, head of U.S. economics at RBC Capital Markets, said before Thursday’s report came out that “unfortunately, it’s not a sustainable path.’’ He expects data center investment to lose momentum going forward. Residential investment, weighed down by high interest rates, dropped 7.8% from January through March, biggest fall since late 2022 and the fifth straight quarterly decline.The federal government's spending and investment rose at a 9.4% clip in the first quarter after dropping 16.6% in October-December 2025 largely because of the government shutdown. Imports, which are subtracted from GDP, grew at a slower pace than last estimated from January through March. They still subtracted 1.49 percentage points from first-quarter growth, but that was down from a 2.59 percentage-point hit in the previous estimate and was a major factor in Thursday's upgrade. The U.S. economy — the world’s biggest — has continued to chug along despite the Iran energy shock. The American job market has proven especially resilient. Employers added an average 188,000 jobs a month from March through May after adding fewer than 10,000 a month in 2025 amid uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies.Thursday’s report was the Commerce Department’s third and final estimate of first-quarter GDP growth. The first look at second-quarter economic growth is due July 30.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/us-economy-expanded-at-solid-21-pace-in-january-march-government-says-upgrading-last-estimate/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Paul Wiseman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:40:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGOUHYXZO7NH2FODW6THHRMNAWY.jpg","slug":"us-economy-expanded-at-solid-21-pace-in-january-march-government-says-upgrading-last-estimate"},{"id":"5weafp","title":"Norman Rockwell people-watched in the West Wing lobby. Now those sketches are on public display","excerpt":"For more than 40 years, sketches by American illustrator Norman Rockwell of scenes from the White House visitor’s lobby graced the walls of the West Wing, where every president from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump had seen them.Now, they're going on public display for the first time after a nonprofi...","content":"For more than 40 years, sketches by American illustrator Norman Rockwell of scenes from the White House visitor’s lobby graced the walls of the West Wing, where every president from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump had seen them.Now, they're going on public display for the first time after a nonprofit organization paid a whopping sum of more than $7 million for the sketches after they ended up on an auction block following a family dispute over their ownership.The four 1940s-era sketches titled “So You Want to See the President!” show people from all walks of life waiting to see President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. They depict U.S. senators, members of the military, the press and even a Miss America biding their time in the West Wing reception area, as they wait to be shown to the Oval Office. The White House Historical Association spared no expense for the sketches to prevent them from being “lost forever,” such as to a private art collection, its president Stewart McLaurin told The Associated Press. The public will be able to see them through June 2027 at the historical association’s “The People’s House” education center near the White House, he said.“And since they had been seen by the eyes of so many presidents and first ladies and senior White House staff and important visitors from around the world, we wanted the American people to see them,\" McLaurin said. “So we acquired them.”The sketches had been put up for sale by a grandson of the White House official who received them as a gift from Rockwell.Rockwell is famous for his scenes of American lifeRockwell, who became famous for his illustrations of everyday American life that graced covers of the Saturday Evening Post, spent hours at the White House people-watching from a chair in the West Wing lobby, McLaurin said. But after his sketches were consumed by a fire that destroyed Rockwell's art studio in Vermont, he went back to the White House to collect more material.“So it's really a combination of his memories from that first visit, the memories of the second visit,” McLaurin said. “And it is an array of these people representing the military and White House staff and members of Congress and the press corps and all kinds of people that literally, to this day, go through that space in the West Wing.”The first of Rockwell's colorful sketches opens with scenes of the entrance gate, photographers waiting outside the White House entrance on West Executive Avenue and Stephen Early, a former AP journalist who became the third White House press secretary under Roosevelt, in a huddle with a group of journalists. Seated on red leather chairs and reading papers are members of the press and Rockwell, with a pipe in his mouth and legs outstretched.The next scene shows Miss America — identified as Rosemary LaPlanche, the 1941 titleholder — in a yellow dress and her sash, sitting on a red sofa alongside her publicity man. A kilt-wearing Scottish officer also sits nearby as a Secret Service agent hovers. U.S. Sens. Tom Connally, D-Texas, and Warren Austin, R-Vt., face each other in conversation as they sit on a red couch in the third sketch while a U.S. Navy “WAVES” officer looks on from a nearby chair. Gens. Joseph W. “Vinegar Joe” Stillwell and Edwin M. “Pa” Watson shake hands while being photographed, and an aide pushing Roosevelt's lunch cart is chased by Fala, the president's dog. The final sketch shows more uniformed U.S military members huddled in conversation and, finally, an aide opening the door to the Oval Office, where the president is glimpsed.“It's such a little aquarium of these people and we're like a fly on the wall as to what it was like at that particular period of time,” McLaurin said of the sketches.They were a gift for Roosevelt's press secretaryRockwell made the sketches for Early and gave them to him after they appeared in The Saturday Evening Post in November 1943, during World War II, McLaurin said. Early, who died in 1951, had displayed them on the wall in his West Wing office and then kept them for many years after. In 1978, a family member turned the sketches over to the White House, where they were on display throughout the West Wing for more than four decades, sometimes in a hallway between the press offices that are mere steps from the Oval Office.The family’s ownership dispute began in 2017 when Thomas Early, one of the press secretary’s sons, saw them on a wall in the White House while watching a television interview with President Donald Trump, according to court records. William Elam III, a grandson of Stephen Early, said his mother received the drawings as a gift from her father, the press secretary, before he died, and that ownership had later passed to him. The illustrations had gone to the White House in 1978 under an agreement that required they be returned to Elam upon request. The White House gave back the drawings in 2022. A federal appeals court settled the dispute in May 2025, upholding a lower-court ruling in favor of Elam, according to court records. Elam put them up for sale.Association says the sketches are ‘priceless’ Historians at the association have researched the people in the drawings to learn their stories, McLaurin said, and the exhibit will include a digital component that uses modern technology to bring the characters in the sketches to life.The association is still figuring out what happens to the sketches after the exhibit ends in June 2027. They may be shown in other venues, and may eventually end up back in the White House, McLaurin said.When the association learned the sketches were for sale, “our board affirmed that this is an acquisition that we should make,” he said. McLaurin said the privately funded association, which was founded in 1961 by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and receives no taxpayer dollars, had feared the sketches would sell for even more than the $7.25 million it paid for them. That is the most the association has ever paid for a work of art for the vast collection it holds as part of its mission to help the White House collect and display artifacts that represent American history and culture.“In our view, these are priceless works,” McLaurin said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/25/norman-rockwell-people-watched-in-the-west-wing-lobby-now-those-sketches-are-on-public-display/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Darlene Superville, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:01:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYY4SKBMBSFB4NDADH7PSJ2CKEE.jpg","slug":"norman-rockwell-people-watched-in-the-west-wing-lobby-now-those-sketches-are-on-public-display"},{"id":"k3vvqf","title":"A giraffe named Gracie escaped in Texas. No one can seem to find her","excerpt":"A giraffe named Gracie is missing in Texas, and the search for her has become a tall order.Gracie, who is about 3 years old, has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, said Vic Jones, who owns the remote property about 100 m...","content":"A giraffe named Gracie is missing in Texas, and the search for her has become a tall order.Gracie, who is about 3 years old, has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, said Vic Jones, who owns the remote property about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of San Antonio. He said Wednesday that Gracie had wandered into a part of the privately owned preserve that other giraffes previously avoided.Jones said he has sent up helicopters to look for Gracie, a few sightings have trickled in, and a $5,000 reward is on the table.But the giraffe, which stands roughly the height of a tree, hasn't turned up. “She wound up going up and feeding in an area on the hillside and the rocky ledges that none of the other giraffes had ever gone on before,” Jones said. “And when she came down off of there, she came down on the wrong side of the gate.”The ranch is in rural Real County, where its roughly 2,700 residents were put on alert to be on the lookout for a missing giraffe. Jones said the search area is extremely remote, and the likelihood of Gracie encountering any humans is low.“People are not in danger of her because she’s not around people,” Jones said. 'She’s out in very, very rough, heavily wooded lands.”The Texas Hill Country has one of the largest concentrations of exotic captive animals in the country. Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson said the mild climate and rugged terrain seems to serve as a good stand-in for most of the animals' native African environments. He rattled off a list of animals that have gone missing over the years, especially after floods, but said this was his first giraffe.“I’ve had wildebeests, I've had water buffalo, I've had monkeys, I’ve had zebras, all go missing,” Johnson said. “Sometimes we recover them, and sometimes we don’t.”While the middle of Texas is not a giraffe's native environment, Jones said Gracie should be able to find plenty of leaves and other vegetation to eat. He said other animals were not likely to bother her. Jones said he initially had helicopters searching an area of about 7,500 acres (3,000 hectares) with no luck. A few days later, there was a report that Gracie was spotted to the south.But by the time they could search the area, Jones said, she was already gone. “We're always two three days late for where the information is coming from, so that makes it tough,” Jones said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/weird-news/2026/06/24/a-giraffe-named-gracie-escaped-in-texas-no-one-can-seem-to-find-her/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"David Fischer, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:40:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJ46KCWWICVBJVJTYPEU5LVRFAE.jpg","slug":"a-giraffe-named-gracie-escaped-in-texas-no-one-can-seem-to-find-her"},{"id":"3q5yrv","title":"Texans corner Brandon Codrington tells his story at his youth football camp: ‘Believe in yourself’","excerpt":"When Texans cornerback and return specialist Brandon Codrington reflects on his path to the NFL, there’s a recurring theme: ‘Believe in yourself.’That confidence and conviction helped Codrington overcome a lack of ideal size and scholarship offers out of high school.Codrington, 25, walked on at N...","content":"When Texans cornerback and return specialist Brandon Codrington reflects on his path to the NFL, there’s a recurring theme: ‘Believe in yourself.’That confidence and conviction helped Codrington overcome a lack of ideal size and scholarship offers out of high school.Codrington, 25, walked on at North Carolina Central and made enough of an impact as a speedy, instinctive All-American return specialist that he made it to the NFL and became an all-rookie selection with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.The Texans signed the 5-foot-9, 185-pound North Carolina native this offseason.“Your size doesn’t matter,” Codrington told KPRC 2 in advance of his second annual youth football camp at his alma mater, Broughton High School. “It’s always funny when I run into people on the street who may recognize me or we get to talking and tell them I play professional football. They always say, ‘Oh, wow,’ because they expect someone in the NFL to be so big. “I like giving back to the community I can look the kids in the eye and be like, ‘I’m no different,’ from a size aspect to them. I’m a big believer in Christ. Believe in God, work hard and the rest will take care of itself. Just have a great circle and believe in yourself.At North Carolina Central, a historically black college and university competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Codrington returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown in a victory over Alcorn State. He was the third leading punt returner at the Football Championship Subdivision level with a 15.0 average to lead the conference. As a senior, he averaged 19.6 yards per punt return with two touchdowns. He finished his career with 2,148 return yards, four touchdowns and 93 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 41 career stats.Now, he’s a full-fledged NFL player competing for a roster spot.“The biggest thing is just telling the kids that anything you want to do, you can achieve it,” Codrington said. “I had dreams and aspirations of playing professional football since I was the age of seven when I started playing Pop Warner. Stay in school, make sure your grades are good.“Being a walk-on in college, I didn’t have any offers so I had to make sure that the classroom was taken care of so that I could walk on to get into schools as a student and then try to pursue my dreams of football.”At North Carolina Central, Codrington’s coaches had a background in professional football. They encouraged him and helped him develop his niche on special teams.“Just leaning into them, figuring out how they were able to get to their dreams because they also went to HBCU schools,” Codrington said. “The biggest thing was just taking advantage of every opportunity I had.”Codrington signed with the New York Jets initially after going undrafted. He was then traded to the Buffalo Bills. He had 619 return yards overall as a rookie and was named to the Pro Football Writers of American all-rookie squad.He spent last season on the Bills practice squad, appearing in four games. He has nine career tackles, a 10.0 punt return average and a 27.2 kickoff return average with 1,052 career overall all-purpose yards.“It felt good,” Codrington said of his experience in Buffalo. “It really just solidified my beliefs that I could stick and that I was capable of making plays and being in the National Football League. That was really just a motivation factor that just told me that it was possible that I could stick.”With the Texans, Codrington is being coached by veteran special teams coordinator Frank Ross and cornerbacks coach Dino Vasso. He’s learning a lot so far and enjoying his interactions with his teammates, including Derek Stingly Jr., Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter and Jaylen Reed.“I love it, especially the room that I’m in, being around some guys who know football and study football,” Codrington said. “It’s great. I always play up to who I’m around, just being around that competitive nature and guys who think they’re the best and know that they’re the best, it has to just bring the best out of you. I love it.“Frank Ross, great, great coach. He has that fire. That’s what I had college, so it all just feels like I’m back in college. I’m back in my roots, Dino’s a great coach. He always prides himself on if the players make a mistake, it’s our fault as coaches for not putting you in the right position.”Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/texans-corner-brandon-codrington-tells-his-story-at-his-youth-football-camp-believe-in-yourself/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Aaron Wilson","publishDate":"2026-06-25T15:18:19.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FULRYK5ZDQNFRRA6IPSICWXMYKU.jpg","slug":"texans-corner-brandon-codrington-tells-his-story-at-his-youth-football-camp-believe-in-yourself"},{"id":"oyaozu","title":"AP Exclusive: Sen. Van Hollen backs El-Sayed for Michigan Senate in break from Democratic leadership","excerpt":"Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is backing progressive Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, breaking with party leadership and intensifying a battle over the party’s direction in one of the most important Senate races of 2026.Van Hollen’s endorsement, shared first with The Assoc...","content":"Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is backing progressive Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, breaking with party leadership and intensifying a battle over the party’s direction in one of the most important Senate races of 2026.Van Hollen’s endorsement, shared first with The Associated Press on the day early voting begins in Michigan, makes him the first senator to back El-Sayed since Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed him shortly after he launched his campaign last year. It also comes on the heels of big wins for progressive challengers in New York U.S. House races on Tuesday.The Aug. 4 race in Michigan has increasingly split Democrats along ideological lines, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer backing U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow drawing support from other prominent senators.Democrats will need to hold the Michigan seat if they want a shot at winning the majority this year. It opened by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement and former Rep. Mike Rogers has an uncontested path to the Republican nomination.In an interview with the AP, Van Hollen said he believed El-Sayed was the “strongest” candidate who can win in November, and “the candidate who’s willing to take on the status quo.”“When I say the status quo, I mean not just the lawless Trump administration, but take on the Democratic establishment that has not fought hard enough for working people,\" said Van Hollen.Senate Democrats have split across the fieldSchumer last week publicly backed Stevens, a fourth-term congresswoman from suburban Detroit who is seen as the more moderate candidate in the race. She has also been endorsed by other senators from battleground states, including Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, and former Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Stevens has also benefited from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million this month from United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.McMorrow, a state senator, has tried to carve out her own lane between Stevens and El-Sayed as an anti-establishment candidate with a reform-focused agenda. She has won endorsements from other senators, including Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, while also drawing millions in outside support.El-Sayed, the former Wayne County health director, has run furthest to the left on issues including Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel, making him a favorite of the party’s progressive wing. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online but has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”Earlier this month, the United Auto Workers endorsed him, saying its members “want a fighter in Washington, D.C. who isn’t afraid to push forward a strong working-class agenda with moral clarity.”Van Hollen said he believes El-Sayed is best positioned to compete in a battleground state because he is running on affordability and against what he described as a political system too influenced by wealthy donors and special interests.“This is not about left versus right. This is about very concentrated economic and political power at the top, and everybody else,” Van Hollen said. “And he’s fighting for everybody else.”El-Sayed praised Van Hollen after receiving the endorsement, calling it the “culmination of an ongoing conversation” and describing the senator as a “mentor.”With progressives coming off a string of wins in New York, El-Sayed said the results reflected the same frustrations he has heard from voters across Michigan.“It’s not surprising to me that candidates who buck that system win,” El-Sayed said. “I really hope that folks in D.C., like Chuck Schumer, decide to pay attention, finally.”Tensions with Schumer as Democrats debate their futureAsked whether backing El-Sayed amounted to a broader rebuke of Democratic leadership, Van Hollen said the endorsement was “not about personalities” but about backing a candidate who would take on both President Donald Trump and “the establishment Democratic Party” that he said is “too cozy with big money special interests.”Van Hollen has not called on Schumer to step aside. Asked if he would be interested in leading Democrats in the Senate, Van Hollen told the AP that he has “not thought about doing that.”But his endorsement lands at a moment of growing friction between Democratic leadership and the party’s left flank over how aggressively to confront Trump and what kind of candidates can win in battleground states.Those tensions were exacerbated earlier this month in Maine, where Schumer had backed Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic Senate primary before she suspended her campaign and progressive Graham Platner won the nomination.Van Hollen has also been among the Senate Democrats urging the party to rethink its approach after the 2024 election. He framed his endorsement of El-Sayed at odds with leadership as a “difference of opinion with respect to which candidates will best connect with voters.”“I think it's pretty clear that Abdul is the candidate who can build a grassroots movement and others are not,\" said Van Hollen.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/ap-exclusive-sen-van-hollen-backs-el-sayed-for-michigan-senate-in-break-from-democratic-leadership/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:06:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZM22WVF4KFHVBHSPV2GHH2ZSSE.jpg","slug":"ap-exclusive-sen-van-hollen-backs-el-sayed-for-michigan-senate-in-break-from-democratic-leadership"},{"id":"tuyrav","title":"Zelenskyy says Russia is shifting air defenses to Moscow and other key sites after drone strikes","excerpt":"Russia is moving a significant part of its air defenses to protect a handful of prime targets, including Moscow, as Ukraine’s long-range drones hammered sites deep inside the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.In new overnight strikes, Zelenskyy said Thursday that Kyiv's forces...","content":"Russia is moving a significant part of its air defenses to protect a handful of prime targets, including Moscow, as Ukraine’s long-range drones hammered sites deep inside the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.In new overnight strikes, Zelenskyy said Thursday that Kyiv's forces hit two more Russian oil refineries in Ufa, 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the front line, and an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Ukraine.In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up its aerial campaign against Russian military installations and energy facilities. Its success has caused fuel shortages and disrupted army supply lines, stalling Moscow’s full-scale invasion after more than four years of fighting.Zelenskyy said in his daily address late Wednesday that Russia is moving more air defenses to the capital as well as to Valdai, a town some 500 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of Moscow and the site of a residence for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said they are also protecting the Kerch Bridge, a vital supply route connecting the Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland.“In the Moscow region alone, they have amassed hundreds of launchers” for air defense missiles, Zelenskyy said. “Nearly 90 launchers have been redeployed to Valdai from other regions of Russia.”It was not possible to independently verify Zelenskyy's claims, which portrayed the Russian leadership as caring more about protecting itself than other cities and towns in the vast country. Russian officials made no immediate comment.Ukrainian drones this month have hit Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and Putin’s hometown. Ukraine is also trying to cut off Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Russia invaded and illegally annexed in 2014.The air defense changes, Zelenskyy suggested, would leave other parts of Russia vulnerable to Ukraine’s increasingly sophisticated long-range drones, which can now fly more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).I“There are many difficulties (for Russia), all because Putin refuses to end his war and to hear our proposals for a meeting, genuine negotiations, and a dignified peace,” Zelenskyy said.Zelenskyy has accepted an unconditional ceasefire demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump but Putin has refused, and a year of U.S.-led peace efforts made no significant headway.Trump praises ZelenskyyWestern officials and analysts say Ukraine’s prospects have improved after more than four years of a grueling war of attrition as its domestic development and production of cutting-edge drones pin down the bigger Russian army.Trump, who previously has been critical of Zelenskyy, said Wednesday the Ukrainian leader is “courageous” and “doing pretty well” in the war.Zelenskyy said he won pledges of sustained foreign support when he attended a recent summit of G7 leaders, including Trump, and that promised aid will further help Ukraine’s intensified campaign.“Our operation, including the one concerning Crimea, has been carefully planned, and the way it is unfolding clearly demonstrates that if Ukraine receives exactly what we discussed with our partners at the G7 — and that depends on our partners’ decisions — we will quickly create conditions in which Russia will be forced to choose peace,” he said.“We very much hope for a positive response from our partners,” Zelenskyy added. “They know exactly what we are talking about.”Ukraine is wary of its neighbor BelarusBelarus, whose factories have played a key role in supporting Moscow’s war effort, appears to have turned off signal repeaters on its soil that Kyiv says were used to help guide Russian drone attacks on Ukraine. Moscow launched its 2022 invasion of its southern neighbor from Belarus.Zelenskyy demanded last week that Belarus, which borders both Ukraine and Russia, remove the relay equipment. He threatened to take action against the relay stations, presumably with a military strike that could bring the countries into direct conflict.Ukrainian intelligence has determined that the repeaters are now off, Zelenskyy told journalists.Even so, Zelenskyy said later Thursday on Telegram that “along our state border, Belarus is completing the construction of road infrastructure and storage facilities for ammunition and fuel, which have no purpose other than military use.” Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said he recently met with Zelenskyy’s representatives and warned them against using force against his country. At a meeting with the governor of the Moscow region, he said Belarus has no intention of entering the war and doesn’t want to fight Ukraine but would “stand alongside Russia.”Ukrainian military officials on Wednesday ordered a mandatory evacuation for the approximately 1,000 people still in the Chernihiv region bordering Russia and Belarus starting July 1.The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Lukashenko is walking a fine line.“Lukashenko continues to stall and deflect the Kremlin’s intensified attempts to drag Belarus into the war in Ukraine while maintaining relatively neutral rhetoric towards Ukraine,” the institute said.Ukrainian Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of the armed forces, said last week that Ukraine is strengthening defenses on its northern border, including creating new drone units there.Russia targets Ukraine's civilian gas stationsRussia launched a ballistic missile and 90 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said.One drone struck a gas station Thursday in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, injuring four people, said regional administration head Oleh Hryhorov, adding that Russian forces have attacked the region's gas stations 13 times in June alone.Russia’s Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 269 Ukrainian drones from late Wednesday until early Thursday.Several Russian airports temporarily restricted flights overnight during drone attacks.In other developments, the French navy intercepted an oil tanker in the Mediterranean that is suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of aging vessels of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions, French authorities said.The Deliver, sailing under the flag of Cameroon, had departed from the Russian port of Primorsk, authorities said.___Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/zelenskyy-says-russia-is-shifting-air-defenses-to-moscow-and-other-key-sites-after-drone-strikes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Illia Novikov, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T10:11:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJRX2UV4F2NAPPM7XS4U75ITPYQ.jpg","slug":"zelenskyy-says-russia-is-shifting-air-defenses-to-moscow-and-other-key-sites-after-drone-strikes"},{"id":"u9i4po","title":"Conroe woman arrested after cemetery mausoleum theft caught on camera, constable says","excerpt":"A Conroe woman accused of stealing keepsakes and valuables from inside a west Houston cemetery mausoleum has been arrested, according to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton.PREVIOUS: Woman accused of stealing jewelry from the dead at a mausoleum in west HoustonNewly filed charging...","content":"A Conroe woman accused of stealing keepsakes and valuables from inside a west Houston cemetery mausoleum has been arrested, according to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton.PREVIOUS: Woman accused of stealing jewelry from the dead at a mausoleum in west HoustonNewly filed charging documents offer more detail about what investigators say happened.Renee Amber Fennel, 37, was arrested Wednesday evening at her home in Conroe, the constable’s office said. Precinct 5 detectives, deputies and the agency’s Strategic Response Unit were involved in the investigation and her arrest, officials said.According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Harris County, the case was reported June 15 after a theft call at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. The funeral home manager told investigators he discovered two mausoleum “niches” had been entered on June 6 at about 8 p.m. The affidavit describes niches as glass-fronted displays inside an enclosed mausoleum where cremated remains and personal belongings are kept.The affidavit says surveillance video showed a woman arriving in a silver SUV, entering the mausoleum and opening multiple locked niche cases before taking items. A young child believed to be 3 to 5 years old was with her, according to the document. Allbritton’s office said the toddler seen in the surveillance video was with Fennel at the time of her arrest and was released to a family member.Investigators noted the mausoleum is normally open to the public only during business hours, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The document states the doors were mistakenly left unlocked that night, allowing the suspect to get inside after hours.Houston man linked to Gilley murder scene property dispute previously claimed to own $1.7M Memorial homeFamily members later provided investigators with descriptions and estimated values of what was missing, the affidavit says. In one case, a son reported that three gold Mahjong pieces were removed from a 13-piece set placed in his father’s memorial. He estimated the set’s value before the theft at about $3,700 and told investigators the remaining pieces lost value to the family because the set was no longer complete, according to the affidavit.In the second niche, a relative reported that a silver James Avery cross worn by the deceased at the time of death was missing, with an estimated value of $150, the affidavit states. The same family member also reported an aquamarine rosary valued at about $20 was taken.The affidavit says the constable’s office shared the surveillance video publicly in an effort to identify the suspect. A tipster later provided a name, which investigators said led them to Fennel through a combination of law enforcement records and database research. The document states investigators linked her to a silver Lincoln MKC and matched visible damage on the vehicle to the SUV seen in surveillance footage. License plate reader data also placed the vehicle in the Houston area the day of the incident, the affidavit says.‘I’m so scared’: Bodycam shows Conroe woman’s traffic stop escalate into arrestFennel was arrested on two felony charges of burglary and theft from a graveyard, Allbritton’s office said. Officials also said she was turned over to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for questioning related to other cases in that jurisdiction.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/mausoleum-theft-suspect-arrested-in-conroe-after-investigation-constable-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:24:15.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FC3PCHIIVD5EUNNSCCRW57WXLTI.png","slug":"conroe-woman-arrested-after-cemetery-mausoleum-theft-caught-on-camera-constable-says"},{"id":"kt1r4h","title":"Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, the Safdie brothers and Jacob Elordi","excerpt":"Among those who received invites to the Oscar voting body are Teyana Taylor, Josh O'Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu.","content":"Among those who received invites to the Oscar voting body are Teyana Taylor, Josh O'Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/film-academy-invites-529-new-members-including-jenna-ortega-safdie-brothers-jacob-elordi/19374575/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:32:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374603_062426-cc-ap-elordi-oconnor-ortega-liu-taylor-img.jpg","slug":"film-academy-invites-529-new-members-including-jenna-ortega-the-safdie-brothers-and-jacob-elordi"},{"id":"afmkiv","title":"Jason Momoa returns to DC as wild antihero Lobo in 'Supergirl'","excerpt":"Jason Momoa shares why his dream is coming true in the form of a cigar-smoking, motorcycle-riding bounty hunter in the new DC film, \"Supergirl.\"","content":"Jason Momoa shares why his dream is coming true in the form of a cigar-smoking, motorcycle-riding bounty hunter in the new DC film, \"Supergirl.\"","url":"https://abc7.com/post/jason-momoa-returns-dc-wild-antihero-lobo-supergirl/19374763/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:29:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374809_062426-cc-ap-jason-momoa-supergirl-img.jpg","slug":"jason-momoa-returns-to-dc-as-wild-antihero-lobo-in-supergirl"},{"id":"18o6jm","title":"Former county engineer poised to take over Harris County flood control district","excerpt":"Less than two weeks after the agency in charge of managing the potential for flooding in Harris County lost its leader, a name has emerged to fill the role.","content":"Less than two weeks after the agency in charge of managing the potential for flooding in Harris County lost its leader, a name has emerged to fill the role.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/former-county-engineer-poised-take-harris-flood-control-district/19375020/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Lileana Pearson","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:58:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19375076_062426-ktrk-flood-img.png","slug":"former-county-engineer-poised-to-take-over-harris-county-flood-control-district"},{"id":"ittkaa","title":"Air Alliance Houston to hold news conference after massive Mammoth Metal Recycling fire in East Houston","excerpt":"Air Alliance Houston will hold a news conference Thursday morning following the large fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling in southeast Houston that burned for more than 24 hours and raised ongoing concerns about air quality in nearby communities.The briefing comes after the fire at the Manchester-are...","content":"Air Alliance Houston will hold a news conference Thursday morning following the large fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling in southeast Houston that burned for more than 24 hours and raised ongoing concerns about air quality in nearby communities.The briefing comes after the fire at the Manchester-area facility, which involved a large pile of tires and recycling debris, sent heavy smoke across surrounding neighborhoods beginning Monday afternoon.Mammoth Metal Recycling leaves East Houston residents wondering what’s in the airAir Alliance Houston says community air monitors detected elevated levels of fine particulate matter during the incident. Air Alliance also added that two monitors positioned downwind of the facility and about 1.5 miles apart recorded pollution spikes around the same time, raising concerns that nearby neighborhoods may have experienced even higher exposure than what was captured by official monitoring systems.Houston recycling company had history of illegal burning citations before massive fireThe fire broke out around 2:49 p.m. Monday, June 22, at the facility near Kellogg and Lawndale streets. Houston Fire Department officials said the fire was caused by a large pile of tires, trash and debris, growing to roughly the size of a football field.About 100 firefighters were rotated through the response as crews worked in extreme heat to contain the fire. Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fireFire officials also used rehabilitation units on scene to monitor firefighter health during the extended operation.Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Muñoz previously said crews worked to keep the fire from spreading and reassured residents that there was no immediate danger to surrounding communities during the response.Multiple agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard, have been monitoring air quality and runoff in the area.Air Alliance Houston says it will share its analysis, community health concerns and questions for regulators and public officials during Thursday’s news conference. Community members and environmental advocates are also expected to speak about long-term concerns and potential policy changes to prevent similar incidents.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/air-alliance-houston-to-hold-news-conference-after-massive-mammoth-metal-recycling-fire-in-east-houston/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-25T13:51:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F6233d497-66d9-4c59-9f3d-4fb427502a94%2Fimage.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"air-alliance-houston-to-hold-news-conference-after-massive-mammoth-metal-recycling-fire-in-east-hous"},{"id":"s7k2hv","title":"Love Island USA: Why Houston viewers are obsessed with the hit reality show","excerpt":"From viral TikToks to group chats lighting up every night, Love Island USA has become one of the most talked-about reality shows in Houston and across the country.Each summer, viewers tune in for the romance, drama, and unpredictable recouplings inside the villa. But this year, fans say the show ...","content":"From viral TikToks to group chats lighting up every night, Love Island USA has become one of the most talked-about reality shows in Houston and across the country.Each summer, viewers tune in for the romance, drama, and unpredictable recouplings inside the villa. But this year, fans say the show feels even bigger, louder, and more addictive than ever.Entertainment experts say the appeal goes far beyond dating drama.Part of the draw is how interactive the show has become. Viewers don’t just watch, they vote, debate online, and help shape outcomes in real time. That level of participation has helped turn Love Island USA into a social media-driven phenomenon, especially on TikTok and Instagram.In Houston, fans say the show has also become a shared experience, something to watch live, then immediately dissect online with friends, coworkers, and creators.Last season vs. this seasonFans who followed last year’s season say there are some noticeable differences.Last season built momentum through strong fan-favorite couples and emotional storylines that carried through the finale, helping drive massive online engagement and record streaming minutes nationwide.This season, viewers say the drama has escalated faster, with more unpredictable twists, quicker turnarounds in relationships, and higher-stakes moments like Casa Amor arriving earlier in the conversation cycle.While last season focused heavily on connection-building, this season has leaned into chaos, strategy, and rapid recouplings, fueling even more debate online about who is genuine and who is “playing the game.”Locally, Houston viewers say the appeal comes down to more than just romance.Many point to:The social media conversations that happen in real time The influencer culture surrounding contestants after the show The humor, memes, and reaction clips that spread instantly And the “it’s happening live with everyone else” feeling that makes it communal viewing The Villa Verdict joins the conversationTo break it all down, KPRC 2 has launched a new weekly YouTube series: The Villa Verdict.Each Wednesday, the show dives into the biggest Love Island USA moments from shocking recouplings and red flags to fan reactions and predictions.The series also expands the conversation beyond the villa, exploring why audiences are so invested in reality dating shows and what the cultural impact looks like in real life.New episodes of The Villa Verdict premiere every Wednesday on KPRC 2’s YouTube channel.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/love-island-usa-why-houston-viewers-are-obsessed-with-the-hit-reality-show/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:31:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIWG5OWAXUFENFN5XQKIYOU63UI.jpg","slug":"love-island-usa-why-houston-viewers-are-obsessed-with-the-hit-reality-show"},{"id":"aqflz4","title":"How Houston's rainfall rates are changing, increasing local flood risk even more","excerpt":"A new study highlights the increasing risk of flooding with how those heavy rainfall rates have changed over time.","content":"A new study highlights the increasing risk of flooding with how those heavy rainfall rates have changed over time.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/how-houstons-rainfall-rates-are-changing-increasing-local-flood-risk-more/19374075/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Elyse Smith","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:27:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374074_smite271_rain_2.png","slug":"how-houstons-rainfall-rates-are-changing-increasing-local-flood-risk-even-more"},{"id":"4wtivt","title":"US jobless aid filings fall to 215,000 last week as layoffs remain low despite economic headwinds","excerpt":"Fewer Americans applied for jobless aid last week as layoffs remain low despite economic headwinds that are creating uncertainty for businesses.U.S. applications for unemployment benefits in the week ending June 20 fell by 12,000 to 215,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s fewer th...","content":"Fewer Americans applied for jobless aid last week as layoffs remain low despite economic headwinds that are creating uncertainty for businesses.U.S. applications for unemployment benefits in the week ending June 20 fell by 12,000 to 215,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s fewer than the 225,000 new applications forecast by analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet.Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.Despite concerns that the war in Iran would trip up an already wobbly labor market, hiring has picked up in recent months following a miserable 2025 that saw fewer than 200,000 job gains. For comparison, about 1.5 million jobs were added in 2024.U.S. employers delivered a surprising 172,000 new jobs in May and the economy is averaging 188,000 job gains in the three months since the Iran war began in late February. That’s the best three months of hiring since early 2024. The unemployment rate remains historically low at 4.3%.The government issues its June jobs report next week.Job openings also rose in April as employers posted 7.6 million vacancies, up from 6.9 million in March and the most since May 2024.The government also reported Thursday that the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s southern border, where one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes every day.Consumer prices rose 4.1% in May from a year earlier, the largest annual increase since April 2023, largely driven by more expensive gas. While energy prices have fallen considerably from their peak during the Middle East conflict, those higher prices put the squeeze on consumers’ budgets for months and may have made businesses more reluctant to hire.Last week, Iran and the U.S. agreed to a deal to end the war and allow Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and sell its oil without restrictions. With inflation still well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, officials at the U.S. central bank left the benchmark interest rate at its most recent meeting last week. Lower interest rates can boost the economy and hiring, but also tend to stoke inflation, leading a number of Fed policymakers to say they are actually willing to consider at least one interest rate hike this year. That could potentially help bring inflation down, but higher borrowing costs generally make businesses more reluctant to hire.The Federal Reserve has signaled that it could raise interest rates at least once before the end of the year. Wall Street sees an 85% chance that the central bank will raise its benchmark interest rate this year, according to date from CME Group.Optimism over artificial intelligence has also injected a degree of uncertainty about the job market due to the investment required to develop it and because the powerful technology could alter or even replace some jobs.Among the companies that have cut jobs recently are Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks and Walmart.Weekly jobless aid applications have stabilized in a range mostly between 200,000 and 250,000 since the U.S. economy emerged from the pandemic recession. However, hiring began slowing about two years ago and tapered further in 2025 due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, his purge of the federal workforce and the lingering effects of high interest rates meant to control inflation. Thursday's report showed that the four-week moving average of jobless claims, which evens out some of the weekly volatility, rose by 750 to 224,250.The total number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the previous week ending June 13 increased by 21,000 to 1.82 million.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/us-jobless-aid-filings-fall-to-215000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-low-despite-economic-headwinds/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt Ott, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T12:38:57.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNZVSFFFCTFDEXP52LOYLJ6H4TA.jpg","slug":"us-jobless-aid-filings-fall-to-215000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-low-despite-economic-headwinds"},{"id":"9jcc2c","title":"Senate Republicans reject war powers resolution after Trump berates them at Capitol meeting","excerpt":"Senate Republicans who were berated by President Donald Trump over opposition to his war in Iran held a late-night vote Wednesday to try to appease him, rejecting a war powers resolution a day after a similar measure passed. Trump harangued GOP senators face to face earlier in the day for allowin...","content":"Senate Republicans who were berated by President Donald Trump over opposition to his war in Iran held a late-night vote Wednesday to try to appease him, rejecting a war powers resolution a day after a similar measure passed. Trump harangued GOP senators face to face earlier in the day for allowing a vote to block his war in Iran on Tuesday, further escalating a feud that has diverted GOP efforts to focus on election-year affordability issues and brought much of the chamber’s business to a halt. He exchanged particularly harsh words with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of four Republicans who had voted with Democrats on the measure. Hours later, though, Cassidy was invited to receive a personal briefing on the war at the White House from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff. Cassidy then returned to the Capitol to vote against a separate but nearly identical war powers resolution. “I want to thank Vice President Vance and Special Envoy Witkoff for the thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran. I appreciate the quick invitation to the White House to address many of my concerns,” said Cassidy, who lost reelection last month after Trump endorsed his opponent, in a post on X. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican who has repeatedly voted with Democrats to halt the war, voted present this time “to give the President more space and leverage to negotiate a lasting peace,” he said on X. The measure failed 47-50-1 just before midnight on Wednesday, and the Senate then left town for a two-week recess. It's unclear whether the move will be enough to appease Trump, who had called the Republicans “losers\" for voting against his war and had called Cassidy a “lunatic” at the lunch after their tense exchange. But the vote was a clear signal to the president from Republican senators who still want to placate him, despite increasing tensions in recent weeks and his decision Wednesday morning to reverse himself and delay signing a housing bill that received overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and a small group of his Senate GOP colleagues called Trump after the vote. Thune told reporters that the president was “pleased with the outcome.\" Trump later thanked Thune in a social media post and noted that Cassidy and Paul had switched their votes. “This vote puts Iran on notice!” he wrote. The war powers measure blocked by the Senate on Wednesday was on a separate track from the nearly identical resolution adopted on Tuesday, which had also been passed by the House. Both votes were largely symbolic, and the measures do not carry the full force of law. Cassidy had sharp words for Trump Invited by Florida Sen. Rick Scott to speak at a GOP luncheon in the Capitol, Trump had signaled ahead of time that he would use the closed-door meeting to push senators to pass his proof-of-citizenship voting bill. But the conversation was more focused on Tuesday’s vote on war powers. Most Republicans stayed quiet. But Cassidy stood up and defended his vote. “I stood and said, ‘You have not told the American people what’s going on,’” Cassidy told reporters after the meeting. “This was supposed to last four weeks, it’s lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved.” The two men “went back and forth,” Cassidy said, and he “matched his tone and volume.\" Cassidy said that he eventually de-escalated, but he did not want to be bullied. “I am voting for war powers until I get a briefing,” he said afterward. Trump repeatedly told Cassidy to sit down, according to a person familiar with the private meeting who was not authorized to discuss it. At one point, the president called the senator a “lunatic.\" Publicly, Trump said afterward that they had “a really great meeting.\" But he hinted at the discord. “We like everyone in the room,\" Trump told reporters on his way out. \"I don’t like a few people, but that’s OK.”The luncheon capped weeks of friction between Trump and Senate Republicans and added a new layer of frustration as Tuesday's vote was the first time the Senate had adopted a war powers resolution on the Iran war. Trump made clear he was in no mood to compromise before it even started, calling off a scheduled signing ceremony on a housing bill that passed both chambers overwhelmingly this week and that GOP lawmakers were touting as an election-year achievement. Trump reverses on housing bill Republican senators were eager for a conciliatory meeting with the president after escalating tensions in recent weeks. But Trump upended their plans when he declared on social media just beforehand that he wouldn't sign the legislation until they send him the SAVE America Act, his bill to require proof of citizenship for all voters. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said he doesn't know why Trump is holding the housing bill “hostage” for the voting bill that “will never pass in this Congress.” “It makes no sense to me,” Tillis said as he walked into the luncheon. Thune said the housing legislation, which aims to lower costs, is “an affordability issue,” and that ”eventually I hope he finds a way to sign it.”It's unclear if Trump might veto the legislation or if the late Wednesday night vote will change his outlook. But by rejecting a public bill signing, Republicans worry that Trump is indicating a level of indifference to voters’ affordability concerns heading into November’s midterm elections.Trump and Senate Republicans have been at odds Trump's move on the housing bill is his latest reversal after weeks of being at odds with Senate Republicans. Trump has blocked the Senate from confirming one of his own nominees, asked them to fund parts of his White House ballroom project despite opposition and forced them to defend the Iran war even as they question the strategy and endgame. Trump has also helped whittle down his own support in the Senate after endorsing primary challengers to two GOP incumbents who were previously reliable votes for his agenda — Cassidy and Texas Sen. John Cornyn. Both men have become more critical of Trump since losing reelection. “If we’re going to win the midterm elections, we need to get on the same page,” Cornyn said ahead of the meeting. “We’re not on the same page now, and that I think is dangerous.” Trump pushes Thune on SAVE America Act Trump has pressed Republicans for months to kill the Senate filibuster and focus on the proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even though Thune has repeatedly told him that neither has the votes. While Thune remains popular in his conference and cordial with the president, he has spent much of his time lately telling Trump what he doesn’t want to hear. Thune said Tuesday that while Trump and some in their conference want to see the voting bill pass, “it’s just not realistic.” Thune devoted weeks of floor time to the voting bill earlier this year and has said he supports it. But he has repeatedly said there aren’t enough votes to scrap the filibuster that triggers a 60-vote threshold to pass most bills in the 53-47 Senate. And Democrats are uniformly opposed to the bill. “I think people at some point have to come to grips with that,” Thune said. ___Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/senate-republicans-reject-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-berates-them-at-capitol-meeting/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mary Clare Jalonick, Steven Sloan, Joey Cappelletti And Lisa Mascaro, Associated","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:55:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCQT4WMJ3INH3NESWWEDBPW6QUE.jpg","slug":"senate-republicans-reject-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-berates-them-at-capitol-meeting"},{"id":"b780hw","title":"Parents concerned after Bluebonnet curriculum was spotted on HISD board agenda","excerpt":"While classrooms are quiet because of summer break, some HISD parents say they won't be silent during Thursday night's board meeting.","content":"While classrooms are quiet because of summer break, some HISD parents say they won't be silent during Thursday night's board meeting.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/adoption-discussion-bluebonnet-curriculum-hisd-agenda/19374800/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Mo Haider","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:24:59.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374875_062426-ktrk-hisd-img.png","slug":"parents-concerned-after-bluebonnet-curriculum-was-spotted-on-hisd-board-agenda"},{"id":"ux45h5","title":"Church employee arrested, charged with felony sexual abuse charges involving children, police say","excerpt":"A church employee has been arrested following 18 felony grand jury indictments for sexual-related offenses involving children, according to the Lake Jackson Police Department.","content":"A church employee has been arrested following 18 felony grand jury indictments for sexual-related offenses involving children, according to the Lake Jackson Police Department.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/destiny-church-employee-arrested-charged-felony-sexual-abuse-charges-involving-children-police-say/19373795/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:49:52.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374699_062426-ktrk-destiny-church-img.png","slug":"church-employee-arrested-charged-with-felony-sexual-abuse-charges-involving-children-police-say"},{"id":"2oerpn","title":"FIFA announces rest of World Cup bracket looking ahead to Round of 32","excerpt":"The FIFA World Cup is rolling quickly and now we are close to turning the page on group play and focusing on the Round of 32!The Knockout stage begins on Sunday in Los Angeles.The tournament field includes 48 teams but that will all change as teams start to be eliminated and the field is trimmed ...","content":"The FIFA World Cup is rolling quickly and now we are close to turning the page on group play and focusing on the Round of 32!The Knockout stage begins on Sunday in Los Angeles.The tournament field includes 48 teams but that will all change as teams start to be eliminated and the field is trimmed to 32. All of the action continues throughout the United States along with Canada and Mexico. The unbeaten USA squad is off to a 2-0 start and has already won Group D but finishes against Turkey Thursday night in Los Angeles in their group finale. The United States is likely to play more players and also protect those that currently have yellow cards. They are still favored to beat Turkey.Among the notable national teams already punching tickets to the Round of 32 are unbeaten Mexico, defending World Cup champion Argentina as well as fan favorites Norway and The Netherlands. Other squads also celebrating advancing include Germany, Brazil, France, Columbia, South Africa, Morocco and Canada which lost its match on Wednesday. Friday in Houston, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia will clash in their Group H finale. Cabo Verde needs a draw or win to advance while Saudi Arabia faces a must win to move on to the Round of 32.Houston Stadium’s Round of 32 match will feature five-time World Cup champion Brazil on Monday at 12pm. Their opponent has yet to be determined. Houston’s final FIFA World Cup match is set for July 4th in the Round of 16.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/fifa-announces-rest-of-world-cup-bracket-looking-ahead-to-round-of-32/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F55IUTQEQ65G5ZD2IK2K4HNH5HQ.jpg","slug":"fifa-announces-rest-of-world-cup-bracket-looking-ahead-to-round-of-32"},{"id":"389nak","title":"More than 6,000 applications submitted after Houston public housing waitlists reopen","excerpt":"Thousands of Houstonians have already applied for public housing after waitlists reopened for the first time in nearly three years.According to the Houston Housing Alliance (HHA), more than 6,000 applications have been submitted since the agency reopened waitlists for eight public housing communi...","content":"Thousands of Houstonians have already applied for public housing after waitlists reopened for the first time in nearly three years.According to the Houston Housing Alliance (HHA), more than 6,000 applications have been submitted since the agency reopened waitlists for eight public housing communities earlier this week. The available properties include two senior living sites.The waitlists officially reopened on June 30 and will remain open through July 6.Houston-area public housing waitlists reopening for first time in nearly 3 years: Here’s what applicants need to knowOfficials say applicants are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, once the application period closes, a random lottery will be used to determine who is placed on each property’s waitlist.The reopening marks the first time since 2023 that residents have been able to join waitlists for the participating public housing communities.Applicants can submit an application online by creating a profile through the Houston Housing Alliance’s application portal. Those who need assistance can also apply by contacting the agency directly by phone at 713-260-0500.Housing officials encourage interested residents to submit their applications before the July 6 deadline.Which housing communities are included?The waitlist lottery includes the following eight public housing properties:Kelly VillageLincoln ParkLong DriveOxford PlaceBelleriveLyerlyIndependence HeightsIrvinton VillageHousing Alliance HTX says unit availability will vary by property, meaning some locations may have more one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom or four-bedroom units available than others.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/more-than-6000-applications-submitted-after-houston-public-housing-waitlists-reopen/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-25T11:32:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYIU2HKTPYNHLDC4TGVN4I2HNPM.JPG","slug":"more-than-6000-applications-submitted-after-houston-public-housing-waitlists-reopen"},{"id":"aha34i","title":"Shiite Muslims mark holy day of Ashoura after months of war in Iran and Lebanon","excerpt":"Shiite Muslims around the world on Thursday marked Ashoura, a holy day symbolizing sacrifice and martyrdom that holds special significance for many this year after months of war in Iran and Lebanon.Ashoura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle...","content":"Shiite Muslims around the world on Thursday marked Ashoura, a holy day symbolizing sacrifice and martyrdom that holds special significance for many this year after months of war in Iran and Lebanon.Ashoura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in A.D. 680 Imam Hussein was killed with his family and companions after refusing to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate.The event cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.The holiest day in the Shiite calendarThis year, Ashoura comes after months of war in Iran and Lebanon, homes to two of the world’s largest Shiite populations. Iran and the U.S. this week launched talks aimed at finalizing a fragile ceasefire agreement.On the first day of the war, on Feb. 28, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The 86-year-old Khamenei was not just Iran’s top political leader. He also had a final say on all religious matters and was revered by millions of Shiites worldwide. Ashoura comes just days before his funeral procession.The war also spilled over into Lebanon, where Iran’s key ally, the Hezbollah militant group, has been battling Israeli troops for months.Hezbollah entered the fighting days into the war by firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Tehran. That sparked widespread Israeli aerial bombardment and a ground invasion that decimated large swaths of predominantly Shiite areas in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.Ashoura comes as many of the more than one million displaced Lebanese people are trying to return to their villages in southern Lebanon. Cities and towns had held sermons and events in the buildup to the holy day surrounded by buildings reduced to rubble and ruins.Ashoura is the holiest day in the Shiite calendar, marked by traditional mourning rituals that include chest-beating, elegies and lamentations. It is held on the 10th day of the month of Muharram.Visitors arrive at Imam Hussein's shrineIn Karbala, the southern Iraqi city holy to Shiite Muslims, security was tightened as visitors arrived. Religious banners flew from the walls of Imam Hussein’s golden-domed shrine and actors played out scenes from the 7th century.“We see all kinds of people here and they don’t lack food, drinks or services, thanks to God, despite the massive gathering,” Redha Nouri, who traveled from Ahwaz in Iran, said. “There will be more crowds coming tomorrow, but the Iraqi people are here and will serve them.”Mourners observe the holy day in IranIn war-stricken Iran, black-clad mourners filled streets, mosques and neighborhood religious halls across Tehran for a public holiday that brought much of the capital to a halt.Shops were shuttered in many areas as processions of men beating their chests marched past and loudspeakers played elegies. Volunteers handed out tea and dates.The previous evening mourners had gathering at the shrine of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini south of Tehran in a ceremony attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials, Iranian state media reported. Khomeini led the 1979 revolution that ushered in Iran’s Islamic republic.In a social media post laden with an apparent message of resistance to the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, Pezeshkian noted how Hussein taught people to stand against oppression, the temptation of power and the pursuit of self-interest.“We should neither oppress, nor accept oppression, nor remain silent before it,” he wrote.The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, Gen. Esmail Ghaani, invoked the “spirit of Ashoura” in warning Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon or face defeat.The annual ceremonies came as Iran’s leadership continues to draw on Ashoura’s language of sacrifice and resistance at a time of deep political and economic pressure.The faithful in Lebanon attend sermons and visit gravesFamilies in the Lebanese coastal city of Tyre who lost relatives fighting with Hezbollah or working as paramedics wept during a sermon on the third day of Muharram. A cleric, who sat between portraits of current Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Kassem, compared the struggles the modern-day leaders faced in the war to that of Hussein and his companions in Karbala.Banners in red and black bearing Hussein’s name were hung on every street. In Beirut’s southern suburbs, many flocked to the grave of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in September 2024.Security is raised in Pakistan to protect the Shiite minorityElsewhere, Pakistan deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across the country following intelligence reports warning of possible militant attacks on Shiite Muslims, a minority in the predominantly Sunni country.Although most Sunnis and Shiites live peacefully alongside one another, militant groups have repeatedly targeted Shiite communities, mosques, and religious gatherings in sectarian attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives.As members of Pakistan’s Shiite minority prepare to take part in mourning processions, mobile phone service in some areas is expected to be suspended temporarily to help prevent attacks.“Imam Hussein is a symbol of the highest struggle and sacrifice,” said Saadia Shah, 33, as she entered a congregation hall in the eastern city of Lahore with her two children. “His name gives us the courage to stand up to tyranny, to say what is right and oppose what is wrong.”___Associated Press journalists Munir Ahmed in Islamabad, Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, and Ali Sadiq in Karbala, Iraq, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/25/shiite-muslims-mark-holy-day-of-ashoura-after-months-of-war-in-iran-and-lebanon/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kareem Chehayeb, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:04:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F32QUIF6R7BBBXI4IAU5ATTQFLU.jpg","slug":"shiite-muslims-mark-holy-day-of-ashoura-after-months-of-war-in-iran-and-lebanon"},{"id":"blrslj","title":"Texas Cyber Command detects data breach affecting more than 3 million hunting, fishing license customers","excerpt":"The breach, involving a vendor for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, took place last Thursday.","content":"The breach, involving a vendor for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, took place last Thursday.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2026/06/22/555183/texas-parks-wildlife-data-breach-fishing-license-hunting/?utm_source=rss-texas-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:12:02.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22132323%2FCybersecurity-450x253.png","slug":"texas-cyber-command-detects-data-breach-affecting-more-than-3-million-hunting-fishing-license-custom"},{"id":"60by2n","title":"Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (June 22, 2026)","excerpt":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","content":"For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/22/555157/hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-22-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:00:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085146%2FHH_Podcast-Cover_The-Commuter-Cut-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-the-commuter-cut-june-22-2026"},{"id":"wl9hw0","title":"Tesla is sued by a Houston-area family over a fatal crash involving a car reportedly on autopilot","excerpt":"Martha Avila, 76, was in a Katy home when it was struck by a Tesla driver who told authorities the vehicle was in autopilot mode.","content":"Martha Avila, 76, was in a Katy home when it was struck by a Tesla driver who told authorities the vehicle was in autopilot mode.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/technology/2026/06/22/555176/tesla-autopilot-crash-houston-texas-lawsuit-woman-killed/?utm_source=rss-technology-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:38:08.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22130415%2F727304622_975657068571818_3899429641476651779_n-450x320.jpg","slug":"tesla-is-sued-by-a-houston-area-family-over-a-fatal-crash-involving-a-car-reportedly-on-autopilot"},{"id":"evb88f","title":"Hello Houston (June 22, 2026)","excerpt":"Today: We receive an update on how the city of Houston is handling the 2026 FIFA World Cup, talk with Houston City Councilmember Joe Panzarella, learn all about Stages' production of “Spamilton: An American Parody,” and more.","content":"Today: We receive an update on how the city of Houston is handling the 2026 FIFA World Cup, talk with Houston City Councilmember Joe Panzarella, learn all about Stages' production of “Spamilton: An American Parody,” and more.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/hello-houston/2026/06/22/555155/hello-houston-june-22-2026/?utm_source=rss-hello-houston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Garrett Bohlmann","publishDate":"2026-06-22T18:47:07.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2F31085137%2FHH_Podcast-Cover-450x450.jpg","slug":"hello-houston-june-22-2026"},{"id":"yan028","title":"2 Newsletter: Class is in session - Texas SBOE to vote today on big curriculum changes","excerpt":"Good morning, Houston.☀️Happy Friday Eve! Hope you’re easing into the day (and the heat) with an extra sip of coffee, or tea, or milk, or whatever you’re drinking this morning.We’re in Austin today. The Texas State Board of Education is expected to make a decision on proposed changes to the state...","content":"Good morning, Houston.☀️Happy Friday Eve! Hope you’re easing into the day (and the heat) with an extra sip of coffee, or tea, or milk, or whatever you’re drinking this morning.We’re in Austin today. The Texas State Board of Education is expected to make a decision on proposed changes to the state’s K-12 curriculum guidelines — including an overhaul of social studies standards and a new statewide reading list that includes biblical verses and stories. The outcome could shape what students learn in the years ahead. You’ll find more of today’s top local stories below, too.As always, follow us with the latest on Click2Houston.com and watch us live on KPRC 2+.➡️ Love our morning newsletter? Share it with your family and friends!Weather ⛅TODAY: 88° TONIGHT: 90°KPRC Meteorologists Justin Stapleton and Caroline Brown say:“Thursday looks nearly perfect if your plans involve the pool.Temperatures climb from around 80 degrees at 8 a.m. to 84 degrees by 10 a.m., reaching 88 degrees around lunchtime and 92 degrees by 2 p.m. Skies will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy throughout the day with no significant rain expected.”Bonus weather note: Saharan dust is back— expect hazier skies at times, potentially lower air quality for sensitive groups, and the chance for more vibrant sunrises/sunsets.➡️ More weather headlines? Check them out hereGet your forecast details here.Houston’s Top Headlines 📰TODAY: Texas State Board of Education to vote on K-12 curriculum changesThe Texas State Board of Education could make a decision as soon as today on proposed changes to the state’s K-12 curriculum guidelines, including an overhaul of social studies standards. Another proposal would create a required statewide reading list that includes biblical verses and stories, taking effect in 2030-31 if approved.Houston Rodeo chairman details vision for $300 million expansion, says Reliant Park remains organization’s homeThe Rodeo says the plan includes a massive new climate-controlled livestock/horse facility and year-round event space, funded with no public money. Leaders stress Reliant Park remains the Rodeo’s home, with the new campus designed to ease congestion and expand programming.➡️ More from Michael HortonFort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no longer has authority as interim county judgeCommissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong’s interim judge authority ended June 17 when the lawsuit tied to his appointment was dismissed. Wong disputes it, setting up a clash over who can run court meetings.➡️ More from Re’Chelle Turner and Rilwan Balogun‘I’m so scared’: Bodycam shows Conroe woman’s traffic stop escalate into arrestBodycam shows a traffic stop for minor violations escalating into the arrest of Elizabeth Kim, who repeatedly said she was scared and asked for a female officer. The sheriff’s office says it’s reviewing the incident.➡️ More from Jaewon JungHouston man linked to Gilley murder scene property dispute previously claimed to own $1.7M Memorial homeA Houston man linked to multiple disputed property claims — including homes tied to murder investigations — is now tied to a $1.7M Memorial home claim. Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin’s office is investigating.➡️ More from Bryce NewberryYou Got a Text! 💌Introducing KPRC 2’s newest show... The Villa Verdict!Love Island is more than just a reality show; it’s a cultural phenomenon.The Villa Verdict is KPRC 2’s weekly Love Island USA recap series, where we break down the biggest villa moments, debate the hottest takes, rank the strongest couples, and explore the social, cultural, and relationship trends driving the conversation. Whether you’re rooting for love, calling out red flags, or just here for the drama, this is your place to join the discussion. 🌴❤️📱New episodes every week. Check them out here.Things 2 Know 💡Airbnb activates anti-party technology in Houston ahead of Fourth of July, World Cup crowdsProtect your dog’s paws: Learn the 7-second test for hot pavement2 Helps You: Fort Bend County residents tired of neglected eyesore impacting their community without accountabilityIn case you missed it... 👀Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fireNo mechanical malfunction found so far in Tesla that killed 76-year-old woman after crashing into Katy home, HCSO saysHouston-area public housing waitlists reopening for first time in nearly 3 years: Here’s what applicants need to knowShare your Pins! 📷See a news story in your neighborhood? Capture a great weather moment? Just want to share a photo of your pet? Send your photos and videos to Click2Pins, and you may see them on air and online!Don’t miss a minuteWe’re tracking your forecast, bringing you traffic solutions, and covering important news LIVE from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KPRC 2 and the KPRC 2+ livestream. Join us today!","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/meta/newsletter/2026/06/25/2-newsletter-class-is-in-session-texas-sboe-to-vote-today-on-big-curriculum-changes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-25T10:35:04.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FX4UX6IY6ZJAL5FOK7XWQJJVFJM.jpg","slug":"2-newsletter-class-is-in-session-texas-sboe-to-vote-today-on-big-curriculum-changes"},{"id":"3rfxi6","title":"The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?","excerpt":"Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...","content":"Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating effects on the U.S. could last for decades.The screwworm re-emerged following years of warnings from Central America and Mexico officials of the impending outbreak. Then last year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut funds for screwworm monitoring in Central America. Government officials continue to work to pinpoint how screwworm entered the U.S. while cases continue to creep up.While the financial impact of this modern-day outbreak is still unknown, the USDA estimates the industry saved more than $900 million a year as a result of eradication in the past.  \n\n\n\n\nUnlike the first outbreak, however, there is now a playbook on how to eradicate the pests. Edward F. Knipling, one of the lead entomologists who worked on eradication, said the only way to deal with major insect outbreaks is with large-scale responses. Historical documents from the National Agricultural Library show the nearly 60-year battle with the screwworm and the solution that could’ve helped sooner.“I thought what we really need is some way to control the screwworms before they attack the animals, rather than just wait until after the animals had the screwworm, then try to control it,” said Knipling in a 2000 interview. “I realized you would never truly control the screwworm that way. What we needed was a preventative measure.” Knipling, who was born and raised in Texas, theorized that the real solution was to reduce or eliminate the screwworm altogether. Long before Knipling’s theory, however, the public was only beginning to learn about the screwworm. After initially confusing the screwworm with a species of blowflies, researchers were able to start studying the parasite in 1933. By then, the screwworm had already spread in the U.S., from the Southwest to Southeast through a shipment of infested animals. The pest left deadly consequences in its wake — in 1935, 180,000 livestock deaths from the screwworm were reported in under half of Texas’ counties.In a 1946 letter, Knipling suggested that they bring geneticists in to help eradicate the screwworm — decades before the worst of the outbreaks. Knipling’s idea was about the possibility of creating a mutation to produce sterile, but otherwise healthy, screwworm flies. His idea was not pursued. While working at a research facility in Menard, Knipling helped develop Smear 62, a thin paste with an active poison that could be applied to wet and dry wounds. One dose of the treatment would kill all screwworms in a wound up to the size of half a dollar. It would also protect against reinfestation until the wound healed.In a report by the USDA Agricultural Research Administration, scientists wrote: “Fortunately, it is not a repellent to adult flies. Flies therefore continue to lay their eggs on treated wounds, and the larvae die as soon as hatched.”Then, while Knipling was researching how to control insects that threatened servicemen and women during World War II, he thought of using sterile flies to stop the screwworm. He wrote to Emory Cushing, his supervisor at the time, about the idea. Thirty years later, Knipling discovered Cushing never sent the letter, and all copies were destroyed except for one. Even though his idea was ignored, Raymond Bushland, another scientist, was also working on a way to sterilize flies. Bushland raised the flies with a special diet and sterilized them with X-ray radiation. Together, Bushland and Knipling developed the Sterile Insect Technique. A United States Department of Agriculture photograph circa 1956-59 shows Edward F. Knipling (right, pointing) with colleagues inspecting ground meat. Special Collections, USDA National Agricultural Library.Taken in the 1950s, this photo shows Dr. Edward F. Knipling (seated) and Dr. Raymond C. Bushland in a laboratory. Special Collections, USDA National Agricultural LibraryAs director of the Kerrville lab, Bushland ordered the release of sterile flies on Sanibel Island in 1951. Radiation proved to be an effective way to sterilize the flies, and by 1953, scientists were cautiously optimistic about the technique and ended the experiments on the island.Then came a bigger test field. B.A. Bitter, a veterinarian on the island of Curacao, 40 miles from Venezuela, wrote to the USDA that same year. He was desperately seeking help for the outbreak they were experiencing and said the infestation was affecting all kinds of animals on the island — not just livestock — and resulting in their death.“I should like to consider a way of fighting this pest,” Bitter wrote. Bitter said infestation was inevitable. The warm climate attracted screwworm flies, and livestock frequently broke their skin through barbed wire fences and thorns, giving the screwworm a point of entry. He included a tube with larvae that was found on a dog’s tail. “For these reasons, only the biological way of destroying the flies seems to be possible,” Bitter said.Knipling informed Bitter that field tests of the sterile fly theory were underway — some successful, some not. He said the method was complex, but he thought it was worth exploring. Bitter agreed to operate the fly traps on the island, and the island became the ideal testing area for the Sterile Insect Technique. By 1958, the Florida legislature appropriated funds for a full-scale screwworm eradication program. With the federal government providing matching funds, a large insect production plant was built and, under full production, produced 50 million sterile flies per week, a method that is being explored today. By early 1959, the screwworms disappeared from Florida and much of the Southeast.Then, it was Texas’ turn. Southwestern livestock producers, along with the federal government and state lawmakers,  brought in funds to fight the screwworm. Ranchers formed a nonprofit called Southwest Animal Health Research Foundation, which raised over $3 million to support eradication. The Southwest eradication program covered a much larger area and was constantly at risk of re-infestation from Mexico. The photo caption reads, “These converted aircraft buildings on the Former Moore Air Force Base near Mission, Texas, house the sterile screwworm production plant that is the heart of the Southwest Screwworm Eradication Program. Aircraft in the foreground distribute flies reared in the plant.”  Special Collections, USDA National Agricultural LibraryBy 1966, the lab in Mission was producing up to 150 million sterile flies a week. The mass release of sterile flies, along with help from livestock producers in slowing the spread, proved successful. The USDA declared the U.S. free of indigenous screwworms in 1966. But the threat wasn’t over, and researchers realized keeping the U.S. free from screwworms forever was impossible. “Texas again had the somewhat dubious honor of recording more cases in 1967 than any other state cooperating in the program, with 835 in 67 counties,” read one report. In the same year, Arizona only recorded 23, and New Mexico had none. Most of Texas’ cases happened after a hurricane, with most being reported from September through October. The outbreak was back under control by early November. Dolph Briscoe Jr., a Uvalde rancher and chairman of the Southwest Animal Health Research Foundation, credited the Sterile Insect Technique.“Thus, it has been proven again that the sterile screwworm fly technique can stop outbreaks of screwworm,” Briscoe wrote in a report.By 1972, the U.S. experienced an even worse outbreak than before, due to lax quarantine measures and warm, moist weather in Mexico and the U.S. Texas alone confirmed 90,000 cases after only seeing 444 the year before and had a confirmed case in almost every county. In 1976, producers spent $132.1 million in response to the screwworm, which included loss from deaths, animal weight loss, medication, and extra labor. The total economic loss for Texas that year was nearly $330 million. When adjusted for inflation, the loss would be closer to $1.8 billion if it happened in 2024. The outbreak spurred U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz and Mexican Secretary of Agriculture Manuel Bernardo Aguirre to sign an international agreement establishing a joint Mexico-United States Screwworm Eradication Commission. It also inspired another public awareness campaign — this one to “stamp out screwworms forever.” “The weather is on our side. The fly strain is on our side. Mexico is on our side. Are you on our side?” reads one brochure from 1977. By 1980, northern Mexico states were free of the screwworms. Two years later, the last case of the screwworm was reported in the U.S., and only a handful of imported cases were reported until this year. “We cannot deal with these pest problems by just trying to control them year after year, on a farm-by-farm basis,” Knipling said in 2000. “Just like we never would’ve controlled the screwworm that way.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/25/the-us-last-beat-screwworm-in-1966-can-current-leaders-learn-from-the-pasts-playbook/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver","publishDate":"2026-06-25T10:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZIQNFU4CCFGHPOWZXEZZI6HL4A.jpg","slug":"the-us-last-beat-screwworm-in-1966-can-current-leaders-learn-from-the-pasts-playbook"},{"id":"x9bjkj","title":"Houston advocates push for court privacy reforms in 'true crime' era","excerpt":"Houston advocates Andy Kahan and Leticia Ybarra are launching a legislative push to update a 2013 Texas privacy law, aiming to prevent judges from publicly releasing sensitive trial evidence without a victim’s family’s consent.","content":"Houston advocates Andy Kahan and Leticia Ybarra are launching a legislative push to update a 2013 Texas privacy law, aiming to prevent judges from publicly releasing sensitive trial evidence without a victim’s family’s consent.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-murder-evidence-public-houston-advocates-change","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Mekenna.Earnhart@fox.com (Mekenna Earnhart)","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:20:25.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F05%2FCOURTROOM-GAVEL.jpg","slug":"houston-advocates-push-for-court-privacy-reforms-in-true-crime-era"},{"id":"foxi6f","title":"Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces multi-million-dollar agricultural complex","excerpt":"The organization said it will remain at NRG Arena as the new complex, which will be built along Highway 288, is set to complement ongoing rodeo events once the season begins.","content":"The organization said it will remain at NRG Arena as the new complex, which will be built along Highway 288, is set to complement ongoing rodeo events once the season begins.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/new-agriculture-complex-built-conjunction-houston-livestock-show-rodeo-set-open-2029/19372499/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:41:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19372688_new-arena-nrg.jpg","slug":"houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-multi-million-dollar-agricultural-complex"},{"id":"qbgl08","title":"These are the best Prime Day deals on toys","excerpt":"Snag these deeply discounts on toys and games for kids during Prime Day.","content":"Snag these deeply discounts on toys and games for kids during Prime Day.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/amazon-prime-day-2026-toy-deals-best-sales-toys-games-kids/19365349/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:23:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374576_bubbles.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"these-are-the-best-prime-day-deals-on-toys"},{"id":"3uy7mm","title":"Harris County Flood Control Director possible pick sparks rift among commissioners over process","excerpt":"A sharp division has emerged within the Harris County Commissioners Court on the eve of a discussion to appoint a new head for the region's embattled Flood Control District.","content":"A sharp division has emerged within the Harris County Commissioners Court on the eve of a discussion to appoint a new head for the region's embattled Flood Control District.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-flood-control-director-vote-possible-pick","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Sherman.Desselle@fox.com (Sherman Desselle)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:51:57.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fflood-district.jpg","slug":"harris-county-flood-control-director-possible-pick-sparks-rift-among-commissioners-over-process"},{"id":"t8deyn","title":"Missing 14-year-old found after Texas Amber Alert issued","excerpt":"A missing 14-year-old girl has been found after an Amber Alert was issued in Texas on Wednesday.","content":"A missing 14-year-old girl has been found after an Amber Alert was issued in Texas on Wednesday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-amber-alert-issued-missing-14-year-old-girl","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:36:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F561d5237-audrey-amber-alert.jpg","slug":"missing-14-year-old-found-after-texas-amber-alert-issued"},{"id":"dp5960","title":"From an indictment to an alleged affair, Ken Paxton’s controversies hang over his Senate bid","excerpt":"The attorney general has won statewide elections twice since his legal woes began. This time he will be at the top of the ticket, facing a fundraising juggernaut in James Talarico.","content":"The attorney general has won statewide elections twice since his legal woes began. This time he will be at the top of the ticket, facing a fundraising juggernaut in James Talarico.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/06/22/555172/texas-ken-paxton-james-talarico-senate-election-scandals/?utm_source=rss-election-2026-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Alejandro Serrano, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-22T18:03:42.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22125742%2FPaxtonTexasGOP-TT-450x297.jpg","slug":"from-an-indictment-to-an-alleged-affair-ken-paxtons-controversies-hang-over-his-senate-bid"},{"id":"4aqlta","title":"US Congress welcomes Taiwan's parliamentary leader to Washington, affirms support for the island","excerpt":"Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday pledged firm support for the self-governed island of Taiwan as they welcomed Han Kuo-yu, president of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, to Washington, at a time the Trump administration is reviewing a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, mon...","content":"Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday pledged firm support for the self-governed island of Taiwan as they welcomed Han Kuo-yu, president of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, to Washington, at a time the Trump administration is reviewing a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, months after it got preliminary congressional approval.More than 30 House representatives, both Democratic and Republican, streamed into the reception at the Longworth House Office Building to show their support, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D.-California; Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Ted Lieu, a California Democrat who serves as the vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus.\"I love Taiwan,\" declared McCaul, as he welcomed Han. “It’s very important to me to say that the United States supports you, Mr. Speaker.\"“The support for Taiwan is bipartisan and bicameral — both houses, both parties,” Pelosi said. “It’s about peace. It’s also about commerce in terms of keeping the ships able to travel here.”Han, who is leading an eight-person parliamentary delegation, arrived in the nation's capital on Tuesday night after a stop in Phoenix, Arizona, where the chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is building new fabs and producing advanced chips crucial to powering the A.I. boom. TSMC is the poster child of Taiwan's importance to the U.S. economy. The delegation met seven Democratic senators earlier Wednesday, including New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It wasn't clear if Republicans senators also met the visiting lawmakers. The Democrats called on the Trump administration to move ahead with the $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan without further delay. “We remain committed to maintaining close and friendly relations with Taiwan, providing Taiwan with arms for self-defense and supporting deterrence against growing coercion from the People’s Republic of China,” they said in a statement.Taiwan, which Beijing claims to be part of the Chinese territory and vows to seize by force if necessary, is a highly thorny issue  in U.S.-China relations. Washington is obligated by a domestic law to provide the island with sufficient hardware to fend off any invasion from the mainland. President Donald Trump, after his May trip to Beijing, has said he would be reviewing the $14 billion arms sales package, which Beijing strongly opposes. Trump also has suggested that the arms sales package could be a bargaining chip. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the U.S. policy on Taiwan remains unchanged.On Wednesday, several U.S. lawmakers showed their support for the arms sales package.“I'm here today ... to affirm in the strongest terms that Taiwan is not a bargaining chip. It is an island of freedom. And we need to do all we can to preserve it,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D.-Texas. “ I believe we need to make available every weapon that Taiwan needs in its defense as quickly as it becomes possible.”Lieu criticized the Trump administration for holding up the $14 billion package. “I urge the administration to reverse that and to allow their arms sale to proceed,\" he said.Han, who is a member of Taiwan's opposition KMT party, in his speech complimented the U.S. for its achievements in the past 250 years and said the island, like the U.S., cherishes the value of freedom and democracy and that both sides shoulder the responsibilities of safeguarding the democratic system and of maintaining regional stability and peace.Han touted the robust trade between Taiwan and the U.S. The island of 23 million people has surpassed Germany as the fourth-largest trading partner of the U.S., largely driven by the demand for Taiwan's advanced chips and other tech hardware.Han also urged the U.S. to help Taiwan gain more international space. No country can have diplomatic ties with both Beijing and Taipei because of China's territorial claim over the island. Only 12 governments, including the Holy See, still recognize Taiwan's statehood. Beijing also has kept Taiwan out of many international organizations, including the World Health Organization.“On the international stage, Taiwan feels very lonely in its heart,\" Han said. “I am here asking Taiwan's good friends in Congress ... to help us participate in global activities.”Han is scheduled to leave on Friday for the inaugural nonstop flight by the Taiwanese carrier EVA Air between Washington Dulles International Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, which has also been touted as proof of deepening U.S.-Taiwan ties.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/us-congress-welcomes-taiwans-parliamentary-leader-to-washington-affirms-support-for-the-island/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Didi Tang, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:53:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTUXJQTQ74BEHJJ7KCJOT25STFA.jpg","slug":"us-congress-welcomes-taiwans-parliamentary-leader-to-washington-affirms-support-for-the-island"},{"id":"jglk30","title":"Tesla news: Texas crash victim Martha Avila's family files lawsuit against car company, driver","excerpt":"There is Tesla news. Texas crash victim Martha Avila's family filed a lawsuit against the car company and driver.","content":"There is Tesla news. Texas crash victim Martha Avila's family filed a lawsuit against the car company and driver.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/tesla-news-texas-crash-victim-martha-avilas-family-files-lawsuit-car-company-driver/19372861/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:01:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19374375_062426-wls-tesla-crash-folo-4pvo-vid.jpg","slug":"tesla-news-texas-crash-victim-martha-avilas-family-files-lawsuit-against-car-company-driver"},{"id":"64y6xy","title":"Switzerland wraps up first place in Group B at the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Canada","excerpt":"Switzerland put a damper on Canada's World Cup party.The Swiss got goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi to beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday and win Group B. Switzerland will get a week of rest before returning to Vancouver to face one of the eight best third-place finishers on July 2.“I think t...","content":"Switzerland put a damper on Canada's World Cup party.The Swiss got goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi to beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday and win Group B. Switzerland will get a week of rest before returning to Vancouver to face one of the eight best third-place finishers on July 2.“I think that we deserve to be where we are right now,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “In three days from now, we will know the opponent of the next match, and now we have the possibility to watch this tournament, and to watch the matches, and we will take what we will get.”Canada dropped to second place in the group and will play in the knockout round for the first time in team history. But the Canadians had been hoping for a win or a draw on Wednesday so they would play their round-of-32 match on home soil.Instead, Canada will travel Inglewood, California, to play Sunday against South Africa, which beat South Korea 1-0 Wednesday night in Monterrey, Mexico, to finish second in Group A.“We wanted to be here in Vancouver, but we still have a massive opportunity ahead of us to find a way to still electrify the nation, even though it’ll be from Los Angeles,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said.After Manzambi came off the bench and scored two goals in Switzerland’s 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, he earned a spot in the starting lineup against Canada. The 20-year-old midfielder became the youngest player to score two goals off the bench in the World Cup and is among the breakout young stars of the tournament.Vargas broke through for Switzerland about 40 seconds into the second half with a strike that sailed past sliding Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, hit the post and went into the net.Breel Embolo then crossed the ball to Manzambi, whose shot went through the hands of Crépeau to put the Swiss up 2-0 in the 57th minute. The goal quieted the red-clad sellout crowd, which included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.Canada pulled a goal back in the 76th. Promise David scored with a volley on his first touch of the game about a minute after he came on as a substitute. But despite a flurry of chances, the Canadians couldn't find the second goal to keep them at home.Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka had a chance in the scoreless first half but his free kick in the 37th minute and sailed over the net as he let out a yell.Ali Ahmed had one of Canada’s best attempts of the first half in the 42nd minute, but his shot to the near post was smothered by Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.On Thursday, Canada won its first World Cup match, 6-0 over Qatar, and put itself in position to advance. But the historic victory was bittersweet because Ismaël Koné was stretchered off with a broken left leg. Koné was at Wednesday’s game on crutches.The Swiss opened the World Cup with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Qatar before they routed Bosnia with a flurry of late goals. Considered the favorite in Group B, Switzerland has played at the last five World Cups and advanced to the round of 16 in the past three.“We needed some time to get really into this tournament, for many nations that was the case,” Yakin said. “There were big teams who won against small countries, so we really needed to get into this tournament fast, and the way we play football now, I’m very happy with that.”Canada, making its third World Cup appearance, opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Bosnia.“We have to give our team a lot of credit. We’ve had a lot of injuries, we’ve had a lot of adversity, we’ve had a lot of injuries, we’ve had to manage a lot of different situations,” Marsch said. “We still got a really good point in the first game, we had a fantastic performance against Qatar and on another day, even though we go down 2-0, maybe we get a goal and maybe we win the group. It was just a matter of fine margins.”Bosnia beat Qatar 3-1 in the other Group B match Wednesday and could still advance as a third-place team. Qatar was eliminated.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/24/switzerland-wraps-up-first-place-in-group-b-at-the-world-cup-with-a-2-1-victory-over-canada/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:07:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCO7AFWO7CNAFRKFDGLEZ6VUMPE.jpg","slug":"switzerland-wraps-up-first-place-in-group-b-at-the-world-cup-with-a-2-1-victory-over-canada"},{"id":"8w3oyg","title":"Rockets trade up to land Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton in 2nd round","excerpt":"The Houston Rockets today announced they have completed two trades during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets acquired the rights to Bruce Thornton (the 31st pick) and cash considerations in exchange for the rights to the 39th ...","content":"The Houston Rockets today announced they have completed two trades during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets acquired the rights to Bruce Thornton (the 31st pick) and cash considerations in exchange for the rights to the 39th (Jack Kayil) and 53rd (Ugonna Onyenso) picks, a 2029 second round pick originally belonging to Sacramento and the rights to Mojave King.Thornton (6-0, 223) was eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft following his senior season at Ohio State. He started 136 of a possible 137 games for his career, became the Buckeyes first four-time captain and is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,164 points. Thornton is the first Division I player with career totals of at least 2,000 points and 500 assists while recording fewer than 200 turnovers since the NCAA began officially tracking turnovers in 1992-93.Great comments from new #Rockets pick Bruce Thornton! Former #Buckeyes star will be a really good fit for Ime Udoka. https://t.co/61lyJkanKg&mdash; Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) June 25, 2026The Georgia native increased his scoring average across each of his four seasons, including 19.9 ppg as a senior. For his career, Thornton had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.02 and shot 82.9% from the foul line. Thornton led Melton High School to a Class 7A state title as a junior and was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. His father, Bruce Sr., was a fourth round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2004 NFL Draft and played cornerback in the league for two seasons. His younger brother, Bryce, is approaching his senior season as a safety for the University of Florida","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/rockets-trade-up-to-land-ohio-state-guard-bruce-thornton-in-2nd-round/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:31:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FP7GENH5SWFFN5MOEP2ZCAGIYIU.jpg","slug":"rockets-trade-up-to-land-ohio-state-guard-bruce-thornton-in-2nd-round"},{"id":"8pmzp5","title":"South Africa reaches World Cup knockout round for 1st time with 1-0 win over South Korea","excerpt":"South Africa advanced to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday night.Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute off a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi and South Africa finished in second place in Group A behind Mexico, which won al...","content":"South Africa advanced to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday night.Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute off a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi and South Africa finished in second place in Group A behind Mexico, which won all three of its group-stage games.South Africa will take on Canada, the second-place finisher in Group B, in a knockout game Sunday at Inglewood, California.Maseko had five total shots in the match and leads South Africa with eight shots in the tournament.When Maseko was asked what he would tell his younger self about his accomplishment, the Mamelodi Sundowns forward said: “The one thing I would say is ‘keep dreaming.’”South Africa had opened its World Cup with a 2-0 loss to Mexico before using a late goal to earn a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic. It entered its final group-stage needing to defeat South Korea in order to advance. Bafana Bafana had failed to advance from the group stage in 1998, 2002 and as host in 2010.South Africa head coach Hugo Broos described the faith he had in his team despite the difficult start to the tournament.“The mentality in this group is amazing,” Broos said. “Everybody is working for everybody. We are not afraid of other teams.”Sphephelo Sithole, who received a red card in the opening game against Mexico, also earned a start and helped South Africa keep a clean sheet.“In the first two, three days, it wasn’t easy,” Sithole said. “I needed to pick myself up. I’m very proud of myself because I did.”Maseko, who plays for South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, missed two big chances early in the match before scoring the winner. The 22-year-old received the ball from a cross on the right side of the box — cut inside — and struck the ball low with his left foot through a defender’s legs and into the bottom corner.South Africa’s bench players ran across the sideline to celebrate with Maseko for his first World Cup goal. When the final whistle was blown, the bench stormed the field and the players embraced each other. “(The final whistle) for me was a rush of emotions not only because we won the game, but also because it will probably be one of the last games of my career,” the 74-year-old Broos said. “When you can end a career in this way, I think every coach dreams of it.”South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo raised some eyebrows when he decided not to start Son Heung-min, and instead bring him in as a substitute. He said that he preferred to bring Son onto the field when the South African defenders were lower on energy.“If I knew the result beforehand, I probably would have made some different choices.” Hong said. “On the world stage like this, the responsibility is ultimately down to the head coach.”South Korea opened this World Cup with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Czech Republic and lost to Mexico 1-0 in its second game. The Taegeuk Warriors could still advance in the tournament, pending the results of other games this week.South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the knockout round in 2002, when it finished fourth overall. The Taegeuk Warriors also advanced out of the group stage in 2010 and 2022, both times reaching the round of 16.___Maya Koluder-Ramirez is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute. ___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/south-africa-reaches-world-cup-knockout-round-for-1st-time-with-1-0-win-over-south-korea/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Maya Koluder-Ramirez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:00:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5N2HEXRHTNBTPKYK34WW7QE4ZY.jpg","slug":"south-africa-reaches-world-cup-knockout-round-for-1st-time-with-1-0-win-over-south-korea"},{"id":"8bt3c2","title":"Houston FIFA Fan Fest at capacity for June 24","excerpt":"Houston FIFA Fan Fest has announced they are officially at capacity for June 24.","content":"Houston FIFA Fan Fest has announced they are officially at capacity for June 24.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-fifa-fan-fest-capacity-june-24","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:48:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fjune-24-capacity-alert.jpg","slug":"houston-fifa-fan-fest-at-capacity-for-june-24"},{"id":"akxald","title":"More than 300 drones have been seized since start of World Cup, officials say","excerpt":"Federal authorities have seized more than 300 drones flying near World Cup stadiums across the U.S. since the tournament began June 11.","content":"Federal authorities have seized more than 300 drones flying near World Cup stadiums across the U.S. since the tournament began June 11.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/more-300-drones-flying-world-cup-stadiums-us-seized-start-tournament-officials-say/19371883/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KABC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:47:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19371993_062326-kabc-11pm-fbi-world-cup-drones-vid.jpg","slug":"more-than-300-drones-have-been-seized-since-start-of-world-cup-officials-say"},{"id":"3ivuop","title":"Woman fired from job after Knicks trash can theft","excerpt":"A woman who was caught on camera stealing a Knicks parade garbage can was apparently fired from her job shortly after a video surfaced and went viral.","content":"A woman who was caught on camera stealing a Knicks parade garbage can was apparently fired from her job shortly after a video surfaced and went viral.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/woman-fired-job-knicks-trash-can-theft/19374065/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:17:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19373081_062426-wabc-knicks-trash-can-stolen-vid-vid.jpg","slug":"woman-fired-from-job-after-knicks-trash-can-theft"},{"id":"9dvaev","title":"Soto's status is unclear as Lindor gets ready to rejoin Mets, and Senga shifts to bullpen","excerpt":"Francisco Lindor rejoined the New York Mets Wednesday night — just as Juan Soto deals with a back injury that may sideline him beyond a discouraging doubleheader sweep for the Mets, who fell to the Chicago Cubs 10-3 and 10-5.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday morning he couldn’t rule out ...","content":"Francisco Lindor rejoined the New York Mets Wednesday night — just as Juan Soto deals with a back injury that may sideline him beyond a discouraging doubleheader sweep for the Mets, who fell to the Chicago Cubs 10-3 and 10-5.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday morning he couldn’t rule out a trip to the injured list for Soto, who exited a 9-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs after the fourth inning Tuesday night because of a tight back and did not play WednesdayMendoza said Soto, who was shown on SNY wearing a wrap around his back in the dugout Tuesday, was “getting checked out” before Wednesday’s doubleheader, though he said following the opener that Soto hadn't undergone imaging yet.Mendoza said Wednesday morning he hoped Soto could be available at some point in the day but acknowledged a level of concern for the superstar outfielder, who is in the second season of a 15-year, $765 million deal.“We’ve got to wait,” Mendoza said. “Obviously not ideal when a player like him comes out of a game. Those guys are tough and they know how important they are, and they take pride on being in the lineup everyday and posting.“I just didn’t like how he looked yesterday. We’ve got to wait.”Soto’s injury may delay his reunion with Lindor, who was activated prior to Wednesday’s nightcap, when he went 0 for 5 with an error. The 32-year-old shortstop has been sidelined since suffering a strained left calf while running the bases against the Minnesota Twins on April 22 — the same day Soto returned from an 18-day stint on shelf due to a strained right calf.Lindor played in his third rehab game Tuesday, when he was 2 for 5 while scoring twice for Triple-A Syracuse. He made the four-hour trip back to New York following the game, which factored into the Mets’ decision to hold off on activating him.“My job is to play shortstop as best as I can and to be the best version of myself to help the guys and just feed off each other,” Lindor said. Mendoza said the Mets will proceed cautiously with Lindor following the longest injured stint of his 12-year career. Lindor, who missed just 15 games the previous four years, will likely sit out Thursday’s game and will also see more time than usual at designated hitter.Lindor and Soto have played just nine games together this season for the last-place Mets, who haven’t recovered from the 12-game losing streak they endured during Soto’s absence. New York, which hasn’t finished in last place since 2003, is nine games behind in the race for the final National League playoff spot.“I’m just worried about Soto,” Mendoza said. “I’m not thinking about Lindor back, Soto out. It is what it is, right? Hopefully we can get those two in the lineup for a long time here for the rest of the season and we can make a run at it.”Mendoza also announced beleaguered starter Kodai Senga has been shifted to the bullpen. Senga gave up seven runs over 3 2/3 innings Tuesday as his ERA rose to 10.08. He hasn’t earned a win since June 12, 2025, when he suffered a hamstring injury covering first base against the Washington Nationals.Senga, a noted creature of habit, has made just one relief appearance for the Mets. He threw the final 1 2/3 innings of Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.“We’re going to adjust his routine, he’s going to have to adjust his routine,” Mendoza said.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/sotos-status-is-unclear-as-lindor-gets-ready-to-rejoin-mets-and-senga-shifts-to-bullpen/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jerry Beach, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:31:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FX7EFE3ACRRD7POROXP2E65NSCU.jpg","slug":"sotos-status-is-unclear-as-lindor-gets-ready-to-rejoin-mets-and-senga-shifts-to-bullpen"},{"id":"dga1qf","title":"KP George’s misdemeanor case is dismissed after sentencing for his money laundering conviction","excerpt":"The suspended Fort Bend County judge, who faces jail time and probation for his felony conviction, also had been accused of faking racist attacks against his own campaign.","content":"The suspended Fort Bend County judge, who faces jail time and probation for his felony conviction, also had been accused of faking racist attacks against his own campaign.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/fort-bend/2026/06/22/555019/kp-george-misdemeanor-charge-dismissed-fort-bend-county-da/?utm_source=rss-fort-bend-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-22T17:28:22.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F03%2F12131128%2FKP-George-trial-March-450x257.jpg","slug":"kp-georges-misdemeanor-case-is-dismissed-after-sentencing-for-his-money-laundering-conviction"},{"id":"wyw8q1","title":"Emanuel Sharp becomes 3rd UH Cougar taken in NBA Draft, 45th to Kings in 2nd Round","excerpt":"University of Houston guard Emanuel Sharp became the latest Cougar to enter the professional ranks when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the #45 overall pick in the Second Round of the 2026 NBA Draft includes Barclays Center on Tuesday night.Sharp watched the Draft with his family, fr...","content":"University of Houston guard Emanuel Sharp became the latest Cougar to enter the professional ranks when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the #45 overall pick in the Second Round of the 2026 NBA Draft includes Barclays Center on Tuesday night.Sharp watched the Draft with his family, friends and Head Coach Kelvin Sampson and Assistant Coach K.C. Beard at a party in Orlando.With Sharp’s selection, the 2025-26 Cougars set a school single-season record with their third student-athlete selected in the NBA Draft. Houston previously had two Men’s Basketball student-athletes taken in the 2023, 1987, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1978, 1975, 1973, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1961 and 1956 Drafts. Point guard Kingston Flemings was taken with the #8 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks while forward Chris Cenac Jr. was selected with the #27 pick by the Boston Celtics in Tuesday’s First Round.All three Cougars led Houston to a 30-7 overall record for the program’s fifth straight 30-win season (tying the NCAA Division I record) and the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the seventh consecutive season, the nation’s longest active streak.With three NBA Draft picks, Houston tied with six other schools for the highest total in the 2026 Draft. The Cougars were joined by Arizona, Arkansas, Duke, Michigan, St. John’s and Tennessee.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/emanuel-sharp-becomes-3rd-uh-cougar-taken-in-nba-draft-45th-to-kings-in-2nd-round/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:15:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUZCJ6IVEXJENBCKPBDESEBRTXI.jpg","slug":"emanuel-sharp-becomes-3rd-uh-cougar-taken-in-nba-draft-45th-to-kings-in-2nd-round"},{"id":"ol2voy","title":"Cypress-Fairbanks ISD approves $1.2 billion budget amid $80.9 million projected deficit","excerpt":"The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees adopted a $1.25 billion budget and staff compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year in a 6-1 vote during its regularly scheduled board meeting June 22. Trustee Christine Kalmbach cast the lone dissenting vote.The general fund budget includes $508 mil...","content":"The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees adopted a $1.25 billion budget and staff compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year in a 6-1 vote during its regularly scheduled board meeting June 22. Trustee Christine Kalmbach cast the lone dissenting vote.The general fund budget includes $508 million in local revenue, $651million in state revenue and $6.7 million in federal revenue and other sources, bringing CFISD’s total revenue to $1.1. billion. Of the total $1.25 billion budget, 65% — roughly — is directed toward instruction.Projected $80.9 million deficitThe district’s budget agenda presented a projected deficit of $80.9 million for the 2026-27 school year. CFISD officials point to several factors driving the shortfall.CFISD documents state state funding increases have not kept pace with inflation, and the district faces state mandates without sufficient accompanying funding. The district added that a 20% local optional homestead exemption has further reduced local revenue. The district has also seen decreases in enrollment and average daily attendance, as well as a decline in revenue from the School Health and Related Services, or SHARS, program — a federal Medicaid reimbursement program that allows schools to recover costs for providing health services to Medicaid-eligible students with disabilities.In a CFISD press release, Dr. Douglas Killian, superintendent of schools, said “While public education benefited from a historic $8.5 billion state investment, rising costs for basic operations like utilities and fuel have outpaced those gains, resulting in a projected $80.9 million deficit for CFISD.”12 cent tax hike?, Staff stipendsRegardless of any future tax election outcome, all full-time employees are guaranteed a one-time $500 recruitment and retention stipend. Teachers will also receive step pay increases based on years of experience, and all employees will see increased district contributions toward health insurance.The budget also includes two additional one-time stipends contingent on the board calling for a 12-cent tax rate increase election — known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE — and its passage by voters in November 2026.This means a $126 increase annually in school district property taxes for a home $350,000 valued home. If approved, full-time hourly and paraprofessional employees would receive a $2,000 stipend, while all other full-time employees would receive a $1,000 stipend. Both would be paid by Feb. 28, 2027.The board of trustees will meet in August to consider a voter tax election.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/cypress-fairbanks-isd-approves-dollar12-billion-budget-amid-dollar809-million-projected-deficit/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sandy Torres","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:19:48.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVLKYW2K52NGHNPDM3OAIRPDKNA.jpg","slug":"cypress-fairbanks-isd-approves-12-billion-budget-amid-809-million-projected-deficit"},{"id":"vbgj1t","title":"Mamdani's success in New York tests Democratic Party's willingness to change","excerpt":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stepped into the national spotlight this week as an ascendant political force within the Democratic Party. Democratic leaders aren't so sure that's a good thing.As progressives cheered across the nation, some of the most powerful Democrats in the country, includ...","content":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stepped into the national spotlight this week as an ascendant political force within the Democratic Party. Democratic leaders aren't so sure that's a good thing.As progressives cheered across the nation, some of the most powerful Democrats in the country, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, downplayed the impact of Mamdani's victories on Tuesday, when the 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor's slate of congressional candidates defeated three establishment favorites — including two incumbents — in primary contests. He had even more victories in state legislative races, where he successfully backed five other candidates. It was a stunning sweep for Mamdani, just six months into his first term, that will expand his influence in Washington and Albany. The mayor said Wednesday that he hopes to export his policies and politics to other states, while demanding major changes across the Democratic Party.“Working people are struggling across the country,\" Mamdani said. He added that he hopes to help “write a new chapter in our party’s history, where working people are back at the heart of that struggle. And I I believe that will be key in not just the midterms coming up in November, but also in the years to come.\" The mixed reaction from Democratic leaders as they grappled with the fallout from Mamdani's success exposed the depth of the divide between the party’s progressive and establishment wings, who are at odds over how Democrats should govern — and how to win elections — over the final two years of the Donald Trump presidency. Indeed, Democrats hope to avoid an all-out intraparty civil war ahead of the November midterms, especially with Republicans fighting amongst themselves over Trump's war in Iran, how to address the affordability crunch and the president's costly efforts to build a massive White House ballroom.Democrats aren't sure which direction to takeThe Mamdani resistance from senior Democrats was not subtle. “The effort to nationalize New York is going to fail,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. “What’s happening in New York will be really irrelevant by the time of the elections in November.”Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas, a vice chair of the New Democrat Coalition, was similarly dismissive, saying progressives were playing checkers while moderates were playing chess. “No one in DSA is trying to win in a red-to-blue seat, or in a tough general election matchup,” Veasey said, referring to democratic socialist candidates.Democrats' left flank said the party's latest nominees should be welcomed with open arms. “What I would like to see, and what I think would be actually productive and beneficial, is a congratulations to these people, a commitment to welcome them in, to understanding the perspectives that they bring,” said Rep. Summer Lee, a 38-year-old progressive from Pennsylvania.Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who campaigned alongside Mamdani and his allies last week, said New York's results sent a clear message. “The American people, in New York and increasingly all over the country, are sick and tired of status quo establishment politics,” he said. “I think you’re gonna continue to see it.”Trump saw an opportunity to stir the pot from the Oval Office, telling reporters that the Democrats were “going radical left” and Mamdani's choices are “really communist.” He marveled at the defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman, a former top lawyer during Democrats' first impeachment of Trump. Goldman was defeated by Brad Lander, an ally of Mamdani.“When they go more liberal than Dan Goldman, they’re really into Never Neverland,” he said. ‘Voters are just pissed off’Mamdani backed three anti-establishment congressional challengers in a political gamble that his own team acknowledged was risky. He won them all. Goldman, a two-term incumbent, was swiftly defeated by Lander, a former city comptroller. U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was toppled by Mamdani’s most polarizing pick, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who once helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Antonio Reynoso, the handpicked successor of U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, lost to another democratic socialist, Assembly Member Claire Valdez.The entire Mamdani slate promised to “abolish ICE,” condemned Israel's “genocide” in Gaza and vowed to “tax the rich.\"“Voters are just pissed off,\" Lander said in an interview. \"They want people who show who they’re fighting for, and really get out and fight for things that matter in the lives of working people.”Cheering the extent of Mamdani's success, progressive leaders called on the Democratic Party's leadership in Washington — and its next crop of presidential candidates — to adopt meaningful changes in the weeks and months ahead.Indeed, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a potential presidential candidate, said it would be “silly” for his party not to draw meaningful conclusions from New York's results. “The voters are clearly telling us they want us to be bolder — bolder in the policies we’re proposing and bolder in the tactics we use to fight authoritarians,\" he said. And yet the Mamdani critics within the party were not hard to find.Jeffries, who is in line to become the next House speaker if Democrats win the House majority this fall, reiterated his opposition to Mamdani’s slate in repeated interviews and media appearances.“He’s got work to do in terms of the conversations that he’s going to have with members of Congress moving forward,” Jeffries, the No. 1 House Democrat jabbed, even as he said they have a good working relationship.Republicans are paying attentionGiddy House Republican operatives vowed to weaponize Mamdani and his slate to undercut the Democratic brand in competitive midterm elections across the country, while other Republican officials warned their party to pay attention to this pivotal moment in the nation's politics. “Republicans need to wake up. What we saw last night in New York can only be called one thing: a socialist uprising sweeping the Democrat Party,” said Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio. “If Republicans don’t act now, we will lose this country as we know it.”Meanwhile, Trump seemed to worry more about Mamdani’s growing national profile than his democratic socialist policies. “Mayor Mamdani pulled through 3 solid Communists, and has received loud and universal applause from the Fake News Media. Congratulations Mr. Mayor!” the Republican president wrote on social media. “I went 16-0 last night, helping to elect wonderful American Patriots, and the Media doesn’t say a word.” Meanwhile, Mamdani dismissed broader concerns that his success would undermine the Democratic Party's fight to win control of Congress this fall. “We’ve heard from Republicans time and again that they’re going to try and make these candidates the face of the Democratic Party. To them, I say that we are ready for that,\" he said. “For far too long we have been told that it is not possible to fight for working people and win. These candidates have shown that they can.”And yet some Democrats were clear-eyed about the work that lies ahead to bring the party together as new divisions flared in the wake of Mamdani's success. “We have to respect the voters. They made their decision,” said Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont. “The challenge that we have,” he continued, “is to build the different points of view together, all in service of helping people who are struggling to pay their bills to get more economic security. The challenge of unity is enormous. But that’s our challenge.”___Brown reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Steven Sloan contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/25/mamdanis-success-in-new-york-tests-democratic-partys-willingness-to-change/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steve Peoples, Anthony Izaguirre And Matt Brown, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:11:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSFOH2NQ4G5DCTD677GJY7HTMRU.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"mamdanis-success-in-new-york-tests-democratic-partys-willingness-to-change"},{"id":"r7zei","title":"Senate Republicans hold new vote on war powers after Trump berated them at Capitol meeting","excerpt":"Senate Republicans who were berated by President Donald Trump on Wednesday over opposition to his war in Iran held a late-night vote to try to appease him, voting down a war powers resolution a day after a similar measure passed. Trump harangued GOP senators face to face earlier in the day for al...","content":"Senate Republicans who were berated by President Donald Trump on Wednesday over opposition to his war in Iran held a late-night vote to try to appease him, voting down a war powers resolution a day after a similar measure passed. Trump harangued GOP senators face to face earlier in the day for allowing a vote to block his war in Iran on Tuesday, further escalating a feud that has diverted GOP efforts to focus on election-year affordability issues and brought much of the chamber’s business to a halt. He exchanged particularly harsh words with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of four Republicans who had voted with Democrats on the measure. Hours later, though, Cassidy received a personal briefing on the war at the White House from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff and returned to the Capitol to vote against a separate war powers resolution. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican who has repeatedly voted with Democrats to halt the war, voted present this time “to give the President more space and leverage to negotiate a lasting peace,” he said on X. The measure failed 47-50-1. “I want to thank Vice President Vance and Special Envoy Witkoff for the thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran. I appreciate the quick invitation to the White House to address many of my concerns,” said Cassidy, who lost reelection last month after Trump endorsed his opponent, in a post on X. It's unclear whether the move will be enough to appease Trump, who had called the Republicans “losers\" for voting against his war and had called Cassidy a “lunatic” at the lunch after their tense exchange. But the vote was a clear signal to the president from Republican senators who still want to placate him, despite increasing tensions in recent weeks and his decision Wednesday morning to reverse himself and delay signing a housing bill that received overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and a small group of his Senate GOP colleagues called Trump after the vote. Thune said the president was “pleased with the outcome.\" Trump later thanked Thune in a social media post and noted that Cassidy and Paul had switched their votes. “This vote puts Iran on notice!” he wrote. Cassidy had sharp words for Trump Invited by Florida Sen. Rick Scott to speak at a GOP luncheon in the Capitol, Trump had signaled ahead of time that he would use the closed-door meeting to push senators to pass his proof-of-citizenship voting bill. But the conversation was more focused on Tuesday’s vote on war powers, a mostly symbolic measure that allows Congress to rebuke the administration’s military actions. The House had passed its own version of the resolution earlier this month. Most Republicans stayed quiet. But Cassidy, who lost reelection in his primary last month after Trump endorsed an opponent, stood up and defended his vote. “I stood and said, ‘You have not told the American people what’s going on,’” Cassidy told reporters after the meeting. “This was supposed to last four weeks, it’s lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved.” The two men “went back and forth,” Cassidy said, and he “matched his tone and volume.\" Cassidy said that he eventually de-escalated, but he did not want to be bullied. “I am voting for war powers until I get a briefing,” he said afterward. Trump repeatedly told Cassidy to sit down, according to a person familiar with the private meeting who was not authorized to discuss it. At one point, the president called the senator a “lunatic.\" Publicly, Trump said afterward that they had “a really great meeting.\" But he hinted at the discord. “We like everyone in the room,\" Trump told reporters on his way out. \"I don’t like a few people, but that’s OK.”The luncheon capped weeks of friction between Trump and Senate Republicans and added a new layer of frustration as Tuesday's vote was the first time the Senate had adopted a war powers resolution on the Iran war. Trump made clear he was in no mood to compromise before it even started, calling off a scheduled signing ceremony on a housing bill that passed both chambers overwhelmingly this week and that GOP lawmakers were touting as an election-year achievement. Trump reverses on housing bill Republican senators were eager for a conciliatory meeting with the president after escalating tensions in recent weeks. But Trump upended their plans when he declared on social media just beforehand that he wouldn't sign the legislation until they send him the SAVE America Act, his bill to require proof of citizenship for all voters. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said he doesn't know why Trump is holding the housing bill “hostage” for the voting bill that “will never pass in this Congress.” “It makes no sense to me,” Tillis said as he walked into the luncheon. Thune said the housing legislation, which aims to lower costs, is “an affordability issue,” and that ”eventually I hope he finds a way to sign it.”It's unclear if Trump might veto the legislation or if the late Wednesday night vote will change his outlook. But by rejecting a public bill signing, Republicans worry that Trump is indicating a level of indifference to voters’ affordability concerns heading into November’s midterm elections.Trump and Senate Republicans have been at odds Trump's move on the housing bill is his latest reversal after weeks of being at odds with Senate Republicans. Trump has blocked the Senate from confirming one of his own nominees, asked them to fund parts of his White House ballroom project despite opposition and forced them to defend the Iran war even as they question the strategy and endgame. Trump has also helped whittle down his own support in the Senate after endorsing primary challengers to two GOP incumbents who were previously reliable votes for his agenda — Cassidy and Texas Sen. John Cornyn. Both men have become more critical of Trump since losing reelection. “If we’re going to win the midterm elections, we need to get on the same page,” Cornyn said ahead of the meeting. “We’re not on the same page now, and that I think is dangerous.” Trump pushes Thune on SAVE America Act Trump has pressed Republicans for months to kill the Senate filibuster and focus on the proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even though Thune has repeatedly told him that neither has the votes. While Thune remains popular in his conference and cordial with the president, he has spent much of his time lately telling Trump what he doesn’t want to hear. Thune said Tuesday that while Trump and some in their conference want to see the voting bill pass, “it’s just not realistic.” Thune devoted weeks of floor time to the voting bill earlier this year and has said he supports it. But he has repeatedly said there aren’t enough votes to scrap the filibuster that triggers a 60-vote threshold to pass most bills in the 53-47 Senate. And Democrats are uniformly opposed to the bill. “I think people at some point have to come to grips with that,” Thune said. ___Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/trump-heads-to-capitol-to-speak-with-gop-senators-who-have-grown-increasingly-frustrated-with-him/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking And Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:03:31.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTZ2EFVZFDBFIHKLSKRADW5WPD4.jpg","slug":"senate-republicans-hold-new-vote-on-war-powers-after-trump-berated-them-at-capitol-meeting"},{"id":"fywx84","title":"‘Concrete Botany’ aims to open our eyes to the plants that grow in the margins","excerpt":"Joey Santore, known for the \"Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't\" YouTube channel, says his appreciation for nature solidified when he noticed plants growing in sidewalk cracks.","content":"Joey Santore, known for the \"Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't\" YouTube channel, says his appreciation for nature solidified when he noticed plants growing in sidewalk cracks.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/arts-culture-news/2026/06/22/555149/crime-pays-but-botany-doesnt-book-santore-concrete/?utm_source=rss-arts-culture-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Sarah Asch | Texas Standard","publishDate":"2026-06-22T13:48:38.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22084530%2Fconcretebotanybook-450x300.webp","slug":"concrete-botany-aims-to-open-our-eyes-to-the-plants-that-grow-in-the-margins"},{"id":"ckyixb","title":"Americans are inundated with suspected scams. New polling shows why few victims report them","excerpt":"Most Americans are inundated with scam attempts on a daily basis — and about 3 in 10 have personally lost money or personal information to scams, according to a new AP-NORC survey.The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in February, highlights the obsta...","content":"Most Americans are inundated with scam attempts on a daily basis — and about 3 in 10 have personally lost money or personal information to scams, according to a new AP-NORC survey.The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in February, highlights the obstacle course that U.S. adults navigate daily as they screen calls, ignore messages or try to puzzle out if that urgent request from their cellphone provider is legitimate. A separate survey conducted by Gallup and the Stop Scams Alliance that was provided exclusively to the AP found that last year alone, about 1 in 10 U.S. adults said they or someone else from their household was deceived by a scammer into losing money or providing access to a financial account, with nearly half saying they lost more than $500. That leaves many Americans feeling like they’re constantly at risk of falling for a scam, often without a sense of recourse. In both surveys, few victims said they reported the scam to the federal government or local law enforcement. Many victims didn't report the scam, Gallup found, because they didn't think it would make a difference in getting money back.“You've got to be pretty sophisticated these days,” said Adam Pratter, 42. He has run into problems on dating apps — and once ended up sending money to a person who claimed they were overseas because of a military deployment and needed money to buy food. He realized it was a scam when the requests didn't stop.Pratter thinks banks and social media companies have a responsibility to help people who have been scammed, but also believes the government needs to do more. “If federal regulation wanted to step in and make deals with these companies to get these people their money back, they could,” he said.For many Americans, scam attempts are constantAmericans are flooded with scam attempts, according to both surveys. More than half, 58%, of U.S. adults in the AP-NORC poll said they receive daily text messages, phone calls, emails, online messages or online advertisements that they suspect are scams, while the Gallup survey found last year that about 4 in 10 experienced attempted scams on a daily basis.Porschel Smith, 22, gets multiple scam calls every day, and receives even more scam emails. Some of the scams are easy for her to identify. “They mention different types of programs that I know are nonexistent,” she said. But sometimes she ends up engaging with the scammer before realizing that something is wrong. “Some of them hack your account and pretend as if they're someone that you know,” she said. “But then I get to asking questions and realize they're scams.”Older people are more likely to say they receive scam attempts daily, according to the AP-NORC poll. About 7 in 10 U.S. adults ages 60 and older say they are contacted by a suspected scammer at least once a day, compared to about 4 in 10 Americans under 30.Among those who have received suspected scam attempts, the AP-NORC poll found that outreach involving package shipments or banking were among the most common methods. About 4 in 10 people who were contacted by scammers say at least one of the attempts they received over the past few years were through Facebook or Facebook Messenger, while about 2 in 10 said they were on WhatsApp, and a similar share said they were on Instagram. Around 30% of US adults say they've been scammed personallyThe impact of scams is far-reaching. About half, 51%, of U.S. adults know someone personally — such as a friend or family member — who has ever lost money as the result of a scam, the AP-NORC poll found, while about 3 in 10 U.S. adults say they have personally been scammed into giving away money or personal information.The Gallup survey found that about 1 in 10 U.S. adults said they or a member of their household was scammed out of money in 2025, with 6% saying they had been personally scammed.About half of people whose household experienced scams last year reported losing between $125 and $2,000, according to Gallup. About 1 in 10 U.S. adults have been scammed multiple times, Gallup found.“It's not easy. They know what they're doing,\" said Towonna Harris, 50. Her son was once contacted by scammers who promised to give him money for tuition if he authorized a nominal credit card charge, which quickly spiraled into a much bigger set of charges. She's experienced other kinds of scams on a smaller scale, too. “I ordered some stuff. I never got it,” she said. “I thought it was a legitimate company. And then I saw all these reviews saying it was a scam.”Few scam victims report to law enforcementVirtually all U.S. adults believe that scams pose a “major” or “minor” threat to individuals in the U.S., but few think the government is doing enough to solve the problem. About 8 in 10 Americans say the government is “definitely” or “probably” doing too little to prevent scams, according to the Gallup survey, including large majorities of Republicans and Democrats.When people are scammed, both surveys found that victims are much likelier to reach out to financial institutions than the federal government or local law enforcement. About half, 55%, of people who were scammed last year reported to a bank, credit union or other financial institution, the Gallup poll found, but only 18% contacted state or local law enforcement, while 13% reported to either federal law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.Many victims don't make a report because they don't think it will help, or don't know where to go, Gallup found. Among people who were scammed in 2025, 75% said they didn't report because they thought it wouldn't make a difference in getting their money back, while 58% were uncertain where to report.More broadly, Americans express very low confidence that they'd know how to report a scam to the government if they needed to. According to the AP-NORC poll, most Americans, 55%, say they are “extremely” or “very” confident that if they were scammed, they’d know how to report it to banks or credit card companies, but only about one-quarter are similarly confident that they’d know how to report to federal or state law enforcement.Only about one-third of U.S. adults said they would know where to make a report if they lost $5,000 in a scam today, Gallup found.Max Anderson, 23, said that his parents are small business owners who were the victims of a costly and complex scam. “A scammer successfully imitated one of their employees and changed their direct deposit information. This went on for about 3 months. It went to $15,000,” he said.Eventually, Anderson's father got help from the FBI, he said. “I do like that the government stepped in with my parents, and I feel like that's the way it should be,” he said. “It's a big enough problem at this point that it falls to the government and companies to do something about it.”___Associated Press reporters Mary Rajkumar, Juliet Linderman and Erika Kinetz contributed to this report. Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism student Molly Wallace contributed to this report.___The AP-NORC poll of 1,133 adults was conducted Feb. 19-23 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.The Stop Scams Alliance-Gallup poll of 5,173 adults was conducted Jan. 8-Feb. 18 using a sample drawn from Gallup's probability-based Gallup Panel. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 1.4 percentage points.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/25/americans-are-inundated-with-suspected-scams-new-polling-shows-why-few-victims-report-them/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T04:02:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5WVHGX5VMJDQZNPJ2JWRV5YPIM.jpg","slug":"americans-are-inundated-with-suspected-scams-new-polling-shows-why-few-victims-report-them"},{"id":"thx49s","title":"‘I’m so scared’: Bodycam shows Conroe woman’s traffic stop escalate into arrest","excerpt":"What started as a traffic stop for a turn signal violation and dim license plate lights ended with a Conroe woman in handcuffs, pleading for help and repeatedly asking for a female officer.KPRC 2 exclusively obtained bodycam video showing the May 21 arrest of 40-year-old Elizabeth Kim off I-45 in...","content":"What started as a traffic stop for a turn signal violation and dim license plate lights ended with a Conroe woman in handcuffs, pleading for help and repeatedly asking for a female officer.KPRC 2 exclusively obtained bodycam video showing the May 21 arrest of 40-year-old Elizabeth Kim off I-45 in Shenandoah.“Please, it scares me so much. I’m so scared,” Kim can be heard saying in the back of a patrol vehicle.Kim said she had just gotten off work and was heading to the gym when a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy pulled her over around 9:30 p.m.The bodycam video shows the deputy getting out of his patrol vehicle and immediately yelling commands from a distance.Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no longer has authority as interim county judge“Hey driver, can you step back here?” the deputy is heard saying in the video. “Come here! Come talk to me!”Kim said she was confused because the deputy did not first walk up to her window.“I’m just sitting there waiting,” Kim said. “Normally, they just come to your window and you roll it down.”About four minutes into the encounter, the deputy eventually approached the passenger side window and identified himself. He told Kim she was stopped for failing to use her turn signal and because her license plate light was too dim.Kim eventually stepped out of the vehicle but called her mother as the encounter continued. Moments later, the deputy put her in handcuffs.Kim was charged with interfering with public duties and resisting arrest.In the video, Kim repeatedly tells deputies she is scared and asks for a female officer.Kim said she is a rape survivor and does not handle situations with men well.“I want a female officer,” Kim is heard saying in the bodycam footage. “You’re scaring me.”Houston man linked to Gilley murder scene property dispute previously claimed to own $1.7M Memorial homeKim told KPRC 2 she was in panic mode.“I didn’t think I would ever be in the situation, let alone a police officer,” Kim told KPRC 2.The deputy later called the district attorney’s office to discuss charges. During that call, the deputy explains Kim was on the phone with her mother. A person on the other end of the call appears to question whether that alone was enough for an arrest.“Her on the phone, that’s not enough,” the D.A. could be heard saying on the call.KPRC 2 showed the video to Dr. Greg Fremin, a retired Houston Police Department captain with 34 years of law enforcement experience.“That is highly unusual to see a minor traffic violation occur where the officer is screaming, almost yelling commands for the driver to come out and meet him halfway back,” Fremin said.Fremin said he believes the stop escalated unnecessarily.“It totally got escalated to the point on his behalf where it did not have to result in this young woman being taken into custody,” Fremin said.Fremin said, in his opinion, there was not enough probable cause for the arrest.“Looking at this video, this is the exception and not the rule for these officers actions,” said Fremin.Kim showed KPRC 2 bruises on her inner thighs that she says were left from the encounter.“I’m pretty messed up right now,” Kim said. “They think this is okay, and this is normal. It’s not okay.”KPRC 2 reached out to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office about the deputy’s actions. A spokesperson said they would inquire with the proper command staff and get back to us.KPRC 2 is not naming the deputy at this time as we work to confirm whether he is under internal investigation.We asked for the deputy’s personnel records, but the sheriff’s office sent our request to the attorney general’s office for its opinion.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/25/im-so-scared-bodycam-shows-conroe-womans-traffic-stop-escalate-into-arrest/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaewon Jung","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:29:44.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fa981c800-eced-4618-b482-e1c9e9b475c4%2Fimage.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"im-so-scared-bodycam-shows-conroe-womans-traffic-stop-escalate-into-arrest"},{"id":"n0fuzj","title":"Back-to-back powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing widespread damage","excerpt":"Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, abou...","content":"Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from Caracas.In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damages in several states, but she did not give any figures on the number of homes and buildings affected, or on injuries or fatalities.The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes were being canceled for several days.“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We urge unity.”Rodríguez also asked all health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist anyone who was injured. The Ministry of Education late Wednesday said some schools would be used as shelters and donation centers.In the coastal state of Falcon, Gov. Víctor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalized and more than four hours after the earthquake there were still 15 people trapped.The U.S. Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2. Its epicenter was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometers (13.6 miles).The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and its epicenter was 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón.The quakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6 p.m. People evacuated swaying buildings in the capital Caracas, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighborhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy. ‘We all had to leave our houses'People remained on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground hugging their pets as dust gathered around them. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles and debris blocked streets. Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal.“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said.Rodríguez, who declared a state of emergency, said subway and natural gas services in Caracas were canceled. She also urged Venezuelans to report any damages through a government app.The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis.Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, took to X to send prayers and wish strength to Venezuelans.“May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time,” she said on X.Impact felt throughout VenezuelaInterior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states. The Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured in the earthquake and asking motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”He also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures. “The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” Caracas resident Roberto Gamas said. “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”Expressions of support posted on social mediaReaction poured in swiftly on social media, with offers of help from various governments including the United States, Chile and El Salvador.“The US stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening's devastating earthquakes,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X. “We're in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance.”El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, once diametrically opposed to Venezuela’s government, said he had offered aid Wednesday night on a post on X.“We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela,” Bukele wrote.Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and said he had ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to help respond to the emergency. “Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment this moment demands because, despite our enormous differences, humanity must always guide the actions of a leader,” Noboa wrote.Earthquake impacts the regionBuildings in Manaus, Belem and Macapá in Brazil's Amazon were evacuated, according to reports on TV Globo. The quakes also were felt in Colombia’s Caribbean and northeast regions, but there were no reports of damages or injuries. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued several tsumani alerts in the wake of the earthquakes that were quickly lifted.Strong earthquakes are unusual in Venezuela.While Venezuela sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the South American and Caribbean plates make earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America. Along the Pacific coast — in Mexico and Chile, for example — earthquakes are frequent. Those two countries sit along the seismically active tectonic belt known as the Ring of Fire, which is responsible for 90% of earthquakes, according to the USGS.___Garcia Cano reported from Bogota, Colombia. Associated Press writers Clara Preve in Buenos Aires, Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia, Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo and Anna-Catherine Brigida and Megan Janetsky in Mexico City contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/back-to-back-powerful-earthquakes-slam-venezuela-collapsing-buildings-in-the-capital-of-caracas/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:38:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPKOHUUQQEZGPROLHGGQVEGHO4I.jpg","slug":"back-to-back-powerful-earthquakes-hit-venezuela-causing-widespread-damage"},{"id":"vha4o5","title":"Trump's showdown with Republican Sen. Cassidy: Inside the blow-up on Capitol Hill","excerpt":"“Would you really like to know?” Sen. Bill Cassidy asked President Donald Trump.Just hours after refusing to sign a bipartisan housing bill that Republicans hoped would boost their election-year prospects, the president was attending a private lunch Wednesday with the Senate GOP. Trump wondered a...","content":"“Would you really like to know?” Sen. Bill Cassidy asked President Donald Trump.Just hours after refusing to sign a bipartisan housing bill that Republicans hoped would boost their election-year prospects, the president was attending a private lunch Wednesday with the Senate GOP. Trump wondered aloud how anyone could have voted for a war powers resolution a day earlier that seeks to block further U.S. military action against Iran.Cassidy, one of the four Republicans who backed the measure, was ready with an answer.“I stood and said, ‘You have not told the American people what's going on,'” Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, recounted to reporters afterward. “This is supposed to last four weeks. It's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved.”Things deteriorated from there.When Cassidy told Trump he would continue voting for war powers resolutions until there's a congressional briefing on developments in Iran, the senator recalled that Trump “did not particularly care for my comments” and “raised his voice.”Trump repeatedly told Cassidy to sit down, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting. At one point, the president called the senator a “lunatic,\" the person said.Cassidy acknowledged losing his temper, which he said was “not appropriate.”“But I again matched his tone and volume,\" Cassidy said, before recalling that he eventually sat down. “And so I sat down and tried to de-escalate. I guess my point is, though, that the American people need to know more than we're being told.”Within hours, Cassidy was invited to the White House to receive the briefing he had requested with Vice President JD Vance and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. Cassidy then stood down, returning to the Capitol and casting a late-night vote against a similar war powers resolution. This time, Republicans blocked the measure. “I want to thank Vice President Vance and Special Envoy Witkoff for the thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran,” Cassidy posted on X. “I appreciate the quick invitation to the White House to address many of my concerns.” A remarkable exchange between a GOP senator and TrumpStill, the back-and-forth was a remarkable exchange between a two-term Republican senator and a president from his own party. It's a departure from the posture many congressional Republicans have adopted during Trump's second term as they mostly avoid criticizing him in public while expressing frustration in private.And the comments reflected the growing unease among congressional Republicans about the durability of their thin majorities on Capitol Hill in this year's elections, particularly in the turmoil of the Iran war. And it reflected the long-festering enmity between Trump and Cassidy that came to a head this year.Trump effectively ended Cassidy's political career by backing a Republican rival in Louisiana's Republican primary. Cassidy last month became the first incumbent senator in 14 years to lose a primary, driven largely by his vote to convict Trump in the impeachment trial for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cassidy said Trump brought up his election defeat as they argued. He described the president's comments as part of “whatever comes to mind as to demean another person.”Before his losing the primary, Cassidy spent much of his time trying to make amends, largely supporting the president's policies and nominees. He has taken a tougher stance since losing his primary, freed from having to face Republican voters who remain loyal to Trump. “It does not appear, although I don’t know for sure, that the course of (the Iran war) is going the way that we were told,” Cassidy said. “And so I make no apologies for standing up to the president, if you will, trying to demand that more information be shared with the Senate, and more information be shared with the American people.”Republicans try to play down the episodeCassidy's colleagues didn't offer robust support, with Trump in the room, though Cassidy said they didn't have much of a chance. “The president just kind of talked and talked and talked and talked and talked,” Cassidy said. The White House didn’t respond to a request for comment on Cassidy’s characterization of the meeting and some Republicans tried to play down the clash.“Y'all act like no one ever yelled at each other,” Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, told reporters. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican and former college football coach, described the encounter as “halftime talk” in the aftermath of the senator's defeat.“Probably needed to be said, end of the day,” he said. “I think they got a lot of — both of them — got a lot off their chests.”Others noted dryly that the meeting had been advertised as a chance for Trump and the Republicans to get on the same page. “That was quite a unity message,” said Sen. John Cornyn, the Texas Republican who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger just weeks after Cassidy.Asked if he was being sarcastic, Cornyn stepped into an elevator and let the doors close. ___Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/trumps-showdown-with-republican-sen-cassidy-inside-the-blow-up-on-capitol-hill/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steven Sloan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:25:08.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXLFBMK7SCRHOLJZTSURBR6DJXE.jpg","slug":"trumps-showdown-with-republican-sen-cassidy-inside-the-blow-up-on-capitol-hill"},{"id":"vduqsz","title":"Trump holds tense meeting with Senate Republicans after calling off bill signing","excerpt":"President Donald Trump ratcheted up tensions with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, abruptly canceling plans to sign a bipartisan measure that could help spur more home construction.","content":"President Donald Trump ratcheted up tensions with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, abruptly canceling plans to sign a bipartisan measure that could help spur more home construction.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/president-donald-trump-heads-capitol-speak-gop-senators-have-grown-increasingly-frustrated/19369954/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:35:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19376424_062426-wls-hsu-trump-vs-gop-10p-vid.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"trump-holds-tense-meeting-with-senate-republicans-after-calling-off-bill-signing"},{"id":"j8ecgp","title":"Top developers are pivoting from chatbots to physical AI","excerpt":"Computer scientist Louis Castricato was in his eighth year studying large language models — the artificial intelligence technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude — when he started to feel like he was hitting a dead end.“We basically have passed the point of doing real fundamental LLM res...","content":"Computer scientist Louis Castricato was in his eighth year studying large language models — the artificial intelligence technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude — when he started to feel like he was hitting a dead end.“We basically have passed the point of doing real fundamental LLM research,\" Castricato said. “Now it’s just applications.”The researcher quit his doctoral studies at Brown University and started a new company, called Overworld. Its ambition is in its name: AI that can understand and navigate a world, not just words. There's still plenty of money to be made from AI chatbots — investors are counting on it as they commit trillions of dollars to leading developers like Anthropic and OpenAI. But a growing number of AI entrepreneurs are dedicating themselves to what they see as the next frontier: “world models” that teach AI systems, and sometimes robots, how to react in a physical environment.They include some of the field's most prominent scientists, such as “Godmother of AI” Fei-Fei Li, who describes the concept of a world model as “one of the most important and most overloaded terms in AI today.\"Scientists are applying AI in new dimensions with ‘world models’At the heart of world model research is the idea that AI can't be truly intelligent if it can only read a book. It also needs to read the room.“Where language models learn the statistical structure of text, world models learn the statistical structure of space and time: how light falls on a surface, how a garden looks from an angle no camera has captured, how objects respond to force and follow the laws of physics,” wrote Li, founder of the San Francisco startup World Labs, in an essay published this month.Another proponent is AI pioneer Yann LeCun, who quit his job as Meta's chief AI scientist last year to start Paris-based Advanced Machine Intelligence Labs.“World model is quickly becoming a buzzword,” LeCun said on a recent “Unsupervised Learning” podcast. He said he views it as something that enables an AI agent \"to predict the consequences of its own actions.\"There are multiple ways of defining world models, often based on the technologies someone hopes to build with it — be it robots or a more interactive video game.Robots can't learn much from AI models trained on books Training on all of humanity's books, news articles and visual media, as AI language models have done, has led to AI assistants that are changing the nature of office-based work and some creative fields. But some proponents see limitations in generative AI models that work by repeatedly predicting the next word or pixel to produce new dialogue, images or lines of code.Chatbots can't pick up a coffee mug, notes Martial Hebert, dean of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University.“There’s all the geometry of the world, the dynamic of how I move my hand, the physical interaction of the contact with the cup,” Hebert said. “This is much more complex than just predicting the next word in a sentence.”For scientists like Hebert, who has spent more than four decades researching robotics, the most useful application for world models is as a faster and cheaper path to “physical AI\" — another tech industry buzzword.“Some people may have different definitions, but physical and embodied AI are kind of the evolution of what we used to call robotics,” Hebert said in an interview. Some of the AI advances that have made chatbots so useful can also be applied to building AI with a broad enough awareness of its environment to work like a robot’s brain, he said.“In your body and spinal cord you have a very general model of how to balance, how to walk around, and you can adapt to your knee hurting in the morning, so you now walk a little differently,\" he said. \"You don’t need to think about that. You have a general model somewhere in your nervous system and brain that allows your body to adapt very quickly.”Simulated worlds are drawing interest from investorsSmarter robots aren't the only end game for world models. Castricato started Overworld last year and the tiny Rhode Island-based startup is now building video game worlds where a scene, say, of a spooky forest, can adapt as a virtual character moves through it and interacts with the objects in it. “There’s no other world model where you can just walk through doors or where you can interact with a detailed environment like this,” he said in an interview. “We optimize for interaction above anything else.”While the near-term applications aren't as readily apparent as AI coding tools, world model makers are attracting interest from venture capitalists like Steve Jang, co-founder and managing partner at Kindred Ventures. The firm is investing in Overworld and other world model-focused companies, including Causal Labs, which is building AI models for weather prediction, and Extropic, which is building specialized computer chips suited to world models. “I think that the future is many different types of models with many different philosophies and architectures,\" Jang said. \"I don’t think that it’ll be one large, dense model to rule them all.”In her recent essay, Li sought to create a “taxonomy of world models” to help sort out the confusion about the competing visions.“A video model that produces gorgeous but physically impossible flames, a language model improvising a playable game, and a physics engine that faithfully simulates combustion all go by the same name,” she wrote. She divided world models into three categories. The most commercially viable today are “renderers” that prioritize the visual fidelity of the virtual worlds they create but can't be trusted to teach robots much.Then, there are “simulators” that create virtual training grounds that faithfully represent the physical structure of a world; and “planners” that try to predict what an AI agent or robot should do in an unstructured world.“A robot that can plan is a robot that can work, and the entire industry is racing to be the one that gets there first,” she wrote.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/23/all-the-worlds-a-robot-staging-ground-for-tech-entrepreneurs-building-physical-ai/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt O'Brien, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:10:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDGLWF4HHTBGNBFZMYPFFF4EMPE.jpg","slug":"top-developers-are-pivoting-from-chatbots-to-physical-ai"},{"id":"nysj98","title":"New Mexico governor calls for criminal probe of DEA allowing fentanyl shipments to hit streets","excerpt":"New Mexico’s governor on Wednesday called for a criminal investigation into the Drug Enforcement Administration after an Associated Press investigation found federal agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets over a two-year period while pursuing larger drug-traff...","content":"New Mexico’s governor on Wednesday called for a criminal investigation into the Drug Enforcement Administration after an Associated Press investigation found federal agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets over a two-year period while pursuing larger drug-trafficking cases.Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked the state’s attorney general to examine whether the agency’s actions violated New Mexico law, an extraordinary challenge to a federal law enforcement agency at a time when fentanyl remains one of the country’s deadliest public health threats.The request follows an AP investigation that found DEA agents repeatedly allowed major fentanyl shipments to continue moving through New Mexico between 2023 and 2025 rather than seize them immediately, as agents sought to build cases against higher-ranking traffickers. The governor’s call for a criminal review turns a debate over drug enforcement tactics into a question of whether federal agents themselves crossed legal lines while pursuing larger trafficking organizations.Current and former DEA agents told AP the strategy amounted to a gamble with public safety in a state ravaged by the fentanyl epidemic and may have violated U.S. Justice Department rules intended to safeguard the public from a drug the White House last year designated as a “ weapon of mass destruction.”“There are no words to describe how reckless and dangerous these decisions were,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “Make no mistake: the DEA knew people would die if these pills made it into New Mexico communities, and the agency let it happen anyway.”The DEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the governor’s statement. The agency has contended it would not be plausible to seize every drug shipment and previously told AP in a statement “the investigative decisions at issue were lawful, reasonable under the circumstances and consistent with Department guidance.”“Public descriptions suggesting that DEA knowingly permitted fentanyl to reach communities are false and fundamentally mischaracterize the facts,” DEA spokesperson Amanda Wozniak wrote in an email.Alex Uballez, who served as U.S. attorney in New Mexico from May 2022 until February 2025, told AP that drugs went unseized at times due to his office’s limited resources and his belief that prosecuting larger organizations has a bigger impact than intercepting every suspected drug transaction. It is not clear whether any fatal overdoses in the state can be directly attributed to the DEA strategy. While overdose deaths nationwide fell 14% last year, government data show New Mexico tallied a 21% spike. “New Mexican lives are not the federal government’s cost of doing business,” the governor wrote in her statement. “I plan to hold the federal government accountable for this disaster and will explore every possible avenue of action against the federal government to right these wrongs.”The AP investigation cited three current and former agents and government records, including an internal report of a 2023 delivery of 74,000 pills the DEA surveilled — but did not seize — at a mobile home park in Albuquerque. DEA whistleblower David Howell, who filed a complaint drawing attention to the unseized fentanyl, spoke Wednesday with congressional staffers. Empower Oversight, a whistleblower advocacy group representing Howell, has asked the Senate Judiciary Committee and Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General to investigate the agent's allegations.Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Ohio Republican, called Howell's revelations “a scandal of the highest order” and said in a post on X he plans to find out how many American lives were lost due to the DEA's inaction. Meanwhile, victims groups also spoke out about DEA's inaction, saying its approach in New Mexico contradicts the agency's prominent “One Pill Can Kill” campaign that warns as little as a few milligrams of fentanyl can cause a fatal overdose. “Knowing the Justice Department had guidelines to seize the opioids whenever practical — and the fact these were ignored — is truly heartbreaking,” said Michael Glownia, who lost his daughter to fentanyl in 2023 and founded a nonprofit organization to support families suffering similar losses. __Mustian reported from Miami.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/25/new-mexico-governor-calls-for-criminal-probe-of-dea-allowing-fentanyl-shipments-to-hit-streets/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Mustian, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T02:58:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FR7362YBXZRCP7CUVCMWSKX25U4.jpg","slug":"new-mexico-governor-calls-for-criminal-probe-of-dea-allowing-fentanyl-shipments-to-hit-streets"},{"id":"qso2ef","title":"Caitlin Clark leaves Fever's loss with a back injury, doesn't return after 3rd-quarter scare","excerpt":"Caitlin Clark left the Indiana Fever's 111-109 loss to Phoenix with a back injury in the third quarter Wednesday night.The All-Star guard has been dealing with a back issue this season and left with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter. She went back to the locker room and didn't return.Clark appe...","content":"Caitlin Clark left the Indiana Fever's 111-109 loss to Phoenix with a back injury in the third quarter Wednesday night.The All-Star guard has been dealing with a back issue this season and left with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter. She went back to the locker room and didn't return.Clark appeared to tweak her back in the second quarter when she was fouled shooting a 3-pointer in the second quarter. She fell to the ground and was rubbing her back as she stood up. In the first quarter she went back to the tunnel and returned to the bench wearing a wrap around her back.She finished the game with 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes.The two teams met Monday night and there were six technical fouls called and one ejection. Clark picked up her fifth technical in that game. The team is petitioning the league to have it rescinded. The physical play continued on Wednesday. On one play in the second quarter, Clark fell to the court as she drove and as players went for the loose ball, Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas appeared on video to put her fist into Clark's neck.No foul was called on the play, but the league could review it for a flagrant foul.“It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,\" said Fever coach Stephanie White. \"You’re coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago and that (expletive) still happens? Absolutely unacceptable.”Clark has been listed on the injury report for most of the season with a back injury after she missed one game because of it. The Fever hadn't given her any injury designation for the game she didn't play and were warned by the league for not doing that.Clark is currently second in All-Star fan voting that was released Wednesday behind teammate Aliyah Boston.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/caitlin-clark-leaves-fevers-loss-with-a-back-injury-doesnt-return-after-3rd-quarter-scare/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T02:29:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSSO6FTIOSJCNXDFSU4K2L3NEBE.jpg","slug":"caitlin-clark-leaves-fevers-loss-with-a-back-injury-doesnt-return-after-3rd-quarter-scare"},{"id":"851y8","title":"NBA draft finishes up in New York, where some second-round picks are revered","excerpt":"Some of New York's biggest basketball heroes were second-round draft picks.Like Jalen Brunson, the guy marching through Manhattan with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his arms last week during a joyous championship parade celebration. And Willis Reed, the guy who limped onto the floor before and duri...","content":"Some of New York's biggest basketball heroes were second-round draft picks.Like Jalen Brunson, the guy marching through Manhattan with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his arms last week during a joyous championship parade celebration. And Willis Reed, the guy who limped onto the floor before and during the early minutes of Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to lift the Knicks to their first championship.So when the NBA draft resumed on Wednesday night in Brooklyn with the Knicks on the clock with the No. 31 pick, every team had hope of finding someone who can be a key piece of a title team. They drafted Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, but had already agreed to trade the rights to the pick to Houston by the time NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announced the selection. Thornton was given a Knicks hat when his name was announced. He was wearing a Rockets one by the time he arrived for his interviews and said he was just happy to get to the NBA, even if it was in Texas and not with the new champions.“Somebody said I got the wrong hat. I’m like, ‘What do you mean?’” Thornton said. “Then I heard it’s the Houston Rockets. I’m like, no state tax, so that's even better.” The first round, which began with Washington selecting AJ Dybantsa, finished late Tuesday night.The end of it and the second round has become a process of wheeling and dealing, with teams like the Knicks, who traded back from the No. 24 spot and eventually out of the first round entirely, sometimes moving multiple times. That was part of the reason teams wanted to stop doing the entire draft in one night and break it into two, given them more time for evaluation.That makes things hard for players such as Duke's Isaiah Evans, who was in the green room at Barclays Center on Tuesday but wasn't selected. He didn't return Wednesday to hear his name called with the No. 33 pick that is owned by Minnesota after a trade with Brooklyn. It's not as bad for players who weren't expecting to be selected on the first night or understood patience, something Meleek Thomas said he learned playing for John Calipari at Arkansas. “The most important lesson I learned from Coach Cal this year was: Your time is coming. Don’t worry about when. Don’t worry about how,\" said Thomas, who was selected by Sacramento with the No. 34 pick and dealt to Cleveland. In a much different NBA with a different draft format, Reed was the No. 8 pick in the 1964 draft, which made him the first pick of the second round. The Hall of Famer went on to lead the Knicks to championships in 1970 and 1973 and was the NBA Finals MVP both times. Brunson was the No. 33 pick in the 2018 draft, taken early in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks signed him as a free agent in 2022 and the franchise has been on the rise ever since, culminating with their five-game victory over the San Antonio Spurs earlier this month when Brunson was MVP of the series.German guard Jack Kayil, whose rights were acquired by the Knicks with the No. 39 pick, not surprisingly named Brunson as the player he was hoping to learn from. “We play kind of in a similar position,” Kayil said. “We are also in kind of the same position of the draft. He was also second round. So I think I can learn a lot of stuff, how he started getting into the NBA, into the league, getting in touch with that.” The Knicks also acquired the rights to Tyler Nickel, the No. 47 pick from Vanderbilt, with their moves.Among the other well-known names taken in the second round Wednesday were Richie Saunders, Dybantsa's BYU teammate who was selected at No. 32 by Memphis; Purdue's Braden Smith, the NCAA's career assists leader who was taken at No. 38 with a pick belonging to Indiana; Kentucky's Otega Oweh, with the No. 41 pick acquired by Oklahoma City; and Emanuel Sharp from Houston at No. 45 to Sacramento.The Wizards also had the 60th and final selection of the draft but dealt it to Milwaukee. The Bucks took Malique Lewis, a forward from Trinidad and Tobago who was playing most recently in Australia.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/nba-draft-resumes-wednesday-night-in-new-york-where-some-second-round-picks-are-revered/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brian Mahoney, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:09:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FP7GENH5SWFFN5MOEP2ZCAGIYIU.jpg","slug":"nba-draft-finishes-up-in-new-york-where-some-second-round-picks-are-revered"},{"id":"jwd5i1","title":"Trump turns America 250 kickoff into a campaign-style rally on the National Mall","excerpt":"President Donald Trump formally kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary on Wednesday night by working to get the country excited again — about himself.The president hosted a rally on Washington's National Mall, including a series of booming flyovers by stealth bombers, music from ...","content":"President Donald Trump formally kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary on Wednesday night by working to get the country excited again — about himself.The president hosted a rally on Washington's National Mall, including a series of booming flyovers by stealth bombers, music from military bands, and Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA.” “There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger and better and stronger and far more exceptional than ever before,” Trump said. He said he'd restored the country to greatness, proclaiming, ”Nobody's laughing at us anymore.\"As he does in all rally speeches, Trump championed his crackdown on the U.S.-Mexico border and opposition to transgender rights. However, perhaps in a nod to the anniversary celebrations, he was far less critical of Democrats than usual — at least to a point. “The American Dream is alive again. It’s something that nobody thought they’d be saying when you went through that last four years of incompetence,” Trump said. The president also mentioned his tumultuous effort to revamp the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial and build a ballroom at the White House.Surprisingly, Trump wrapped his speech in less than half an hour — making it one of the shortest rally addresses of his second term and perhaps his entire political career. Just Tuesday, while addressing workers at a truck factory in Pennsylvania, Trump spoke for well over an hour. Still, he found time to note that he'll again be addressing a Washington rally on July Fourth, imploring, “Your favorite president will be speaking so please show up.”For Wednesday's speech, the crowd was contained to a segment of the National Mall that was nearly full. From the stage, Trump could likely see the neon colors of the giant Ferris wheel erected in front of the Capitol.Rally comes as midterms begin loomingTrump is working to convince Americans ahead of critical November elections that he's put the unpopular Iran war in the rearview mirror, with oil prices easing as the Strait of Hormuz has started to reopen in the wake of an interim deal to end the war with Tehran. The rally launched weeks of celebrations about America and its 1776 founding as part of “The Great American State Fair” on the mall, the national park that stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.But Trump’s appearance was only announced after several musicians — including Young MC, Martina McBride and the Commodores — canceled their concerts because of concerns the event had become politicized. Instead, among those addressing the crowd was Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who slammed the musicians who backed out while declaring that Trump is “the greatest president that’s ever existed in this country since George Washington.”The president himself told the crowd, “This is the beginning of the golden age of America.\" He congratulated himself for ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — but made no mention of the earthquakes that rocked that country Wednesday night.Organizers distributed rectangular cardboard American flags that some attendees used for shade before the sun went down and Trump took the stage. On the menu for the crowd: burgers, sausages and turkey legs. The program felt like a summer concert, except for the variety of American flag-themed outfits, from overalls to skirts to hats. There were also plenty of “Make America Great Again” hats.Attendees included Karen and Brian Ontrap, who drove 500-plus miles from northwest Ohio with their children. They planned the trip in January to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary and, for some in the group, see Washington for the first time.Karen Ontrap said the pair support the president “100%.” Trump is pressing the case that he's made America betterThe president has struggled to deliver the presidency that he advertised to voters — causing his approval rating to dwell at a low 37%, according to the most recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling.Democrats say his botched repairs to the reflecting pool and the resulting algae outbreak are a sign that he’s spending taxpayer money on vanity projects instead of the nation's legacy.Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said the Trump-affiliated group organizing the 250th anniversary was selling access to special interests and redrafting the nation's founding to the president's liking, based on documents he presented at a congressional hearing earlier this year.“It should be about bringing us together,” Huffman said. “He's trying to make this 250th celebration all about him.”Only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's economic leadership, with favorability at 40% on immigration and 34% on Iran.Trump's rallies can only help so much without improvements on inflationInflation is still higher than what Trump inherited and it has been outpacing wage growth. The budget deficit remains on a path upward that keeps interest rates high. Investments in artificial intelligence are driving growth, but they come with fears of middle-class job losses such that the construction of data centers needed for America’s tech economy have become controversial politically.Still, for many, Trump was the main attraction. Jacob Wankasky and his family, traveling from Buffalo, New York, peeled off a day early from their trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, when he and his wife, Jennifer, realized they could see Trump before their planned visit Thursday to the State Fair with their children, ages 4 and 6.“It’s a once in a lifetime chance,” Jacob Wankasky said. In a bright red “America Is Back” cap, the 42-year-old antique mall owner said Trump’s return to the White House was a relief in a time of “insanity.”__Associated Press writers Will Weissert and Haya Pajwani in Washington and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/trump-turns-america-250-kickoff-into-a-campaign-style-rally-on-the-national-mall/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Josh Boak, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:49:40.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZUAUGBCF4BC6VO2IAVKWDQ6TEA.jpg","slug":"trump-turns-america-250-kickoff-into-a-campaign-style-rally-on-the-national-mall"},{"id":"f4uawv","title":"Houston Weather: Summer Heat Settles In Through The End Of June","excerpt":"If you’re a fan of classic summer weather, Houston’s forecast is delivering exactly that.A large area of high pressure remains in control across Southeast Texas, keeping rain chances low and temperatures consistently in the mid-90s through at least the next 10 days. While actual air temperatures ...","content":"If you’re a fan of classic summer weather, Houston’s forecast is delivering exactly that.A large area of high pressure remains in control across Southeast Texas, keeping rain chances low and temperatures consistently in the mid-90s through at least the next 10 days. While actual air temperatures will top out around 94 degrees each afternoon, the humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.Thursday’s Forecast:Thursday looks nearly perfect if your plans involve the pool.Temperatures climb from around 80 degrees at 8 a.m. to 84 degrees by 10 a.m., reaching 88 degrees around lunchtime and 92 degrees by 2 p.m. Skies will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy throughout the day with no significant rain expected.Of course, Houston’s humidity means the heat index will rise quickly, so sunscreen, hydration, and frequent breaks in the shade will still be important.The weather pattern changes very little through the next 7 days:After what felt like two solid months of rain and a region that is no longer in a drought, a strengthening ridge of high pressure will take control this week, bringing hotter temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The result will be a quieter forecast overall, but one that comes with increasing heat and humidity.Afternoon highs will generally range from 92 to 96 degrees through much of the week, with overnight lows falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s.While this won’t be an extreme heat wave by Houston standards, the lack of rainfall combined with several consecutive days of triple-digit heat indices will make for a prolonged stretch of summer heat. Most afternoons will feature heat index values between 104 and 107 degrees, and there may be isolated spots that briefly exceed those numbers. Staying safe in the heat:Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you do head outside, seek shade when possible, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. And never, under any circumstances, leave a person or animal alone in a closed car. Plus, as our temperatures hit the 90s, it’s a good reminder of how hot it gets inside your car - reaching life-threatening temperatures quickly. According to Stanford researchers, on a 90-degree day a parked car’s interior can reach 109 in just 10 minutes and 133 in 60 minutes. Cracking the windows make no significant difference in the rate of temperature rise, it can still be life-threatening.10 Day Forecast:Looking ahead, the forecast remains remarkably consistent. High temperatures stay in the low-to-mid 90s through the beginning of July, while overnight lows remain in the upper 70s. Rain chances remain very limited for most locations through the weekend and into next week.A few isolated showers may return around the middle of next week, but widespread rainfall is not expected at this time.For now, Houston’s weather pattern is firmly locked into summer mode: hot afternoons, warm nights, plenty of humidity, and very few opportunities for cooling rain.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/24/houston-weather-summer-heat-settles-in-through-the-end-of-june/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown, Justin Stapleton","publishDate":"2026-06-25T02:16:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSXLCHC3LHRGKHEENPVH56FEEAA.png","slug":"houston-weather-summer-heat-settles-in-through-the-end-of-june"},{"id":"epnrwf","title":"Vinícius Júnior scores 2 goals as Brazil beats Scotland 3-0 to win its World Cup group","excerpt":"Vinícius Júnior made it look easy. So did Brazil.Vinícius scored two goals — one of them practically into an empty net to open the scoring — and five-time World Cup champion Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 on Wednesday, advancing to the knockout stage as the Group C winner.Vinícius — who has a goal in a...","content":"Vinícius Júnior made it look easy. So did Brazil.Vinícius scored two goals — one of them practically into an empty net to open the scoring — and five-time World Cup champion Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 on Wednesday, advancing to the knockout stage as the Group C winner.Vinícius — who has a goal in all three of Brazil's group matches — scored in the seventh minute and again just before halftime, tying Norway's Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé with of France with four goals, one behind Lionel Messi of Argentina.Matheus Cunha also scored for the Seleção, who reached the knockout rounds for the 15th consecutive World Cup. Morocco finished second in the group and also advanced, rallying to beat Haiti 4-2.After a lackluster 1-1 draw against Morocco in its opener, Brazil — facing pressure to win its first World Cup title since 2002 — followed with a 3-0 win over Haiti, and coach Carlo Ancelotti said he saw gradual improvement from his team during the group stage.“We are working to play the best that we can,” he said. “But the goal is not to play well. We know that playing well is easier to win, but the goal is to win. ... If we win the World Cup, we played well. If we don't win the World Cup, we played really bad.”Taking advantage of an early Scotland mistake on Wednesday, Vinícius received a pass from 19-year-old striker Rayan and took a quick touch to get by goalkeeper Angus Gunn for an easy finish and a 1-0 lead. He capitalized on another miscue by the Scots later in the first half with a header from close range.“It’s always important to be scoring goals,” Vinícius said in Portuguese. “It’s important to be playing great matches, and I managed to do that. I was able to perform very well and improve. Throughout my years with the national team, there were times when I couldn’t quite show my true game.”Neymar entered as a substitute in the 76th, making his debut after a right calf injury sidelined him for Brazil's first two matches. The majority-Brazilian crowd at Hard Rock Stadium began chanting his name midway through the second half as he got off the bench and began doing warmup sprints on the sideline — and fans roared as he trotted onto the pitch.“I think he deserved the opportunity to play, which is why I gave him the opportunity to play,” Ancelotti said through an interpreter. “I think he did well even though he played for just a few minutes.”Neymar is Brazil’s career scoring leader with 79 goals in 130 international appearances. The 34-year-old forward appeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.Scotland is playing in its first World Cup since 1998 and has become one of the more interesting teams of the tournament. Its dedicated fans, known as the Tartan Army, brought a party atmosphere to the Boston and Miami areas ahead of their team's matches.Scotland hasn't advanced past the group stage in nine tries.“We knew they were a top side,” Scotland’s Nathan Patterson said. “They have massive threats. We were trying to nullify the threats — and obviously giving them easy goals is not what you need.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/vinicius-junior-scores-2-goals-as-brazil-beats-scotland-3-0-to-win-its-world-cup-group/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alanis Thames, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:03:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSGDORJAGZRB2VMPKRCCIKZDV5Y.jpg","slug":"vincius-jnior-scores-2-goals-as-brazil-beats-scotland-3-0-to-win-its-world-cup-group"},{"id":"5twpx6","title":"World Cup what to know: US faces decisions for final group-stage game against winless Turkey","excerpt":"The United States returns to the pitch for its final World Cup group-stage game with some decisions to make.The Americans have already won Group D to lock up a spot in the knockout stage and will face winless Turkey in Inglewood, California, on Thursday.Christian Pulisic returned to training afte...","content":"The United States returns to the pitch for its final World Cup group-stage game with some decisions to make.The Americans have already won Group D to lock up a spot in the knockout stage and will face winless Turkey in Inglewood, California, on Thursday.Christian Pulisic returned to training after missing a 2-0 win over Australia, but coach Mauricio Pochettino has to decide how much to use his star player in a game that's meaningless in the standings and the knockout stage right around the corner.There are similar decisions to make with Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson. They're all on yellow cards and would miss the first knockout round game if they picked up a second against Turkey.The U.S. has won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since 1930. Its six goals in the first two matches are one short of the team record for a World Cup.Turkey has yet to score a goal in its first World Cup in 24 years and is already eliminated.Thursday will be the second day with six matches, including Germany looking to win its third straight game, Ivory Coast aiming to make the knockout stage for the first time and Ecuador needing a win to escape the group stage.What to watch on June 25— Curacao vs. Ivory Coast , 4 p.m. EDT in Philadelphia (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)— Ecuador vs. Germany, 4 p.m. EDT in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Japan vs. Sweden, 7 p.m. EDT in Arlington, Texas (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Tunisia vs. The Netherlands, 7 p.m. EDT in Kansas City, Missouri (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)— Paraguay vs. Australia, 10 p.m. EDT in Santa Clara, California (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)— Turkey vs. United States, 10 p.m. EDT in Inglewood, California (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)Ecuador faces must-win against GermanyEcuador arrived at the World Cup on a 19-game winning streak.It could face an early exit if it can't find a way to beat Germany in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Ecuador opened the World Cup with a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast on Amad Diallo's goal in the 90th minute and played to a scoreless draw against Curacao, the smallest nation in the World Cup.That leaves Ecuador trailing both Germany and Ivory Coast in Group E with one point and needing to beat the Germans, who have already clinched the group but will be without defender Nico Schlotterbeck for the rest of the World Cup because of an ankle injury.Ivory Coast on the cusp of knockout stageIvory Coast has a chance to make history in its fourth World Cup.With a win already under their belt, the Elephants can clinch a spot in the knockout round for the first time with a win over Curacao in Philadelphia.Ivory Coast pulled off a 1-0 win over Ecuador and had a halftime lead over Germany before losing 2-1. Ivory Coast's previous best chance to reach the knockout stage came in Brazil in 2014 when it opened with a win over Japan before losing the next two games.Curacao still has an outside shot of reaching the knockout round, needing a win and some goal-differential help from Ecuador. Curacao has a goal differential of minus-6, thanks to an opening 7-1 loss to Germany.Group F winner still up in the airThe Netherlands and Japan will be playing for the top spot in Group F on Thursday night — the Dutch play Tunisia, the Japanese face Sweden — but both teams have said they want no updates on each other as their games are progressing.“You have to focus on making sure you win the match,” said Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, whose team has a record World Cup unbeaten streak of 14 matches, excluding penalty shootouts. “We would love to be first in the group and of course the result will have an impact on that, but that’s not the most important thing. Playing this game is the most important thing.”The Netherlands and Japan both have four points and a plus-four goal differential. Sweden is at three points with its 5-1 loss to Dutch.To finish first in the group, Sweden has to win and have the Netherlands do no better than a draw.“It’s literally my first rodeo in terms of a World Cup so it’s going to be new to me,” Sweden coach Graham Potter said. “But yeah, it’s best for us to try to get the positive results and focus on that.”Paraguay, Australia play for second in Group DThere’s plenty at stake in the final Group D match between Australia and Paraguay.The Australians will clinch second place in the group and a spot in the knockout round with either a win or draw. Paraguay clinches second place with a win and is almost assured advancement as a third-place team with a draw. The situation will be more tenuous with a loss for either team, with goal differential likely deciding the fate.The game is a bit of a full-circle moment for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who played his final international game as a player against Paraguay in a friendly 20 years ago when he scored his eighth international goal.“I didn’t score many so I have to remind you of that,” Popovic said. “It was a special way to end my international career. To think that all these years later I’ll be the head coach and we’re up against Paraguay is special. That was a great day and hopefully tomorrow will a special day for Australia against Paraguay once more.”Australia will be without defender Jacob Italiano and forward Mat Leckie, who are dealing with injuries.Paraguay will be without midfielder Miguel Almiron, who is suspended after getting a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation against Turkey. Mauricio will start in his place, coach Gustavo Alfaro said.More World Cup news— Switzerland wraps up first place in Group B at the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Canada— Bosnia-Herzegovina boosts chances of advancing at World Cup with 3-1 win over Qatar— Vinícius Júnior scores 2 goals as Brazil beats Scotland 3-0 to win its World Cup group— Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine help Morocco rally to beat Haiti 4-2 at the World Cup— Qatar’s Assim Madibo banned for 5 games after breaking the leg of Canada’s Ismaël Koné at World Cup— 'Our idol is back': Neymar debuts in this World Cup as a sub for Brazil against Scotland— Turkey coach Montella says he won’t resign after winless World Cup start, admonishes heckling fans— Ivory Coast eyes knockout stage of World Cup with striker Elye Wahi expected back amid investigation— Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha seeks new club after World Cup stardom, doesn’t rule out Brazil move— Day 14 of the World Cup, in photosStats of the daySwitzerland has qualified for the knockout phase for the seventh consecutive time in major tournament football (World Cups and UEFA Euros).___ AP sports writers Dave Skretta, Josh Dubow and Stephen Hawkins contributed to this report.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/24/world-cup-what-to-know-us-faces-decisions-for-final-group-stage-game-against-winless-turkey/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"John Marshall, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:02:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGR5RDHFTVVG2NOFQWRVQ2U4PL4.jpg","slug":"world-cup-what-to-know-us-faces-decisions-for-final-group-stage-game-against-winless-turkey"},{"id":"wbcbl1","title":"Leader of secretive South Korean church arrested on suspicion of election influence","excerpt":"The leader of a secretive South Korean church was arrested on suspicion of election influence Wednesday as authorities widened an investigation into allegations that he illegally recruited thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party. The Shincheonji Church has denied the accus...","content":"The leader of a secretive South Korean church was arrested on suspicion of election influence Wednesday as authorities widened an investigation into allegations that he illegally recruited thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party. The Shincheonji Church has denied the accusations against Lee Man-hee, 95, a self-proclaimed messenger of Jesus who founded the congregation in the 1980s. The church says it has about 200,000 followers. Since January, a special team of prosecutors and police has been investigating alleged ties between religious groups such as Shincheonji and the Unification Church and politicians. The inquiry is part of broader investigations under South Korea’s current liberal government into the presidency of former conservative leader Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office and convicted of rebellion over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024.Walking with a cane and assisted by a church official, Lee didn't respond to reporters’ questions as he appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday afternoon for a hearing on whether to grant prosecutors’ request for his arrest. In issuing the arrest warrant on Wednesday night, the court cited Lee as a threat to destroy evidence. The church in a statement Thursday morning expressed “deep regret” over Lee’s arrest, saying he had fully cooperated with the investigation and raising concerns about his age and health.Lee has been suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party, or PPP, from 2021 to 2024 in hopes of influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries. Investigators suspect the campaign, which allegedly included efforts to support Yoon’s presidential bid, was aimed at winning favorable treatment for the church, including permits to expand its facilities.Lee’s arrest came months after the arrest and indictment of Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han over allegations that she instructed church officials to bribe Yoon’s wife and a conservative lawmaker close to him in an effort to secure business favors. Han, widow of the church’s founder Sun Myung Moon, has denied the allegations. An appeals court in April sentenced Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, to four years in prison after convicting her on various charges, including receiving luxury gifts from a Unification Church official. Yoon was removed from office in April 2025 after being impeached over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024 following a standoff with the liberal-led legislature. Arrested in July 2025, Yoon is facing multiple trials and has appealed a life sentence for rebellion and a separate 30-year prison term over charges that he ordered drone flights over North Korea’s capital to stoke tensions and justify martial law at home.Liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who won an early presidential election last year after Yoon’s removal from office, has authorized multiple investigations into Yoon’s martial law imposition and other allegations involving his administration and wife.Lee Man-hee established Shincheonji in 1984, using a word meaning “new heaven and new earth.” He has been accused by other Christian groups as a false prophet or a cult leader. The church describes Lee as “the Promised Pastor,” an attendant of Jesus sent to testify what he claims are the fulfilled prophecies from the Book of Revelation.Han is the top leader of the Unification Church, officially called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, which her husband, Moon, founded in 1954.Moon — a self-proclaimed messiah who preached new interpretations of the Bible and conservative family values — built the church into an international movement with millions of followers and extensive business interests. The church is widely known for mass weddings, pairing thousands of couples who often are from different countries.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/leader-of-secretive-south-korean-church-arrested-on-suspicion-of-election-influence/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kimi Tong-Hyung, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:09:54.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEYN7A7VIR5BWVCPWFTJTJYC66Q.jpg","slug":"leader-of-secretive-south-korean-church-arrested-on-suspicion-of-election-influence"},{"id":"hpkvmf","title":"The Latest: Crowd gathers on the National Mall to hear Trump rally for America 250 kickoff","excerpt":"President Donald Trump is on Washington’s National Mall on Wednesday for a campaign-style rally that he hopes gets Americans excited about his presidency and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. The event comes after a day of tense meetings between Trump and Republicans in Congress over t...","content":"President Donald Trump is on Washington’s National Mall on Wednesday for a campaign-style rally that he hopes gets Americans excited about his presidency and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. The event comes after a day of tense meetings between Trump and Republicans in Congress over the Iran war, and a decision by a federal judge that sets back Trump’s agenda to overhaul U.S. elections. Trump’s role as the anniversary event’s headliner emerged after several musicians canceled their appearances, citing concerns the event had become politicized.Also Wednesday, a federal judge permanently barred the Trump from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote. The judge agreed that the states and Congress have constitutional authority over elections, deeming Trump’s requirements a violation of the separation of powers.And at a luncheon, Trump met with GOP senators who have grown increasingly frustrated by his diversions from the party’s agenda and his unclear Iran war strategy. Republican senators had hoped to use the housing bill Trump abandoned to show voters they care about affordability ahead of the November midterm elections.The Latest:It was just like a Trump rally — except it was much shorterThere was Christopher Macchio, the American tenor who has sung at a number of Trump’s events across the country. And Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” as the president took the stage, a Trump staple.But the president himself spoke for only 28 minutes, a mere fraction of his political rally speeches, which often go on for 90 minutes or more.Unlike “the weave,” a speech style Trump has said he uses to intersperse anecdotes into policy pronouncements, Trump stuck mostly to a script that bookended second-term accomplishments with a bit of American history.Earlier Wednesday as he met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump held forth for 45 minutes — talking for 12 minutes alone about the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s problems and crime-related issues.Trump gives rundown of what’s to come for summer’s celebrationsPromising that the multiple flyovers seen Wednesday are only a “little tiny” bit of what’s to come in terms of military aircraft display, the president previewed other events coming to Washington this summer.The showpiece, he said, will be a Fourth of July fireworks display “10 times larger than any that we’ve ever done in Washington or in the United States.”Trump said he will speak that day as well and asked the crowd to “please show up.”He also mentioned a rodeo — adding, “I love rodeo, I don’t know how they do it” — the Patriot Games and a Grand Prix race through Washington.Trump highlights US raid in Venezuela, doesn’t mention earthquakesPraising the U.S. military, the president described a “flawless and breathtaking” operation that led to the capture and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro in January.He didn’t immediately mention the back-to-back earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday, including a 7.5-magnitude quake that collapsed buildings in Caracas.The earthquakes hit roughly three hours before Trump took the stage for his rally.Trump describes his ballroom project as new monument for 250th anniversaryThe president has tried out a number of arguments to make the case for his proposed ballroom at the White House. Now he’s describing it as a monument to honor the country’s founding.He put it in a lineage of other U.S. monuments created around national anniversaries, including the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and the National Air and Space Museum.“We are likewise building new monuments to American greatness to serve every future president and first lady,” Trump said at his rally on the National Mall. “We’re building the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world, right at the White House.”Near the Reflecting Pool, Trump tells National Mall how it was ‘gruesomely vandalized’Ten minutes into his National Mall remarks, the president was back on one of his favorite topics of late: the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.“It’s been gruesomely vandalized by thugs, bad people,” he said, adding that suspects had “largely been caught and are being prosecuted.”Earlier in the day, he took a 12-minute detour during an Oval Office meeting with NATO’s secretary general to talk about the “sick people” he said sliced portions of the lining.Trump’s troubled $14-million-plus rehabilitation project for the century-old pool has become a visceral flashpoint over law enforcement, aesthetics and environmental concerns ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.The Reflecting Pool has been drained, painted and plagued with algae bloom, with pieces of the new coating appearing to peel off the bottom.Trump swiftly pivots to Iran warAfter a brief introduction honoring America’s founding, Trump quickly turned the topic to the Iran war.Trump brought up an agreement last week that will extend a ceasefire while the U.S. and Iran negotiate over how to end the war.Even as important details remain unsolved, Trump framed it as a victory.“We signed a historic agreement to end the conflict with Iran, fully open the Strait of Hormuz and accomplish what no president has ever been able to accomplish before,” Trump said to cheers.Trump gives ‘a very big hello to America’ in National Mall remarksThe president took the stage as Lee Greenwood, a staple at his political rallies and other events, sang his signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” He shook hands with the president as he hit the closing portion.Trump greeted the crowd by recalling how the Founding Fathers “changed the world forever and ever with a thing called the Declaration of Independence.”The president swiftly moved into recounting the strengths of the American economy and military.Before Trump takes the stage, the lawn is almost fullFrom where Trump will stand on stage, he may be able to see the giant Ferris wheel alit in neon colors in front of the Capitol.People are standing shoulder to shoulder filling up most of the lawn as the sun starts to set. Most have their phones out to record.Retired Navy SEAL recounts American ‘will to win’ its freedomAuthor and podcaster Jocko Willink walked attendees on the National Mall through the colonies’ underdog fight against the British during the American Revolution.That victory, he said, “unleashed a force which to this day has been completely unmatched in the world.” He went on to enumerate hard-fought privileges including “the freedom to speak, to protest, to worship, the freedom to protect ourselves, our families and our property.”Something Willink didn’t mention was the contribution of the French, whose military forces and funds helped make significant strides toward Britain’s defeat.All about the flyoversHattie Harris was visiting her uncle in northern Virginia when her niece who works on Capitol Hill told her of Wednesday’s event.Harris, a Montessori teacher from Mesa, Arizona, had no idea what the program included — besides one thing.“I came for the flyovers,” she said. “I will drop everything for flyovers.” The military aircraft buff didn’t even know Trump was expected to speak.At that moment, she pointed overhead and cried, “Look!” The stealth B-2 bomber cruised overhead, drowning out the U.S. Marine Corps Band.Asked her thoughts about the evening’s featured speaker — after she learned it was Trump — Harris shrugged.First responders and victims of 9/11 are remembered at rallyThe rally shifted from up-tempo pop performances to a more somber moment as Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers, asked the crowd to remember firefighters and other first responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.Siller’s nonprofit was founded in honor of his brother, Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter who died on 9/11.“As I look out at this incredible gathering of families celebrating everything that makes this country so great, we must remember the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary people,” Frank Siller said.It was one of the first moments of the rally focused on important events in U.S. history.Trump is frustrated gasoline prices don’t mirror oil’s decline. Experts say it’s not that simpleU.S. gasoline prices decreased an average of 49 cents a gallon in the last month as expectations rose for an end to the war with Iran. But they’re not falling fast enough for Trump.Trump, who wants to stave off the economic fallout of the war ahead of midterm elections, is now pointing at oil companies as the culprit. The president said on social media early Wednesday that he had tasked the Justice Department with investigating whether “customers are being ’gouged.’”“The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post published just after midnight. “Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I’m seeing!”Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, and its cost makes up the bulk of what consumers pay. Even after crude prices come down, it can take weeks or longer for market changes to reach consumers, experts said.▶ Read moreThe grassy area is starting to fill inAbout an hour before Trump’s speech, the grassy area on the National Mall was about half full.The crowd cheered as the U.S. Marine Corps Band was drowned out temporarily as two fighter jets roared overhead.A chance to see the presidentJacob Wankasky and his family, from Buffalo, New York, peeled off a day early from a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, when he and his wife Jennifer realized they could see Trump before a planned visit Thursday to the State Fair with their children, ages 4 and 6.“The fact that we can be here with our kids. It’s a once in a lifetime chance,” Wankasky said as his wife and children sat in the sun-splashed grass of the National Mall listening to the Marine Corps Band’s rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”“It’s unpurchasable,” he said.Wearing a bright red “America Is Back” cap, Wankasky, a 42-year-old antique mall owner, said Trump’s return to the White House was a relief in a time of “insanity.”“I don’t know if our country could have taken another four years of Biden or whoever,” he said. Trump “stopped a freight train.”Some see the event as a chance for the country to come togetherWhile some on the National Mall traveled many hours to get there, Joe and Natalie Cox took the metro from Arlington, Virginia. They came “out of curiosity and to mark an historic occasion,” Joe said.The couple said the event was an opportunity to take stock of “the necessary sea change” that Trump’s return to the White House represents.“We could hardly skip it,” Natalie said. “We live 4 miles away.”Joe, a retired Army officer and military contractor, and Natalie, who worked for 30 years at the Red Cross, suggested the events were a time for the country to come together.With Frankie Valli pouring from the stage speakers, Joe, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he approved of the war against Iran.“It had to be done,” he said. “I’ll be glad to no longer hear ‘Death to America.’”VIPs are on chairs near the stageThe lead-up to the program had very much the feel of an outdoor summer concert.The rows of chairs nearest to the stage filled up with VIPs, as the grass slowly populated with attendees sitting on blankets.All sorts of flag-themed outfits, from overalls to skirts and hats, were common, as well as the “Make America Great” hats that have become the unofficial uniform of Trump’s political rallies going back a decadeThe scene at the National Mall ahead of Trump’s rallyKaren and Brian Ontrap drove more than 500 miles from northwest Ohio with their children, having planned the trip in January to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary and, for some in the group, see Washington for the first time.The rally on the mall “was a bonus,” said Karen Ontrap, a 51-year-old customer service representative for an aluminum casting company.Standing in the shade near the stage where Trump was to speak, she said the pair support the president “100 percent.”They were among the early arrivals to the section of the National Mall that was cordoned off, with a concert-style stage festooned in U.S. flags at one end and a mock White House exterior at the other.Trump refuses to sign bipartisan housing bill into law. What does that mean for homebuyers, renters?A sprawling legislative package aimed at lowering the cost of housing and spurring more home construction won bipartisan approval from Congress this week. But it hit a major roadblock in becoming law: President Donald Trump.The White House supported the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, but on Wednesday Trump canceled the signing ceremony for the bill, saying he would not sign the measure until Congress passes legislation that would require proof of citizenship for all voters.The measure is the culmination of months of negotiations by lawmakers who combined dozens of bills meant to address how housing affordability for both renters and aspiring homeowners in the U.S. has grown increasingly out of reach for many Americans.The bill would reduce federal regulations, streamline environmental reviews, speed up the construction process and curb the influence of corporate landlords by limiting their ability to purchase single-family homes.▶ Read morePentagon restores mandatory flu shots for all recruits as boot camp outbreak sickens nearly 300The Pentagon said Wednesday that boot camps for all the military services are once again requiring the flu vaccination for all recruits after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the shot optional for the military at the end of April.The development, confirmed to The Associated Press by a Pentagon official, comes amid a growing, weekslong, flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force’s boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base that has sickened nearly 300 people. However, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not cleared for public release, maintained that the permission to mandate the vaccinations was unrelated to the outbreak.When Hegseth first announced the repeal of the flu vaccine mandate in April, citing “medical autonomy” and religious freedom, he allowed the services to ask for exceptions — or permission to keep the vaccine mandatory — within 15 days of the rollout.— Konstantin Toropin and Mike Stobbe▶ Read moreShowing off the Trump flattery he’s famous for, Rutte praises the president as tough on defense contactorsThe NATO chief said of the contractors: “You have been very harsh with them a couple of weeks ago.”“I had one of them over in my office. He was still trembling,” Rutte said. “And I said, this is good. This is exactly what I need.”The president has held a series of meetings with Pentagon officials and leading military contractors at the White House in recent days, discussing ways to increase munitions production after the war in Iran raised concerns about the U.S. eating into its stocks of missiles.Rutte met with Trump in the Oval Office and, as he usually does, praised Trump in hopes that he won’t make good on threats to pull the U.S. out of NATO. Vance says he’s working with the Pentagon to ensure Turkey can legally get F-35 jets“There are certain things that we have to certify have happened that have happened in order to comply with American law,” the vice president said.“We’re running the traps and confirming that it’s happened. This is really a congressional thing and ensuring that Turkey has complied with American law so they can get the F-35s.”On the Iran school strike, Trump says, ‘I don’t think it’s gonna be us’Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the findings of a Pentagon investigation into a missile strike on an Iranian primary school on Feb. 28, the first day of the war with Iran, would be released “when the appropriate time is right.”But Trump said he’s “seen nothing to lead me to believe it was us.”Trump called the incident “horrible” but said: “I don’t know that they’re ever going to solve that problem in terms of whose fault was it, because there were missiles flying all over the place.”Trump says major oil companies are ‘possibly gouging’ on pricesThe president fleshed out his plans for a Justice Department investigation into why gasoline prices have not fallen as quickly as oil futures after the signing of an interim deal for talks to end the Iran war.“The oil companies are possibly gouging,” Trump said. “I hope they’re not. Otherwise they’re going to be in big trouble. They’re going to be in big trouble. We’re not going to play games.”The president indicated that his targets for any inquiry would be some of the world’s leading energy companies, including firms he has hosted at the White House.“So it’s ExxonMobil, it’s Chevron, it’s Shell, it’s BP,” he said. “It’s a lot of them.”Pressed on what he wants NATO allies to do, Trump says: ‘Just be loyal’“We don’t need their money we don’t need anything,” the president said during his meeting with NATO’s chief. “We have the most powerful military in the world by far. But I just want loyalty.”He added: “We’re always fighting for them.”Trump has sharply criticized NATO and renewed his threats to leave the alliance after complaining that its members did not do enough to support the U.S. during the war with Iran.Trump says Zelenskyy is ‘doing pretty well’Calling Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy “courageous,” the president also acknowledged ongoing losses among both Ukrainian and Russian forces in the war, now in its fifth year.“He’s holding his own at least,” Trump said. “A lot of people dying on both sides, but I think he’s doing pretty well.”Ukraine’s General Staff said Wednesday that its forces struck a major natural gas processing plant and two key satellite communications centers in the latest nighttime attacks on Russia.Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to fight Russia’s invasion.In response, Zelenskyy has said Moscow has ordered redeployment of some air defense systems from Russian regions to the capital and to Crimea’s Kerch Bridge, a crucial link for supplying Russian troops.Trump says he’s only going to NATO summit in Turkey ‘out of respect’ for its hostHe said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan phoned him and asked him to attend the defense alliance summit in the capital of Ankara in July.“He said, ‘Please, I have it in Turkey. You got to be there. The United States has to be there,’” Trump told reporters. “And so I’m going out of respect to President Erdogan.”Trump said of Erdogan: “I like him. He’s a friend of mine.”He said he was glad Turkey stayed out of the war with Iran.A reporter asked Trump if he would come to Turkey with a “gift bag” of fighter jets for Erdogan.“I think so,” Trump responded. “I’m going to probably do something that’s going to make him very happy.”White House asks Congress for $87.6 billion for Iran war, aid to US farmers and responding to Ebola crisisThe White House has formally requested the funding mostly to replenish the Pentagon after the war against Iran.It submitted the request to Congress at a politically difficult time, as a majority of lawmakers have objected to any further military action.The Office of Management and Budget sent the supplemental spending request Wednesday.▶ Read moreTrump suggests that, until recently, visiting NATO chief would have been mugged in WashingtonTalking up his deployment of National Guard troops in the city, the president pointed to Rutte and said that had the NATO chief come two years ago, “you had a good chance of being mugged, although you’re a very big guy.”“They would have mugged him up. They would have beaten the hell out of him,” Trump said to laughs.He further suggested that going to dinner two years ago, Rutte might have been “robbed when he got into the restaurant.”The president has bragged for months about troops dramatically lowering Washington’s crime. Their presence has had little demonstrable effect on reducing the kinds of violent crime Trump warned Rutte about, however.As Rutte looks on, Trump takes 12-minute detour to talk about Reflecting Pool and crimeSaying “sick people” used razors and box cutters to slice portions of the lining, Trump said Wednesday that part of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool would be drained again for repairs.He wasn’t sure if that would come before or after the July 4 holiday, during which thousands of people will be in the area.Trump said six people have been arrested over damage, which he characterized as a “350-foot gash” in the lining.The troubled $14-million-plus rehabilitation project has become a visceral flashpoint over law enforcement, aesthetics and environmental concerns ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.The century-old Reflecting Pool has been drained, painted and plagued with algae bloom, with pieces of the new coating appearing to peel off the bottom.Trump asked about cancellation of housing bill signingAsked on Wednesday if he’d be willing to work out a deal to get the housing bill signed, Trump pushed for the lowering of interest rates and also reiterated his push for a measure to introduce new voter identification requirements.“Lower the interest rates, you can have all the housing you want,” Trump said.Earlier Wednesday, Trump said he had called off a planned signing for a bipartisan measure to increase home construction until passage of the SAVE America Act.The cancellation was awkward for Capitol Hill Republicans, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who had just described the measure as a “really important bill to lower housing costs” before Trump called off the signing.Sanders says election results show voters reject ‘establishment politics’Bernie Sanders recently campaigned in New York alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Vermont senator said Tuesday’s victories by Mamdani-backed candidates prove Americans are “saying enough is enough.”“You want a government that represents ordinary people, not just the rich,” he told reporters on Capitol Hill. “That’s what last night was about. That’s what we’ve seen for the last number of months. I think you’re going to continue to see it.”Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from neighboring Connecticut, said voters are “clearly telling us they want us to be bolder,” but also cautioned against reading too much into the results.“Obviously, in New York, the mayor and AOC have enormous power inside the Democratic Party today,” he said. “I’m not sure that election would reproduce itself; those results would reproduce themselves in every other state.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/the-latest-trump-will-head-to-capitol-to-speak-with-gop-senators-who-have-grown-frustrated-with-him/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:35:42.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUTXZUNUU4VAYJKSL4N2KV63UDY.jpg","slug":"the-latest-crowd-gathers-on-the-national-mall-to-hear-trump-rally-for-america-250-kickoff"},{"id":"5beuf4","title":"Southeast Houston fire fully out, air monitoring continues","excerpt":"The Houston Fire Department is reporting the massive fire that caused a huge plume of smoke to fill the sky earlier this week is now completely out.","content":"The Houston Fire Department is reporting the massive fire that caused a huge plume of smoke to fill the sky earlier this week is now completely out.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/southeast-houston-fire-fully-out-air-monitoring-continues","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:37:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvideo-76.jpg","slug":"southeast-houston-fire-fully-out-air-monitoring-continues"},{"id":"gzpt92","title":"Lawmakers demand answers as turmoil over Reflecting Pool repair continues","excerpt":"Congressional Democrats called for investigations Wednesday into renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the ongoing drama over the president’s problem-plagued, $16 million rehabilitation project continued to roil the capital. Lawmakers in the House and Senate demanded answers abo...","content":"Congressional Democrats called for investigations Wednesday into renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the ongoing drama over the president’s problem-plagued, $16 million rehabilitation project continued to roil the capital. Lawmakers in the House and Senate demanded answers about the saga that's been highlighted in the news cycle for weeks, even as the White House has repeatedly blamed — without evidence — unidentified vandals for peeling paint and other problems. Six people have been arrested, President Donald Trump said, without providing details, and a local wildlife nonprofit conducted necropsies on dead ducks found near the Reflecting Pool. The president has said the pool may need to be drained once again for additional repairs.Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, challenged the Trump administration over no-bid contracts for work on the Reflecting Pool, saying they were awarded to vendors with previous relationships to Trump. National Park Service projects undertaken at Trump’s behest in the Washington area “have been marked by blatant corruption, a shocking lack of transparency, disregard for legal requirements and apparent incompetence,” Blumenthal wrote Wednesday in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Jessica Bowron, the acting Park Service director.“Rushed no-bid contracts given to unqualified vendors with previous relationships to the president resulted in a reflecting pool more covered with algae than before, with freshly painted chunks of paint peeling from the bottom to float on the pool’s surface,” Blumenthal said.The nation's capital “will now celebrate America's 250th birthday with an empty reflecting pool, a testament to incompetence and corruption,” he added.Two contracts for Reflecting Pool repairsOhio-based Green Water Solutions was given a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system in the Reflecting Pool, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.Both contractors have ties to Trump entities, said California Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.“Donald Trump’s disastrous renovation of our national reflecting pool is his latest failed vanity project,” Garcia said, calling the projects a waste of taxpayer money.Trump pledged to beautify the century-old Reflecting Pool ahead of the nation's 250th birthday celebrations, draining its water and directing the bottom to be painted a color he dubbed “American flag blue.” But since the site was restored, its water has been plagued by an algae bloom and pieces of the new coating have appeared to be peeling off the bottom.Without evidence, Trump has repeatedly blamed the peeling paint on vandalism, including a “350-foot gash” in the liner, as the administration faces a self-imposed deadline to complete the renovation before July 4th. Trump also has said the federal government would release images to substantiate his claim. Trump said Wednesday that “sick people” had used razors and box cutters to slice portions of the lining. He wasn’t sure if the pool draining would come before or after the July 4 holiday, during which tens of thousands of people will be at the National Mall.The U.S. Park Police posted surveillance footage Wednesday evening and asked for help “identifying the individual depicted here in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation.” The grainy, 30-second video appears to show a person kneeling down, reaching into the reflecting pool and removing something from the water. Police said it was taken Friday afternoon. A White House spokeswoman it’s “a shame that Democrats do not think the capital of the greatest nation in the history of the world deserves to be safe and beautiful.”Trump “generously spearheaded the restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has long been plagued with algae and leaked 16 million gallons of water per year. The president’s efforts to beautify our nation’s capital are supported by Americans across the country and should be praised by both Republicans and Democrats,″ spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said.A spokeswoman for Green Water Solutions, also known as Greenwater Services, said Wednesday the company uses devices called nanobubblers to infuse ozone into the water to kill algae and bacteria. The process is “functioning perfectly” and the water looked clear and blue Wednesday, after rain muddled it Tuesday, spokeswoman Erin Kramer said.“The water is clear. What is visible is the sediment on the pool floor, a natural part of the remediation process when the algae dies,” she said. In a lake or river, that sediment is absorbed, but in a pool it needs to be vacuumed, she said. The company is owned by John Cafaro, a Trump donor who lives near Mar-a-Lago, the president’s private club in Florida. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which spread blue sealant across the pool’s concrete floor, is owned by Curtis “Eddie” Wood. The company said this week it has identified some areas in the Reflecting Pool that require repairs, adding that the work will done once the pool is drained. It was unclear when that will happen.What's next for Reflecting Pool remains murkyAmid the calls for investigations, Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado called for Trump to personally reimburse American taxpayers for the pool renovations, which he called “a national embarrassment.”Americans expect their tax dollars “to fix roads, support schools and protect our public lands,” Hickenlooper wrote in a letter to Trump. “They do not expect to bankroll failed presidential vanity projects. The bill for this fiasco should only belong to you, Mr. President.”___Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard contributed to this story.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/lawmakers-demand-answers-as-turmoil-over-reflecting-pool-repair-continues/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:16:17.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSFNQPBB5Y5GWHJLNIMAISY7LPI.jpg","slug":"lawmakers-demand-answers-as-turmoil-over-reflecting-pool-repair-continues"},{"id":"t8g54m","title":"Indiana man charged after being accused of stalking WNBA player Sophie Cunningham","excerpt":"An Indiana man was charged Wednesday on accusations he stalked WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and sent her threatening and explicit messages on social media.Kevin Singh, 48, faces felony charges for stalking and intimidation, as well as a misdemeanor harassment charge. He was arrested Tuesday, acc...","content":"An Indiana man was charged Wednesday on accusations he stalked WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and sent her threatening and explicit messages on social media.Kevin Singh, 48, faces felony charges for stalking and intimidation, as well as a misdemeanor harassment charge. He was arrested Tuesday, according to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.Cunningham, a player with the Indiana Fever, told investigators she had been staying at home more and having nightmares because of Singh’s continued messages, according to the affidavit. She was first made aware of Singh’s alleged online conduct in February, she said.Singh's online behavior escalated that month and his conduct “became increasingly threatening after he was contacted by team security,\" the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.According to an affidavit, Singh allegedly sent numerous messages — including explicit messages — on the social media platform X in April. One of the messages featured the text, “You're literally down the street from me!” After Cunnigham's team sent Singh a cease-and-desist letter on April 30, Singh sent more messages on X, making explicit and threatening comments, according to the affidavit.In September 2025, Singh hand-delivered a package addressed to “Sophie” at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Fever’s home arena, containing a letter and a Guns N' Roses T-shirt sprayed with men's cologne, according the affidavit.“The internet has made it easier than ever to target, harass and intimidate others. Threats of violence, whether face-to-face or behind a keyboard, will be taken seriously,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. “Coming forward is never easy, regardless of a person’s position or public profile. The victim is setting an example by speaking out.\"A phone call to a number listed for Singh wasn't answered. It wasn't clear if he had an attorney yet. Singh is currently on probation in Hendricks County, Indiana, after he pleaded guilty in July 2025 to two felony counts of invasion of privacy, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office said.The incident comes after Cunningham's teammate, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, was the victim of stalking and harassing by a different man from Texas who was sentenced last year to 2 1/2 years in prison.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/25/indiana-man-charged-after-being-accused-of-stalking-wnba-player-sophie-cunningham/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Josh Kelety, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-25T00:26:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTPCJH2W3QBA3RD6V4B55JGDGLU.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"indiana-man-charged-after-being-accused-of-stalking-wnba-player-sophie-cunningham"},{"id":"r0ha8o","title":"Camp Mystic files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after Texas Hill Country Flood lawsuits","excerpt":"Camp Mystic has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy nearly a year after the deadly Texas Hill Country floods that led to multiple lawsuits against the camp.The filing places the camp into a federal process that allows it to continue operating while it works through its financial and legal obligations...","content":"Camp Mystic has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy nearly a year after the deadly Texas Hill Country floods that led to multiple lawsuits against the camp.The filing places the camp into a federal process that allows it to continue operating while it works through its financial and legal obligations.Link to flood litigationBankruptcy attorney and University of Houston adjunct professor R.J. Shannon says the move is likely tied to the ongoing litigation stemming from the flood deaths.“I think there are obviously a lot of lawsuits against them because of the deaths last year. My strong guess is that’s the reason for the filing,” Shannon said.What Chapter 11 meansUnder Chapter 11, existing civil lawsuits are paused once the bankruptcy is filed. Shannon says any claims must instead move through the bankruptcy court process.“The number one thing is going to be that the lawsuits are paused. They’re not going to file new lawsuits. That kind of stuff is going to need to go through the bankruptcy court,” Shannon said.Next stepsChapter 11 is designed to allow organizations to reorganize while continuing operations rather than shutting down immediately. The process also creates a court-supervised framework for handling claims and determining how available assets are distributed.The case will now proceed through bankruptcy court, where Camp Mystic’s restructuring plan and next steps will be determined.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/camp-mystic-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-after-texas-hill-country-flood-lawsuits/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joy Addison","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:47:09.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F26f910f7-a9f9-435e-a02d-43538c3ae1af%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"camp-mystic-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-after-texas-hill-country-flood-lawsuits"},{"id":"nfyy31","title":"Houston man linked to Gilley murder scene property dispute previously claimed to own $1.7M Memorial home","excerpt":"A Houston-area man who has repeatedly claimed rights to homes the owners say he is not connected to, including properties connected to two high-profile murder investigations, has also claimed to own a $1.7 million home in the Memorial neighborhood. KPRC 2 News has reported on the properties where...","content":"A Houston-area man who has repeatedly claimed rights to homes the owners say he is not connected to, including properties connected to two high-profile murder investigations, has also claimed to own a $1.7 million home in the Memorial neighborhood. KPRC 2 News has reported on the properties where police investigated murders over the last year and within days of the initial news coverage, Matthew Jackson and his company Save A Life Homes LLC, have claimed ownership or leasing rights, according to police and public records. “I saw the initial headlines, and I immediately thought to myself it has got to be the same person,” real estate broker Erin Meadows said.Wednesday evening, KPRC 2 confirmed that Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin’s Office is investigating the ownership disputes involving Jackson and Save A Life Homes LLC.The initial propertiesThe man at the center of the allegations, Matthew Jackson, and his company Save A Life Homes LLC are listed on paperwork purporting to claim ownership of a home on Allston Street in the Heights neighborhood — where Lee Gilley allegedly murdered his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer, in October 2024.Her family made the discovery last week, when the locks were changed and cameras got put up, despite Gilley fleeing the country to Italy while on bond ahead of his capital murder trial.Jackson also has a claimed connection to a home on Edgebrook Drive, where detectives found the remains of Victor Soliz in May 2025 — a missing man who had been wrapped in plastic.Police arrested Jackson at the home within weeks of executing a search warrant, after they say he moved in and had fraudulent paperwork that referenced his company. A third home: The Memorial neighborhoodMeadows’ client was under contract to purchase a home in foreclosure sale on Myrtlea Drive when the deal derailed last fall.“The lock box that I had been using to access the home was no longer on the property,” she said, adding that it had been cut off.The home was owned by the bank and vacant, she said, so they alerted law enforcement to keep a close eye on the property during any routine patrols.In early November last year, the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office confirms deputy constables got called to the property for a report of a suspicious person — possibly Jackson — inside the home.A report was taken at the time, but nothing came of it, according to a spokesperson, because it was considered a civil matter. Harris County property records show a deed was filed about a week earlier transferring the home to Jackson and his company — similar to what happened at the Gilley property.The bank still owns the Myrtlea Drive home, Meadows said, but the deed filing tied the property up in a legal battle. Her client moved on.Meadows said Jackson appeared to target properties deliberately. “He knew that this home was vacant. He knew that it was in foreclosure. He knows it’s a very nice home, very affluent neighborhood and was trying to seize an opportunity,” she said.The home has a value of more than $1.7 million, according to Harris County Appraisal District records.‘None of the paperwork is legitimate’Attorney Lori Hood, who is not connected to the case, reviewed Jackson’s tactics and was direct in her assessment. “None of the paperwork is legitimate,” Hood said, adding that his actions amount to nothing less than criminal behavior.Meadows echoed that characterization. “He just is a predator and like watches for opportunities to arise where people are in vulnerable situations. And I hope that he can be stopped,” she said.Jackson on bond for separate trespassing caseJackson is currently out on bond for an April trespassing case. Houston police say they caught him changing the locks and claiming ownership at an apartment in southeast Houston.And last year, a different trespassing case connected to the Edgebrook Drive house got dismissed, after records show Jackson completed 16 hours of community service and a decision-making course.Civil records show he is tied up in other legal battles involving other properties. KPRC 2 News reached out to Jackson multiple times. He has not responded.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/houston-man-linked-to-murder-scene-property-disputes-previously-claimed-to-own-dollar17m-memorial-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bryce Newberry","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:27:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F1b42c1c0-dae3-497a-b89d-996423b51133%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-man-linked-to-gilley-murder-scene-property-dispute-previously-claimed-to-own-17m-memorial-ho"},{"id":"6kmrl3","title":"Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces massive new agricultural complex along Highway 288","excerpt":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is making the largest single facilities investment in its 90-plus-year history to build a new livestock and agricultural complex along Highway 288, officials announced Wednesday. While the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will remain at Reliant Park, some comp...","content":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is making the largest single facilities investment in its 90-plus-year history to build a new livestock and agricultural complex along Highway 288, officials announced Wednesday. While the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will remain at Reliant Park, some competitions and livestock shows will be hosted at the new facility.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-livestock-show-rodeo-announces-massive-new-agricultural-complex-along-highway-288","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Barbi.Barbee@fox.com (Barbi Barbee)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:28:40.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-24-101232.png","slug":"houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-massive-new-agricultural-complex-along-highway-288"},{"id":"kis6t0","title":"$250K bond for suspect in Humble shootout that injured constable deputies","excerpt":"Edgar Villegas is accused of shooting two constable deputies last Friday night, sending one of them to a hospital.","content":"Edgar Villegas is accused of shooting two constable deputies last Friday night, sending one of them to a hospital.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/humble-shooting-deputies-updates-suspect-arrested-2026-june-texas","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:23:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F730354387_1654777542303522_2929055034279081741_n.jpg","slug":"250k-bond-for-suspect-in-humble-shootout-that-injured-constable-deputies"},{"id":"fpty0k","title":"Sabres trade Tuch to the Capitals in sign-and-trade deal. Nashville lands Drury from Colorado","excerpt":"Alex Tuch is heading to Washington as the Capitals jumped the line for the top free agent available, and the Buffalo Sabres got something in return for a player they knew was not coming back.The Capitals got Tuch in a sign-and-trade Wednesday, getting him after the Sabres inked him to an eight-ye...","content":"Alex Tuch is heading to Washington as the Capitals jumped the line for the top free agent available, and the Buffalo Sabres got something in return for a player they knew was not coming back.The Capitals got Tuch in a sign-and-trade Wednesday, getting him after the Sabres inked him to an eight-year $84 million contract and dealt him for a 2027 third-round pick and the rights to pending free agent forward David Kampf. Tuch will count $10.5 million against the salary cap through the 2033-34 NHL season.“Alex was a highly coveted player, and we are pleased that he chose to come to Washington,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said. “Alex is a top-six offensive forward who brings size, versatility and the ability to contribute in all situations.”Tuch, 30, essentially orchestrated the deal by agreeing to go and benefited from the way the trade went down by getting an eight-year contract, as opposed to the limit of seven had he hit the open market next week. It is Washington's second big addition in two days after acquiring winger Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis for the No. 16 pick in the draft, prospect Milton Gastrin and forward Connor McMichael. It is also Buffalo's second subtraction from its roster after sending defenseman Bo Byram to Chicago in a trade the Sabres acquired the No. 4 pick in the draft they're hosting this weekend.The Sabres locked up an important player for the long term by signing Zach Benson to a seven-year contract worth $52.5 million. GM Jarmo Kekalainen called getting a deal done with Benson a priority after the 21-year-old agitating winger's productive playoff performance.Also Wednesday, Nashville and Colorado made another swap, with the Predators getting Jack Drury, prospect Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick for fellow forwards Zachary L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov. It's the second trade between the teams since Chris MacFarland left his post as Avalanche GM to take over control of the Preds' hockey operations department in early June.“Jack Drury is a hard-working, reliable, full-sheet of the ice center who can handle the tough assignments while being elite in the faceoff circle,” MacFarland said. “His addition to our forward group bolsters our depth in the middle of the ice, and we’re thrilled to have him.\"More moves are expected in the leadup to the first round of the draft Friday and with free agency on the horizon next week.“Sunday, the ball started to roll and now everybody’s on the treadmill,” Blue general manager Doug Armstrong said on a call with reporters. “It’s gone from a nice leisurely 2.5 walk (to) probably a 4.5 walk today and there’ll probably be a 6 jog tomorrow and an 8 run on Friday.”San Jose GM Mike Grier, whose trading of young forward William Eklund to Ottawa for the No. 9 pick suggests the Sharks are not done dealing, observed that there is a lot of movement happening around the league. The salary cap is increasing to $104 million.“The cap's going up: Teams have money to spend, for the most part, for the first time in a while,” Grier said. “On top of that, I think free agent market, the free agent class, this year might not excite a lot of people, so I think that’s leading to a lot trades and people being open to trying to improve their teams in different ways. There’s some good players out there, but prices are high.\"Kekalainen said there had been no progress in contract talks with Tuch, who is coming off a season with 33 goals and 33 assists. The sign-and-trade allowed Tuch to get an eight-year deal, whereas he would have been limited to seven in free agency.Like Tuch, Kekalainen said there was no movement with Byram, who he said expressed no interest in wanting to remain with the Sabres after his current contract expired next summer.___Whyno reported from New York.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/sabres-agree-to-send-alex-tuch-to-the-capitals-as-part-of-sign-and-trade-deal-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"John Wawrow, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:36:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2N7TM6L2ARG7PLYZMW5KRKDLCU.jpg","slug":"sabres-trade-tuch-to-the-capitals-in-sign-and-trade-deal-nashville-lands-drury-from-colorado"},{"id":"77um9v","title":"State Board of Education to vote on new curriculum emphasizing Texas, Christian themes","excerpt":"The Republican-majority State Board of Education is scheduled to vote this week on adopting curriculum changes statewide. Critics say the new social studies lessons and reading lists over-emphasize Christianity.","content":"The Republican-majority State Board of Education is scheduled to vote this week on adopting curriculum changes statewide. Critics say the new social studies lessons and reading lists over-emphasize Christianity.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/22/555145/texas-state-board-education-new-curriculum-bible-reading-social-studies/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Bill Zeeble, KERA","publishDate":"2026-06-22T13:40:48.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22083722%2F060624-fort-worth-public-library-fwr-450x296.webp","slug":"state-board-of-education-to-vote-on-new-curriculum-emphasizing-texas-christian-themes"},{"id":"47iq9n","title":"White House seeks $87.6B from Congress for Iran war costs, US farmers and Ebola response","excerpt":"The White House has formally requested $87.6 billion mostly to replenish the Pentagon after the U.S. war against Iran, submitting the request to Congress at a politically difficult time as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have objected to any further military action.The Office of Management an...","content":"The White House has formally requested $87.6 billion mostly to replenish the Pentagon after the U.S. war against Iran, submitting the request to Congress at a politically difficult time as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have objected to any further military action.The Office of Management and Budget sent the supplemental spending request on Wednesday. It arrived just hours after President Donald Trump assailed Republican senators during a private lunch — engaging in a shouting match with one — over their votes to approve a war powers resolution that would halt further hostilities.The request is mostly for expenses incurred by the Defense Department as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led attack on Iran. But it also includes a range of other items, including $11.1 billion toward economic assistance for American farmers, $1.4 billion for the Ebola virus outbreak in Central Africa and $500 million to support ongoing efforts “to complete restoration and construction projects in and around Washington, D.C.” “I urge the Congress to take action on these important and urgent requests as soon as possible,” said OMB Director Russ Vought in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, “President Trump is asking taxpayers to clean up his messes, to the tune of $87.6 billion.”“After dragging America into a reckless war, he now wants Congress to hand him tens of billions more to paper over the damage — while families are still paying higher prices.”There may not be enough support in Congress to pass war fundsIt’s unclear how quickly the House and Senate could act on the White House’s request, or if Congress takes up the matter at all. The funding faces a difficult path because many lawmakers could view any votes as a reflection of test of their support for the war effort.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday briefing House GOP lawmakers from the conservative Republican Study Committee on the Pentagon’s budgetary needs. The White House is seeking as much as $1.5 trillion in defense spending in this year’s budget, a nearly 50% increase over previous levels.But many lawmakers have complained they have yet to receive any formal briefing from the administration on the Iran war, nearly four months after it was launched, and as Trump’s team is now working to secure a fragile ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict.Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the request is not merely to pay for “the president’s disastrous war, but an attempt to secure tens of billions of additional dollars for unrelated Pentagon priorities.”Murray said she would review to ensure servicemembers are taken care of, “but I will not rubberstamp tens of billions more for this disastrous war of choice.”Yet the White House was clear to include provisions to interest lawmakers from various regions, including $1 billion to assist “the final design and construction of a modernized Penn Station in New York City,” which would be of interest to Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York.Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Ca., who chairs the panel’s subcommittee on Defense, said in a joint statement, \"President Trump’s request reflects the reality that our defense strength must be maintained, not merely demonstrated.” Money for farmers, the Ebola outbreak and other needs includedThe bulk of the request, $67 billion, is to replenish the Pentagon from the Iran war. The largest portion of that defense funding, $21 billion, would go to weapons and munitions, with another $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for other classified programs. Funds are also requested to cover fuel costs, drone manufacturing and cybersecurity.The money for farmers would provide $10 billion in economic assistance to row and specialty crop farmers and $1.1 billion specifically to Florida agriculture producers who suffered losses from this past year’s winter storms.The package also includes a collection of policy proposals that the administration strongly supports, and which are certain to raise interest among lawmakers. Among them, the package proposes revisions to federal regulations of hemp products that have long been in dispute, changes to the year-round sales of renewable fuels and lifting of restrictions around federal investment support in Venezuela.The administration is also requesting $550 million to prevent and detect the Ebola virus in Congo, where an outbreak has killed more than 250 people. Another $800 million would go to provide humanitarian assistance to the region.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/white-house-asks-congress-for-876b-for-iran-war-aid-to-us-farmers-and-responding-to-ebola-crisis/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:13:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEG5KOPJS5FHYFNKHLCS65WPMY4.jpg","slug":"white-house-seeks-876b-from-congress-for-iran-war-costs-us-farmers-and-ebola-response"},{"id":"ggl50u","title":"Christian Pulisic feels 'great,' hopes to play for US in final World Cup group game vs Turkey","excerpt":"Christian Pulisic says he feels “great” now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home...","content":"Christian Pulisic says he feels “great” now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.Pulisic said he nearly played in the U.S.' 2-0 victory over Australia last Friday but was held out to get closer to full fitness for the games ahead. He has returned to practice with his teammates this week after working out on his own last week before the trip to Seattle.“I'm hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure,” Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park. “I’ll discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but we’ll see.”U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't reveal his plan Wednesday for Pulisic in the match against Turkey, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention.\"Pulisic is talking with the medical (staff),\" Pochettino said in an afternoon news conference at SoFi Stadium. “We have to decide if it’s possible to play from the beginning, or maybe play from the bench and play the second half.”Pochettino did indicate that his players who have already received yellow cards — Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams — are unlikely to play, at least as starters.“For the guys that have yellow cards, it’s not necessary to take another yellow card and not be available for the next stage,” Pochettino said. “It’s a normal, easy answer not to play with them from the beginning.”Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playing time for him as the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic's calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cup stage, he felt certain he wouldn't be out for long.“I never feared anything worse,” Pulisic said. “I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasn’t quite ready, but it wasn’t anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.”With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey, Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key players in his starting lineup while giving a few of his reserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance.“Our trainings are pretty intense,\" Richards said. \"I think fitness won't be an issue. I don't think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it's good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we'll be fine when it comes to the next game.”Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator during the Americans' win in Seattle, celebrating along with his teammates as they capably handled a second straight opponent for their team's first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive performance without its most accomplished attacking player, particularly in the first half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly.“It’s not surprising to me,” Pulisic said. “I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I don’t need to do everything. It’s such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each other’s backs. That’s what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that we’ve put in, especially the way we’ve started the games, has been fun to watch.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/christian-pulisic-feels-great-hopes-to-play-for-us-in-final-world-cup-group-game-vs-turkey/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Greg Beacham, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:03:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FV66K7UZBMFBC5I7MQXNEBVID4A.jpg","slug":"christian-pulisic-feels-great-hopes-to-play-for-us-in-final-world-cup-group-game-vs-turkey"},{"id":"jk481","title":"Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage says Daniel Wong no longer has authority as interim county judge","excerpt":"Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage says he will preside over Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting after county officials concluded that Daniel Wong’s appointment as interim county judge expired following the dismissal of the civil lawsuit that led to his appointment.The mov...","content":"Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage says he will preside over Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting after county officials concluded that Daniel Wong’s appointment as interim county judge expired following the dismissal of the civil lawsuit that led to his appointment.The move comes in the aftermath of former Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George’s sentencing and suspension from office, setting off a legal dispute over whether Wong continues to have authority to serve as interim county judge.Suspended Fort Bend County Judge KP George sentenced to 6 months in county jail after money laundering convictionIn a statement released Wednesday, Prestage said county officials had been advised that the legal basis for Wong’s appointment no longer exists.“Yesterday, I and my fellow Commissioners were formally advised by County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson that the legal basis for Daniel Wong’s appointment as interim judge is no longer valid,” Prestage said. “According to state law, there are now only four members of the commissioners court with legal authority to hold office and conduct county business. As the most senior member of Commissioners Court I will be responsible for presiding over county business until a replacement is made.”A person who has seen the email sent to Commissioners noted that the message from Smith-Lawson was not sent to Wong.KPRC 2 News reached out to Smith-Lawson for comment but have not heard back.Fort Bend County Judge KP George suspended after felony conviction last monthPrestage added that county operations would continue uninterrupted.“The people of Fort Bend County should be assured that the county will continue its regular order of business and continue to deliver the quality services they have come to expect,” he said. “I would like to thank Mr. Wong for his brief service to the county and wish him the best of luck.”Lawsuit Against KP George Was Basis for Wong’s AppointmentWong was appointed interim county judge on April 10, 2026, after an assigned judge signed an order in a civil removal case filed against George.The appointment was made under Section 87.017 of the Texas Local Government Code, which allows a district judge to temporarily suspend an officer and appoint another person to perform the duties of the office while a removal case is pending. Fort Bend County Judge KP George found guilty in money laundering case tied to campaign financesAccording to the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, the legal basis for Wong’s appointment ended on June 17 when the plaintiff in the civil removal case filed a notice of nonsuit, dismissing all claims against George.The party argues that because Wong’s appointment was tied to the pending civil removal lawsuit, the dismissal of that lawsuit automatically dissolved the interlocutory order that appointed him.The Democratic Party further points to a June 16 order signed in the 458th Judicial District Court suspending George from office without pay pending appeal of his felony convictions under Section 87.032 of the Texas Local Government Code, which governs removal and suspension following criminal convictions.Under the party’s interpretation of state law and relevant court precedents, Wong’s temporary appointment expired automatically at 11:58 a.m. on June 17, when the notice of nonsuit was filed.Prestage: Authority Expired June 17During an interview with KPRC 2 News’s Re’Chelle Turner, Prestage said the dismissal of the civil lawsuit eliminated the legal foundation for Wong’s interim appointment.“When the case was withdrawn and non-suited, that means that interim appointment went away,” Prestage said. “That’s the gist of it, it went away, he no longer has the authority to be the interim county judge. That expired on June 17th.”KP George KO’d in primary race for reelection as Fort Bend County JudgePrestage also raised concerns about actions taken after that date.“And the important part for us is that any action that he tries to take, or is taken since June 17th, can be brought into question,” Prestage said. “So we want to sort of rectify the situation right now.”Wong Disputes InterpretationWong, however, rejects claims that his appointment has expired and maintains that he remains the lawful county judge.In a statement to KPRC 2 News Wednesday, Wong said:“County Judge Daniel Wong continues to be the County Judge for Fort Bend County. His appointment remains in effect, and County Judge Wong will continue to serve the people and execute the duties of the office. Contrary to those who are trying to sow chaos and division, Judge Wong remains committed to doing what is best for Fort Bend County.”The disagreement sets up a potential legal and procedural conflict over who has authority to preside over county government until a permanent replacement is selected.A statement from Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson on the Conclusion of Daniel Wong’s Term as Interim County Judge:The temporary appointment of former Interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong, arising from Cause No. 25-DCV-335003, has concluded.Mr. Wong was appointed as Interim County Judge on April 10, 2026, and has served Fort Bend County pursuant to that appointment. On June 17, 2026, the District Judge signed an Order of Nonsuit, disposing of all matters in controversy. This order officially concluded the litigation and dissolved the temporary appointment. Consequently, Mr. Wong no longer possesses the legal authority to act as County Judge.Currently, there are only four lawfully seated members of the Commissioners Court—the elected precinct commissioners. Because these four members constitute a legal quorum, the Court can and should proceed with county business without a presiding County Judge. Mr. Wong cannot legally participate in Commissioners Court meetings or hold himself out as the current judge unless he secures and presents a new, active court order. To date, no such order has been delivered to the County.The guidance from this office is based entirely on Texas law, free from partisan politics. It would be irresponsible for the County to ignore the existence of the non-suit which could expose the County to unnecessary risk. After seeing the statement from Smith-Lawson, Wong’s team shared a new statement with KPRC 2, accusing her of partisanship. Read the new statement here:“The County Attorney’s opinion cites no section of Texas law and carries no weight whatsoever. County Judge Daniel Wong is the County Judge. In accordance with the Texas Constitution and state laws, Judge Wong will continue to execute his lawful duties and faithfully represent the people of Fort Bend County. The only “unnecessary risk” we are seeing is from the actions of the County Attorney and her meritless and partisan press release.The County Attorney provided the public with the order which put Judge Wong into office, and she cites no document that removes him.\"","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/fort-bend-commissioner-grady-prestage-says-daniel-wong-no-longer-has-authority-as-interim-county-judge/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Re'Chelle Turner, Rilwan Balogun, Gage Divin, Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:01:26.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F59c6655b-2c14-4a72-9cd6-27a0978cccb3%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"fort-bend-commissioner-grady-prestage-says-daniel-wong-no-longer-has-authority-as-interim-county-jud"},{"id":"2jpxa8","title":"A Houston drowning tests whether Texas law gives the right to deny brain death testing","excerpt":"State leaders and pro-life groups are siding with 2-year-old Annelise Camp’s family, who are suing to stop Texas Children’s Hospital from testing her for brain death.","content":"State leaders and pro-life groups are siding with 2-year-old Annelise Camp’s family, who are suing to stop Texas Children’s Hospital from testing her for brain death.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/healthcare/2026/06/22/555140/texas-childrens-hospital-brain-death-testing-annelise-camp/?utm_source=rss-healthcare-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Katlyn Ma, The Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-22T13:34:51.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F22083107%2FTexasChildrensHospital-TT-450x298.jpg","slug":"a-houston-drowning-tests-whether-texas-law-gives-the-right-to-deny-brain-death-testing"},{"id":"xmbgux","title":"2 Helps You: Fort Bend County residents tired of neglected eyesore impacting their community without accountability","excerpt":"A Fort Bend County neighborhood is growing increasingly frustrated over an abandoned home that residents say has been neglected for years, creating health, safety and quality-of-life concerns for those living nearby.So they contacted 2 Helps You.The property, located at 10002 Town Brooke Lane, ha...","content":"A Fort Bend County neighborhood is growing increasingly frustrated over an abandoned home that residents say has been neglected for years, creating health, safety and quality-of-life concerns for those living nearby.So they contacted 2 Helps You.The property, located at 10002 Town Brooke Lane, has become a source of ongoing complaints from neighbors who say they have repeatedly contacted authorities and their homeowners association without seeing meaningful action.Resident Lita Montes says she has reached a breaking point.“I want the house condemned. Bulldoze it, whatever. I can’t keep living like this,” Montes said.Neighbor Adan Alvarado agrees.“This is the ugliest house on this whole street,” Alvarado said.He says the home’s condition has become so notorious in the neighborhood that he has given it a nickname.“I call it the crack house,” he said.According to Alvarado, residents have spent years trying to get help from various agencies.When asked by 2 Helps You how many times he has contacted officials and the county about the neighborhood eyesore, Alvarado said, “Over 30 times.”Montes says she feels ignored despite years of complaints.“I want something done about it. I’m tired of looking at it, and no one is hearing me,” she said.A review of county records found that property taxes on the home continue to be paid, despite neighbors saying no one has lived there for years. Legal records obtained from the county also show the homeowners association obtained a default judgment in its favor in a civil case involving the property approximately three years ago.Montes says the home’s condition has remained largely unchanged for well over a decade.“They haven’t done anything about the house. It’s been that way for many years,” Montes said. “If I had to guess, at least 15 years. Since about 2011, it’s looked like that. And they want me to pay a high-ass property tax and a $500 maintenance fee to look at that.”Efforts to gather more information about the property led us to Fort Bend County Environmental Health, which indicated that, after we contacted the agency, an investigator would be assigned to look into the matter. County records show an illegal dumping complaint was filed at the property in 2020, but neighbors say little has been done despite repeated complaints.Residents also worry about the impact the home is having on surrounding property values.“Right now, no one is going to buy a house that is right next to this,” Alvarado said.For Alvarado, moving away is not a realistic option, leaving him to deal with what he describes as ongoing problems tied to the abandoned property.“Dogs, cats, possums, snakes, rats, squirrels, all kinds of insects, bees, wasps. The window in the front is broken, so there are always a bunch of cats going in there. It smells like urine when you get close to it,” Alvarado said.Montes, who uses supplemental oxygen, says the property’s condition is affecting her quality of life. She believes addressing the problem would bring immediate relief.“I probably wouldn’t have rats anymore, and that is a good thing,” Montes said.Neighbors say they remain hopeful that 2 Helps You shining a spotlight on the neglected property — and staying on top of the issue with the county — will finally lead to action on the longstanding eyesore and source of frustration for the community.If you have a problem you need help with, contact the 2 Helps You Help Desk.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/2-helps-you-fort-bend-county-residents-tired-of-neglected-eyesore-impacting-their-community-without-accountability/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mario Díaz, Jeovany Luna","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:22:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F9e86d519-1eb5-45e4-8abd-9c9c8266c4e4%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"2-helps-you-fort-bend-county-residents-tired-of-neglected-eyesore-impacting-their-community-without-"},{"id":"icwvek","title":"USA vs Türkiye: Houston watch parties for FIFA World Cup; where to stream","excerpt":"Fans who want to gather to watch the USA vs. Türkiye game with other fans around Houston can check out our list of various places hosting watch parties.","content":"Fans who want to gather to watch the USA vs. Türkiye game with other fans around Houston can check out our list of various places hosting watch parties.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/usa-vs-turkiye-houston-watch-parties-fifa-world-cup-stream","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Terrian.Spurs@fox.com (Terrian Spurs)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:49:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-12-09h00m32s594-e1781493546704.jpg","slug":"usa-vs-trkiye-houston-watch-parties-for-fifa-world-cup-where-to-stream"},{"id":"dy9b4m","title":"Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces plans to build new facility","excerpt":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced plans for a new facility, marking one of the most significant investments in the organization’s 95-year history.In a formal announcement Wednesday, the HLSR detailed a multiyear project aimed at investing in Texas youth and agriculture, expanding...","content":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced plans for a new facility, marking one of the most significant investments in the organization’s 95-year history.In a formal announcement Wednesday, the HLSR detailed a multiyear project aimed at investing in Texas youth and agriculture, expanding the Rodeo’s footprint while advancing its mission to promote education and Western heritage.More information will be shared this fall, including plans for a groundbreaking ceremony slated for late 2026.ALSO READ: Houston Rodeo chairman details vision for $300 million expansion, says Reliant Park remains organization’s homeKey highlightsMore than 1 million square feet of agricultural facilities and event spaceDesigned to support year-round agricultural programming, events and educational opportunitiesPlanned opening in 2029Climate-controlled facilities designed first and foremost with animal exhibitors in mind, enhancing the overall experience by reducing travel distances and wait times during move-in and move-out while expanding gathering areas for families and friendsUses of the new complexHost all horse show competitionsSome livestock showsJunior and open breeding showsArchery competitionsAgricultural mechanics eventsCommercial auctionsEducational contests, including 4-H and intercollegiate programmingWhile many livestock events will move to the new complex, some will continue to be held at Reliant Center.MORE ON RELIANT CENTER: Reliant Stadium 2.0: ‘Back where it all started’During the off-season, the facility will support year-round use for educational programming, committee meetings, fundraisers, auctions and galas.Construction will span several years, with the goal of welcoming guests in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.The HLSR will remain at Reliant Park. The new complex is designed to complement, not replace, existing operations and ensure continuity of year-round, mission-driven events.ALSO READ: Legendary rodeo clown handpicks new man to carry on tradition at RodeoHouston","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-project-to-build-new-facility/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Juliana Russell","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:24:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F06635679-4c40-43b9-afd5-dbbaa934223b%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-plans-to-build-new-facility"},{"id":"all1vv","title":"IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says","excerpt":"The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it,\" ...","content":"The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it,\" said Erin M. Collins, who leads the independent watchdog agency of the IRS.Collins earlier this year warned that the 2026 tax filing season was likely to present challenges for taxpayers who encounter problems with filing their taxes given the exodus of IRS workers since the start of the Trump administration.The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with about 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs brought on by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk. Last year, IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season were not allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline. This year, many of those customer service workers have left.Collins in a report released Wednesday, said that overall, the IRS performed better than she expected. “The vast majority of taxpayers filed their returns successfully and received their refunds without significant delay.”Technology improvements and automation helped prevent a total meltdown during the tax season, according to the report. The IRS said in a statement that expanded self-service options and other tech improvements allowed IRS staff to assist taxpayers with more complex cases.However, the agency fell short in answering phones, the report said. Some 59% of calls on major accounts management lines were answered, but taxpayers on compliance lines got through only 34% of the time, and the line that handles identity theft victims got through only 19% of the time.Identity theft victims overall have to wait nearly two years for help from the IRS, the report said. This is a long-standing issue at the agency.The taxpayer advocate report says more than 500,000 identity-theft victims continue to face average case resolution times of roughly 20 months, with average processing times approaching 600 days.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/24/irs-did-better-than-expected-in-tax-season-after-slashing-staff-except-on-the-phone-watchdog-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Fatima Hussein, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:02:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNHZ7OU6IUBBTTCD3SGT6ICACJQ.jpg","slug":"irs-did-better-than-expected-in-tax-season-after-slashing-staff-except-on-the-phone-watchdog-says"},{"id":"wh1io4","title":"Houston Rodeo chairman details vision for $300 million expansion, says Reliant Park remains organization’s home","excerpt":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s planned $300 million expansion represents more than just a new facility — it’s a long-term investment in youth, agriculture and the future of the organization, according to Chairman of the Board Wesley Sinor.Speaking with KPRC 2’s Michael Horton, Sinor descr...","content":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s planned $300 million expansion represents more than just a new facility — it’s a long-term investment in youth, agriculture and the future of the organization, according to Chairman of the Board Wesley Sinor.Speaking with KPRC 2’s Michael Horton, Sinor described the project as both the largest facilities investment and the largest mission-driven investment the HLSR has ever seen.“It’s the largest facilities investment in the rodeo’s 95-year history,” Sinor said. “More importantly, it’s the largest mission-driven investment in the rodeo’s history.”OUR FIRST REPORT: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces plans to build new facilityThe project includes a 1 million-square-foot climate-controlled livestock and horse facility, a covered arena spanning roughly 100,000 square feet and a central building designed to host educational and historical programming.The new complex is expected to open in 2029 and will be built on approximately 100 acres of Rodeo-owned property near State Highway 288, about three miles from Reliant Park.“So, this is one of the largest livestock and agriculture-dedicated facilities in the country,” Sinor said.No public funding involvedAs plans move forward, Sinor said one of the most common questions he’s heard involves transportation and logistics between the two campuses.He said those concerns are being addressed as the project moves toward construction.“We will come to a world-class solution,” Sinor said. “It will be seamless to get back and forth between the two properties.”Sinor also stressed that the project is being funded entirely by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.“There is zero public money involved with this,” he said. “This is all funded by the rodeo.”MORE ON RELIANT CENTER: Reliant Stadium 2.0: ‘Back where it all started’A mission years in the makingWhile the announcement was made this week, Sinor said the concept has been years in the making.When asked why the organization chose this moment to move forward, Sinor replied, “Well, it’s interesting — it’s not really [about] ‘now.’ This has been going on for decades, at least the concept. We really started in 2019.”According to Sinor, a major catalyst was the aging condition of Reliant Arena.“A lot of these livestock shows are in Reliant Arena in Reliant Park,” he said. “That building, by the county’s own assessment in 2019, was beyond its useful life.”Planning efforts were temporarily sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming in earnest around 2023.“We were just worried about putting on our show every year during the pandemic and immediately afterward,” Sinor said. “But once we got back to normal, then we started moving forward again.”ALSO READ: Legendary rodeo clown handpicks new man to carry on tradition at RodeoHoustonWhat changes for Rodeo visitors?Despite the expansion, Sinor emphasized that the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will continue to be centered at Reliant Park.Most of the attractions that visitors associate with RodeoHouston — including the carnival, food, exhibits and many livestock activities — will remain at Reliant Park.“Reliant Park is our home. We’re not moving to 288,” Sinor said. “That’s just an expansion, a complementary event space for us.”However, moving horse shows and other events to the new facility is expected to reduce congestion.“It’ll still look the same. It just won’t be as congested as it was before,” Sinor said.The chairman also pointed to potential traffic benefits.“We’re going to eliminate 1,000 trailers coming into the park every day and 1,000 cars coming in,” he said. “So even around the park and in the community, people should see that benefit.”Expanding opportunities beyond the annual RodeoOne of the biggest advantages of the new facility is that it will allow the organization to host events throughout the year.Currently, the Rodeo operates under a lease that limits its use of Reliant Park facilities to about 20 days annually.“Right now, we can only program for 20 days. That’s all we have in our lease at Reliant Park,” Sinor said.Because the new facility will be owned by the Rodeo, organizers will have the flexibility to host livestock shows, horse competitions, 4-H and FFA programs, educational events, committee fundraisers and other activities year-round.“We can have a livestock show any day during the year. A horse show at the same time,” Sinor said. “There are so many different ways and so many different events. We built it very flexible so we can have all these events all year long instead of just the 20 days we have at Reliant Park.”Looking beyond 2029The Rodeo’s lease at Reliant Park expires in 2032, but Sinor said the organization is already working with Harris County and the Houston Texans on a renewal.“We’re working to renew our lease with both of those partners,” Sinor said. “Reliant Park is our home.”Asked whether any factors could change the Rodeo’s long-term commitment to Reliant Park, Sinor said the organization remains focused on maintaining its presence there.“We’re looking at Reliant Park as our home for the foreseeable future,” he said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/houston-rodeo-chairman-details-vision-for-300-million-expansion-says-reliant-park-remains-organizations-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton, Brett Doster","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:58:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F44b1602b-694f-4070-ac75-3395806b0184%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-rodeo-chairman-details-vision-for-300-million-expansion-says-reliant-park-remains-organizati"},{"id":"1lwb5e","title":"Former California State Parks supt. Kevin Pearsall accused of secretly recording lifeguards in men's Bolsa Chica locker room","excerpt":"Former California State Parks supt. Kevin Pearsall was accused of secretly recording lifeguards in the men's Bolsa Chica locker room.","content":"Former California State Parks supt. Kevin Pearsall was accused of secretly recording lifeguards in the men's Bolsa Chica locker room.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/former-california-state-parks-supt-kevin-pearsall-accused-secretly-recording-lifeguards-mens-bolsa-chica-locker-room/19373671/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:07:52.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1449844908441-8829872d2607%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"former-california-state-parks-supt-kevin-pearsall-accused-of-secretly-recording-lifeguards-in-mens-b"},{"id":"rfhgd4","title":"Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ season may air next month: Report","excerpt":"After months of uncertainty and controversy, Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of \"The Bachelorette\" could be making a surprise comeback, according to a report.","content":"After months of uncertainty and controversy, Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of \"The Bachelorette\" could be making a surprise comeback, according to a report.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-season-may-air-next-month-report","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:30:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F03%2Ftaylor-frankie-paul-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"taylor-frankie-pauls-bachelorette-season-may-air-next-month-report"},{"id":"9lgzfx","title":"Coast Guard searches for father and son off coast of Hawaii","excerpt":"The search for a missing father and son who were last seen leaving their Hawaiian hotel on Tuesday morning continues and has extended into the waters off Oahu, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.","content":"The search for a missing father and son who were last seen leaving their Hawaiian hotel on Tuesday morning continues and has extended into the waters off Oahu, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/coast-guard-searches-father-son-off-coast-hawaii","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:59:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Foahu-gettyimages-122218431.jpg","slug":"coast-guard-searches-for-father-and-son-off-coast-of-hawaii"},{"id":"2umtkf","title":"Federal judge bars Trump from implementing proof of citizenship requirement to vote","excerpt":"A federal judge on Wednesday permanently barred President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote.The ruling by U.S. District Court Ju...","content":"A federal judge on Wednesday permanently barred President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote.The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper in Boston effectively converts a preliminary injunction she issued a year ago, in which she temporarily blocked many of Trump’s efforts to overhaul elections, into a permanent ban.Casper rejected the Republican administration’s argument that the lawsuit to block the changes brought by Democratic state attorneys general was premature because the rules had yet to be put in place. Instead, she agreed that the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to regulate elections, and that Trump’s requirements violated the separation of powers.The Constitution \"does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,” wrote Casper, who was nominated by former Democratic President Barack Obama.Among other proposed changes, Trump’s order would have required people to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote, prevented mail ballots from being counted if they arrive after Election Day, even if they were postmarked by then, and punished states that failed to comply by withholding certain federal grants, including those intended to beef up election security.Democrats see order as a constitutional overstepIn a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said she was grateful the court had blocked Trump's \"unconstitutional attempt to seize control of our elections\" and would continue to defend voting rights in this year's midterm elections.“Generations of Americans fought tirelessly for the right to vote, and we honor their legacy by protecting that right against anyone who tries to undermine it,\" said James, a Democrat.California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose state was the lead plaintiff in the case, said the ruling reaffirmed the constitutional principle that it's up to the states and Congress to set election rules.“While we are proud of this result, we are clear-eyed that President Trump’s attacks on voting rights and our elections show no signs of slowing down,” Bonta, a Democrat, said in a statement. \"So let me be clear: we will keep fighting back every step of the way.”In a statement, a White House spokeswoman said the Republican president wants to ensure that Americans are confident in the way elections are administered. The administration can appeal Wednesday's ruling if it chooses.“The President’s executive order lawfully protects our elections, and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail in its implementation,” spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said.Trump also is trying to enact voting changes through CongressThe ruling was the latest in a series against the elections executive order Trump signed just months after taking office for his second term. He has since signed another executive order on elections that seeks to create a national voter list and limit mail balloting. That directive also faces multiple legal challenges.Last fall, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., overseeing a separate challenge to the first election executive order by civil rights and Democratic Party-aligned groups blocked the government from taking steps to include the proof-of-citizenship requirement on the federal voter registration form. That judge later barred Trump's defense secretary from requiring documentary proof of citizenship when military personnel register to vote or request ballots.In an apparent nod to the difficulty of implementing a proof-of-citizen requirement by executive order, Trump is pushing legislation in the Republican-controlled Congress to create such a mandate. The SAVE America Act has passed the House but has stalled in the Senate, leading Trump to advocate for eliminating the filibuster that is blocking the legislation.On Wednesday, he abruptly canceled the expected signing of a bipartisan housing bill, saying he would not sign legislation until Congress passes his proof of citizenship requirement for voting.Documents need to prove citizenship not always easy to obtain Enacting a proof-of-citizenship requirement to vote can be complicated, especially if it's done on the eve of a major election with little time for states or voters to adjust.A 2025 University of Maryland study estimates that 21.3 million Americans who are eligible to vote do not have — or don't have easy access to — documents to prove their citizenship. That includes nearly 10% of Democrats, 7% of Republicans and 14% of people unaffiliated with either major party.Only about half of Americans have a passport, which can take four to six weeks to obtain and cost around $165. And the processing time for an online birth certificate can take anywhere from a few days to 12 weeks. Married women who have changed their names might need additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate.A proof-of-citizenship requirement that passed in Kansas 15 years ago ended up blocking the voter registrations of more than 31,000 U.S. citizens who were otherwise eligible to vote before the law was halted by the courts.The president and many of his Republican allies have been promoting the narrative that voting by noncitizens is a major problem, when in fact it's quite rare. The federal voter registration form already requires people to attest that they are U.S. citizens. Violating that is punishable as a felony that can lead to prison or deportation.In another major voting case, the U.S. Supreme Court is due to issue an opinion soon on whether mail ballots must arrive by Election Day. That could immediately change the rules in 14 states that allow grace periods ranging from days to weeks if the ballots are postmarked by Election Day.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/federal-judge-bars-trump-from-implementing-proof-of-citizenship-requirement-to-vote/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:38:14.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F34QUT7FAVNDYBIKDKBVD75O5OY.jpg","slug":"federal-judge-bars-trump-from-implementing-proof-of-citizenship-requirement-to-vote"},{"id":"jnermx","title":"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation","excerpt":"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party, ending a tenure that lasted less than two years after his landslide victory in 2024.","content":"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party, ending a tenure that lasted less than two years after his landslide victory in 2024.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-announces-resignation","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Jason.Gunn@fox.com (Jason Gunn)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T11:11:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282206030-scaled.jpg","slug":"uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-announces-resignation"},{"id":"qtjnro","title":"No evidence of mechanical malfunction found after Tesla crash that killed grandmother, HCSO says","excerpt":"The Harris County Sheriff's Office says that investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction in the deadly Tesla crash that killed a grandmother inside a Katy home last week.","content":"The Harris County Sheriff's Office says that investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction in the deadly Tesla crash that killed a grandmother inside a Katy home last week.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/no-evidence-mechanical-malfunction-found-tesla-crash-killed-grandmother-katy-home-hcso-says/19364908/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:43:18.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19364936_062326-ktrk-tesla-crash-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"no-evidence-of-mechanical-malfunction-found-after-tesla-crash-that-killed-grandmother-hcso-says"},{"id":"ygfy2k","title":"'King of the Hill' Season 15 trailer shows Hank and Peggy's retirement, Bobby's love life and more","excerpt":"\"King of the Hill\" Season 15 trailer tackles Hank and Peggy's retirement woes and phone scams, as well as Bobby's relationship drama.","content":"\"King of the Hill\" Season 15 trailer tackles Hank and Peggy's retirement woes and phone scams, as well as Bobby's relationship drama.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/king-hill-season-15-trailer-shows-hank-peggys-retirement-woes-bobbys-relationship-drama-more/19373172/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:03:13.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19373197_vert-062426-otrc-koth-s15trailer-vid.jpg","slug":"king-of-the-hill-season-15-trailer-shows-hank-and-peggys-retirement-bobbys-love-life-and-more"},{"id":"t1x4mq","title":"Former cruise ship worker pleads guilty to teen sexual assault after 20 years on the run","excerpt":"A Nicaraguan national who spent more than 20 years fleeing federal authorities has pleaded guilty to the forcible sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl on a cruise ship that departed from Galveston, federal prosecutors announced Monday.","content":"A Nicaraguan national who spent more than 20 years fleeing federal authorities has pleaded guilty to the forcible sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl on a cruise ship that departed from Galveston, federal prosecutors announced Monday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/former-cruise-ship-worker-pleads-guilty-teen-sexual-assault-after-20-years-run","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:56:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F02%2F6eb23e0b-gavelnew-1.jpg","slug":"former-cruise-ship-worker-pleads-guilty-to-teen-sexual-assault-after-20-years-on-the-run"},{"id":"qhh9a7","title":"Houston weather forecast: Saharan dust brings hazy skies amid summer heat","excerpt":"More typical June heat continues across Southeast Texas with highs in the 90s and heat index values above 100 each afternoon. Saharan dust may give us hazy skies at times while helping keep rain chances low.","content":"More typical June heat continues across Southeast Texas with highs in the 90s and heat index values above 100 each afternoon. Saharan dust may give us hazy skies at times while helping keep rain chances low.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/weather/houston-weather-forecast-saharan-dust-brings-hazy-skies-amid-summer-heat","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Mike.Iscovitz@fox.com (Mike Iscovitz)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:24:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fimg_5328.jpg","slug":"houston-weather-forecast-saharan-dust-brings-hazy-skies-amid-summer-heat"},{"id":"qkuxja","title":"Vegan recipes to add to your summer cookout menu","excerpt":"Barbecue season is here, and with the Fourth of July just around the corner, many Houstonians are planning backyard parties, family gatherings and neighborhood cookouts.While potato salad, chips and fruit trays are often the go-to options for guests who don’t eat meat, there are plenty of ways to...","content":"Barbecue season is here, and with the Fourth of July just around the corner, many Houstonians are planning backyard parties, family gatherings and neighborhood cookouts.While potato salad, chips and fruit trays are often the go-to options for guests who don’t eat meat, there are plenty of ways to create a more memorable menu. Adding a few plant-based dishes can help ensure everyone at the table has something satisfying to enjoy.Board-certified nurse practitioner and wound care specialist Dr. Chinwe Orabuchi Hart shares two flavorful recipes that bring classic barbecue comfort food to the vegan crowd. From smoky BBQ jackfruit sliders to creamy cashew mac and cheese, these dishes are designed to please both meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters.Watch the demo in the video above or scroll below for the recipe.BBQ Jackfruit Sliders2 (20 oz.) cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed1 tbsp olive oil½ yellow onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp chili powder½ tsp onion powder½ tsp garlic powder1 cup barbecue sauce¼ cup vegetable brothSlider bunsColeslaw (optional)DirectionsDrain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove hard-core pieces if desired and shred the jackfruit with your hands or a fork.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.Add the jackfruit and seasonings. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.Pour in the vegetable broth and barbecue sauce. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the jackfruit is tender and easily shredded.Use a fork to shred any larger pieces and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.Serve on slider buns and top with coleslaw if desired.Cashew Mac and Cheese12 oz. elbow macaroni1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 10 hours or for 30 minutes if boiling1 cup unsweetened plant milk¼ cup nutritional yeast1 tbsp lemon juice1 tsp Dijon mustard1 tsp garlic powder½ tsp onion powder½ tsp paprika1 tsp salt (or to taste)¼ tsp black pepperDirectionsCook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, tumeric, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.Blend until completely smooth and creamy.Pour the sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium to low heat for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.Add the cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated.Serve immediately.For more recipes and wellness inspiration from Orabuchi Hart, follow her on Instagram instagram.com/ms_chinwe.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/vegan-recipes-to-add-to-your-summer-cookout-menu/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:44:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Ff0306e36-c680-41fa-9aca-b11b2bbfdf86%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"vegan-recipes-to-add-to-your-summer-cookout-menu"},{"id":"5pvrue","title":"State oversight of local elections (June 22, 2026)","excerpt":"On Monday's show: Three years ago, Texas lawmakers approved a measure eliminating Harris County’s chief elections official and allowing state officials to supervise elections here. We learn how the state is using that law to take over elections in some other, much-smaller counties.","content":"On Monday's show: Three years ago, Texas lawmakers approved a measure eliminating Harris County’s chief elections official and allowing state officials to supervise elections here. We learn how the state is using that law to take over elections in some other, much-smaller counties.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/22/554565/state-control-of-local-elections-june-22-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-22T11:00:49.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"state-oversight-of-local-elections-june-22-2026"},{"id":"r1jjq8","title":"Could your roof be hiding storm damage: What Houston homeowners should know","excerpt":"After weeks of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds across Houston, many homeowners may be facing roof damage without even realizing it. Storm-related issues are often hidden from plain sight, making early inspection and awareness an important step in preventing more costly repairs down the line.Ad...","content":"After weeks of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds across Houston, many homeowners may be facing roof damage without even realizing it. Storm-related issues are often hidden from plain sight, making early inspection and awareness an important step in preventing more costly repairs down the line.Adams Roofing, a family-owned company founded by Seth and Jenn Adams, puts people first by providing honest guidance and education throughout the roofing process. What began as a small local business in Cypress has grown into a trusted contractor serving homeowners and businesses across Greater Houston and Southeast Texas, built on transparency, relationships, and community trust.The company is led by certified professionals, including GAF Master Elite® Contractors—an elite designation earned by less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. The team provides roof inspections, storm damage assessments, repairs, replacements, and insurance support, with a focus on helping homeowners make informed decisions rather than feel pressured into immediate action.Adams Roofing encourages homeowners to schedule inspections after major storms and to be cautious of contractors offering to “waive” insurance deductibles, which may violate state law. The company advises verifying credentials, checking reviews, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics during storm season. Watch the video above to learn more.For more information or to schedule a free roof inspection, visit adamsroofinghtx.com or call 832-353-1402.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/could-your-roof-be-hiding-storm-damage-what-houston-homeowners-should-know/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:26:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fae893f6b-0369-4579-8b28-eba6707f7ed7%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"could-your-roof-be-hiding-storm-damage-what-houston-homeowners-should-know"},{"id":"25bn7i","title":"Companion Energy brings ‘Energy that Cares’ to the Houston Humane Society","excerpt":"Companion Energy brought staff to the Houston Humane Society to walk shelter dogs and spotlight its pet-first electricity plans. Every plan includes free pet benefits, like 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians via chat or video — no appointment needed. Learn more online: www.companionenergy.com.","content":"Companion Energy brought staff to the Houston Humane Society to walk shelter dogs and spotlight its pet-first electricity plans. Every plan includes free pet benefits, like 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians via chat or video — no appointment needed. Learn more online: www.companionenergy.com.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/companion-energy-brings-energy-that-cares-to-the-houston-humane-society/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:53:02.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Faca32461-16cb-486c-a76f-2b0a8b0d0dee%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"companion-energy-brings-energy-that-cares-to-the-houston-humane-society"},{"id":"uwqcbw","title":"Ohio lawsuit alleges new NCAA rule unfairly denies high school Class of '22 athletes a 5th season","excerpt":"Less than 24 hours after the NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a monumental change in eligibility rules, a group of 15 college basketball players filed a lawsuit in an Ohio state court claiming the new age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition.The NCAA will now allow athletes ...","content":"Less than 24 hours after the NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a monumental change in eligibility rules, a group of 15 college basketball players filed a lawsuit in an Ohio state court claiming the new age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition.The NCAA will now allow athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes who are injured.Athletes whose eligibility expired by spring 2026 under the traditional model — four years of competition over five years — will not be allowed a fifth year of competition under the new rules that go into effect this fall. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Cincinnati (Hamilton County) sought temporary and permanent injunctive relief that would allow a fifth year of competition for athletes who graduated from high school in 2022 and began their college sports careers that fall and never redshirted. A judge denied a temporary restraining order hours after the lawsuit was filed and scheduled a hearing for next Wednesday on the request for a preliminary injunction. The new eligibility rule “unjustifiably restrains their ability to earn money through use of their name, image, and likeness (‘NIL’) connected to their work as Division I athletes,” attorneys Ryan Downton and Charles Rittgers wrote in the complaint.Similar lawsuits are expected to be filed in other states. The Division I Cabinet said in a statement posted on X that it was aware of legal action challenging its decision and that \"we do not intend to change course.”The Cabinet said while age-based eligibility was under consideration, the Division I Board of Directors made clear any rule change would apply going forward and not retroactively to athletes whose eligibility was completed by the spring of 2026.“Student-athletes who will exhaust their eligibility this year have received the full period of eligibility permitted by NCAA bylaws and the life-changing benefits college sports provides,” the Cabinet said. “Giving those student-athletes another season would destabilize rosters just ahead of the coming season by disrupting settled expectations of countless student-athletes regarding their expected roster spots and playing time next year, including incoming freshmen who are eager to participate in the life-changing experience of college athletics.”Nine of the plaintiffs in the Ohio case have played or planned to play next season at Ohio schools. The rest, according to the complaint, have played multiple games in the state.The complaint said class of 2022 athletes competed for playing time against older athletes who had eligibility extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also noted the NCAA allowed 2022 high school graduates to play a full professional season before enrolling in 2023 and that they are not excluded from playing in 2026-27.“NCAA athletes have a reasonable expectation that they will be treated fairly by the NCAA and that NCAA rules will be applied consistently, regardless of the athlete’s background before they attend an NCAA school and regardless of the year in which they graduated from high school,” the complaint said. The lawsuit points out that the plaintiffs don't challenge the concept of a defined eligibility period or the five-for-five rule itself.“Rather, they challenge the NCAA’s application of the rule” that allows players they competed against from the high school class of 2017-20 and 2023-25 an additional year of competition while denying plaintiffs the same opportunity,\" the attorneys wrote. “The NCAA then compounded the problem by allowing former professional players to compete in their fifth year following high school graduation regardless of the number of professional games they had played, while denying plaintiffs the same opportunity for a fifth year of competition.”___AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/ohio-lawsuit-alleges-new-ncaa-rule-unfairly-denies-high-school-class-of-22-athletes-a-5th-season/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eric Olson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:49:15.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FI3ZAPGOTQZCGXE7PX5YRHIPSO4.jpg","slug":"ohio-lawsuit-alleges-new-ncaa-rule-unfairly-denies-high-school-class-of-22-athletes-a-5th-season"},{"id":"5i5gai","title":"Clive Davis, music mogul, dies in New York City at age 94","excerpt":"His family reports that he passed away peacefully from age-related illness at his home in Manhattan, surrounded by his family and loved ones.","content":"His family reports that he passed away peacefully from age-related illness at his home in Manhattan, surrounded by his family and loved ones.","url":"https://abc7ny.com/post/clive-davis-music-mogul-dies-new-york-city-age-94/19354665/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"WABC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:51:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19354652_062226-wabc-ap-clive-davis-img.png","slug":"clive-davis-music-mogul-dies-in-new-york-city-at-age-94"},{"id":"cf0ccs","title":"NATO's Trump whisperer meets the president in an effort to appease him before next month's summit","excerpt":"NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte laid on the flattery with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, pressing the case for a military alliance that the volatile U.S. leader has sharply criticized as the Pentagon reviews the size of the U.S. military footprint in Europe.Trump has repeatedly slammed NA...","content":"NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte laid on the flattery with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, pressing the case for a military alliance that the volatile U.S. leader has sharply criticized as the Pentagon reviews the size of the U.S. military footprint in Europe.Trump has repeatedly slammed NATO, arguing the U.S. carries more than its fair share of military spending. But his grievances have been louder since the Iran war, as he fumed over the fact that some member countries ignored his call to help him restart oil trade through the shuttered Strait of Hormuz. “They weren’t too nice to us in our recent little military skirmish,” Trump said of NATO allies as he introduced Rutte during their Oval Office meeting. Subsequently pressed on what key U.S. allies could do to get back on his good side, Trump responded, “Just be loyal.\"“We don’t need their money — we don’t need anything,” the president added. “We have the most powerful military in the world by far. But I just want loyalty.”Trump has renewed his threats to leave the 77-year-old alliance, raising the stakes before the NATO leaders' summit in Turkey next month. But Rutte, who has become known as a Trump whisperer for his ability to charm the president, took on the now-familiar role of attempting to appease him anew. Rutte pushed back gently against Trump's complaints, saying, “I know there have been isolated cases about which you are really disappointed, but generally speaking, your European allies have been there with you.\" He also noted that 4,000 to 5,000 U.S. planes took off from bases in Europe before Iran and the U.S. agreed to a ceasefire.Rutte gushed about Trump having been “very harsh” with defense contractors, saying, “I had one of them over in my office. He was still trembling.”That was a reference to Trump having held a series of meetings with Pentagon officials and leading military contractors at the White House recently, discussing ways to increase munitions production after the Iran war raised concerns about the U.S. eating into its stocks of missiles.“This is your president, but also the leader of the free world, taking the leadership role, as is necessary,\" Rutte told reporters in the Oval.The U.S. Defense Department is conducting a reviewThe visit, Rutte's fifth since Trump returned to power last year, comes after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week lashed out at allies during a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. His department is in the midst of a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe. Hegseth echoed some of Trump’s critiques, faulting European allies for not letting the U.S. use bases in Europe to attack Iran. NATO allies were not consulted about the war before the U.S. launched it with Israel on Feb. 28, and some have been openly critical of Trump's strategy.Trump argues that NATO allies were not there for the U.S. and suggested leaving the alliance, which was founded in 1949 to counter the Cold War threat posed to European security by the Soviet Union. At the heart of their treaty is a mutual defense agreement in which an attack on one is considered an attack on all. The only time it has been invoked was in 2001, to support the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington.The Pentagon’s warning that it will reduce its military presence in Europe to focus on threats elsewhere was the latest upheaval for the 32-member alliance since Trump returned to office.The Republican leader stunned European allies last year when he threatened to annex Greenland, a semiautonomous island that is part of ally Denmark. Earlier Wednesday, the leaders of five big European NATO allies — Germany, France, the U.K., Italy and Poland – met in Berlin to prepare for next month's summit in Ankara, and Rutte joined them remotely.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in remarks to reporters that the Ankara summit also should send the message that “we will do our part when the conditions are in place” to support an Iran peace deal.French President Emmanuel Macron said, “We are in a moment of reconvergence between the Europeans and the Americans,” and indicated that he hopes this will continue at the summit.Flattering Trump was a key objective During the meeting, Rutte gave a presentation using three boards on easels, touting U.S.-NATO ties. Joining Trump were Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and other top administration officials. After he was done, however, Trump spent long stretches not talking about NATO but instead boasting about his effort to beautify Washington. He even suggested that, two years ago, before he deployed the National Guard, the NATO chief might have \"had a good chance of being mugged, although you’re a very big guy.” “They would have mugged him up. They would have beaten the hell out of him,” Trump said to laughs. He further suggested that, previously, “nobody wanted to go out” in the nation's capital and \"even if you got into the restaurant, they'd rob when you were in.”Nevertheless, a chief part of Rutte’s mission these days is keeping the U.S. in NATO, and he’s proven himself adept in the past at subduing Trump’s frustrations.Rutte frequently credits Trump with getting NATO members to increase their defense spending. The president last year pressured leaders to agree to invest 5% of their GDP annually in defense by 2035.“He is completely committed” to the NATO alliance, Rutte said after leaving the White House, though he added, “I expect allies to spend more to equalize with the United States.”The lengths to which Rutte is willing to go in praising Trump have at times raised eyebrows, such as when he referred to the president as “daddy” during the alliance’s summit last year.He then sent him a fawning text message that employed one of Trump’s favorite flourishes, capitalizing random words. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win,” Rutte said.Trump shared the private message on social media for the world to see.He did it again in January, blasting out another Rutte message that closed with: “Can’t wait to see you. Yours, Mark.”___Associated Press writers Lorne Cook in Brussels and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/natos-trump-whisperer-heads-to-the-white-house-to-soothe-the-president-ahead-of-next-months-summit/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michelle L. Price, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:02:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJEBTWD4DWZEALDFKPVDRU6IVB4.jpg","slug":"natos-trump-whisperer-meets-the-president-in-an-effort-to-appease-him-before-next-months-summit"},{"id":"zg411b","title":"Trump refuses to sign bipartisan housing bill into law. What does that mean for homebuyers, renters?","excerpt":"A sprawling legislative package aimed at lowering the cost of housing and spurring more home construction won bipartisan approval from Congress this week, but it's hit a major roadblock in becoming law: President Donald Trump.The White House supported the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, but on ...","content":"A sprawling legislative package aimed at lowering the cost of housing and spurring more home construction won bipartisan approval from Congress this week, but it's hit a major roadblock in becoming law: President Donald Trump.The White House supported the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, but on Wednesday Trump canceled the signing ceremony for the bill, saying he would not sign the measure until Congress passes legislation that would require proof of citizenship for all voters.Here’s what to know.How significant is this housing legislation? The measure is the culmination of months of negotiations by lawmakers who combined dozens of bills meant to address how housing affordability for both renters and aspiring homeowners in the U.S. has grown increasingly out of reach for many Americans.The bill would reduce federal regulations, streamline environmental reviews, speed up the construction process and curb the influence of corporate landlords by limiting their ability to purchase single-family homes. Still, it's not a silver bullet for all the factors that contribute to reduced housing affordability, including lack of construction labor, rising insurance costs and years of subdued wage growth relative to sharply rising rents and home prices.Even so, the bill has drawn broad support from the real estate industry, including organizations representing homebuilders and apartment complex owners, as well as housing advocates.“We need more homes built, and legislation that removes construction barriers is exactly what the market needs right now,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. \"Homebuyers who were hoping for relief may have to wait even longer, and in a market already starved for inventory, that’s a tough pill to swallow.”What led lawmakers to pass the first major housing legislation in decades?Housing has grown into a hot-button issue among voters in recent years as homeownership and rents in many areas have become less affordable for many Americans.The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low. While sales accelerated in May to their fastest pace since December, they continue to hover close to a 4 million annual pace, far short of the historic norm that is closer to 5.2 million, limited partly by elevated mortgage rates.Years of soaring home prices, especially in the early part of this decade when rock-bottom mortgage rates fueled a buying frenzy, have left many would-be homebuyers frozen out of the market. And a chronic shortage of homes for sale nationally, due partly to years of below-average new home construction, has helped prop up home prices even in a multiyear sales slump.Home prices have increased 54% nationwide since 2020, and last year the median existing single-family sales price was nearly five times the median household income, according to researchers at Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Renters, meanwhile, have seen little improvement in affordability. While the median U.S. monthly rent has been declining for nearly three years, it was still 17.2% higher in May than before the pandemic, according to data from Realtor.com.What if the bill doesn't become law?One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership has been an imbalance between supply and demand in many parts of the country. When there are fewer homes on the market, that helps prop up home prices even during a slowdown. Conversely, during times when mortgage rates are low, buyers end up competing for fewer homes, which drives up prices. The housing bill would help increase the supply of housing, particularly when it comes to smaller, more affordable starter homes.It amends existing regulations to boost construction of manufactured homes, which tend to be more affordable than other types of newly built homes, and expand access to government-backed loans to include construction of standalone dwellings a homeowner can rent out.The bill also provides new dollars for communities to turn abandoned infrastructure into housing, and provides guidelines for communities that want to reform outdated zoning regulations, which often limit larger housing developments.“It won’t make housing more affordable overnight, but in the coming years we will see more construction of town homes, multifamily housing, and ADUs,” notes Fairweather, saying the additional supply \"will relieve the pressure on home prices, and make it easier for homebuyers to break into the market.”What about renters? The legislation includes a broad set of provisions, including an expansion of government rental assistance and affordable housing construction programs , and measures aimed at encouraging state and local governments to make it easier to build new homes and apartments, including federal funding to places exceeding the median rate of homebuilding. In addition, the bill would raise limits on the number of public housing units that can receive financing for renovations and codify a recovery program to help expedite funds to communities rebuilding after disaster. It also requires new renter protections.“Families are struggling under the heavy weight of housing costs that have climbed for decades,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. \"There’s no time to waste. Without federal action, America’s housing shortfall will continue to grow, falling another 2 million units behind in the next five years.”What happens if the bill signing is held up for weeks or longer? While hailed as a significant step, the federal government's power to dictate things like how many homes are built or rents is limited, given that most of the regulations on construction, such as zoning laws, and other facets of real estate are determined by local and state governments.So, even if the bill is delayed, it's not like it would have had an immediate impact on local house prices, for example. But it would set back the clock on new construction projects that might not otherwise get the go-ahead. “The sooner this bill becomes law, the sooner builders and homebuyers will benefit from its downstream effects,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “Even if the president were to sign this bill immediately, many of the provisions will take time to impact builder planning and projects in the pipeline, so there is going to be a delay before consumers feel the impacts of this legislation either way.”What happens next?Trump's decision to not sign the legislation into law Wednesday could end up just temporarily delaying the measure from taking effect.The House passed the bill in a 358-32 vote on Tuesday and the Senate passed it 85-5 on Monday. That level of support is what's colloquially called a veto-proof majority.Still, if Trump were to veto the measure, the Senate and the House would have to vote again to override the veto.It may not come to that. Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that he had spoken with Trump earlier in the day and was confident the president would sign the bill.“The president, when we go through the details of the bill, he’s going to understand that it’s a good product,” Johnson said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/trump-refuses-to-sign-bipartisan-housing-bill-into-law-what-does-that-mean-for-homebuyers-renters/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alex Veiga, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:43:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWSI2TF47TFFA5IRHYOVGOFTQLE.jpg","slug":"trump-refuses-to-sign-bipartisan-housing-bill-into-law-what-does-that-mean-for-homebuyers-renters"},{"id":"unri1u","title":"Airbnb activates anti-party technology in Houston ahead of Fourth of July, World Cup crowds","excerpt":"As Houston welcomes thousands of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and prepares for Fourth of July celebrations, Airbnb is once again activating its anti-party technology to help prevent disruptive gatherings over the holiday weekend.The company announced the technology will be deployed across...","content":"As Houston welcomes thousands of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and prepares for Fourth of July celebrations, Airbnb is once again activating its anti-party technology to help prevent disruptive gatherings over the holiday weekend.The company announced the technology will be deployed across the United States, including Houston, marking the fifth consecutive year Airbnb has used the system during the Independence Day holiday period. The effort is designed to identify certain higher-risk bookings and help enforce Airbnb’s year-round ban on disruptive parties.According to Airbnb, more than 20,000 people nationwide were deterred from booking entire-home listings during the Fourth of July holiday weekend last year through the company’s anti-party measures. In Houston, approximately 580 people were prevented from booking an entire-home rental.The technology uses a variety of signals to identify booking attempts that may carry a higher risk of unauthorized parties. Factors can include the type of property being booked, the length of stay, how close the guest lives to the listing and whether the reservation is made at the last minute.Guests who are redirected by the system may still be able to book other accommodations on Airbnb, including private rooms and hotel stays.The announcement comes as Houston hosts matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing an influx of international visitors to the city. Airbnb said it has expanded its support and safety efforts for travelers, including launching a new guest guide with information and tips for visitors staying in Houston during the tournament.Airbnb has reported a decline in party-related incidents since implementing its anti-party measures and global party ban. The company says the technology is intended to support hosts, guests and neighborhoods during high-travel holiday periods.Travelers planning to book accommodations through Airbnb over the holiday weekend are encouraged to review the platform’s policies and community standards before making reservations.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/airbnb-activates-anti-party-technology-in-houston-ahead-of-fourth-of-july-world-cup-crowds/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brittany Taylor","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:07:32.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZIBGEH3OENBZZG5QYNARNQPBEY.jpg","slug":"airbnb-activates-anti-party-technology-in-houston-ahead-of-fourth-of-july-world-cup-crowds"},{"id":"mqyesr","title":"'Miss Anita' retires after 50 years of story time in Cape May","excerpt":"Miss Anita has spent the last 50 years reading stories and singing songs to kids in Cape May, New Jersey. Now, she is moving on to the next chapter.","content":"Miss Anita has spent the last 50 years reading stories and singing songs to kids in Cape May, New Jersey. Now, she is moving on to the next chapter.","url":"https://abc7.com/videoClip/miss-anita-storytime-children-reading/19331435/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"CCG","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:49:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"miss-anita-retires-after-50-years-of-story-time-in-cape-may"},{"id":"af1fa5","title":"Federal judge bars Trump from implementing proof of citizenship requirement to vote","excerpt":"The Constitution \"does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,\" the judge wrote.","content":"The Constitution \"does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,\" the judge wrote.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/federal-judge-bars-trump-implementing-proof-citizenship-requirement-vote/19372615/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:10:07.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19369952_062426-wls-iran-war-wed-am-pkg-n1.jpg","slug":"federal-judge-bars-trump-from-implementing-proof-of-citizenship-requirement-to-vote"},{"id":"r7jaj9","title":"Agility Robotics heads to Wall Street in a $2.5B bet on staffing warehouses with humanoids","excerpt":"A maker of humanlike robots that carry totes around warehouses is aiming to go public on Wall Street in a test of whether there is a market for putting AI-powered humanoid machines to work.Agility Robotics, based in Salem, Oregon, announced Wednesday a planned merger with an investment firm that ...","content":"A maker of humanlike robots that carry totes around warehouses is aiming to go public on Wall Street in a test of whether there is a market for putting AI-powered humanoid machines to work.Agility Robotics, based in Salem, Oregon, announced Wednesday a planned merger with an investment firm that will value the company at $2.5 billion as it becomes the first publicly traded company entirely devoted to building and selling humanoids. Its competitors include Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk has pitched its humanoid prototype Optimus as the future of the carmaker; and Chinese robotics company Unitree, which recently moved toward going public on Shanghai's stock exchange. Designed to pick up and move heavy bins and totes, Agility's flagship product, called Digit, is the “first humanoid robot employed and commercially operational in warehouse and industrial facilities,” said Michael Klein, co-founder and chairman of Churchill Capital Group, which runs the special-purpose acquisition company that intends to merge with Agility by the end of the year.Klein said on an investor call Wednesday that the company has backing from Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn. Its early customers include Toyota, industrial parts supplier Schaeffler, and Mercado Libre, the Latin American e-commerce giant.While Agility describes its fully autonomous robot as a humanoid, the company's co-founder and chief robot officer Jonathan Hurst told investors Wednesday that “we’ve never set out to build a machine that looks like a person.” Unlike other humanoids, like Tesla's Optimus, Digit's legs are more birdlike than human in a design that is meant to better fit the work they do. Its hands are more like grippers or claws.Agility CEO Peggy Johnson said Digit specializes in manual labor that for humans would be repetitive, dirty and prone to injury.“The demand here is large and increasing,” she said on the investor call. “We have companies reshoring production, older workers retiring, and younger generations just not opting for these types of menial jobs.”While earlier generations of industrial robots are typically so large and fast-moving that they must be fenced off from human workers, Hurst said upcoming versions of Digit will be able to work alongside humans in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. In the years to come, they could eventually find their way into hospitality, home services and elder care, he said.Agility's plan to merge with Churchill's special-purpose acquisition company, known as a SPAC, provides a quicker timeline for going public and fewer disclosure requirements. Johnson said the company will use the capital it raises to expand commercial deployments and scale production of its next robot model, Digit V5. It will be the fifth generation in a line of two-legged robots Agility first unveiled nearly a decade ago after spinning off from a robotics laboratory at Oregon State University. The company is predicting a more than $1 trillion market for the types of robots it is building, though it is far from the only one trying to make them. The surprise news of its planned public debut attracted a crowd of well-wishers to Agility’s booth Wednesday at the sprawling Automate robotics trade show in Chicago, said Aaron Prather, director of market intelligence at the Association for Advancing Automation, which helped organize the event.Prather said the race between Agility and China's Unitree to go public also underscored the different approaches of companies designing humanoids, with Agility narrowing its focus on “worker bee” robots and Unitree frequently showing off machines that dance on two or four legs and do backflips and other entertaining gimmicks.“Maybe it’s just maturing of the marketplace and these manufacturers are trying to find where their sweet spot is,” Prather said. “They’ll probably compete in some areas. But the space is so wide open, and everyone I think is trying to find where they fit.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/24/agility-robotics-heads-to-wall-street-in-a-25b-bet-on-staffing-warehouses-with-humanoids/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matt O'Brien, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:43:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FS37G5AX3K5GQVE3XMPB5HNBDAA.jpg","slug":"agility-robotics-heads-to-wall-street-in-a-25b-bet-on-staffing-warehouses-with-humanoids"},{"id":"93x4t4","title":"Trump-endorsed de la Espriella declared winner of Colombia’s presidential runoff election","excerpt":"Conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, a millionaire political neophyte, will be Colombia’s next president after electoral authorities on Wednesday declared him the winner of Sunday’s runoff election.The businessman and lawyer, whose ventures include a clothing line, wine and rum brands,...","content":"Conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, a millionaire political neophyte, will be Colombia’s next president after electoral authorities on Wednesday declared him the winner of Sunday’s runoff election.The businessman and lawyer, whose ventures include a clothing line, wine and rum brands, and a restaurant, earned U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement despite never having run for office. He defeated progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda by 1 percentage point, or more than 251,000 votes.The result effectively was an indictment of outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s government, whose policies Cepeda had promised to continue, including a largely failed effort to establish dialogue with multiple armed groups.Electoral authorities published all but a fraction of the vote count hours after polls closed Sunday. Petro and Cepeda did not accept those results, with the latter saying he would wait for a recount to do so. Authorities finished the recount before declaring de la Espriella’s victory.De la Espriella’s win adds Colombia to a growing list of countries that have turned to political outsiders in search for solutions to complex social, security and economic challenges.The self-proclaimed representative of “the never-before-seen” promised voters fearful of renewed internal conflict to take a heavy-handed approach to combating violent crime with strategies borrowed from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s playbook, including building mega-prisons. Those tactics have lowered homicide rates in the Central American country but have fueled accusations of human rights abuses.Earlier Wednesday, Cepeda conceded the election to de la Espriella and accepted a Senate seat reserved for the runner-up in the presidential contest.“We assume with serenity, responsibility and absolute resolve — and let there be no doubt about it — the role that circumstances demand of us,” Cepeda said in an address to the nation. “We will exercise a democratic, vigilant and constructive opposition.”De la Espriella, 47, will begin a four-year term Aug. 7. In a statement on Wednesday, his campaign said the president-elect's “purpose is to work for national unity, with the people and for the people.” The campaign also stated his government will be committed to guaranteeing “the right to political opposition and peaceful protest, within the framework of the Constitution, the law and respect for democratic institutions.”A day earlier, de la Espriella announced he was putting together his cabinet. He also said he plans to add Colombia to the Trump-dubbed “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition of countries purportedly aimed at cracking down on criminal groups in Latin America.More than 26 million people voted in the polarizing runoff, setting a historic record. Of those, over 426,000 people chose a third, no-name option on the ballot that allows voters to express dislike of both candidates. About 29,000 people cast blank ballots.___Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/24/progressive-candidate-concedes-colombian-presidential-election-to-trump-endorsed-outsider/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Regina Garcia Cano And Astrid Suárez, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:30:57.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FR6MHTBNM2ZG6BIJBLKGBWF2CZI.jpg","slug":"trump-endorsed-de-la-espriella-declared-winner-of-colombias-presidential-runoff-election"},{"id":"8ovov","title":"Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy almost one year after deadly flood","excerpt":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.Camp Mystic has been under increasing pressure since the July 4 disaster. Owners had...","content":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.Camp Mystic has been under increasing pressure since the July 4 disaster. Owners had planned to reopen the Texas Hill Country camp this summer for its 100th anniversary but reversed course in April amid outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers. Victims’ families filed lawsuits accusing the camp of failing to protect the girls as the powerful floodwaters approached.Camp Mystic’s owner, Richard Eastland, also died in the flood.The camp listed its debt at more than $10 million, according to the filing made in federal bankruptcy court in Houston. An attorney for Camp Mystic has not responded to an email and a phone message seeking comment.“Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,” Paul Yetter, a lawyer who represents multiple families of campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic, said in a statement. “These innocent girls deserve justice.”For decades, Camp Mystic was a summer staple and an institution for generations of families who dropped off their girls at the sleepaway camp to ride horses, canoe, fish and attend Bible studies. Other summer camps in Kerr County, west of Austin, did not take on such devastating flooding and in some cases have reopened.All told, the destructive flooding killed at least 136 people along a several-mile stretch of the river, raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong.In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Eastland family spent months determined to reopen the camp this summer, pointing to enhanced safety measures that included flood warning river monitors and putting two-way radios enabled with national weather alerts in every cabin.By the spring, Camp Mystic’s attorney said it was ready to reopen for business for nearly 900 campers.But assurances of safety did not convince victims’ families and some Texas lawmakers. State regulators found nearly two dozen deficiencies in the emergency operations plan submitted by the owners, including in proposals for flood warning evacuations and safety training.The decision not to reopen followed weeks of testimony in court hearings and legislative investigations that laid bare the camp’s lack of detailed planning for a flood emergency and its reliance on poorly trained staff.Families of the victims packed the hearings, some wearing “Heaven’s 27” pins with photographs of their daughters. They listened to the details of missed flood warning signs, the descriptions of the flood and the decision to leave girls in their cabins until it was too late. Testimony included video of the raging floodwaters as a girl repeatedly screamed “help!” somewhere in the distance.Before halting the reopening plans, Camp Mystic invited journalists and lawmakers to review safety improvements at the camp and promised that no camp activities would take place in the low-lying area that was devastated by the flood. The Eastland family also stressed that hundreds of families wanted to return.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/24/camp-mystic-files-for-bankruptcy-almost-one-year-after-deadly-flood/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Kathy Mccormack Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:28:59.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXKFZ25WOEREDJHS7WL5YDQ25AU.jpg","slug":"camp-mystic-files-for-bankruptcy-almost-one-year-after-deadly-flood"},{"id":"k9xn8l","title":"Ex-chief of staff to former NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes","excerpt":"A former chief of staff to ex-New York Mayor Eric Adams was arrested Wednesday in a federal bribery case about a lucrative migrant shelter contract, the latest sign that prosecutors continue to scrutinize Adams' inner circle months after the scandal-bruised Democrat left office.The charges agains...","content":"A former chief of staff to ex-New York Mayor Eric Adams was arrested Wednesday in a federal bribery case about a lucrative migrant shelter contract, the latest sign that prosecutors continue to scrutinize Adams' inner circle months after the scandal-bruised Democrat left office.The charges against Frank Carone are the latest in a string of corruption allegations leveled at the former mayor — who was himself indicted on bribery and other charges that were later dismissed — and key aides. Separately, federal authorities searched the homes of current and former New York Police Department leaders Wednesday in connection with a different bribery investigation.Adams was not accused of wrongdoing in Carone’s indictment. It alleges the ex-chief of staff exploited his position to get more than $100,000 in payoffs for steering a migrant shelter contract to a hotel that social service officials had deemed unsuitable.“Frank Carone was entrusted to run our city government and instead put his own wealth and status above duty,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Winik told a court.Carone and his brother, Anthony Carone; hotel owner Yan Po Zhu, and hotel employee Crystal Chen pleaded not guilty to various charges. The brothers sat across from each other at a defense table, where Anthony Carone rubbed his face and Frank Carone appeared to read along during the proceedings.Frank Carone’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said outside court that the case was based on “assumption after assumption after assumption.”“There is not one fact that indicates Frank Carone did anything specific to influence anything in our government,” Aidala said. The other defendants and their attorneys declined to comment. Frank Carone and the Sabrina Carpenter church videoCarone, a former Brooklyn Democratic Party lawyer and longtime political power broker, is widely credited as one of the architects of Adams’ political rise. He also drew attention for his financial dealings with a Roman Catholic priest who let pop star Sabrina Carpenter film scenes for a provocative music video in a church.Federal investigators later subpoenaed the church. “They found nothing,” Aidala said Wednesday, contending that the government first targeted Carone, then looked for a case.Carone played a key role in Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, was chief of staff in 2022, then left and formed a political consulting firm.He “dedicated decades of his life to public service, the legal profession and helping countless individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations throughout New York,” Adams spokesperson Todd Shapiro said in a statement.Indictment focuses on how the hotel became a shelterStarting in 2022, the city scrambled to expand its shelter capacity amid an influx of migrants. Zhu's hotel got $6.8 million to shelter some of the new arrivals, though the city’s Social Services Department had repeatedly rejected the facility, which was small and in a Queens neighborhood where residents objected to more shelters, according to prosecutors.Prosecutors said in court papers that Frank Carone accepted around $120,000 in bribes from Zhu and Chen to intercede on the hotel's behalf. The money was passed through Anthony Carone’s law firm, according to the indictment.In a September 2022 text message, Zhu asked Frank Carone for help getting the hotel an immediate one-year contract, according to the indictment. It said Carone replied by asking for the address, and Zhu gave it, adding: “Thank you my big guy.”In December 2023, Zhu texted Carone: “I asked my partners to pay you for a year,” according to the document. Carone, who is also charged with obstruction of justice, deleted the message after learning he was under investigation, prosecutors said.Zhu “is anxious to establish his innocence,” lawyer Stephen Scaring said before the arraignments. All four defendants later were released on bond, ranging from $100,000 for Chen to $8 million for Zhu.Police officials' homes searched in unrelated probeSeparately Wednesday, the FBI and the NYPD executed search warrants at the homes of NYPD Chief of Manhattan South James McCarthy and former Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard, and federal agents also searched former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey's home, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the searches. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the searches were part of a bribery investigation that grew out of an inquiry into Maddrey.There was no immediate response to an inquiry to Maddrey's attorney. Attorney information for Sheppard and McCarthy was not immediately available.There is no public indication of any arrests as part of those searches.They were not related to Frank Carone's arrest, according to another person familiar with the matter who also was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke on condition of anonymity.Once the NYPD's highest-ranking uniformed officer, Maddrey resigned in 2024 over allegations that he demanded sex from a subordinate in exchange for opportunities to earn extra pay. Maddrey denied the claims of a quid pro quo.Adams was indicted in 2024 on charges of accepting illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials and others in exchange for political favors. The case was tossed by federal Justice Department leaders who said it was distracting Adams from assisting in Republican President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Adams has denied wrongdoing.After skipping last year’s Democratic primary, Adams mounted but eventually abandoned an independent campaign for a second term.___Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut, and Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz in New York contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/24/chief-of-staff-to-former-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-arrested-in-federal-bribery-probe-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:52:38.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6CWKUWIPCJFYTNQH7Y3ISDOAVU.jpg","slug":"ex-chief-of-staff-to-former-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-charged-with-taking-bribes"},{"id":"nu8zro","title":"US stocks end mixed, weighed down by more losses for tech giants","excerpt":"Stocks wavered to a mixed close on Wall Street Wednesday as technology stocks once again weighed down the market.Declines for several influential tech heavyweights, including Microsoft, pulled the broader market lower even though most stocks in the S&P 500 gained ground. That was also the case on...","content":"Stocks wavered to a mixed close on Wall Street Wednesday as technology stocks once again weighed down the market.Declines for several influential tech heavyweights, including Microsoft, pulled the broader market lower even though most stocks in the S&P 500 gained ground. That was also the case on Tuesday, when tech stocks pulled the market lower despite broader gains elsewhere.The S&P 500 fell 7.24 points, or 0.1%, to 7,358.22, despite nearly 2 out of every 3 stocks gaining ground. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is less weighted with tech stocks, rose 182.06 points, or 0.4%, to 51,848.90.The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 110.40 points, or 0.4%, to 25,476.64.A 2.3% drop in Microsoft was the heaviest weight on the market. Oracle slumped 4.6%. Many large tech companies have been behind Wall Street’s record-setting run throughout the year, but analysts have warned their valuations may have become stretched.“The next phase of the AI investment cycle is beginning to collide with market discipline,” said Jason Vaillancourt, chief portfolio strategist at Columbia Threadneedle, in a research note.Google’s parent company Alphabet slipped 0.2%. The company is replacing Verizon in the Dow on Monday. The company’s inclusion in the S&P 500 means more to investors, however, because 401(k) accounts are much more likely to include an S&P 500 index fund than anything tied to the Dow.Alphabet will become the fifth Magnificent 7 company to join the Dow. The others are Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia.Oil prices continued slipping as the U.S. and Iran negotiate a possible end to their war. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 3.8% to $73.87 a barrel. It has been trading below $80 in recent days but is still above the roughly $70 per barrel it was trading at in late February before the war began. U.S. crude prices fell 3.9% to $70.34 a barrel.Oil companies had some of the biggest losses. Exxon Mobil fell 2% and Chevron lost 2.6%.Some of the bigger winners on Wall Street included homebuilders following approval of legislation beneficial to the industry. KB Home surged 16.7% and D.R. Horton jumped 6.7%.Treasury yields mostly fell, removing some pressure from stocks. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.40% from 4.50% late Tuesday. The yield on the 2-year Treasury eased to 4.15% from 4.16%.Treasury yields are still elevated from earlier in the year, especially the 2-year Treasury, which more closely tracks anticipated action from the Federal Reserve. The central bank has signaled that it is considering raising its benchmark interest rate by the end of the year. Wall Street is forecasting at least one hike to interest rates by December, according to data from CME Group.The Fed is worried about stubborn inflation, which had been rising throughout the year as tariffs raised the costs for a wide range of goods. A shock to energy prices because of the U.S. war with Iran worsened inflation. Gasoline prices surged and shipping costs rose. The impact is expected to linger even as oil and gasoline prices fall.The central bank will get an update on inflation Thursday, when its preferred measure for prices is released. Economists expect the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, or PCE, to show that prices rose 4.1% in May. That would be the highest level in three years.“Thursday’s PCE is set to take on greater importance for markets, especially since Federal Reserve Chair (Kevin) Warsh was emphatic in last week’s meeting about the central bank’s desire to achieve price stability,” wrote Rick Gardner, chief investment officer at RGA Investments, in a research note.Gold prices fell 3.4% to settle at $4,008.80 an ounce. Earlier in the day, gold briefly traded below $4,000, and hasn't settled below that level since November. Gold was above $5,000 an ounce earlier in the year. The precious metal is often seen as a barometer of the appetite for risk among investors, with more buying at times of increased anxiety and more selling as anxiety eases.Markets were mixed in Europe.___AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Matt Ott contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/24/asian-stocks-are-mixed-after-big-tech-sell-off/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Chan Ho-Him, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T05:02:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWD3DIX6R3RCYTJLOVPIQ73PVJA.jpg","slug":"us-stocks-end-mixed-weighed-down-by-more-losses-for-tech-giants"},{"id":"feedam-74686","title":"How to Find Free Food in Piney Point Village: Pantries, SNAP & WIC","slug":"how-to-find-free-food-in-piney-point-village","excerpt":"Search 567,859+ verified resources for food, healthcare, and housing — all 50 states, DC, and US territories. Free. A practical guide for Piney Point Village: pantries, SNAP, WIC, the 211 referral line, and how to use the free Feed America directory at feedam.org.","content":"If groceries didn't fit the budget this month in Piney Point Village, you don't need a statistic to tell you that — you need to know where to get free food near you today, and whether the place you drive to will actually be open when you arrive. The fastest path is usually the simplest: a directory you can search by ZIP code or city, plus a phone line that answers around the clock. Feed America (feedam.org) runs the largest free directory of food assistance in the country.\n\nSearch 567,859+ verified resources for food, healthcare, and housing — all 50 states, DC, and US territories. Free. No account, no fee. Visit feedam.org and enter your ZIP code.\n\nIf you're in a hurry, start with the phone. Dial 2-1-1 to reach a local referral specialist — free, 24 hours a day — who can point you to nearby pantries, meal sites, and benefit offices. United Way's 211 network fielded about 19 million requests for help in 2025. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211. The USDA's National Hunger Hotline does the same at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) in Spanish.\n\nIf you'd rather look yourself, search by your ZIP code or city at feedam.org — then call the listing to confirm hours before you go.\n\nWhere to get free food today in Piney Point Village:\n\n— Food pantries hand out groceries: canned and boxed staples, fresh produce, dairy, sometimes meat, occasionally baby formula and diapers.\n— Soup kitchens and community meal sites serve hot, ready-to-eat meals, often with no questions asked.\n— Free and reduced-price school meals feed kids during the school year; summer meal sites and Summer EBT (SunBucks) help cover the gap when school is out.\n— SNAP and WIC offices help you apply for monthly grocery benefits, and many people who qualify never sign up.\n— Community health centers and senior nutrition programs round out the map for older adults and families juggling food and medical bills.\n\nAll of the above are in the Feed America directory at feedam.org. Search by ZIP code, filter by service, and call the listing before you go.\n\nHow many people are in the same spot? More than most people guess. The USDA estimates that 13.7% of U.S. households — about 18.3 million households, or 47.9 million people, including 7.3 million children — were food insecure at some point in 2024 (USDA Economic Research Service). It may be the last figure like it for a while: USDA announced in September 2025 that it was ending the long-running survey behind the report.\n\nThe safety net is tightening at the same time. SNAP, what many still call food stamps, helped an average of 41.7 million people a month in fiscal year 2024 — roughly 1 in 8 U.S. residents (USDA). Under Public Law 119-21, signed in July 2025, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the law's nutrition provisions will cut federal SNAP spending by roughly $187 billion over ten years — about one-sixth of the program — and that expanded work requirements will reduce SNAP enrollment by about 2.4 million people in a typical month (Congressional Research Service). That's why searches like \"food stamps office near me\" and \"free groceries near me\" keep climbing.\n\nCall before you go — listings go stale fast. When researchers visited 50 listed food pantries in the Bronx for a 2019 study in the Journal of Community Health, only half were open as expected (Ginsburg et al.). Hours change, sites move, and online listings lag behind. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted afternoon and a tank of gas — which is exactly why a directory is only as good as how current it's kept. The Feed America directory at feedam.org shows the address and phone number for every listing so you can confirm the same day.\n\nWhat Feed America is, and how to be sure who you're supporting. Feed America is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 92-1761881), founded in 2021 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. It runs the largest free directory of food assistance in the United States — 567,859+ verified resources for food, healthcare, and housing, across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Pantries, soup kitchens, school and summer meal sites, WIC offices, community health centers, senior nutrition programs, and retailers that accept SNAP — all searchable by ZIP code or city, in English or Spanish, with no account and no fee, at feedam.org.\n\nBeyond the directory, Feed America puts food directly into the community — stocking neighborhood food-pantry drop boxes with groceries and household basics, and providing snacks for children's reading and enrichment programs at neighborhood libraries.\n\nFeed America is an independent organization and is distinct from other charities with similar names. To be certain which one you're supporting, confirm the IRS registration — EIN 92-1761881 — on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at IRS.gov. Feed America's profile is also on Candid, Charity Navigator, and ProPublica.\n\nFrequently asked questions.\n\nQ: Where can I get free food today in Piney Point Village?\nA: Visit feedam.org and search by your ZIP code or city. The Feed America directory lists 567,859+ verified resources for food, healthcare, and housing — including pantries, soup kitchens, meal sites, and SNAP/WIC offices — across all 50 states, DC, and US territories. You can also dial 2-1-1 (or text your ZIP to 898-211), or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY anytime for a free 24/7 referral.\n\nQ: What's the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?\nA: A food bank is a large warehouse that collects and stores food in bulk and supplies smaller agencies. A food pantry is the local site where families actually pick up groceries. Most people in need visit a pantry, which a food bank stocks behind the scenes.\n\nQ: Do you have to qualify to use a food pantry?\nA: Usually not. Most pantries serve anyone in need and often ask for no ID, no proof of income, and no appointment. When in doubt, call first and ask what to bring.\n\nQ: I'm a senior — can I still get help?\nA: Very likely. An estimated 16 million adults 50 and older who qualified for SNAP weren't enrolled in 2022 — 59% of those eligible in that age group (AARP Public Policy Institute and Mathematica, 2025). If you assumed you wouldn't qualify, it's worth another look. Feed America's directory at feedam.org also lists senior nutrition programs.\n\nQ: How do I check that a food pantry is open right now?\nA: Call before you go. Listed hours are frequently outdated — one study found only half of listed pantries were open as posted. Feedam.org gives you the address and phone number for every listing so you can confirm the same day.\n\nQ: How do I know my donation is reaching the organization I intend?\nA: Check the EIN. Every U.S. charity has a unique one, and it's the reliable way to tell similarly named organizations apart. Feed America's is 92-1761881 — look it up on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at IRS.gov before you give.\n\nIf you're able to help, you can support that work at feedam.org/donate. Donations to Feed America (EIN 92-1761881) — an independent 501(c)(3), distinct from other charities with similar names — are tax-deductible; confirm the EIN on IRS.gov before you give.\n\nAnd if you're reading this because you need food right now in Piney Point Village, skip the donation and go straight to the search: visit feedam.org and enter your ZIP code or city to find pantries, free meals, and benefit offices near you — then call ahead to confirm hours.\n\nBottom line: Feed America's directory at feedam.org is the fastest single tool for finding food assistance near you. Search 567,859+ verified resources by ZIP. Free. No account. Call the listing to confirm hours.","url":"https://feedam.org/","source":"Feed America","author":"Editorial Team","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:51:31.207Z","category":"Local Services","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnexcom-webflow-publisher.emperormew.workers.dev%2Fimg%2Ffeedam%2Ffind-free-food-hero.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"featured":true,"imageAlt":"A volunteer drops off bags of groceries at a community food pantry donation box; a child colors a thank-you sign at a neighborhood library."},{"id":"hvruw5","title":"New power plant to bring more energy to West Texas","excerpt":"The two natural gas units will add to Vistra's Permian Basin Power Plant in Ward County and create 860 megawatts of energy.","content":"The two natural gas units will add to Vistra's Permian Basin Power Plant in Ward County and create 860 megawatts of energy.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/new-power-plant-bring-more-energy-west-texas","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Steven.Ardary@fox.com (Steven Ardary)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:35:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2Ftexas-power-grid-ercot-puc.jpg","slug":"new-power-plant-to-bring-more-energy-to-west-texas"},{"id":"lyjqf2","title":"A member of the cultlike Zizians group is charged in the killings of her parents in Pennsylvania","excerpt":"A member of the cultlike group known as Zizians has been charged with murder in the shooting of her parents at their Pennsylvania home on her 30th birthday, and a prosecutor said Wednesday she wasn't acting alone.Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said evidence from a neighbor’s doorb...","content":"A member of the cultlike group known as Zizians has been charged with murder in the shooting of her parents at their Pennsylvania home on her 30th birthday, and a prosecutor said Wednesday she wasn't acting alone.Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said evidence from a neighbor’s doorbell camera, ballistics and analysis of cellphone records have left investigators certain Michelle Zajko is at least partly responsible for the deaths of her parents, Rita and Richard. They were shot in her childhood playroom on New Year’s Eve 2022, surrounded by her old dolls and toys.\"At this time we do not know who her co-conspirators were, but we are very certain that Michelle Zajko was in the home and arranged for the death of her parents,” Rouse said.The new charges against Zajko, who has been jailed in Maryland on other charges since February 2025, include murder, burglary and conspiracy charges in her parents’ deaths. She has denied killing them, and in court filings suggested her father might have killed her mother and himself. “I didn’t murder my parents,” she wrote in an April 2025 “ Open Letter to the World” that her attorney sent to The Associated Press.Authorities had long described Zajko as a person of interest. The two deaths are among six linked to the Zizians, a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists who appear to share radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity and artificial intelligence. Since 2022, members have been tied to the death of one of their own during an attack on a California landlord, the landlord’s subsequent killing, the Zajkos’ deaths in Pennsylvania, and a highway shootout in Vermont that left a border agent and another Zizian dead.Ballistics and list of mistakes provided links to ZajkoIn the Pennsylvania case, investigators spent years painstakingly collecting evidence, Rouse said, including video from a neighbor's doorbell camera that captured two people getting out of a car outside the Zajkos' home in Chester Heights, a voice shouting “Mom!” and another voice exclaiming, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” Authorities haven't found a weapon, but Zajko made a list describing mistakes such as leaving shell casings behind, he said. Those casings matched ammunition from Zajko's home in Vermont and from a firing range in her backyard, Rouse said. “If she wasn’t the one who actually pulled the trigger, she was certainly aligned with those who did,” he said.Online court records didn't indicate whether Zajko had an attorney in the Pennsylvania case as of Wednesday. An attorney representing her in Maryland did not respond to a message seeking comment, and the Delaware County Public Defender’s office declined to comment.Zizians face charges in multiple statesZajko, now 33, also is charged with providing the gun used to kill U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in January 2025, though nothing has happened in that case. She was arrested in Maryland a few weeks later along with Daniel Blank and Jack “Ziz” LaSota, whom authorities describe as the group’s leader. Police who responded to a landowner's complaint about suspicious people parked in box trucks on his property described them as having “ties with the Zizians Cult” and said they would be questioned about crimes across the country. All three have pleaded not guilty to charges of trespassing and illegal gun and drug possession, while LaSota also has pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of illegal gun possession by a fugitive. A judge recently granted a defense request for a competency evaluation in the federal case.In court filings, LaSota’s attorneys said their client eschews the term Zizian and denies that she and her friends have formed a cult. Zajko has claimed authorities arrested the group in Maryland to prevent them from exonerating Teresa Youngblut, who has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Vermont shooting and could face the death penalty if convicted.Zajko was living with Blank in Vermont at the time of her parents’ deaths and was questioned there by police shortly after they died. A few weeks later, officers briefly took her into custody at a hotel while she was in Pennsylvania for the funeral but released her without charges. LaSota, staying at the same hotel, was charged with obstructing the homicide investigation and disorderly conduct. Her attorney at the time has said she is innocent of those charges.Family questions remain unanswered in the Pennsylvania killingsZajko had been estranged from her parents in the year leading up to their deaths, the prosecutor said. In a January 2022 text message to her father, she complained that her mother had “assumed the worst” about her since she was a child.“Every time I interact with mom in a nonsuperficial way she spends the time insulting a life she knows nothing about,” Zajko wrote. Hours before her death, Rita Zajko apologized to her daughter and wished her a happy birthday.“That text went unanswered,” Rouse said.Richard Zajko's sister-in-law, Roseanne Zajko, thanked police and prosecutors Wednesday, saying that her family has endured “countless days of darkness and despair\" waiting for justice.“We don't know yet if the trial will begin to heal the void in our lives and the ache in our hearts, but we do know that the detectives, the DA's office, and we, the family, have done everything possible to achieve justice for Rick and Rita.” The prosecutor described their deaths as a crime that “goes beyond comprehension.” “I can’t wrap my mind around or figure out what led to this point,\" he said. \"We are clearly talking about someone that has gone down an unimaginably dark road and has led to a tragedy that just defies any sort of description.”____Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/24/michelle-zajko-a-member-of-the-cultlike-zizians-group-is-charged-in-the-killings-of-her-parents/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Holly Ramer, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:23:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPRZNP4OYMNBWNOYSPJ6AJR3LUE.jpg","slug":"a-member-of-the-cultlike-zizians-group-is-charged-in-the-killings-of-her-parents-in-pennsylvania"},{"id":"ykcoem","title":"'He didn't freeze:' 7-year-old Texas boy saves little brother after finding him unresponsive in pool","excerpt":"A 7-year-old boy in Texas is being hailed as a hero for saving his little brother's life after the toddler was found unresponsive in a swimming pool.","content":"A 7-year-old boy in Texas is being hailed as a hero for saving his little brother's life after the toddler was found unresponsive in a swimming pool.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/7-year-old-texas-boy-saves-little-brother-finding-unresponsive-pool/19371606/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KABC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:47:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"he-didnt-freeze-7-year-old-texas-boy-saves-little-brother-after-finding-him-unresponsive-in-pool"},{"id":"whqdo4","title":"Lightning strike possibly sparked Webster fire that displaced 15 families","excerpt":"The Webster community is coming together to help more than a dozen families after a fire ripped through an apartment complex over the weekend. Officials believe a lightning strike may have caused the fire.","content":"The Webster community is coming together to help more than a dozen families after a fire ripped through an apartment complex over the weekend. Officials believe a lightning strike may have caused the fire.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/lightning-strike-may-have-sparked-webster-fire-displaced-15-families","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Jillian.Hartmann@fox.com (Jillian Hartmann)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:58:02.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fwebster.jpg","slug":"lightning-strike-possibly-sparked-webster-fire-that-displaced-15-families"},{"id":"m2a8dx","title":"Catalytic converter thefts surge in Harris County as critics question low bonds for repeat offenders","excerpt":"Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise here in Harris County. If it continues, the number of thefts will double last year's total. The reason cited by officials is the rising cost of metal.","content":"Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise here in Harris County. If it continues, the number of thefts will double last year's total. The reason cited by officials is the rising cost of metal.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/catalytic-converter-thefts-surge-harris-county-critics-question-low-bonds-repeat-offenders","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Randy.Wallace@fox.com (Randy Wallace)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:53:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fcc-thefts.jpg","slug":"catalytic-converter-thefts-surge-in-harris-county-as-critics-question-low-bonds-for-repeat-offenders"},{"id":"i5av0p","title":"Katy Tesla crash: Expert explains what investigators will be looking for as federal probe continues","excerpt":"As investigators work to determine what caused a Tesla Model 3 to crash into a Katy-area home, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila, both local experts and federal agencies are taking a closer look at the evidence.","content":"As investigators work to determine what caused a Tesla Model 3 to crash into a Katy-area home, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila, both local experts and federal agencies are taking a closer look at the evidence.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/expert-explains-what-investigators-will-be-looking-deadly-katy-tesla-crash-federal-probe-continues","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Leslie.DelasBour@fox.com (Leslie DelasBour)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:31:25.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftesla.jpg","slug":"katy-tesla-crash-expert-explains-what-investigators-will-be-looking-for-as-federal-probe-continues"},{"id":"r1mh5w","title":"NTSB investigating deadly Tesla crash into Katy home","excerpt":"The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Wednesday that it has started a safety investigation into the June 19 crash.","content":"The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Wednesday that it has started a safety investigation into the June 19 crash.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-tesla-crash-home-katy-2026-june-update-ntsb","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Briahn.Hawkins@fox.com (Briahn Hawkins)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T21:03:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftesla-photo.jpg","slug":"ntsb-investigating-deadly-tesla-crash-into-katy-home"},{"id":"shjnk7","title":"Travel Mom Emily Kaufman says now’s the time to book Australia","excerpt":"Summer in Houston means vacation planning, and Travel Mom Emily Kaufman has a tip that flips the calendar: head to Australia now. Because Australia’s winter falls during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, Kaufman says this is an ideal off‑season window — crowds are lighter at popular sights, and t...","content":"Summer in Houston means vacation planning, and Travel Mom Emily Kaufman has a tip that flips the calendar: head to Australia now. Because Australia’s winter falls during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, Kaufman says this is an ideal off‑season window — crowds are lighter at popular sights, and the U.S. dollar stretches further.Flip the seasons — enjoy Australia in its off‑peak monthsOff‑season travel can translate into shorter lines at major attractions, more flexible accommodation options and often better deals on tours. In Sydney, that could mean more room to roam the harbor, quieter mornings at Bondi and a more relaxed tempo at cafés and markets. For families, it can also mean more enjoyable outings without the crush of peak tourism.Getting there from Houston is easier than you thinkAnother practical plus for Houston travelers: there are nonstop flights between Houston and Sydney, making the long haul more manageable by cutting out connections. That direct option simplifies logistics and maximizes time on the ground for exploring beaches, cultural sites and the region’s varied landscapes.Big perks: lighter crowds and a stronger dollarPlanning tips from Kaufman: book early for the best fares even in the off‑season, pack layers (Australia’s winter can be cool, especially evenings), and prioritize one or two neighborhoods so you’re not trying to do everything in a single trip. Want ideas on what to see and do? Start with official resources at www.visitnsw.com and www.sydney.com for events, itineraries and practical visitor info.For Houstonians ready to trade heat for a southern winter adventure, Australia in the U.S. summer is a smart option. With lighter crowds, favorable exchange value and convenient nonstop flights, it might be the getaway that finally fits your family’s calendar.Follow @TheTravelMom for more travel tips.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/travel-mom-emily-kaufman-says-nows-the-time-to-book-australia/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:55:24.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F5ea6938a-c8c2-4fd0-bf82-2bdb1c3d880f%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"travel-mom-emily-kaufman-says-nows-the-time-to-book-australia"},{"id":"g2hjpa","title":"Protect your dog’s paws: Learn the 7-second test for hot pavement","excerpt":"When temperatures climb into the 90s, it’s easy to focus on staying cool ourselves. But there’s another summer hazard many pet owners don’t think about until it’s too late: hot pavement.Even though the air temperature may only be in the 90s, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots can become much h...","content":"When temperatures climb into the 90s, it’s easy to focus on staying cool ourselves. But there’s another summer hazard many pet owners don’t think about until it’s too late: hot pavement.Even though the air temperature may only be in the 90s, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots can become much hotter after hours in the sun. That’s because concrete and asphalt absorb solar energy throughout the day and hold onto that heat. The surface temperature can climb well above the surrounding air, especially during the afternoon when the sun has had several hours to warm the ground.Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces plans to build new facilityUnlike people, dogs don’t usually wear shoes. Their paw pads provide some protection, but they can still suffer painful burns when exposed to extremely hot surfaces. Walking across hot pavement can cause redness, blistering and other injuries commonly referred to as paw burns.A simple way to check if it’s safe is the 7-second test.Place the palm of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can’t comfortably keep it there for seven seconds, the surface is likely too hot for your dog’s paws.If the pavement fails the test, try walking your dog on grassy areas instead, where surface temperatures are often much cooler. It’s also a good idea to schedule walks early in the morning or after sunset, when sidewalks and roads have had time to cool.During Houston’s long, hot summers, a few extra seconds spent checking the pavement can help prevent painful injuries and keep your furry family members safe.Tips for protecting your dog’s pawsUse the 7-second hand test before every walk.Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.Choose grass or shaded paths whenever possible.Avoid asphalt parking lots and dark-colored pavement during the hottest part of the day.If your dog begins limping or repeatedly lifts its paws, move them to a cooler surface immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of a burn.It may only take a few seconds to check the pavement, but those few seconds can make a big difference for your pet.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/24/protect-your-dogs-paws-learn-the-7-second-test-for-hot-pavement/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:51:21.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGRVD4ZKKQVFWZGQRUGVLJV3RGQ.jpg","slug":"protect-your-dogs-paws-learn-the-7-second-test-for-hot-pavement"},{"id":"v1xwmh","title":"Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces historic agriculture complex benefitting Texas youth","excerpt":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is looking ahead to its next century with plans for a transformational new agricultural complex that will expand educational opportunities, enhance the exhibitor experience, and further support Texas youth and agriculture.RELATED: Houston Life kicks off openin...","content":"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is looking ahead to its next century with plans for a transformational new agricultural complex that will expand educational opportunities, enhance the exhibitor experience, and further support Texas youth and agriculture.RELATED: Houston Life kicks off opening day at 2026 Houston Livestock Show and RodeoHouston Life was the first broadcast interview to sit down with the organization’s leaders following the announcement of the largest facilities investment in the organization’s nearly 100-year history.“For nearly a century, this organization has existed to support the students, exhibitors, and families who make this event possible,”During the interview on Houston Life, HLSR President and CEO Chris Boleman and newly elected Chairman of the Board Wesley Sinor shared details about the ambitious project, which will add more than one million square feet of air-conditioned space along Highway 288 just three miles from the park.The new facility is designed to complement existing operations at NRG Park, not replace them. Boleman emphasized that the annual Rodeo will remain at its longtime home, with the new campus serving as a dedicated hub for livestock shows, horse competitions, educational programming and year-round agricultural events.Two large barns (~860,000 SF)Central building (~140,000 SF) Totaling: 1,000,000 SF Air-conditioned spaceOutdoor covered cattle yard (~105,000 SF)The space includes a new auction hall/sales pavilion (seats ~2,000)Total Arena Area will include roughly 5,000 seats, which includes arena seating and club seats. The arena can also host additional events and concerts. Those type of events will seat roughly 2,000 more people. (These numbers are an estimate and subject to change)Rodeo leaders are describing the new facility as a one-stop destination for livestock and equine exhibitors. The goal is to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and create a better experience for students, families, and participants.Beyond 20 days in March, the facility will allow the organization to expand its mission year-round. Leaders say the space will host 4-H and FFA programs, educational initiatives, committee meetings, fundraisers, galas, and other community events focused on agriculture and youth development.For Sinor, who has volunteered with the Rodeo for more than two decades, the project represents an investment in future generations.“We want to continue our legacy of putting on the largest livestock show, the richest rodeo and being one of the largest scholarship providers,” he explained during the interview.The project has been years in the making with construction expected to span several years, with the goal of opening the facility in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed more than $660 million to support Texas youth and education. Leaders say this historic investment reinforces that commitment and ensures the organization can continue serving students, exhibitors and families for decades to come. The next Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is slated for March 2nd-21st, 2027.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-historic-agriculture-complex-benefitting-texas-youth/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Javana Vela","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:41:06.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe0928fdd-9b90-489f-87d7-4b46e4b358ac%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-announces-historic-agriculture-complex-benefitting-texas-youth"},{"id":"xcvhe","title":"Prime Day competitor sales that are just as good if not better than Amazon","excerpt":"Amazon isn't the only shop with deals on Prime Day. Check out these retailers that are slashing prices to with their own summer sales.","content":"Amazon isn't the only shop with deals on Prime Day. Check out these retailers that are slashing prices to with their own summer sales.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/amazon-prime-day-2026-competitor-sales-best-deals-walmart-nordstrom-lululemon-more/17018288/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:51:17.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1449844908441-8829872d2607%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"prime-day-competitor-sales-that-are-just-as-good-if-not-better-than-amazon"},{"id":"15b1mx","title":"You Don’t Need a Room Key to Enjoy Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose","excerpt":"Looking for your next happy hour spot or a unique night out in Houston? Hotel Saint Augustine is proving you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy everything the boutique property has to offer.Nestled in the heart of Montrose, the hotel has become a gathering place for locals thanks to its...","content":"Looking for your next happy hour spot or a unique night out in Houston? Hotel Saint Augustine is proving you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy everything the boutique property has to offer.Nestled in the heart of Montrose, the hotel has become a gathering place for locals thanks to its thoughtfully curated food, drinks and community events.The hotel’s new happy hour, served in the Augustine Lounge, features a menu created by award-winning chef Aaron Bludorn. Just steps away, Perseid—Hotel Saint Augustine’s signature restaurant—continues to serve elevated Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine, also curated by Bludorn.Houston Life’s Melanie Camp stopped by to sample some of the menu’s standout dishes, including the hotel’s viral crawfish corn dog that’s been creating plenty of buzz.But Hotel Saint Augustine offers much more than great food.Throughout the week, the hotel hosts a variety of events designed to bring both guests and Houstonians together. Current programming includes Global Sounds in the Augustine Lounge, while Perseid will soon launch Tuesday Jazz Night, adding live music to the hotel’s growing lineup of experiences.Hotel Saint Augustine has also become known for its thoughtfully curated events that bring guests and Houston locals together. One of its signature weekly offerings is Drop the Needle, a Wednesday night vinyl listening party celebrating music and community. For Pride Month, the hotel transformed the popular event into Drag the Needle, with host Blackberri leading an evening of vinyl, dazzling drag performances and plenty of glamour.Whether you’re looking for a relaxed happy hour, a memorable dinner or an evening of music and community, Hotel Saint Augustine is becoming a destination that extends well beyond its guest rooms.You’ll find Hotel Saint Augustine at 4110 Loretto Drive in the heart of Montrose, one of Houston’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. With chef-curated dining, creative cocktails and a calendar of community events, it’s a spot that’s well worth a visit—even if you’re not checking in for the night.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/24/you-dont-need-a-room-key-to-enjoy-hotel-saint-augustine-in-montrose/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Melanie Camp","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:27:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F95c68633-ff02-4046-912c-8948396dc0e1%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"you-dont-need-a-room-key-to-enjoy-hotel-saint-augustine-in-montrose"},{"id":"guzb3b","title":"Abbott asks feds to pay back $10 billion for border security operation","excerpt":"Texas has formally asked the federal government to pay back more than $10 billion used for the state’s border security efforts.","content":"Texas has formally asked the federal government to pay back more than $10 billion used for the state’s border security efforts.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/abbott-feds-pay-back-10-billion-border-security","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:59:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2Fborder-wall.jpg","slug":"abbott-asks-feds-to-pay-back-10-billion-for-border-security-operation"},{"id":"hkc02g","title":"CBP intercepts $10.1 million methamphetamine shipment at Laredo World Trade Bridge","excerpt":"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the World Trade Bridge intercepted a massive shipment of methamphetamine with an estimated street value exceeding $10.1 million, federal authorities announced Monday.","content":"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the World Trade Bridge intercepted a massive shipment of methamphetamine with an estimated street value exceeding $10.1 million, federal authorities announced Monday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/cbp-intercepts-10-1-million-methamphetamine-shipment-laredo-world-trade-bridge","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:42:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fimage-60.png","slug":"cbp-intercepts-101-million-methamphetamine-shipment-at-laredo-world-trade-bridge"},{"id":"fs5sww","title":"Thousands of mayflies swarm town in Ohio - and it's actually a good thing","excerpt":"Officials from the Ohio Division of Wildlife stumbled upon thousands of mayflies in the middle of Ottawa County this week.","content":"Officials from the Ohio Division of Wildlife stumbled upon thousands of mayflies in the middle of Ottawa County this week.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/thousands-mayflies-swarm-town-ohio-actually-good-thing","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:29:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fmayflies-fox-wx-2-scaled.jpg","slug":"thousands-of-mayflies-swarm-town-in-ohio-and-its-actually-a-good-thing"},{"id":"m9jw4g","title":"As eyes are on the men at the World Cup, the Women's World Cup countdown has begun","excerpt":"While most of the soccer world is focused on the men at the World Cup, the countdown has begun for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.The women's tournament is set to start June 24, 2027, hosted by a South American country for the first time. Brazil hosted the men's World Cup in 1950 and 2014.“...","content":"While most of the soccer world is focused on the men at the World Cup, the countdown has begun for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.The women's tournament is set to start June 24, 2027, hosted by a South American country for the first time. Brazil hosted the men's World Cup in 1950 and 2014.“I think that the host country, it sleeps and breathes football. So, I think just the energy you’re going to see from the public, the general public, and obviously the teams touching down in Brazil, I mean, it’s such a unique, special country,” FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis said at an event Wednesday in Miami. “I think the same energy you’re going to feel right now when you bring the world together, and you have an incredible product in women’s football, I mean, the level of quality the players is so extraordinary that I think, honestly, it will be an epic showcase of football and fandom.”In addition to Miami, a countdown event was also held in Rio de Janeiro. Even in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Wednesday's World Cup match between Switzerland and co-host Canada, video signage flashed with ads for the upcoming women's tournament.All eight cities that will host women's matches next year also hosted men's games in 2014: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador.Qualification for the tournament has already begun. Brazil, which has an automatic spot as host, has never won the women's tournament and it remains to be seen whether Marta, the six-time FIFA world player of the year, will be on the national team. The 40-year-old Marta has never won a major international tournament.Thirteen other teams have also qualified, including Australia, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain and Denmark.“There is only one year left until the moment that will be marked in the history of our country. For the CBF (Brazilian soccer confederation) and for all Brazilians, it is a source of great pride to host the Women’s World Cup,\" federation president Samir Xaud said in a statement. “It will be an opportunity to show the world our passion for football and, above all, the strength of Brazilian women’s football. We are certain that this will be a transformative World Cup, capable of inspiring girls in all regions of Brazil and leaving a lasting legacy.”The first Women's World Cup was hosted by China in 1991. The United States has won the most titles with four. Spain won the last title in 2023 at the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.Women's soccer has experienced exponential growth in the past decade, with new leagues, increasing viewership and revenues. The Women's World Cup in Brazil will be the last with 32 teams. In 2031 the event will include 48 teams, like the men's tournament.The 2031 World Cup is expected to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The formal decision will likely be announced in November.“I think when we went to 32 there was some noise, are we’re ready, are there going to be blowouts? We saw an incredibly competitive landscape. We saw debutantes making the knockout rounds. I think the global game is accelerating so fast that countries are closing the gap a lot faster,\" Ellis said. “Our job is to make sure teams come in there as prepared and ready as they can, so we have the most competitive World Cup. So I think the growth of the game is accelerating rapidly, and I think by 2031 we certainly will have a very competitive World Cup.”___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/as-eyes-are-on-the-men-at-the-world-cup-the-womens-world-cup-countdown-has-begun/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:15:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7RAXUJ4W4RE5TDR4WYV7P5ZV2E.jpg","slug":"as-eyes-are-on-the-men-at-the-world-cup-the-womens-world-cup-countdown-has-begun"},{"id":"bi688a","title":"Bill DeWitt III promoted from president to chief executive officer of the Cardinals","excerpt":"Bill DeWitt III was named chief executive officer of the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday after serving as team president since 2008.The Cardinals also announced the promotion of Anuk Karunaratne to president of business operations as part of a restructuring following Chaim Bloom’s appointment as...","content":"Bill DeWitt III was named chief executive officer of the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday after serving as team president since 2008.The Cardinals also announced the promotion of Anuk Karunaratne to president of business operations as part of a restructuring following Chaim Bloom’s appointment as president of baseball operations last September.“In some ways, it’s not that big of a change, as all of us up here have been working together closely for a couple years now,” DeWitt III said. “But in formalizing these roles, we’re just firming up the leadership structure that will lay the foundation for the next wave of organizational and team success.”DeWitt III, 58, oversaw the opening of Busch Stadium in 2006 and the development and launch of Ballpark Village Phase I in 2014 and Phase II in 2020.Bill DeWitt Jr. continues as chairman and principal owner and will continue his involvement in team baseball and business matters.“Nothing’s really changed,” DeWitt Jr. said. “I stay in touch with obviously Bill III. Baseball (operations) stays in touch with me. I talk all the time, so I may or may not be here, but I’m here in spirit and available 24/7 so I’m tightly in touch with all the things we’re looking to do.”Karunaratne joined the Cardinals in 2024 as senior vice president of business operations. He previously was the Toronto Blue Jays’ executive vice president of business operations.“We all know what the Cardinals can be at their best,” Karunaratne said. “That’s what we’re building towards, and ultimately that matters. It matters to this organization, it matters to this city, and it matters to every one of our fans. We’re ready, and we’re going to get after it.”The Cardinals qualified for postseason play 17 times in DeWitt Jr.’s first 27 seasons at the helm of the franchise and drew at least 2.9 million fans in every full season from 1998 through 2023.The club, however, has not having made the postseason since 2022. Attendance has dropped to 30-year lows.“Like the business, there’s been a lot of change, and it’s change that has been accelerating, probably over the last five years, and I think right now baseball organization is in good shape with Chaim and some of the changes he’s made,” DeWitt III said. “I come at it more as somebody that is ready and sort of willing to go a little deeper into the organization on the baseball side than perhaps I have in the past and just really learn. When you’re in this role for 18 years, you know everybody in the business side, so when issues come up, what people’s opinions are, you’re collecting them where people are coming from. I want to get to that point on the baseball side.”DeWitt III’s promotion continues a family legacy in the game of baseball that dates back to his grandfather.“I love pointing out my grandfather’s role here, he was here about 20 years as treasurer, worked with Branch Rickey, and that’s a point of pride for me,” DeWitt III said. “It’s pretty cool. It isn’t too often that you see, particularly in an organization like this, have that much heritage in one family.”___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/bill-dewitt-iii-promoted-from-president-to-chief-executive-officer-of-the-cardinals/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCMQ6TNGNCJG3XE3YMFBMREWUUM.jpg","slug":"bill-dewitt-iii-promoted-from-president-to-chief-executive-officer-of-the-cardinals"},{"id":"7h1cjj","title":"Judge blocks Trump administration’s SNAP restrictions on soda and candy in five states","excerpt":"The Trump administration’s ban on preventing food ‌stamp recipients in five states from using their benefits to buy sugary foods and drinks was blocked Monday by a federal judge in Washington, D.C.","content":"The Trump administration’s ban on preventing food ‌stamp recipients in five states from using their benefits to buy sugary foods and drinks was blocked Monday by a federal judge in Washington, D.C.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/judge-blocks-trump-administrations-snap-restrictions-soda-candy-five-states","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Mark.Richardson@fox.com (Mark Richardson)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:18:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fsnap-sign.jpg","slug":"judge-blocks-trump-administrations-snap-restrictions-on-soda-and-candy-in-five-states"},{"id":"nos5tp","title":"Houston Life Co-Host/Reporter","excerpt":"Houston Life is a leading multi-platform lifestyle brand that reflects, shapes, and enhances the daily lives of Houstonians. Our content spotlights the city’s most exciting businesses, creators, and ideas while celebrating Houston’s unique culture and identity.Ready to create content that lives e...","content":"Houston Life is a leading multi-platform lifestyle brand that reflects, shapes, and enhances the daily lives of Houstonians. Our content spotlights the city’s most exciting businesses, creators, and ideas while celebrating Houston’s unique culture and identity.Ready to create content that lives everywhere? KPRC 2 is looking for a dynamic, digital-first storyteller to co-host Houston Life, our live, one-hour daily lifestyle show, while producing engaging content across broadcast, streaming, web, and social platforms.This is more than an on-air role — it’s an opportunity to be a true content creator. You’ll pitch, shoot, write, edit, and publish stories that connect with audiences wherever they are. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy building meaningful connections both on-screen and off, we want to meet you.THE ROLE: Full-time Co-Host/Reporter for KPRC 2’s Local Programming department, contributing to Houston Life and its associated broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.  WHAT YOU’LL DO:Co-host a live, daily talk show - leading both scripted and unscripted segments with confidence and personality Own stories end-to-end: pitch → shoot → write → edit → publish Create sponsored and non-sponsored video and written content for TV, HoustonLife.tv, streaming, and social platforms Create digital and social-native content that extends the life of every story beyond the broadcast Actively promote stories across social media before, during, and after they air — driving engagement and conversation Conduct engaging live and taped interviews that inform, entertain, and connect with viewersCollaborate with producers and sales team to create standout, shareable content (including sponsored segments)Contribute fresh ideas for long-term storytelling, special series, and cross-platform initiatives Represent KPRC 2 and Houston Life at community events, to build relationships and grow audience across platformsEmbrace new technology and digital storytelling strategies!WHAT YOU MUST BRING:A strong on-air presence + excellent ad-libbing skills A proven ability to shoot, write, and edit your own content An understanding of how best to create content that performs across platforms An ability to move fast, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high production value A team-first, creative, and energetic mindset! ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Minimum 5 years live on-air experienceMinimum 3-4 years of experience shooting, writing, editing material for broadcast and digitalStrong internal and external communication skills across teams and platforms Deep understanding of current and emerging social media platforms and audience engagement strategies Availability for a full-time M–F schedule, with occasional evenings/weekends for special eventsMust understand KPRC 2’s presence in the community and the core values associated with our brandBilingual in English and Spanish is preferredLOCATION: KPRC 2 | 8181 Southwest Freeway | Houston, TX 77074THE COMPANY: KPRC 2 is the NBC affiliate and Graham Media Group station based in Houston, Texas. From news to special programming, our community-driven, innovation-focused team is passionate about storytelling across every platform. From broadcast to streaming to social, we connect with Houston in real time. We invest in our people through mentorship, collaboration, and a culture that values creativity, curiosity, and bold ideas.Apply now by submitting the following to Wes Rodda (wrodda@kprc.com):Resume Demo reel Examples of your shooting, writing, editing, and producing work Examples of website and social content you producedCompleted application  Click HERE to download and complete employment application.Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks. You must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under Texas Law.No Phone Calls PleaseKPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, KPRC will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/careers/2026/03/26/houston-life-co-hostreporter/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:49:47.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FS6JZ4ZURDJANVGFQCHV677XQEU.png","slug":"houston-life-co-hostreporter"},{"id":"cdyw47","title":"Majority of Texans oppose data centers in their community, according to new poll","excerpt":"A new poll found 56% of Texans were opposed to the construction of a data center in their community.","content":"A new poll found 56% of Texans were opposed to the construction of a data center in their community.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/majority-texans-oppose-data-centers-community-according-new-poll","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:40:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F05%2Fdata-centers-in-texas-causes-controversy.jpg","slug":"majority-of-texans-oppose-data-centers-in-their-community-according-to-new-poll"},{"id":"vg3hy4","title":"Texas DPS Trooper seriously injured, driver killed in head-on crash in West Texas","excerpt":"A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was seriously injured and a pickup truck driver was killed Tuesday morning in a head-on crash on U.S. Highway 67 in Brewster County, authorities said.","content":"A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was seriously injured and a pickup truck driver was killed Tuesday morning in a head-on crash on U.S. Highway 67 in Brewster County, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-dps-trooper-trooper-vasquez-k9-guido-crash-alpine","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:20:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fimage-59.png","slug":"texas-dps-trooper-seriously-injured-driver-killed-in-head-on-crash-in-west-texas"},{"id":"jel447","title":"TSA partners with Google Wallet for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID","excerpt":"The TSA announced a partnership with Google Wallet, allowing eligible travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID directly through the app. See the U.S. airports where it's available.","content":"The TSA announced a partnership with Google Wallet, allowing eligible travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID directly through the app. See the U.S. airports where it's available.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tsa-partners-google-wallet-tsa-precheck-touchless-id","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:17:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftsa-precheck-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"tsa-partners-with-google-wallet-for-tsa-precheck-touchless-id"},{"id":"l7ns7i","title":"Colombia's vote may reshape the Amazon's future as political winds shift across Latin America","excerpt":"The rise of Abelardo de la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer set to be Colombia's next president, is raising questions about whether political shifts underway across Latin America could reshape the future of the Amazon rainforest.The Colombia election result comes as Peru appears poised to elec...","content":"The rise of Abelardo de la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer set to be Colombia's next president, is raising questions about whether political shifts underway across Latin America could reshape the future of the Amazon rainforest.The Colombia election result comes as Peru appears poised to elect Keiko Fujimori as president following a closely contested vote. Meanwhile, Brazil is preparing for a presidential election that could push the country back to the right if Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, defeats President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The elections raise the possibility that countries with the largest shares of the Amazon could move toward policies that place greater emphasis on economic growth, extractive industries and efforts to combat organized crime and reassert state control in remote regions.“There’s an interesting alignment, particularly across the Andes region and the broader Amazon basin,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, deputy director for Latin America at the International Crisis Group, referring to a growing belief among some governments that economic development and conservation can be pursued simultaneously.Colombia's election results showed that de la Espriella, who was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, defeated Iván Cepeda, a lawmaker who was endorsed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, by 1 percentage point, or nearly 251,000 votes. Cepeda conceded on Wednesday.The Amazon rainforest spans much of northern South America and helps slow climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that warms the planet. Scientists have for years warned that continued forest loss could push parts of the Amazon toward a tipping point beyond which large areas may no longer be able to regenerate as rainforest.Around 40% of Colombian territory sits within the Amazon basin. Under Petro, it emerged as one of the world’s most prominent advocates for rainforest protection and a transition away from fossil fuels.Economic development and the AmazonDuring his election campaign, de la Espriella — whose nickname is “The Tiger” — pledged to revive Colombia’s oil sector, supported fracking, which is a method of extracting oil and gas from underground rock formations, and argued that the country should make greater use of its natural resources to spur economic growth. Environmental advocates warn that expanding oil and gas production could undermine efforts to reduce emissions and increase pressure on environmentally sensitive areas.De la Espriella represents a sharp contrast with Petro, who opposed new fossil fuel exploration contracts and sought to position Colombia as a leading voice internationally on climate issues.Peru, which contains the second-largest share of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil, appears close to electing Fujimori. Like de la Espriella, Fujimori has signaled support for expanding mining and other industries as a driver of economic growth, while environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential implications for forests and Indigenous communities.Brazil, which is home to roughly 60% of the Amazon, is preparing for a presidential race that could have major implications for forest protection. The election comes after the country experienced sharply rising deforestation under Bolsonaro, followed by declines under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as environmental enforcement was strengthened.Brazil’s experience shows that government priorities can have a measurable impact on the Amazon, said Cristiane Mazzetti, zero deforestation lead at Greenpeace Brazil.“The elected administration sets budgetary priorities, fills government positions and shapes regulations to either facilitate or hinder predatory exploitation and environmental crimes,” she said. “The result of this is measurable, as evidenced by the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon.”Trump’s endorsement of Colombia's de la Espriella came as the U.S. president has rolled back climate policies, promoted expanded oil and gas production and withdrawn the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Agreement, the international pact aimed at limiting global warming.Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis, said environmental concerns may increasingly compete with demands for investment, energy production and economic growth.“Many of the concerns from environmentalists on emissions and fracking are going to take a second place to some of the economic concerns about energy self-sufficiency, investment and foreign direct investment in oil, gas and mining,” Guzmán said.Illegal mining and Indigenous communitiesIllegal gold mining has become one of the largest drivers of environmental destruction in parts of the Amazon, contaminating rivers with mercury, clearing forests and generating billions of dollars for criminal groups.Dickinson said many governments have embraced tougher responses to illegal mining, an issue that has become increasingly central to environmental policy across the region.“It’s very hard to disagree with the idea of going after illegal mining, one of the most detrimental industries for the Amazon basin,” she said, adding that governments have often focused on seizing equipment or removing miners from individual sites rather than dismantling the criminal and financial networks behind them.“What we really haven’t reached is an ability to tackle the intellectual authors of these operations,” said Dickinson.Decisions affecting Indigenous territoriesJulio Cusurichi, a prominent Indigenous leader from Peru’s Amazon region, said Indigenous communities would continue organizing and advocating for a greater role in decisions affecting their territories.“Our biodiversity, our territories, our knowledge and our wisdom can contribute greatly to addressing climate change,” he said. “In our territories, we have shown that we can provide governance not only for our peoples, but for the planet.”Across the Amazon, Indigenous lands frequently overlap with areas targeted for mining, oil development and infrastructure projects. Indigenous organizations have long argued that governments often fail to adequately consult communities before approving projects.Dickinson said tensions over Indigenous autonomy and extractive projects have become increasingly visible in countries including Peru and Ecuador.Analysts say some of the clearest indicators of de la Espriella administration’s environmental approach will be how it handles Indigenous consultation processes, environmental licensing and decisions on new oil, gas and mining projects in sensitive ecosystems.‘Allow humanity to breathe’Guzmán said de la Espriella’s plans to increase military pressure on criminal groups and potentially resume aerial fumigation of coca crops — the plant used to produce cocaine — could also have consequences for Amazon communities. Aerial fumigation has long been controversial in Colombia. Supporters view it as a tool to combat drug trafficking, while critics say it can damage surrounding vegetation, affect water sources and encourage coca growers to clear new areas of forest and move deeper into remote parts of the Amazon.Others caution against assuming environmental protections will inevitably weaken.Colombia's courts, Congress, Indigenous organizations and environmental institutions all remain influential, while advances in satellite monitoring make it increasingly difficult to hide deforestation and environmental damage, analysts said.In Colombia’s Amazon city of Leticia, Indigenous Ticuna resident Arnaldo Rufino said many residents fear policies that encourage more extraction in the rainforest could come at the expense of the forest itself.He said political leaders should focus on protecting biodiversity and the Amazon rather than pursuing projects that risk increasing environmental pressures.“It means cutting down the trees that allow humanity to breathe,” Rufino said.___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/colombias-vote-may-reshape-the-amazons-future-as-political-winds-shift-across-latin-america/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steven Grattan, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:11:12.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F74GLWIAJ2ZC33CJQC6ZNG5RUGU.jpg","slug":"colombias-vote-may-reshape-the-amazons-future-as-political-winds-shift-across-latin-america"},{"id":"c8tnml","title":"Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha seeks new club after World Cup stardom, doesn't rule out Brazil move","excerpt":"Vozinha, one of the sensations of the World Cup, is looking for a new club.And the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper hasn't ruled out playing in Brazil, where fans helped him reach immediate stardom on social media.Vozinha said in an interview with Brazilian journalist and influencer Daniel Braun...","content":"Vozinha, one of the sensations of the World Cup, is looking for a new club.And the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper hasn't ruled out playing in Brazil, where fans helped him reach immediate stardom on social media.Vozinha said in an interview with Brazilian journalist and influencer Daniel Braune that his contract with second-division Portuguese club Chaves has ended and he wants to keep playing and is keen on finding a new team following his success in the tournament in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.Vozinha attracted the attention of the soccer world after an outstanding performance in Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with European champion Spain in their opener on June 15. Cape Verde then drew 2-2 with Uruguay, one of South America's soccer powerhouses.“I ended my contract with my previous club, Deportivo Chaves, and at the moment I still don't have anything,” he said. “I'm open to everything. Let's see what comes up.”Vozinha said he wouldn't mind playing in Brazil, the country where another influencer, Casimiro Miguel, known as Cazé, helped him go from about 50,000 Instagram followers to nearly 16 million by promoting the goalkeeper's account.“It would be good,” Vozinha said, smiling, in the interview published in Braune’s YouTube channel. “We’ll see.”Vozinha said he definitely wants to try to make it to Brazil, at least to visit.“If I have the opportunity, I'd like to go, also to thank everyone for all of their support,\" he said. \"And I think that many of my teammates want to go as well.”Vozinha said he spent time in Brazil when his former team in Angola, Progresso do Sambizanga, did its preseason in the country.He said his idols while growing up included Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme, Dutchman Edwin van der Sar and Gianluigi Buffon of Italy.His dream right now is to help Cape Verde — competing in the World Cup for the first time — advance from the group stage.A win over Saudi Arabia on Friday in Houston will be enough to secure the team a spot in the round of 32, which would spark renewed celebrations in the nation of about half a million people off Africa’s West coast.“My dream, and the dream of all Cape Verdeans, is to reach the next round,” he said. “It's huge just to be in the World Cup, and to advance when no one thought that we could even get a point, would be extraordinary.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/cape-verde-goalkeeper-vozinha-seeks-new-club-after-world-cup-stardom-doesnt-rule-out-brazil-move/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tales Azzoni, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:03:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNBOMGULQJFHBVA2TDJ22DXEXHY.jpg","slug":"cape-verde-goalkeeper-vozinha-seeks-new-club-after-world-cup-stardom-doesnt-rule-out-brazil-move"},{"id":"a4adta","title":"These Amazon Prime Day mattresses are at their best price of the year","excerpt":"Elevate your bedtime game and save over 50% on mattresses that are at or below their lowest price of the year for Amazon Prime Day.","content":"Elevate your bedtime game and save over 50% on mattresses that are at or below their lowest price of the year for Amazon Prime Day.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/best-amazon-prime-big-deal-days-mattress-deals-including-casper-nectar-serta-more/17951024/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:26:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"these-amazon-prime-day-mattresses-are-at-their-best-price-of-the-year"},{"id":"vsey0e","title":"Charlie Brown's longtime pen pal is finally revealed in new Apple TV 'Peanuts' movie","excerpt":"Charlie Brown began writing to a pen pal not long after the comic strip “Peanuts” debuted in newspapers back in 1950. No one has gotten a look at whoever was on the other end of his letters — until now.Her name is Mia, and she's a young girl from London of South Asian descent who uses a wheelchai...","content":"Charlie Brown began writing to a pen pal not long after the comic strip “Peanuts” debuted in newspapers back in 1950. No one has gotten a look at whoever was on the other end of his letters — until now.Her name is Mia, and she's a young girl from London of South Asian descent who uses a wheelchair. She glides into the spotlight in the animated movie “Snoopy Unleashed,” coming to Apple TV in 2027, helping Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang explore what being a pal is really all about.“The story is really about what real friendship is about, and I think that continues to be something that’s relevant not only to kids, but adults,” says producer Bonnie Arnold. “True friends love you for who you are. And that’s something that we not only have to learn as kids, but we have to remind ourselves as we become teenagers and young adults and adults and even in older age,” she added.What's the movie about?In the 80-minute movie, Mia makes a surprise visit to a suddenly flustered Charlie Brown, who has to live up to the curated version of himself that he has presented in his letters. His relationship with Snoopy is then strained, and the dog bolts for a nearby city. Naturally, Charlie Brown and the gang, plus Mia, give chase. With Mia, the creators wanted to birth someone as different from Charlie Brown as possible — a girl, not from a suburb or a rural town, who moves through the world differently, without a pet, and someone with confidence. “Charlie Brown is probably one of the most insecure human beings that we know. That’s what makes him charming. It’s how we see ourselves in him. So we felt that we wanted Mia to be more comfortable with who she is,” says director Steve Martino, adding: “A big part of her role in the movie is to be a mirror to Charlie Brown, to journey with him and to reflect some things that he couldn’t see himself.”An urban landscapeThey landed on London as Mia's home since that elevated the stakes. “If this pen pal was going to come to visit, it would be a much stronger story if she came from much further away,” says Martino. “He has one shot to make a good impression.” (Plus, it gave Lucy the chance to believe somehow that Mia might be a royal ).In the city, Mia is more comfortable than Charlie Brown and the gang, who are fish out of water, like encountering their first revolving door with amazement. The jazz score grows more frenzied as the children navigate honking traffic and the urban energy.Snoopy's trip to the city also introduces another new character: a nameless, gold-haired stray mutt who becomes his opposites-attract pal, like Mia and Charlie Brown. “Snoopy definitely is more of a human-type character. He walks on twos and not fours,” says Arnold. The stray, on the other hand, “walks on fours, he barks, he pants, he’s more doglike, but he befriends Snoopy. Even though his actions are a bit puppylike, he’s a little bit more seasoned in the ways of being on the road.”Issues of authenticity and presentationThe script was written by Craig Schulz — “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz's son — and his own son, Bryan Schulz, along with Cornelius Uliano and Karey Kirkpatrick. To accurately portray life in a wheelchair, the creators consulted several groups, including Disability Belongs. Lara Mehmet, a wheelchair user who lives just outside London, was picked to voice Mia after a long audition process and helped the script sound more authentic.While viewers today are more familiar with texts, instant messages and social media posts, the moviemakers hope they'll see the same issues of authenticity and presentation in a story sparked by snail mail letters.“On social media, we like to curate and project a life that is the very best of who we are. And I thought that is such rich story material to dig into,” says Martino. “We communicate differently today, but feelings that are universal.”“Peanuts” ran in more than 2,600 newspapers, reaching millions of readers in 75 countries before ending in 2000. Charlie Brown and Snoopy have since thrived in the digital age with fresh specials and series.In addition to “Snoopy Unleashed,” Apple TV has season two of “Camp Snoopy” on tap for June, a new special “Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy” premiering at the end of July, and the “Peanuts” classics “This Is America, Charlie Brown” and “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show” will be available on the platform in early July.The moviemakers credit Schulz for leaving a legacy of very believable kids and an ability to tap into the human experience, with all its vulnerabilities. “What Charles Schulz did in the comic strips so well is kind of touch on things that affect us all at all ages, right? Some universal truths about relationships,” says Arnold.___This story has been updated to correct the spelling of two of the scriptwriters’ first names. They are Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, not Brian Schulz and Neil Uliano.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/24/charlie-browns-longtime-pen-pal-is-finally-revealed-in-new-apple-tv-peanuts-movie/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Kennedy, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:01:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIWC6E3UZQZEZ3PZQRW2BSCF2TI.jpg","slug":"charlie-browns-longtime-pen-pal-is-finally-revealed-in-new-apple-tv-peanuts-movie"},{"id":"23jern","title":"Waymo car caught driving in wrong lane amid World Cup traffic in LA","excerpt":"Video captured in Inglewood shows a Waymo self-driving car traveling in the wrong lane and heading toward oncoming traffic.","content":"Video captured in Inglewood shows a Waymo self-driving car traveling in the wrong lane and heading toward oncoming traffic.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/waymo-car-caught-driving-wrong-lane-blocks-oncoming-traffic-los-angeles/19355015/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KABC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:52:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19355155_waymo-clean-TN-img.jpg","slug":"waymo-car-caught-driving-in-wrong-lane-amid-world-cup-traffic-in-la"},{"id":"esm7vr","title":"Camp Mystic in Texas files for bankruptcy after catastrophic floods killed 28 people","excerpt":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 28 people.","content":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 28 people.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/camp-mystic-texas-files-bankruptcy-catastrophic-floods-killed-28-people/19371177/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:27:34.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19371178_062426-kfsn-mystic-ap-img.jpg","slug":"camp-mystic-in-texas-files-for-bankruptcy-after-catastrophic-floods-killed-28-people"},{"id":"q1ib4w","title":"Check your zip code: Houston power outages surge after months of progress","excerpt":"Houston has a power outage problem — and the latest data makes it hard to ignore.New data from Whisker Labs shows Houston had more power outages than any other city in the country in May, reversing months of improvement and raising fresh questions about CenterPoint Energy’s multi-billion-dollar i...","content":"Houston has a power outage problem — and the latest data makes it hard to ignore.New data from Whisker Labs shows Houston had more power outages than any other city in the country in May, reversing months of improvement and raising fresh questions about CenterPoint Energy’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure upgrades.Outages surge after months of improvementKPRC 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis has been tracking outage frequency since August 2025, using data from Whisker Labs, a third-party company that monitors nationwide outage activity. For months, the numbers were trending in the right direction — outages were declining or holding steady across much of the Houston area.May changed that.Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, said the spike was significant.“Outages were up sharply in Houston in May after moderating for a few months,” Marshall said. “Houston had the 2nd highest outage frequency in April after Western PA — the Pittsburgh area — where they had massive storms. Houston was 2.8 times the national average, with some communities being 9 times the national average.”In Fulshear, residents averaged more than six outages in May alone. Kingwood, Crosby and parts of Spring to the north also saw notable surges in outage activity.What the map shows\nKPRC 2 has mapped the outage data so Houston-area residents can zoom in to their own neighborhoods and compare power reliability to surrounding communities. The color-coded map uses a range of colors to show outage intensity:Blue indicates areas with low outage frequency — closer to or below the national average.Yellow signals moderate outage activity, where residents are experiencing more frequent interruptions than average.Orange represents high outage frequency, meaning residents in those areas are losing power significantly more than the national norm.Red marks the most severely affected areas, where outage rates are well above the national average and, in some cases, approaching nine times that figure.In previous months, the map had turned mostly blue — a sign of real progress. Now, yellow, orange and red are back, concentrated in communities like Fulshear, Kingwood, Crosby and sections of Spring.Residents feel the impactFor some Houston-area residents, the outages are more than a nuisance — they affect their livelihoods.Angelyque Peguese and her husband Alvin moved to Fulshear in 2023. Both are Army veterans who work from home, making reliable power essential to their daily lives. The couple has lived in the Northeast and on the West Coast, including California, but said they never experienced power outages like what they’ve encountered since settling in Fulshear.CenterPoint says it’s looking at the big pictureCenterPoint Energy has not disputed the Whisker Labs data but has pushed back on month-to-month comparisons. The company says it has spent billions of dollars to harden its infrastructure and improve reliability.Nathan Brownell, vice president of CenterPoint Energy, addressed the trend in a previous interview.“We tend not to look at it month per month, we look at it holistically across the period of time and making sure we’re trending overall,” Brownell said. “We were very pleased with our reliability performance last year, but for us, this is just a snapshot of the journey we’re going to be on long term.”CenterPoint’s own data showed fewer outages in 2025 than in 2024, with the average customer experiencing about 30 minutes less outage time. Milder weather in November and December helped keep the lights on and allowed crews to continue upgrading utility poles and equipment.RELATED: Your electric bill is rising — here’s how CenterPoint Energy turns that into investor profitHowever, the May surge puts that progress in question. While CenterPoint has not provided a specific explanation for the spike, a company spokesperson emailed this statement: “As part of our Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, we have taken action to strengthen the system and deliver the safe, reliable and affordable energy our customers and their families expect and deserve. To date, our historic progress includes installing more than 69,000+ stronger, storm-resilient poles to better withstand extreme weather, trimming and clearing nearly 11,500+ miles of higher-risk vegetation, undergrounding more than 600+ miles of power lines, and installing 650+ automation and intelligent grid switching devices capable of self-healing to reduce the impact and duration of outages.In less than two years, these historic actions have prevented more than 100 million customer outage minutes so far. In April and May of 2026, the Greater Houston area experienced a higher number of storm days across Greater Houston, with four storm days in April and five in May 2026, compared to just one storm day in each of those months in 2025. Increased storm activity can contribute to higher outage frequency, particularly when multiple weather events occur within a short period of time. Some of these areas also have higher concentrations of vegetation, which may contribute to outages during periods of active weather.We know that any outage is one too many for our customers, and that is why we are committed to continuing to take action to strengthen the system to build a more reliable, resilient energy future for the Greater Houston community we proudly call home.\" A pattern Houston residents know wellThe May numbers echo a troubling pattern that Davis first began documenting last year. In August 2025, CenterPoint had more outages than any other utility in the country. October 2025 brought another peak, again putting CenterPoint at the top of the national rankings — with some neighborhoods experiencing more than eight outages in a single month.Residents like Tyler Steer of Pecan Grove and Chester Cassel of Klein voiced frustration during earlier reporting over ongoing power issues, flickering lights and power surges. Many of those same communities are now showing up again on the outage map.In December 2025, CenterPoint’s Power Outage Index was 0.49, compared to the national average of 0.32 — still above average, but a dramatic improvement over the summer and fall peaks.May’s data suggests that improvement may not be holding.What’s nextKPRC 2 Investigates will continue tracking power outages monthly to hold CenterPoint accountable and keep Houston-area residents informed about power reliability in their neighborhoods.Residents can check the interactive outage map to see how their ZIP code compares to surrounding communities — and are encouraged to share what they’re seeing in their neighborhoods.Outage data is sourced from Ting by Whisker Labs. Residents can get free outage alerts for their home through the Ting app.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/centerpoint-energy-outages-spike-in-may-after-months-of-improvement/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Amy Davis, Talisa Treviño, Adrian Montes, Andrea Slaydon","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:23:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBTR2UVEGBZENVHTNXZ2URIQLIM.png","slug":"check-your-zip-code-houston-power-outages-surge-after-months-of-progress"},{"id":"6kswup","title":"Trump headlining Great American State Fair kick-off celebration on National Mall","excerpt":"President Donald Trump will take the stage on the National Mall on Wednesday night, launching a multi-day celebration of America’s 250th birthday in the nation's capital.","content":"President Donald Trump will take the stage on the National Mall on Wednesday night, launching a multi-day celebration of America’s 250th birthday in the nation's capital.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/trump-headlining-great-american-state-fair-kick-off-celebration-national-mall","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amanda.Hurley@fox.com (Amanda Hurley)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:02:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox5dc.com%2Fwww.fox5dc.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282797144.jpg","slug":"trump-headlining-great-american-state-fair-kick-off-celebration-on-national-mall"},{"id":"l8buk7","title":"Judge temporarily blocks subpoenas in criminal probe of transgender care at New York hospitals","excerpt":"A judge temporarily blocked federal prosecutors in Texas from getting access to the medical records of transgender patients treated at New York hospitals on Wednesday, saying they were part of an improper government effort to “demonize and eradicate an entire population of transgender” people.Jud...","content":"A judge temporarily blocked federal prosecutors in Texas from getting access to the medical records of transgender patients treated at New York hospitals on Wednesday, saying they were part of an improper government effort to “demonize and eradicate an entire population of transgender” people.Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled a day after hearing oral arguments in Manhattan, calling the government's pursuit of the most sensitive medical records of a “uniquely vulnerable group” of patients treated over a six-year period to be “most egregious” and unconstitutional.Failla accused the Justice Department of turning to criminal probes as a way to obtain otherwise private records about those undergoing transgender care after judges across the country repeatedly rejected similar requests through civil means.The Justice Department had sought the records as part of a probe of potential “misbranding” of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.The Justice Department declined comment after Failla's ruling, which concluded that the subpoenas violated Constitutional protections against government overreach in criminal probes and against improper searches and seizures.Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the ruling “a victory for the basic privacy of our clients and all families like theirs across New York City.” He added in a statement that using subpoenas to attain the identities and sensitive health information of transgender young people “should send chills down the spine of every American.”Failla ruled in a lawsuit filed this month on behalf of minors, their parents and young adults who received medically necessary gender-affirming care in New York City.According to the lawsuit, NYU Langone Hospitals was one of several institutions to receive a federal grand jury subpoena on May 7 from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas. The records of transgender patients were to be sent electronically to a special agent of the FDA's Kansas City office of criminal investigation.Failla said there were at least 40 individuals who received treatment at NYU Langone alone during the Jan. 1, 2020 to May 5, 2026 period covered by the subpoenas.At a Tuesday hearing, Failla was critical of the federal government, saying executive orders addressing transgender issues contained “language some people might consider inflammatory.”She said it seemed from an “atmospheric perspective” that the government was “rounding up” vulnerable individuals by finding out the most personal information about them and then “giving them no comfort they're not going to be ostracized or even harmed.”“There are episodes of this in our history and they are not nice episodes,” Failla said. “Some may see it as a rounding up of people for all bad purposes.”Most major medical groups say access to gender-affirming care is important for people with gender dysphoria. Transgender teens, parents and providers have described it as life-saving for children who are depressed or suicidal because their gender identities do not match the gender assigned them at birth.Gender-affirming care can include counseling, medications that block puberty, hormone therapy to produce physical changes or surgeries, although those are rare for minors.Twenty-seven states have limited or banned gender-affirming care for minors, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2025 that they could do so under the U.S. Constitution.President Donald Trump has aggressively sought to roll back transgender rights. During his second term, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has moved to use its regulatory power to block gender-affirming care for minors, and the DOJ has demanded access to providers’ private records, putting pressure on hospitals that often rely on federal funding to operate.At the outset of reading a lengthy ruling to the parties participating in an electronic proceeding, Failla noted that the “current administration” had issued orders in the first few days of its existence in which it “sought to demonize and eradicate an entire population of transgender individuals.”Before finishing an hour later, Failla had granted class-action status to the plaintiffs and ruled that the Justice Department had violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. She set a July 8 hearing to hear additional evidence before deciding whether to impose a preliminary injunction, the next step in the legal process after Wednesday's temporary restraining order.___Associated Press Writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/24/judge-temporarily-blocks-subpoenas-in-criminal-probe-of-transgender-care-at-new-york-hospitals/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Larry Neumeister, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:42:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FT5TDRUBFX5B3BAKNMO5ZCSHK2I.jpg","slug":"judge-temporarily-blocks-subpoenas-in-criminal-probe-of-transgender-care-at-new-york-hospitals"},{"id":"v0dztl","title":"New York sweep by Israel critics shines light on a fraught issue for Democrats","excerpt":"When Varun Venkatesh cast his ballot in New York’s primary this week, he thought about “a good litmus test for me as a voter.” He wanted to know what the candidates are doing for the Palestinian cause. The 27-year-old Brooklyn resident decided to support Claire Valdez, who was backed by Mayor Zoh...","content":"When Varun Venkatesh cast his ballot in New York’s primary this week, he thought about “a good litmus test for me as a voter.” He wanted to know what the candidates are doing for the Palestinian cause. The 27-year-old Brooklyn resident decided to support Claire Valdez, who was backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, over Antonio Reynoso, another progressive who was the choice of the Democratic establishment, because she had “a clear and more consistent stance.”Valdez triumphed in her congressional primary, as did two other insurgent candidates endorsed by Mamdani, and Israel was a key issue in each of the races. Now the question for Democrats is how many more voters like Venkatesh are out there as the party charts its path toward the November midterms and the next presidential election.The war in Gaza began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which responded with a yearslong counterattack that left more than 73,000 dead. About 1,000 have died since a ceasefire was reached in October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry that does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties. Human rights groups and a United Nations commission have described Israel's actions as a genocide, a charge that's been rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Democrats on the left — and even some conservatives — have ratcheted up pressure to suspend U.S. aid to Israel, a shift that's been shadowed by a rise in antisemitism across the political spectrum. “The Israel question has become defining,” said Matt Bennett, who leads the centrist Democratic group Third Way and frequently criticizes progressives as jeopardizing outreach to independent voters. He argued that some in Mamdani’s camp have embraced “a new level of extremism,” warning that “Republicans are very good at weaponizing crazy ideas on the fringe against mainstream candidates.”The schism over Israel, which widened during Joe Biden's presidency and undermined Kamala Harris' bid to replace him, remains an open wound. How Democrats attempt to stitch it closed will help define their future. A step in any direction risks alienating pieces of the party's unwieldy coalition when it's trying to unify around the mission of retaking control of Congress and set the stage for winning the White House again. Mamdani is unapologetic in his effort to reshape the Democratic Party from the mayor’s office of the country’s largest city. He sharply criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for defending what he calls “a status quo of immorality” in Gaza, and voters who celebrated his slate's victories on Tuesday night chanted “Free Palestine.” The mayor, meanwhile, argues that New York should shape Democrats’ search for their national identity in the coming years. “When does the race for 2028 begin?” Mamdani asked last week on a stage with his slate of candidates. “It starts now.”Israel-Palestinian conflict animates Democrats' left flankEven for a party accustomed to conflicts between progressives and moderates, the divide over Israel has been especially intense. Although the U.S. alliance with Israel once had bipartisan support, the ascendancy of Israel's right wing, led by Netanyahu, strained those ties over the years. Then the war in Gaza shredded them. Biden was denounced as “Genocide Joe” by pro-Palestinian supporters, who shifted their attention to Harris once she replaced him as the Democratic nominee for president two years ago. “She was trying to do the right thing,\" said Jamie Harrison, who led the Democratic National Committee at the time. \"It was a hard and awkward place to be in.”Harrison said the war in Gaza helped cost Harris the state of Michigan, which has a sizable Arab American population. However, he doubts that it was a defining national issue then or now. “It’s one thing to be in New York. But I can tell you that most places, including where I am in South Carolina, it’s not what people are talking about,” he said. “They are concerned about affording gas and groceries and housing.”Harrison expects Democrats to look for middle ground in the future, which includes “still supporting Israel’s sovereignty” while calling for “reducing U.S. aid to Israel and changing the nature of the relationship.”The issue puts a notable spotlight on Jewish Democrats who could become presidential contenders at the same time Mamdani wields his influence as the most prominent elected Muslim in U.S. politics. When Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s name landed on Harris’ list of potential running mates, activists on the left cried foul over his support for Israel — potentially previewing pressures he would experience in a White House campaign. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was once a billionaire donor to AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group, and a national board member. He cut ties with the group after it aligned with Donald Trump, but the governor has continued to face questions about his past support. Both Shapiro and Pritzker are seeking reelection this November before deciding on White House bids. One primary victor blasted the ‘hug Bibi’ strategyFinding middle ground has been difficult so far, as demonstrated by the primary in New York's 10th congressional district.Brad Lander, the former city comptroller backed by Mamdani, successfully challenged U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in the race. Both candidates are Jewish, and both have criticized the Israeli government. But Lander says the war in Gaza is a genocide, and Goldman does not. “Our party needs to admit that Joe Biden’s ‘hug Bibi’ strategy was a catastrophic mistake,\" Lander said in his primary victory speech. He added, “We cannot keep paying for Netanyahu’s wars with our tax dollars. Democratic voters are saying this, loud and clear.”Ari Rassouli, a voter in the district, said the incumbent's views on Israel were “one of the many reasons that I didn’t like Dan Goldman.” Describing the war as a genocide, she said “a candidate that is in support of that has no place in our democracy at all.”While talking to reporters on Tuesday, Lander acknowledged that Israel was among the top issues along with affordability and immigration.“I like talking to Jewish voters who feel anxiety about the times we live in and say, ‘I have these values, I want to treat everyone like they’re equal and with dignity and created in God’s image. How do we navigate the times we’re in?’” he said. He added with a smile, “Those are probably the longest conversations at the polls.” ___Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre and Larry Neumeister contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/new-york-sweep-by-israel-critics-shines-light-on-a-fraught-issue-for-democrats/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bill Barrow, Steve Peoples And Jake Offenhartz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:03:57.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FB7SLP4LNBRB45DK3C3UASWGJ2E.jpg","slug":"new-york-sweep-by-israel-critics-shines-light-on-a-fraught-issue-for-democrats"},{"id":"nl4l32","title":"Michigan Senate candidate accuses Trump of keeping Canada-US bridge closed to help donor","excerpt":"The delayed opening of a bridge connecting Michigan and Canada is spilling into one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races, as Democratic candidate Mallory McMorrow launches the first major effort to turn the controversy into a political liability for President Donald Trump and Republ...","content":"The delayed opening of a bridge connecting Michigan and Canada is spilling into one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races, as Democratic candidate Mallory McMorrow launches the first major effort to turn the controversy into a political liability for President Donald Trump and Republicans.McMorrow’s new ad, shared first with The Associated Press, accuses Trump of blocking the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and suggests he is doing so to benefit a major political donor, building on an anti-corruption message she has sought to make central to her campaign.The bridge, which spans the Detroit River and connects the Motor City with Windsor, Ontario, was slated for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 12. It was abruptly postponed after officials said the U.S. and Canada were still working to resolve “outstanding issues.”The dispute gives Democrats a rare opportunity to tie Trump directly to a project with visible economic consequences in a battleground state. For McMorrow, who is trying to gain ground in a three-person primary, it also offers a chance to distinguish herself as the first Democratic candidate to make the controversy a campaign issue. She's running against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024. Rogers has also used the bridge in political messaging, saying that if he's sent to Washington he'll make sure the bridge is opened.The ad claims Trump is blocking the bridge for billionaire donorStanding in front of the bridge, McMorrow claims in the ad that it's ready to open but remains closed because “Donald Trump won’t open it.”“I’m Mallory McMorrow and I have one message for the president: open this damn bridge,” she says.McMorrow argues that Trump is blocking the bridge because “the billionaire family that owns the other bridge gave him a million bucks.\"That claim references the Moroun family, owners of the privately held Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor. Federal campaign finance records show Matthew Moroun donated $1 million to Trump's super PAC earlier this year. The toll bridge charges up to $10 per automobile and $20 per axel for commercial trucks. In February, Trump demanded in a social media post that Canada hand over at least half ownership of the new bridge to the U.S. government and accept other unspecified demands, part of his broader clashes with Canada over trade. Canada financed the bridge’s construction. The project was negotiated by Rick Snyder, the former Republican governor of Michigan, and work has been underway since 2018 and cost close to $4.4 billion.Named after the late Canadian hockey great Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons leading the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge is expected to be another vital economic artery between Canada and the United States.McMorrow is taking big swings. She may need toMcMorrow is hoping to break through in a race that many in the state see increasingly as a two-candidate contest. In an interview with AP, McMorrow acknowledged that from the start of the race she's been a “dark horse” candidate. A state senator known for a viral speech in 2022, she faces a congresswoman with large resources in Stevens. El-Sayed, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018, has carved out the progressive lane with Sen. Bernie Sanders' backing.The Gordie Howe digital ad is the second ad in a series, with an initial buy of over $400,000 on TV and digital platforms in the Detroit market. The first ad was a 30-second TV spot released Tuesday.“Right now in this primary, my two opponents are trying to present a false binary choice,” McMorrow said.Outside groups have also begun pouring money into the race. A PAC connected to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee has spent nearly $8 million this month boosting Stevens, while Yes Michigan Action Committee, a super PAC supporting McMorrow, has reserved nearly $6 million in advertising, according to AdImpact.Last week, El-Sayed became the first Democratic candidate in the race to directly spend for an ad.“We have six weeks. I mean, anything can happen,” said McMorrow. “There are so many people who are just starting to tune into this race.”___Associated Press writer Michael Warren contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/michigan-senate-candidate-accuses-trump-of-keeping-canada-us-bridge-closed-to-help-donor/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T11:07:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKRHU4WGGPRH7BC3J4FWZHUJVAQ.jpg","slug":"michigan-senate-candidate-accuses-trump-of-keeping-canada-us-bridge-closed-to-help-donor"},{"id":"45f35j","title":"Ukraine’s latest long-range strikes on Russia hit a major natural gas plant and satellite centers","excerpt":"Ukrainian forces struck a major natural gas processing plant and two key satellite communications centers in their latest nighttime attacks on Russia, Ukraine’s General Staff said Wednesday.The operation was part of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries tha...","content":"Ukrainian forces struck a major natural gas processing plant and two key satellite communications centers in their latest nighttime attacks on Russia, Ukraine’s General Staff said Wednesday.The operation was part of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries that has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to ward off Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fifth year.In response, Moscow has ordered the redeployment of some air defense systems from Russian regions to the capital and to Crimea’s Kerch Bridge, a crucial link for supplying Russian troops, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The bridge connects the Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland.“It is important that as many Russians as possible come to understand that it is the Russian leadership’s rejection of diplomacy that is prolonging the war,” Zelenskyy said on X.Zelenskyy has accepted an unconditional ceasefire demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump but Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused.In northern Ukraine, meanwhile, military officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for communities and settlements in the Chernihiv region bordering Belarus starting July 1, according to Viacheslav Chaus, the head of regional military administration, in a statement on his Telegram channel.Last month, Zelenskyy said his intelligence services had learned Moscow recently stepped up efforts to “draw Belarus much deeper into the war\" and launch operations from Belarusian territory. He said he ordered the military and security agencies to prepare a response and strengthen northern defenses. Belarus and Russia denied Zelenskyy's claim.Ukraine says the stricken gas plant was among the world's largestThe overnight attack hit the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, which is part of a complex that also houses the only helium plant in Russia, the General Staff said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The attack set the complex on fire, it said.Orenburg, in the southern Urals near Russia's border with Kazakhstan, is more than 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) behind the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine.The plant is one of the largest gas complexes in the world, according to the General Staff. It produces helium, used in liquid-fuel rocket engines and guidance systems, and ethane, a key component in producing solid rocket fuel and gunpowder, it added. Overnight attacks also hit two satellite communication centers used by the Russian military, according to the General Staff.One was the Dubna Space Communications Center near Moscow, which it described as Russia's largest ground-based satellite communications complex, and the other was in the Vladimir region east of the capital.It was not possible to independently verify the General Staff’s report, and Russian officials made no immediate comment.The General Staff's statement did not say whether the military used drones or missiles in the assault, but drones have recently been used to strike Moscow and St. Petersburg.Ukraine keeps hammering CrimeaUkraine has recently focused its drone and missile attacks on Crimea, aiming to cut off the vital Russian-held peninsula, and overnight drone strikes knocked out power in Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the city’s Moscow-installed governor, said Wednesday.Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, sits in a strategic location on the Black Sea. It has naval bases and also provides an important supply line to Moscow's forces inside Ukraine.Ukraine recently destroyed more than 60,000 tons of Russian ammunition when it hit a Baltic Fleet arsenal near St. Petersburg, Zelenskyy said.Ukraine is trying to disrupt military supply lines in Crimea and strike the peninsula’s power grid at the height of the summer tourist season. Kyiv hopes the campaign will embarrass Putin and increase public pressure on him to end the war, according to Western analysts.Ukraine’s Security Service said Wednesday it struck two military airfields and destroyed missile systems in Crimea.Attacks kill at least 6 peopleTwo staff members of Norwegian People’s Aid were killed during a Russian attack in Ukraine, the demining organization said Wednesday, although local officials said only one person was killed.Four other workers with the organization were injured, two of them critically, according to the head of the southern Kherson region’s military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin.Russian forces shot down 323 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. Two people were killed and two others wounded overnight in a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, east of Moscow, regional Gov. Gleb Nikitin said. Also, a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person overnight in Russia’s Belgorod border region bordering Ukraine, local officials said.Ukraine’s air force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 101 long-range attack drones overnight.Russian drones attacked the city of Balakliia in northeastern Ukraine, killing a 56-year-old woman, according to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration. Also, a 57-year-old streetcar driver man died as a result of a Russian guided aerial bomb that hit the outskirts of Sumy, said Oleh Hryhorov, head of the regional military administration.In addition, the death toll rose to four from Tuesday's ballistic missile strike using cluster munitions on Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, after a 62-year-old woman died from her injuries, said Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city administration, said.Both Moscow and Kyiv have deployed the controversial munitions during the war.___Elise Morton in London contributed.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/ukraines-latest-long-range-strikes-on-russia-hit-a-major-natural-gas-plant-and-satellite-centers/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Illia Novikov, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:35:28.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOHNM63MT3RCAJEFTES7D42VTGI.jpg","slug":"ukraines-latest-long-range-strikes-on-russia-hit-a-major-natural-gas-plant-and-satellite-centers"},{"id":"2mg2kr","title":"In a visit to Capitol, Jessie Diggins and other Olympians push for climate change solutions","excerpt":"Olympian Jessie Diggins visited Capitol Hill with her four medals in hand Wednesday to advocate for clean air, clean water and a healthy planet.America’s most decorated cross-country skier is part of “Protect Our Winters,” an athlete-driven environmental group that sent a coalition to Washington ...","content":"Olympian Jessie Diggins visited Capitol Hill with her four medals in hand Wednesday to advocate for clean air, clean water and a healthy planet.America’s most decorated cross-country skier is part of “Protect Our Winters,” an athlete-driven environmental group that sent a coalition to Washington to meet with lawmakers Tuesday and Wednesday. The group is most concerned with how the Environmental Protection Agency has weakened key climate, water and pollution regulations since President Donald Trump returned to office. “I don’t want to stick my head in the sand and ignore the world burning,” Diggins said in an interview. “I feel like I have a responsibility to use my voice to advocate for change. And so that’s why it’s so important to me, because I want my great-grandkids to be able to build a snowman and try cross-country skiing someday, and be able go hiking and fishing and camping in the summer, and breathe clean air. I want that for them very badly.”Diggins retired from professional ski racing this year after earning bronze in the women’s 10‑kilometer interval start at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Many skiers expressed concern during these Olympic Games about climate change and the accelerating melt of the world’s glaciers. A warming world jeopardizes the future of their sport.Diggins described bringing her medals to Washington as a “beautiful, full circle moment.” She said she'll consider it a success if she has productive conversations that help pave the way for bipartisan efforts to strengthen and bolster the EPA in the future. Republicans currently in control of Congress have generally supported the Trump EPA’s actions.“We’re trying to advocate for solutions that are going to protect us long term, and training and racing through four Olympics, that was a very long-term thing, you know? It’s not quick, immediate gratification, you work and you work and you work,” Diggins said. “I think it’s a nice reminder of like, it’s OK that we are looking for solutions for the future.”Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko, of New York, said it was an honor to meet with this group of “athletes, advocates and champions.”“These efforts are more important than ever, with an administration and EPA that is wiping out environmental protections left and right,” he said in a statement. \"I remain as committed as ever to being sound stewards of our environment and leaving behind a better planet for our next generation of torchbearers.”Coalition includes athletes, scientists, storytellers It's not the typical lobbying group. Professional ski mountaineer Brody Leven only owns a suit to go to Washington with Protect Our Winters. But, he said, they are the ones who can hopefully bring people together around policy solutions to climate change. “We’re good at looking at adversity in the face and still moving forward,\" he said. \"And we’re good at knowing something is going to be hard and trying to do it anyways.”They met with Democrats and Republicans. Olympians Jaelin Kauf, Gus Schumacher, Bea Kim, Julia Kern and Olivia Giaccio were involved, Protect Our Winters said. Kauf, a three-time Olympic silver medalist, said she talked with lawmakers Wednesday about seeing the effects of climate change firsthand as she travels, and about how poor snow is impacting major races. She said protecting these lands and beautiful places is “something that can bring a lot of us together.”During the Trump administration, the EPA has revoked a scientific finding that underpinned the fight against climate change, moved to roll back limits on toxic wastewater from coal-fired power plants and announced other cuts to federal limits on air and water pollution as it promotes fossil fuels. These changes clash with the agency’s historic mission to protect human health and the environment.EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has said the department is “ driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age.” Doing so, he said, will save trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and hidden taxes, which in turn will make the cost of living more affordable and reignite domestic manufacturing.Environmentalists say the EPA under Zeldin has abandoned its obligation to protect the public from dangerous greenhouse gas pollution at a time when climate change is creating greater risks of extreme weather, including stronger hurricanes, more dangerous floods and more intense wildfires. Legal challenges to a range of EPA rule changes have been filed by states, cities and public health and environmental groups.Protect Our Winters looks beyond the Trump yearsBen Gubits, vice president of campaigns and advocacy for Protect Our Winters, said the group expects the federal government to protect the health of American citizens and the planet. POW has lobbied Congress for about a decade, including several visits in 2021 and 2022 when it advocated for passage of a landmark climate bill. President Joe Biden signed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.“We are really thinking about a long-term and positive vision for the future, and how do we rebuild these critical institutions beyond the Trump years,” Gubits said.Stuart Nissenbaum started working at the EPA early in Biden's term and left a year ago. He's part of the coalition, too. Nissenbaum said he thinks being in Washington with Olympians will help bring attention to their message. They are masters of their craft and they wore the U.S. flag while competing, which should resonate with members of Congress, he added.Nissenbaum said he went to Washington to convey to legislators that clean air and clean water are bipartisan, and they should adopt policies grounded in science to protect the environment. “Clean air and clean water isn’t something that we should take for granted,” he said. “It affects every single person.”___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/in-visit-to-capitol-jessie-diggins-and-other-olympians-push-for-climate-change-solutions/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Mcdermott, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:14:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXQHG7WYGPFHRTPKETIO5MBTNKM.jpg","slug":"in-a-visit-to-capitol-jessie-diggins-and-other-olympians-push-for-climate-change-solutions"},{"id":"s4heej","title":"State Senator warns Homestead Exemption cheaters to stop or else","excerpt":"Cheating by Texas property owners who improperly claim the state's generous Homestead exemption has drawn the attention of State Senator Paul Bettencourt, who is urging violators to stop or face consequences.","content":"Cheating by Texas property owners who improperly claim the state's generous Homestead exemption has drawn the attention of State Senator Paul Bettencourt, who is urging violators to stop or face consequences.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/state-senator-warns-homestead-exemption-cheaters-stop-else","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Greg.Groogan@fox.com (Greg Groogan)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:58:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fhomestead.jpg","slug":"state-senator-warns-homestead-exemption-cheaters-to-stop-or-else"},{"id":"2hh86l","title":"27 Ways in 27 Days: Kerr County flooding victims’ legacies live on 1 year later","excerpt":"It’s been nearly a year since a devastating flood along the Guadalupe River killed more than 100 people in Kerr County. Over the next 27 days, FOX 4 will share 27 updates on the children who who died and how their legacy lives on.","content":"It’s been nearly a year since a devastating flood along the Guadalupe River killed more than 100 people in Kerr County. Over the next 27 days, FOX 4 will share 27 updates on the children who who died and how their legacy lives on.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/kerr-county-flooding-victims-legacies-live-1-year-later","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Steve.Noviello@fox.com (Steve Noviello)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T18:01:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fkerr-flooding-victims.png","slug":"27-ways-in-27-days-kerr-county-flooding-victims-legacies-live-on-1-year-later"},{"id":"l7krcy","title":"Lakers will re-sign Austin Reaves to a 4-year, $185 million deal, AP source says","excerpt":"Austin Reaves is re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract worth $185 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet official for Reaves, who cements his status as one ...","content":"Austin Reaves is re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract worth $185 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet official for Reaves, who cements his status as one of the most successful undrafted players in recent NBA history with this contract.Reaves is declining his $14.9 million player option for the upcoming season to reach this deal with the team that signed him out of Oklahoma after the draft in 2021. The shifty guard has grown into one of the NBA's most effective scorers and playmakers, increasing his scoring average in every season of his five-year career.The 28-year-old Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season despite missing two significant chunks of the year with injuries that followed him into the postseason. He has also developed a close bond with his Lakers backcourt partner, NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic.Reaves would have been one of the NBA's top free agents on the open market this summer. Instead, he remains firmly alongside Doncic while the Lakers and LeBron James determine their next steps. Los Angeles also has been discussing the future with impending free agents Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes during the exclusive negotiating window with a team's own free agents.After the Pacific Division champion Lakers' season ended with a second-round loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder while Doncic was sidelined by a hamstring injury, general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear Reaves likely wasn't going anywhere, saying the team and Reaves had both already essentially decided to work out an extension. Reaves grew up in Arkansas as a Lakers fan, and he is a fan favorite in Los Angeles.“He started his journey here as a Laker, and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way.\"The Lakers also formalized their draft-night trade on Wednesday, acquiring the rights to 24th overall pick Cameron Carr in a deal with the New York Knicks. Los Angeles gave up cash considerations and the draft rights to Spain's Sergio De Larrea, who was picked by the Lakers with the 25th selection Tuesday night.Carr, a 6-foot-5 wing who scored 18.9 points per game for Baylor last season, will wear No. 43 with the Lakers.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/lakers-will-re-sign-austin-reaves-to-a-4-year-185-million-deal-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Greg Beacham, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:49:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMYFOIK5PCJD25GULWZOHCNBPVU.jpg","slug":"lakers-will-re-sign-austin-reaves-to-a-4-year-185-million-deal-ap-source-says"},{"id":"4k2m88","title":"Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy after catastrophic Texas floods killed 28 people at the girls' camp","excerpt":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Texas.Camp Mystic has been under increasing pressure since the July 4 disaster...","content":"Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Texas.Camp Mystic has been under increasing pressure since the July 4 disaster. Owners had planned to reopen the Texas Hill Country camp this summer for its 100th anniversary but reversed course in April amid outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers. Victims' families filed lawsuits accusing the camp of failing to protect the girls as the powerful floodwaters approached. Camp Mystic’s owner, Richard Eastland, also died in the flood. The camp listed its debt at more than $10 million, according to the filing made in federal bankruptcy court in Houston. An attorney for Camp Mystic has not responded to an email and a phone message seeking comment. “Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,” Paul Yetter, a lawyer who represents multiple families of campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic, said in a statement. “These innocent girls deserve justice.”For decades, Camp Mystic was a summer staple and an institution for generations of families, who dropped off their girls at the sleepaway camp to ride horses, canoe, fish and attend Bible studies. Other summer camps in Kerr County, west of Austin, did not take on such devastating flooding and in some cases have reopened. All told, the destructive flooding killed at least 136 people along a several-mile stretch of the river, raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong.In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Eastland family spent months determined to reopen the camp this summer, pointing to enhanced safety measures that included flood warning river monitors and putting two-way radios enabled with national weather alerts in every cabin.By the spring, Camp Mystic's attorney said it was ready to reopen for business for nearly 900 campers. But assurances of safety did not convince victims' families and some Texas lawmakers. State regulators found nearly two dozen deficiencies in the emergency operations plan submitted by the owners, including in proposals for flood warning evacuations and safety training.The decision not to reopen followed weeks of testimony in court hearings and legislative investigations that laid bare the camp’s lack of detailed planning for a flood emergency and its reliance on poorly trained staff. Families of the victims packed the hearings, some wearing “Heaven’s 27” pins with photographs of their daughters. They listened to the details of missed flood warning signs, the descriptions of the flood and the decision to leave the girls in their cabins until it was too late. Testimony included video of the raging floodwaters as a girl repeatedly screamed “help!” somewhere in the distance.Before halting the reopening plans, Camp Mystic invited journalists and lawmakers to review safety improvements at the camp and promised that no camp activities would take place in the low-lying area that was devastated by the flood. The Eastland family also stressed that hundreds of families wanted to return.___McCormack contributed to this report from Concord, New Hampshire.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/24/camp-mystic-in-texas-files-for-bankruptcy-after-catastrophic-floods-killed-28-people/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:56:27.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZMDVWIWWCZGSLKUEFVXWXGZGH4.jpg","slug":"camp-mystic-files-for-bankruptcy-after-catastrophic-texas-floods-killed-28-people-at-the-girls-camp"},{"id":"v2j1r0","title":"Georgia's Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's done with Republican Party","excerpt":"Former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she no longer supports the Republican Party.","content":"Former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she no longer supports the Republican Party.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/georgias-marjorie-taylor-greene-says-shes-done-republican-party","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joyce.Lupiani@fox.com (Joyce Lupiani)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:36:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox5atlanta.com%2Fwww.fox5atlanta.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Fmixcollage-18-jun-2025-11-36-am-1842.jpg","slug":"georgias-marjorie-taylor-greene-says-shes-done-with-republican-party"},{"id":"7y5g6i","title":"Top Army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan is suddenly leaving his post","excerpt":"The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa — who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 — is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Arm...","content":"The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa — who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 — is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command, will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement provided to The Associated Press. He is the latest in a line of nearly two dozen top military leaders to either retire or depart their jobs early under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has undertaken an effort to thin the ranks of the military’s top brass with the mantra “less generals, more GIs.”Donahue's deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, will perform his duties in the meantime, the statement added.A West Point graduate and a career special operations commander, Donahue commanded Delta Force units in Iraq and Afghanistan before leading the 82nd Airborne division from July 2020 to March 2022.It was during that period that he was brought in to restore security at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country in 2021. On Aug. 30, 2021, Donahue became the last U.S. soldier to depart the country after nearly 20 years of war sparked by the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The moment was documented in an iconic photo taken through night vision goggles that showed the general boarding the last C-17 cargo plane to depart the country.Hegseth and President Donald Trump had made the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan — an operation that was set in motion by a treaty negotiated with the Taliban by the Trump administration in its first term — a regular political punching bag and the subject of a new Pentagon review. Last May, Hegseth ordered the new examination of the withdrawal despite there having already been multiple reviews of the operation by the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, the State Department and Congress, which have involved hundreds of interviews and studies of videos, photographs and other footage and data. It’s unclear what specific new information the new review is seeking.Donahue’s leadership during the evacuation had nonetheless drawn bipartisan praise. Within the Army, he was widely seen as a top officer who could have led the service or been chosen to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.An Army official who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to talk about sensitive discussions told The Associated Press that Donahue’s departure comes as the Army is discussing downgrading U.S. Army Europe and Africa from four-star to a three-star command.This move would come as Hegseth has been criticizing European allies.Last week, Hegseth told NATO allies he would be conducting a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe that is “designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.”“It’s a review that some countries will fail and others will pass with flying colors,” he added.The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the news of Donahue's departure, which was first reported by The Atlantic.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/top-army-general-who-was-last-us-soldier-to-leave-afghanistan-is-suddenly-leaving-his-post/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:29:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTZE6BUO2QBEABJ7WDYFGROAZZ4.jpg","slug":"top-army-general-who-was-last-us-soldier-to-leave-afghanistan-is-suddenly-leaving-his-post"},{"id":"6v98ag","title":"San Antonio native Kingston Flemings drafted by Atlanta Hawks after stellar Houston season","excerpt":"University of Houston freshman guard Kingston Flemings has been selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2026 NBA Draft after earning All-American honors and leading the Cougars to the Sweet 16.","content":"University of Houston freshman guard Kingston Flemings has been selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2026 NBA Draft after earning All-American honors and leading the Cougars to the Sweet 16.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/san-antonio-native-kingston-flemings-drafted-atlanta-hawks-after-stellar-houston-season","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T02:47:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2283030965-e1782269201226.jpg","slug":"san-antonio-native-kingston-flemings-drafted-by-atlanta-hawks-after-stellar-houston-season"},{"id":"glfp8k","title":"Jewish voters express growing isolation amid rising antisemitism in both major political parties","excerpt":"Faced with anti-Israel and even anti-Jewish sentiment by party activists, and by an increasing number of political candidates, many Jewish voters are facing uncomfortable choices as they cast their ballots this year.","content":"Faced with anti-Israel and even anti-Jewish sentiment by party activists, and by an increasing number of political candidates, many Jewish voters are facing uncomfortable choices as they cast their ballots this year.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/voting/2026/06/22/554911/jewish-voters-houston-texas-democrat-republican-antisemitism/?utm_source=rss-voting-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-22T11:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19164633%2FEl-Paso-1-450x337.jpg","slug":"jewish-voters-express-growing-isolation-amid-rising-antisemitism-in-both-major-political-parties"},{"id":"n0qjg8","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3381: Shuttle-Carrier N905NA","excerpt":"Episode: 3381 The last ride of NASA's Shuttle carrier, N905NA. Today, the last Shuttle-carrier.","content":"Episode: 3381 The last ride of NASA's Shuttle carrier, N905NA. Today, the last Shuttle-carrier.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/22/554580/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3381-shuttle-carrier-n905na/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-22T05:01:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-3381-shuttle-carrier-n905na"},{"id":"v72lsr","title":"Two undocumented immigrants sentenced for trafficking 16-year-old orphan in Texas","excerpt":"Two Venezuelan nationals living illegally in the United States have been sentenced to a combined 32 years in federal prison for the multi-state sex trafficking of a 16-year-old undocumented orphan.","content":"Two Venezuelan nationals living illegally in the United States have been sentenced to a combined 32 years in federal prison for the multi-state sex trafficking of a 16-year-old undocumented orphan.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/two-undocumented-immigrants-sentenced-trafficking-16-year-old-orphan-texas","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:57:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FGettyImages-526765114.jpg","slug":"two-undocumented-immigrants-sentenced-for-trafficking-16-year-old-orphan-in-texas"},{"id":"b86ime","title":"US says chemical maker Chemours to pay $450M to settle 'forever chemicals' case","excerpt":"The Trump administration on Wednesday reached a multi-state settlement with chemical giant Chemours Co. over years-long, illegal discharges of synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease and stains. The settlement is the first by the federal government to resolv...","content":"The Trump administration on Wednesday reached a multi-state settlement with chemical giant Chemours Co. over years-long, illegal discharges of synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease and stains. The settlement is the first by the federal government to resolve enforcement claims against a manufacturer of harmful chemicals known as PFAS.Under the agreement, filed in federal court in West Virginia, Chemours will pay a civil penalty of $22.5 million for alleged violations and spend $90 million over 15 years to mitigate PFAS discharges in three states: West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. Chemours, a spin-off of chemical maker DuPont, also agreed to install PFAS pollution controls for and surface water discharges and air emissions at a West Virginia facility at an estimated cost of $60 million, supply clean drinking water to communities near its West Virginia and New Jersey sites at an estimated cost of $280 million; and implement controls to reduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals from its facility in North Carolina, based on a pending independent assessment.Combined, the penalties and relief programs are estimated to cost at least $450 million, the Justice Department said. The settlement allows Chemours to continue manufacturing PFAS for commercial and military applications while preventing future contamination and protecting communities from existing pollution, said Adam Gustafson, principal deputy assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division.Justice Department says settlement protects public health “The Trump administration recognizes the important role of Chemours for it commercial and military obligations,'' Gustafson said in an interview. “The settlement protects public health while preserving that important balance.” The settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer “delivers on the Trump administration’s promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source,” said Jeffrey Hall, assistant EPA administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance. The agreement will greatly reduce PFAS contamination of water, land and air and even begin to mitigate past harm, Hall said. “This settlement brings Chemours into compliance with the law and holds it fully accountable,” he said.In a statement Wednesday, Chemours said it has already begun planning and implementing operational improvements at its facilities and will take steps to mitigate future emissions and enhance existing programs.\"This settlement provides Chemours with greater clarity on future compliance requirements and actions to support long-term responsible manufacturing,'' spokeswoman Jess Loizeaux said.The settlement comes as the Trump administration is expected to propose softening Biden-era limits on “forever chemicals” in drinking water, while delaying but keeping tough standards for two common types of the substance.The proposal will start the formal process of rolling back parts of the first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water finalized during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Officials at the time found they increased the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and babies being born with low birth weight.The agency is committed to addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water while following the law and ensuring that regulatory compliance is achievable for drinking water systems, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said. Chemours discharged PFAS into rivers in three statesThe settlement determined that facilities Chemours operates in the three states have discharged PFAS into the Ohio River, Cape Fear River and Delaware River, respectively, in violation of permits required by the Clean Water Act and state laws. Chemours also violated legal requirements under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act at all three facilities.As a result of the alleged violations, people living near the facilities were exposed to illegal PFAS, officials said. PFAS are widely used and found around the world, with scientific studies showing that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.The violations continued for over a decade, the Justice Department said. The facilities were previously owned for many decades by DuPont. The settlement announced Wednesday does not resolve DuPont’s liability for past PFAS violations, officials said.A federal judge last year ordered Chemours to stop discharging unlawful levels of cancer-causing chemicals into the Ohio River from the company’s Washington Works plant in West Virginia. The pollutants endanger the environment, aquatic life and human health, U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin wrote in the August 2025 order.The West Virginia Rivers Coalition had asked Goodwin to require the company to immediately comply with its permit limits after violating them for more than five years.DuPont, Chemours and another company, Corteva, agreed to pay New Jersey up to $2 billion last year to settle environmental claims stemming from PFAS. The federal settlement does not affect the state case.North Carolina AG blasts settlementNorth Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson called the settlement “an insult to the people of eastern North Carolina.” His state is “ground zero for GenX contamination, but this deal does practically nothing to clean up our water,” said Jackson, a Democrat. GenX is a trade name for a synthetic chemical developed by Chemours as an alternative to PFAS but which has raised significant health and environmental concerns in its own right.“Chemours made this mess, and Chemours should clean it up,\" Jackson said in a statement.The federal consent decree calls for 14 specific treatment systems to reduce PFAS in wastewater, stormwater and groundwater from the West Virginia plant. Chemours will test drinking water near the West Virginia and New Jersey sites and provide treated or alternative clean water.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/24/us-says-chemical-maker-chemours-to-pay-450m-to-settle-forever-chemicals-case/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:59:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLXPCI3TKY5C5JFIYAA3XTRX2H4.jpg","slug":"us-says-chemical-maker-chemours-to-pay-450m-to-settle-forever-chemicals-case"},{"id":"mp4nmr","title":"Trump orders DOJ to investigate oil companies for alleged price gouging","excerpt":"President Trump says he is going after big oil companies, accusing them of gouging prices at the gas pump.","content":"President Trump says he is going after big oil companies, accusing them of gouging prices at the gas pump.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/trump-orders-department-justice-investigate-oil-companies-alleged-price-gouging/19370961/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"WPVI","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:28:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"trump-orders-doj-to-investigate-oil-companies-for-alleged-price-gouging"},{"id":"x7p4v8","title":"President Donald Trump and the citizenship debate: A Tijuana story","excerpt":"Vivianne Petit Frere's brightly painted Haitian restaurant sits blocks from the towering U.S. border wall in Tijuana.Called Lakou Lakay, the name in Haitian creole means “home,” and it reflects her family’s deepening roots in their adopted homeland where her granddaughter was born two years ago, ...","content":"Vivianne Petit Frere's brightly painted Haitian restaurant sits blocks from the towering U.S. border wall in Tijuana.Called Lakou Lakay, the name in Haitian creole means “home,” and it reflects her family’s deepening roots in their adopted homeland where her granddaughter was born two years ago, automatically making her a Mexican citizen.Like the United States, Mexico extends citizenship to children born within its borders. President Donald Trump insists the U.S. is the only nation to do so as he seeks to deny birthright citizenship for children whose parents are living in the country illegally or have temporary legal status.The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh in soon on the constitutionality of his birthright citizenship order. Trump signed it on Jan. 20, 2025, the first day of his second term, amid his Republican administration’s broad immigration crackdown. The idea has faced skepticism from conservative and liberal justices alike.In April, Trump posted on Truth Social: “We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship!”In fact, about three dozen countries, mostly in the Americas, guarantee automatic citizenship to children born on their territory — among them, Canada, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and of course, Mexico.Petit Frere fled Haiti in 2019. She traveled from Brazil and walked through the Panamanian jungle to Mexico chasing the so-called American Dream with the intention of crossing the border and settling with relatives in Florida. But she soon learned that was an illusion, while Mexico opened its doors. Her restaurant's name symbolizes in her Haitian culture a shared space affording a sense of belonging. On the walls she has framed signs in Spanish, English and Creole that make clear it is more than an eatery offering tasty traditional Haitian dishes, such as fish with plantains, and rice and beans. “Every dish tells a story, every detail connects cultures,” one sign says. “We aim to promote an authentic cultural exchange between two peoples with similar historical roots yet where Haitian identity proudly blossoms on Mexican soil.”In just over five years in Tijuana, Petit Frere has established a thriving business, become fluent in Spanish and is getting a degree in social work. And she welcomed the first generation Mexican in her family, her granddaughter, Alexca.There are no figures on how many children born to noncitizens have received Mexican birthright citizenship. Tens of thousands of Haitians are living in Mexico. In 2021, when Mexico saw a significant increase in Haitian migration, at least 10 percent of arriving Haitian women were pregnant, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration. Citizenship and birthIn the U.S., birthright citizenship was enshrined after the Civil War through the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, in part to ensure former slaves would be citizens.The right was expanded to immigrants' children in the late 1800s when the Supreme Court ruled nearly anyone born in the U.S. — no matter their parents’ legal status — has citizenship. The practice, many legal historians believe, dates to the 1600s and 1700s, with European rulers encouraging migration to the expanding American colonies. Those colonists, though, wanted any of their children born overseas to retain European citizenship. So even as the colonial boundaries shifted “you're a citizen as long as you're born within the domain of the king, of the monarch,” said César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández, a law professor at Ohio State University. “But the legal tie between the home country in Europe and the settlers remained strong through the promise of birthright citizenship.”Dominican Republic removed birthright citizenshipIn 2007, the Dominican Electoral Council officially ordered the denial of citizenship to all children born to parents without legal status. Six years later, a Dominican court applied it retroactively to 1929. Over a decade later, as many as 130,000 people remained stateless despite passage of a law in 2014 to correct the court decision after it drew strong international condemnation, according to the Center for Migration Studies of New York. The law now impacts the next generation, which remains vulnerable to deportation. Her growing Mexican familyPetit Frere was born in French Saint Martin, a Caribbean island that does not offer automatic birthright citizenship. She and her mom, who is Haitian, were deported to Haiti when she was 6. Petit Frere left Haiti seeking a better life. She was dismayed to discover when her teenage daughter left Haiti to be reunited with her in Tijuana three years later, she was nearly five months pregnant. She had been a teen mother herself and had hoped for a different path for her daughter. But Alexca, a bubbly toddler who giggles and runs about, has conquered her grandmother's heart. Petit Frere said she's grateful her granddaughter was born in Mexico rather than Haiti, where surging gang violence has left more than 1 in 10 homeless.A Mexican passport will make travel easier, she said. Few nations allow Haitian passport holders to visit visa-free. “As a Mexican citizen, she will have more opportunities,” Petit Frere said. That's also true for her three nieces who were born in Brazil and were made automatic citizens there, she said.Petit Frere said she and her daughter had permanent residency in Mexico before her granddaughter was born. But other parents in Tijuana's Haitian community did not. Mexico allows the parents of children with birthright citizenship to become permanent residents.“There are a lot of children in Tijuana who are 6, 7, 8 years old now who are Mexican and their parents who are Haitian did not have legal status but now have become permanent residents because their children were born here,” she said.Petit Frere started paperwork for Mexican citizenship, which would make it easier to expand her business.Petit Frere also is a community organizer with the Haitian Bridge Alliance, advocating for the Haitian migrant community. She said she hopes to pursue another degree in international migration, possibly through a U.S. university. “The children of immigrants are proving to be the most outstanding in the world,” she said. Efforts to limit birthright citizenship “could just be out of jealousy,” she said. ___Associated Press writer Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/president-donald-trump-and-the-citizenship-debate-a-tijuana-story/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Julie Watson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:03:40.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FENN3HNZ6M5GSZLSOSFGMEIJLJM.jpg","slug":"president-donald-trump-and-the-citizenship-debate-a-tijuana-story"},{"id":"ytwfra","title":"Delta CEO Ed Bastian reveals what he says must happen for airline ticket prices to fall","excerpt":"Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is revealing exactly what it will take for elevated airline ticket prices to decline.","content":"Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is revealing exactly what it will take for elevated airline ticket prices to decline.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/delta-ceo-ed-bastian-reveals-what-must-happen-airline-ticket-prices-fall","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:48:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdelta-ceo-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"delta-ceo-ed-bastian-reveals-what-he-says-must-happen-for-airline-ticket-prices-to-fall"},{"id":"j1622u","title":"Man arrested at Dulles airport after officers allegedly find child sex abuse, bestiality material in phone","excerpt":"A 28-year-old Maryland man arriving from Iceland was arrested after law enforcement allegedly found child sexual abuse and bestiality images on his phone.","content":"A 28-year-old Maryland man arriving from Iceland was arrested after law enforcement allegedly found child sexual abuse and bestiality images on his phone.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/man-arrested-dulles-airport-after-officers-allegedly-find-child-sex-abuse-bestiality-material-phone","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Catherine.Stoddard@fox.com (Catherine Stoddard)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:45:48.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdulles.jpg","slug":"man-arrested-at-dulles-airport-after-officers-allegedly-find-child-sex-abuse-bestiality-material-in-"},{"id":"pdffbo","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1592: Specialized Language","excerpt":"Episode: 1592 In which we use fancy words instead of simple ones. Today, the quotidian denominator.","content":"Episode: 1592 In which we use fancy words instead of simple ones. Today, the quotidian denominator.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/21/554576/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1592-specialized-language/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-21T05:01:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1512917774080-9991f1c4c750%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1592-specialized-language"},{"id":"wifpv5","title":"Too hot for hops: France bans booze at music festival, many public places","excerpt":"Festival-goers in France who were looking forward to having a beer during the country’s major musical celebration, Fete de la Musique, may have to find something else to sip on.","content":"Festival-goers in France who were looking forward to having a beer during the country’s major musical celebration, Fete de la Musique, may have to find something else to sip on.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/too-hot-hops-france-bans-booze-music-festival-many-public-places","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-20T22:47:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fhot-france-gettyimages-2281963521.jpg","slug":"too-hot-for-hops-france-bans-booze-at-music-festival-many-public-places"},{"id":"bi78o9","title":"Andy Burnham inches closer to power in Britain as Keir Starmer seeks a legacy","excerpt":"Andy Burnham took a step closer to becoming Britain’s next prime minister without a contest on Wednesday when Cabinet minister Darren Jones, touted as a possible rival, said he would not run.The move came as Keir Starmer, who is seeking to secure a legacy before he leaves office, faced the weekly...","content":"Andy Burnham took a step closer to becoming Britain’s next prime minister without a contest on Wednesday when Cabinet minister Darren Jones, touted as a possible rival, said he would not run.The move came as Keir Starmer, who is seeking to secure a legacy before he leaves office, faced the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session in Parliament ahead of meeting with European allies in Berlin for talks on Ukraine and the Middle East.Starmer announced his resignation on Monday and will be out of office within weeks once the governing Labour Party picks a new leader.Starmer and his government took a roasting from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who reeled off a list of alleged failures and said the Labour Party had betrayed and abandoned Starmer for Burnham, whom she joked was just “a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt.”Starmer said he was proud of his record, arguing that he had worked to reverse years of austerity under the Conservatives.“The test for every prime minister is handing over this country in better shape than you found it,” he said. “I know I can do that.”Jones, a Starmer ally, had been encouraged to run so that Burnham faces a test of his ideas and policies in front of Labour lawmakers and members. Others argue that a leadership contest will only focus attention on the party’s internal divisions and extend a period of political uncertainty.Jones told Sky News that running for the leadership is “not something that I’m going to do.”But he cautioned Burnham against veering too far to the left in economic policy, a concern of some in the business and financial worlds. Burnham is expected to choose a new Treasury chief to replace Starmer appointee Rachel Reeves. Jones said it must be someone “that can reassure the markets, reassure the trade unions and reassure the parliamentary Labour Party, and by extension the public.”Burnham is expected to make a speech next week outlining some of his economic plans.Starmer is leaving after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.Burnham, a former Cabinet minister who served since 2017 as mayor of Greater Manchester, won a special election last week for a seat in Parliament with the express aim of challenging Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party and the country.So far, he faces no challengers. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was considered his main rival, says he will back Burnham.Nominations for the Labour leadership will open on July 9 and close a week later. If Burnham is the only contender, he could be prime minister by July 17. If there is a contest, the winner should be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on Sept. 1.Starmer told the weekly meeting of his Cabinet on Tuesday that he will try to oversee an “orderly transition” to his successor.He is also keeping up a busy schedule, trying to cement a legacy for his shortened term in office. However, he is not allowed to make new major policy announcements or spending commitments during what remains of his premiership.In Berlin, where the “E5” – Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the U.K. — held talks on European defense, the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, European allies paid tribute to Starmer.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked him for his help to strengthen NATO and unite Europe. “I say that with a certain regret that you will leave office, but I am all the more thankful for the good cooperation we had in recent months,” Merz said.Starmer, who has appeared more sure-footed working with allies to support Kyiv and deal with fallout from the Iran war than he has been on domestic issues, said he was proud of working to rebuild bonds with Europe and other global allies. “And proud that Britain is standing up once again for decency, respect and the rule of law,” Starmer said.The British government is expected to publish a long-awaited defense investment plan — which sparked the resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey on June 11 — before a NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8 that Starmer is likely to attend.___Associated Press Writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/andy-burnham-inches-closer-to-power-in-britain-as-keir-starmer-seeks-a-legacy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jill Lawless, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:17:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWCEKEP4I5ZDKNJOYEAUWTS6Y7Y.jpg","slug":"andy-burnham-inches-closer-to-power-in-britain-as-keir-starmer-seeks-a-legacy"},{"id":"asxj27","title":"Thousands of Dutch and Swedish fans march to Houston Stadium ahead of World Cup match","excerpt":"The two teams brought thousands of fans from their European homes to the famous Houston heat. Fans walked miles to get to the match.","content":"The two teams brought thousands of fans from their European homes to the famous Houston heat. Fans walked miles to get to the match.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/20/555105/thousands-of-dutch-and-swedish-fans-march-to-houston-stadium-ahead-of-world-cup-match/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison, Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-20T18:26:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F20130305%2FImage-2026-06-20T130036.416-450x338.jpg","slug":"thousands-of-dutch-and-swedish-fans-march-to-houston-stadium-ahead-of-world-cup-match"},{"id":"ce00so","title":"At least one tourist dead after massive fire nearly destroys Caribbean resort, 1,690 evacuated","excerpt":"At least one Italian tourist is dead with several more injured after a massive fire in the Dominican Republic resort town Bayahibe on Friday.","content":"At least one Italian tourist is dead with several more injured after a massive fire in the Dominican Republic resort town Bayahibe on Friday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/least-one-tourist-dead-after-massive-fire-nearly-destroys-caribbean-resort-1690-evacuated","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-20T17:19:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-20-at-1.02.57-pm.png","slug":"at-least-one-tourist-dead-after-massive-fire-nearly-destroys-caribbean-resort-1690-evacuated"},{"id":"nxytmt","title":"Where Texans’ Nick Caley sees ‘growth’ from overhauled offense, emphasis on playing faster","excerpt":"Standing a few yards behind quarterback C.J. Stroud, offensive coordinator Nick Caley was in a perfect vantage point to watch the play unfold.From the shotgun snap, to how Stroud read the Texans’ top-ranked defense, to the pass protection of an overhauled offensive line and watching the former NF...","content":"Standing a few yards behind quarterback C.J. Stroud, offensive coordinator Nick Caley was in a perfect vantage point to watch the play unfold.From the shotgun snap, to how Stroud read the Texans’ top-ranked defense, to the pass protection of an overhauled offensive line and watching the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year deliver a spiral into the waiting hands of wide receiver Jaylin Noel.It was a textbook play during the Texans’ recent minicamp. And Caley and the Texans hope that snapshot and other similar sequences represent a snapshot of an improved offense with a new emphasis on increased tempo in the passing game balanced by a punishing running game headlined by veteran running back David Montgomery.Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has repeatedly referenced vast improvement from the offense in terms of efficiency, nothing how a year ago in these practice sessions there were struggles to even snap the football and get the play orchestrated against the top-ranked defense in the NFL.In the second year of Caley running the Texans’ offense, there’s a lot more confidence in terms of how the offense is being run, to the speed and ease of communicating the play call to Stroud and getting hurried up to the line of scrimmage to survey the defense. Increased knowledge of what Caley envisions from an offense steeped in his background with the New England Patriots and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback Tom Brady should allow the Texans to upgrade their offense significantly.“Sure, it’s growth,” Caley said. “It’s year two. We should be further along. You talk about just overall understanding of the offense. Last year, we’re teaching the language for the first time at this time of the year. It’s the what is this concept? What’s it called? What are the details of it? I think last year there’s things we did this time of the year that we ended up getting away from for a variety of reasons, whether that was not really fitting what we wanted to do, personnel. “You have guys that have experience in the system, in the verbiage, and now we’re a step ahead. Things are processing faster. How can we make them better? How can we learn from things last year good and bad? The best thing I’ve taken from this spring is just a hungry, ambitious group. It’s been a good progression. Got a ways to go, but I’ve been very, very pleased with where we’re at year two as opposed to a year ago.”The debut of the Texans’ offense was mixed bag last season.There was a significant improvement in pass protection as Stroud was sacked just 23 times under the direction of Caley and offensive line coach-run game coordinator Cole Popovich one year after being sacked a career-high 54 times in his second NFL season.Playing without Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon due to a mysterious, foot injury whose complications led to him missing the entire season severely hamstrung the offense.The Texans shelved five-time Pro Bowl runner Nick Chubb when he appeared to have lost his old burst and went with rookie Woody Marks as the primary running back.Stroud missed three games with a concussion during the regular season. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year uncharacteristically struggled with ball security in the playoffs with five combined interceptions and five fumbles in two postseason games, including a career-high four interceptions in a divisional round playoff loss to the New England Patriots at snowy Gillette Stadium.Nonetheless, the Texans finished 13th in scoring with a 23.8 points per game average and 18th in total offense with a 327 yard average per contest. In the final season before offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was fired, the Texans were 19th in scoring and 22nd in yards per game.And Ryans sees a distinct difference in the offense, ranging from the rough moments of last year to now.“When I go back and look at film from our last year practices, we had trouble just snapping the football, getting plays started,” Ryans said. “Communication, the play clock going down in last year’s practice. When I say we’re ahead, we’re ahead. We’re doing a better job with our cadence from the quarterback position. All three guys are using voice inflection really well. “They’re getting our defensive line to jump offsides several times. They’re using their snap points, the cadence, the rhythm and timing, they’re changing it up a lot, which does wonders for an offense when you talk about operating fast and you operate at your pace. You control the tempo and our offense is doing a better job at controlling the tempo this year. I’m excited to see how we keep going with it. We’re light years ahead of where we were last year.”And key players in the offense are noticing the changes reflected by Caley and how that is causing a ripple effect on plays’.It’s a matter of using the time allotted before plays to position the offense for maximum chances of success. That involves a faster process all-around.“Yeah, I feel like it’s really just getting the play call, getting in the huddle, hear it, and running out of the huddle, getting lined up and seeing where the defense is,” Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins said. “That’s pretty much the pre-snap situation. As an offense you want to hurry up because the play clock is going and you’ve got 25 seconds and it’s clicking by the time they roll it in. By the time you get to play, it’s about 15 seconds. That’s the pre-snap urgency we need.“Go out, get lined up, see what the defense is in, wide outs, see who the safeties are, if you’re hot or not, communicate that with C.J., the quarterback. A lot goes on before you say hike, before you call snap. I feel like that’s things we’re working on now in two-minute, just hurry-up offense so on Sundays we’re not thinking about it. If we say we want to change the play, put you on this route, it’s natural.”The collaboration between Caley, in his second season calling plays after previously working for the Patriots as a tight ends and fullbacks coach and under Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay as a tight ends coach and pass game specialist, and Stroud, a former second overall pick and Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State, heading into his fourth season is a pivotal element for the Texans.Both Stroud, a California native with a low-key personality, and Caley, an Ohio native known for his intense, high-octane approach, have outlined a strong relationship.“I’ve always had a good relationship with C.J.,” Caley said. “We always have transparent and honest conversations, but you’re always trying to dive deeper, to continue to expand those finer points of the relationship. It’s great. We get to talk ball. We’re highly collaborative. He has great perspective on it.“He sees the game really, really well. So I’ve had a blast being around him every single day, just like last year. And we’ve gotten to take it a step further, just more time on task, more time in the film room, more opportunities to evolve and do some different things here from an offensive standpoint. It’s been a hell of a lot of fun.”From the standpoint of Stroud, he likes what he’s seeing from Caley. They’re on the same page.“Yeah, definitely. I love Cales,” Stroud said Monday. “I think there’s growth in our relationship, there’s growth in his ability to call plays, growth and DeMeco trusted him.”The Texans traded for Montgomery, a powerful running back, and signed him to a two-year, $16.5 million extension. The arrival of Montgomery should allow the Texans to build a punishing run game and become a better red-zone and play-action offense.“He’s all-day tough,” Caley said of Montgomery, who was nicknamed ‘Knuckles’ while playing for the Detroit Lions. “His body of work will speak for itself. Runs behind his pads, stays grounded. Arm tackles aren’t getting it done. He’s going to try to run through you every single chance. He can sets guys up. He understands how to set blocks and to deliver and help deliver defenders to the blocker. “He loves football. He’s very serious. He’s a true pro. I’ve admired him for a long time, dating back to when he was at Iowa State. He’s a Cincinnati guy. He’s tough. He embodies everything we want here with our team and with our offense. I’m really, really happy that he’s a part of our team. He’s made an impact. You can feel him.”The Texans retained right guard Ed Ingram on a three-year, $37.5 million contract and former Pro Bowl swing tackle Trent Brown with a one-year, $7 million deal. They signed left guard Wyatt Teller, a Pro Bowl selection with the Cleveland Browns, to a two-year, $23 million deal and right tackle Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract during free agency. They drafted offensive guard-center Keylan ‘Big Red’ Rutledge in the first round out of Georgia Tech.“I’m excited to have the new guys,” Stroud said. “I’m grateful that we’re beefing up the offensive line. We’ve got some guys in here who’ve played a lot of meaningful ball and they want to compete and they want to help me and they want to help this offense. “They want to help the Texans. So, I’m very excited to have them and I think we’re trending up, we’re getting better and we’re attacking a lot of the things that we need to. Those guys are doing nothing, but just adding to it.”The Texans named Jerry Schuplinski as quarterbacks coach, replacing Jerrod Johnson. And they extended tight end Dalton Schultz on a one-year, $12.6 million deal. They signed Collins to an upgraded contract that adds $17 million in raises over the next two years and includes a $27 million signing bonus.Stroud definitely appreciates the reinforcements, and the financial commitment to the offense.“I think we’ve taken a huge step from where we were last year to where we are now,” Stroud said. “Even in practice, we’re competing. We’ve got guys that want to play ball, want to do the right things, who have been here. I think the culture is starting to pick up on offense and we’re starting to get it together.”Collins is seeing encouraging signs from Stroud. He sees a big season unfolding.For his career, the former second overall pick, consensus All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State has completed 63.8 percent of his throws for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.“Different guy, different dude, man on a mission,” Collins told KPRC 2 during his annual youth football camp. “Man, he’s ready to hunt.”Marks sees a similar approach from Stroud, who has been training with his teammates in Houston throughout the offseason conditioning program.“Yeah, he’s been there since March 2, since we started the offseason workout, he’s been grinding,” Marks said. “Got a new look. He kind of told me the end of the season that he was going to cut his hair. I wasn’t believing it. He’s been working.“Just seeing the quarterback, the leader of the team out there working in the offseason, not working somewhere else, putting in work at where he belongs at and that’s in Houston. He’s been doing a tremendous job. He got bigger and stronger. His times when we were running outside, he’s getting faster. I’d say he should be using his legs a lot this year, too.”And Caley is running the show. He said he wants to increase the involvement of the tight ends with more 12 personnel (two tight ends) and even 13 personnel (three tight ends) along with a potential split-back look with Montgomery and Marks on the field at the same time.The Texans also want to create more explosive plays with increased roles for second-year wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Noel.“We’re further ahead now than we were at the end of the season, obviously further ahead than we were last year, so we’re just going to continue to try to do those things,” Caley said. “The explosives come by doing all the right thing consistently and having all 11 tied together in those things, and that’s where the opportunities come. Then to piggy-back off of that, when you do have the ball your hand, how do we create more yards after the catch with the ball in our hands? Is it attacking leverage? Attacking entry? Being able to set up defenders in the open field. Those are all things we try to attack on a daily basis and have progress with.”And Caley has devoted countless days, weeks and hours toward self-scouting to learn from what worked and what didn’t a year ago. He’s determined to transform the offense into a higher scoring threat than a year ago when the Texans were one of the least effective red-zone outfits and standout kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn tied David Akers’ NFL single-season record with 44 field goals.The Texans need touchdowns, a lot more of them, to hold up their end of the bargain on a team led by an elite defense.“You lift up the hood, and you always look at yourself under the hood,” Caley said. “I think the one thing, when we look back through last year, is how can we avoid getting into longer yardage situations? I think one thing for myself too is just trying to find those alternative ways is to be able to do those things on early downs. There’s going to be some games where the run game is going to get going, and there’s going to be games where it’s not going to go as well.\" I think just trying to evolve in the early down and distance phases. You talk about the evolution of that, you think you do it last year, but even more intentionality of putting guys in different positions. This is the time of year to do it, right? So, seeing what they can do, versatility. The receivers, do we have some inside to outside flex? Sure, we do and vice versa. So, getting those guys in position to be able to show what they can do here.Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/where-texans-nick-caley-sees-growth-from-overhauled-offense-emphasis-on-playing-faster/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Aaron Wilson","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:28:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3XDZWOCHDJFMZFVY3VQPPNEXOU.jpg","slug":"where-texans-nick-caley-sees-growth-from-overhauled-offense-emphasis-on-playing-faster"},{"id":"qu9zce","title":"Texas judge who refused to officiate same-sex weddings awarded $640K","excerpt":"A Texas judge was awarded more than $600,000 after she was disciplined for refusing to perform same-sex marriages, citing her religious beliefs.","content":"A Texas judge was awarded more than $600,000 after she was disciplined for refusing to perform same-sex marriages, citing her religious beliefs.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-judge-dianne-hensley-same-sex-weddings-awarded-640k","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Steven.Ardary@fox.com (Steven Ardary)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:22:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fjs-judge-henley-300x300-1.jpg","slug":"texas-judge-who-refused-to-officiate-same-sex-weddings-awarded-640k"},{"id":"lg8tqo","title":"Dispute over nuclear inspections shows how US and Iran are negotiating in public","excerpt":"The head of the U.N.'s nuclear agency said Wednesday that Iranian nuclear enrichment sites would be visited by his inspectors as part of the interim U.S.-Iran deal to reach an end to the war. An Iranian diplomat instead insisted any such visit would only come after a final deal.The comments echoe...","content":"The head of the U.N.'s nuclear agency said Wednesday that Iranian nuclear enrichment sites would be visited by his inspectors as part of the interim U.S.-Iran deal to reach an end to the war. An Iranian diplomat instead insisted any such visit would only come after a final deal.The comments echoed contradictory remarks about nuclear inspections a day earlier from the U.S. and Iran. During the week since the two countries signed the deal, their leaders have repeatedly disagreed in public about what that document actually means.International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Mariano Grossi on Wednesday acknowledged the “war of words” over Iran’s nuclear program. But the dueling narratives are playing out on several fronts, including Israel’s war with Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and how Tehran will spend billions of dollars once unfrozen.Through the signing of the memorandum of understanding, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a 60-day period to iron out these and other details. Until that happens — during private talks — leaders from both countries will also continue to negotiate in public, raising the risks of derailing the shaky ceasefire in the region.The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, a threat to the U.S.-Iran diplomacy, flared on Wednesday. Israel launched an airstrike that killed two people in southern Lebanon, the country’s state-run news agency said. It was Israel’s first airstrike on Lebanon since the latest ceasefire took effect on Saturday. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strike.UN’s nuclear agency head says inspections will happenSince Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran in 2025, the IAEA has been blocked by Tehran from visiting enrichment sites. The Islamic Republic is believed to store enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build as many as 10 nuclear weapons, should it choose. Iran maintains that its program is peaceful, though it is the only country in the world to have uranium enriched up to 60% purity without a weapons program. Grossi’s remarks were the firmest yet from the United Nations agency, which is central to determining the status of Iran’s nuclear stockpile.“I can understand political statements, they are part of the reality, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a memorandum of understanding, signed by both presidents,” he said at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The accord “says explicitly that the nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with regards to the nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA — in all letters,” he said.“Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect,\" Grossi said. \"Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen.”The deal calls for Iran’s uranium to be “downblended” from highly enriched levels.Kazem Gharibabadi, an Iranian deputy foreign minister, took a swipe at Grossi after his remarks, saying Tehran didn’t meet with him while in Switzerland.“These issues will be reviewed and decided only within the framework of a final agreement and as a result of practical action by the other side to end all sanctions and other measures.” Gharibabadi wrote on X.He added: “You cannot advance the ‘stir up and take over’ policy with media hype.”IAEA blocked from seeing bombed sitesThe IAEA has been allowed to visit other nuclear sites in Iran since the 2025 war. But without accessing the enrichment sites, the IAEA says it can't verify the status of Iran's stockpile. Both Iran and the IAEA say Tehran hasn't been enriching uranium, but nonproliferation experts worry the Islamic Republic may be moving its stockpile.The U.S. and Iran agreed to the deal last week that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on Iranian oil.But the uneasy ceasefire already has been tested by Iran saying it closed the Strait of Hormuz again over fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister said Wednesday the U.S. has not demanded that Israel withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu later declared that “as long as I am Prime Minister, we will maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon.”Lebanese and Israeli officials are meeting this week in Washington as part of direct negotiations between the two countries, through which Lebanon hopes to reach a plan for Israeli withdrawal.Technical-level talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume early next week in Switzerland, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. Pakistan has been a key mediator.US has plan to oversee Iran’s frozen fundsThe interim deal also includes a pledge to unfreeze billions in Iranian assets. U.S. President Donald Trump wants that money to go toward buying American-grown crops, but Iranian officials say they should decide how its spent.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his department would have people in Qatar to oversee what happens with the funds. He said in a CNBC interview that Iran would spend “a very large percent” of its released money on “U.S. foodstuffs and medicines.”“We will be recycling the money back into U.S. products,” Bessent said.Marco Rubio is in the Middle EastU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled in the Persian Gulf for a three-nation tour, starting with a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the State Department said Wednesday. “We’re not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies,” Rubio later said while in Kuwait, where the Trump administration announced the limited reopening of the U.S. Embassy that was closed at the height of the Iran war.Before leaving for Bahrain, Rubio said ongoing negotiations include the creation of “hundreds of specific areas” where Lebanon’s military could secure its territory. He called the discussions part of the process and said it’s not going to “happen overnight.”___Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Matthew Lee in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/un-nuclear-boss-says-inspectors-will-visit-iran-sites-tehran-says-only-after-a-final-deal/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T05:09:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FITN66ASIVJHWDDYXDDKUTAMWAQ.jpg","slug":"dispute-over-nuclear-inspections-shows-how-us-and-iran-are-negotiating-in-public"},{"id":"jwrihz","title":"Southeast Houston Fire: What we know about the company","excerpt":"As investigators work to determine what caused the massive fire at a Southeast Houston recycling facility, FOX 26 is taking a closer look at the company behind the property.","content":"As investigators work to determine what caused the massive fire at a Southeast Houston recycling facility, FOX 26 is taking a closer look at the company behind the property.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/what-we-know-about-company-behind-massive-southeast-houston-fire","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Karys.Belger@fox.com (Karys Belger)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:56:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-23-17h55m36s248.png","slug":"southeast-houston-fire-what-we-know-about-the-company"},{"id":"4jpfn9","title":"Plant-based meats recalled over possible plastic in the nuggets and patties","excerpt":"MorningStar Farms recalled two of its plant-based products over concerns that the frozen food items may have pieces of plastic in them.","content":"MorningStar Farms recalled two of its plant-based products over concerns that the frozen food items may have pieces of plastic in them.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/plant-based-meats-recalled-over-possible-plastic-nuggets-patties","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T01:41:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fmorningstar-farms-gettyimages-1227827051.jpg","slug":"plant-based-meats-recalled-over-possible-plastic-in-the-nuggets-and-patties"},{"id":"gbg63b","title":"Executive Producer, Houston Life","excerpt":"KPRC 2 is looking for an Executive Producer to lead and evolve Houston Life into a modern, multi-platform content brand.This role extends beyond traditional television.While Houston Life produces a daily 60-minute show, this position is responsible for growing a broader content ecosystem that con...","content":"KPRC 2 is looking for an Executive Producer to lead and evolve Houston Life into a modern, multi-platform content brand.This role extends beyond traditional television.While Houston Life produces a daily 60-minute show, this position is responsible for growing a broader content ecosystem that connects audiences, community, and advertisers through meaningful storytelling across broadcast, streaming, digital, social, and live experiences.You will help shape content that informs, entertains, and inspires Houstonians while driving audience growth, community engagement, and new revenue opportunities.This is a senior leadership role for someone who can lead a successful daily show, build new content formats, and redefine how a local media brand creates value in a rapidly changing media landscape.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Houston Life’s Flagship ProductMaintain editorial and creative leadership of the daily Houston Life broadcast Ensure the show consistently delivers compelling content, audience growth, and advertiser value Partner with hosts, producers, and sales teams to evolve the show’s format and relevance Identify opportunities to extend successful television content across digital, social, streaming, and live experiencesBuild a Multi-Platform Content BrandEvolve Houston Life from a daily broadcast into a multi-platform content brand Develop repeatable content formats that extend beyond TV (digital series, social franchises, streaming-first content) Create scalable content systems, not one-off segments Lead Content That Serves Audience and RevenuePartner with sales and marketing to develop integrated brand storytelling, not bolt-on sponsorships Shape content that delivers value to both viewers and advertisers without compromising trust Identify new revenue opportunities through content, partnerships, and experiences Own the Full Content EcosystemOversee the daily show as one product within a larger portfolio Expand Houston Life’s presence across social, streaming, and emerging platforms Drive consistency in voice, tone, and quality across all outputs Build and Lead a Modern Content TeamLead producers, hosts, and creators with a focus on innovation, speed, and platform-native thinking Shift the team from “filling time” to creating content that performs Foster a test-and-learn culture — new formats, new ideas, rapid iteration Integrate with Audience StrategyWork closely with Audience Growth to ensure content is packaged, distributed, and optimized for reach and engagement Use audience insights to inform content decisions — not just instinctsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, media studies, or related field, or equivalent experienceProven experience leading content in a multi-platform environment (TV, digital, social, or branded content) Creative instincts paired with a performance mindset (what works, why, and how to scale it)Strong track record of building or evolving a content brand or franchise Experience developing branded content or working with revenue teams on integrations Deep understanding of how content performs across platforms —not just what “looks good on TV” Ability to balance editorial judgment with business objectives Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, coach, and evolve teams Location: KPRC 28181 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074Application RequirementsTo be considered, candidates must submit the following:Portfolio of Work: Examples of content you’ve built, evolved, or scaled across platforms. (We are less interested in shows you’ve managed and more interested in what you’ve transformed or created.)Strategic Response (Short Answer) In 1–2 paragraphs: How would you expand a daily lifestyle show into a multi-platform content brand?Send materials and completed application to Wes Rodda, Marketing Director at wrodda@kprc.comClick HERE to download and complete employment application.Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks. You must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under Texas Law.No Phone Calls PleaseKPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, KPRC will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/careers/2026/06/24/executive-producer-houston-life/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:19:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FS6JZ4ZURDJANVGFQCHV677XQEU.png","slug":"executive-producer-houston-life"},{"id":"jf28ug","title":"Earthquake rattles West Texas town","excerpt":"A small earthquake was reported in West Texas on Tuesday.","content":"A small earthquake was reported in West Texas on Tuesday.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-earthquake-midland","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:52:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftx-quake.jpg","slug":"earthquake-rattles-west-texas-town"},{"id":"b1z7yj","title":"Texas man gets life for supplying fentanyl then watching, recording the victim’s overdose death","excerpt":"A Denison man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced pills to a 20-year-old woman, then recording video of her as she spent hours dying of an overdose.","content":"A Denison man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced pills to a 20-year-old woman, then recording video of her as she spent hours dying of an overdose.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-man-gets-life-supplying-fentanyl-watching-recording-victims-overdose-death","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:01:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F04%2Fgettyimages-539606542.jpg","slug":"texas-man-gets-life-for-supplying-fentanyl-then-watching-recording-the-victims-overdose-death"},{"id":"evnln0","title":"New World screwworm cases rise to 19 as Texas expands livestock quarantines","excerpt":"Federal officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has risen to 19, with all but one in Texas.","content":"Federal officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has risen to 19, with all but one in Texas.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/new-world-screwworm-texas-june-24-update","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:49:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2280736121-scaled.jpg","slug":"new-world-screwworm-cases-rise-to-19-as-texas-expands-livestock-quarantines"},{"id":"gda3h8","title":"Defense attorney for Andrea Yates, who drowned her children near Houston, reflects on the case 25 years later","excerpt":"After initially being convicted of capital murder, Yates appealed and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. The case brought awareness to maternal mental illnesses such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.","content":"After initially being convicted of capital murder, Yates appealed and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. The case brought awareness to maternal mental illnesses such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2026/06/20/555096/andrea-yates-children-drowning-anniversary-mental-health-depression-postpartum-psychosis/?utm_source=rss-local-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Keenan Vaughan","publishDate":"2026-06-20T11:00:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19172553%2FAP02062004488-450x289.jpg","slug":"defense-attorney-for-andrea-yates-who-drowned-her-children-near-houston-reflects-on-the-case-25-year"},{"id":"42gg5i","title":"Camp Mystic files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following deadly Texas flash flood investigation","excerpt":"Camp Mystic, the Texas Hill Country girls' summer camp where 27 campers and staff members died during a catastrophic flash flood last summer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.","content":"Camp Mystic, the Texas Hill Country girls' summer camp where 27 campers and staff members died during a catastrophic flash flood last summer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/camp-mystic-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-following-deadly-texas-flash-flood-investigation","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:01:30.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2Fp-lori-tx-leg-camp-mystic-hearing-530p_kdfw4cfb_14_00.00.41.04.jpg","slug":"camp-mystic-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-following-deadly-texas-flash-flood-investigation"},{"id":"782rxk","title":"Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks","excerpt":"A judge has ruled that the U.S. government cannot stop people enrolled in the biggest food aid program from using benefits to buy candy and soda.","content":"A judge has ruled that the U.S. government cannot stop people enrolled in the biggest food aid program from using benefits to buy candy and soda.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/judge-rules-government-cant-stop-snap-dollars-buying-candy-sugary-drinks/19370561/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T11:25:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"judge-rules-government-cant-stop-snap-dollars-from-buying-candy-and-sugary-drinks"},{"id":"14rys3","title":"Heavy truck crash cleared after blocking lanes on I-45 SB at Greens Road, TranStar shows","excerpt":"Drivers on the North Freeway southbound near Greens Road experienced delays due to a heavy truck crash on Wednesday morning. The incident has since cleared.","content":"Drivers on the North Freeway southbound near Greens Road experienced delays due to a heavy truck crash on Wednesday morning. The incident has since cleared.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/13-alert-traffic-heavy-truck-crash-blocking-multiple-lanes-45-north-freeway-southbound-greens-road-transtar-shows/19370273/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T11:25:09.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"heavy-truck-crash-cleared-after-blocking-lanes-on-i-45-sb-at-greens-road-transtar-shows"},{"id":"kdx5n5","title":"Frozen meatloaf meals recalled over undeclared soy allergen","excerpt":"Roughly 5,795 pounds of frozen meatloaf is being recalled due to undeclared soy allergen","content":"Roughly 5,795 pounds of frozen meatloaf is being recalled due to undeclared soy allergen","url":"https://abc13.com/story/frozen-meatloaf-meals-recalled-undeclared-soy-allergen/19369964/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:08:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"frozen-meatloaf-meals-recalled-over-undeclared-soy-allergen"},{"id":"j8yg2c","title":"How Americans are feeling about the country's 250th anniversary, according to new polls","excerpt":"Duane Mitchell has big plans for America's 250th anniversary.Mitchell, a 78-year-old veteran in Montana, plans to take a red, white and blue 1954 Chevrolet pickup that he restored and drive it in local parades for the Fourth of July. In honor of the country’s milestone anniversary, he bought a de...","content":"Duane Mitchell has big plans for America's 250th anniversary.Mitchell, a 78-year-old veteran in Montana, plans to take a red, white and blue 1954 Chevrolet pickup that he restored and drive it in local parades for the Fourth of July. In honor of the country’s milestone anniversary, he bought a decorative eagle to mount on the back of the truck, accompanied by American flags.“I’ll be driving my pickup,” he said, referring to his role in the parades. “Usually we freeze a whole bunch of candy, and I have a couple of kids from down the block who get in the back and throw candy out. Everybody loves it.” Mitchell isn't the only one looking forward to this year's festivities. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel “proud” about the country's 250th anniversary, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Roughly 3 in 10 say “excited” describes their emotions. The milestone will be marked with events across the country, and President Donald Trump has planned several for the nation’s capital, including a fair on Washington’s National Mall.But as the celebrations begin, many Americans also feel indifferent or conflicted about celebrating the country. Other Gallup polling shows that most Americans now feel the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the U.S. has turned out, a substantial increase from 25 years ago.Most Republicans and older adults feel proudMost Republicans say that “proud” or “excited” describes how they are feeling about the United States’ 250th anniversary. About 7 in 10 Republicans say pride describes their emotions, compared with about 3 in 10 independents and roughly 2 in 10 Democrats.Older Americans — those ages 60 and older — are also mostly feeling proud, with about 6 in 10 saying this describes how they feel about the nation’s anniversary. Mitchell, the Montana veteran, wants the country to be “celebrating it to the maximum.” As a Vietnam War veteran who was drafted into the war, he wants Americans to remember the men and women who have given their lives to protect the freedoms they have today.“It was a sacrifice,” Mitchell said, referring to his service. “The most important thing about the celebration is understanding that freedom is not free, and it never will be free, so you need to celebrate that.”About half of Republicans, 54%, say they feel excited about the country’s anniversary.As the country marks 250 years of independence, most Americans believe the country has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, according to new Gallup polling. About 7 in 10 U.S. adults say that America has succeeded “a great deal” or “a fair amount” in achieving the ideals for which the country was founded. That view is shared by a majority of Democrats, independents and Republicans — though Republicans are especially likely to say the country has succeeded.Democrats and young people feel conflicted or indifferentMore Democrats and young people say “conflicted” or “indifferent” describes their feelings about America 250.About 4 in 10 Democrats and roughly 3 in 10 adults under 30 say “conflicted” describes their feelings “extremely” or “very” well. About 3 in 10 in each case feel “indifferent.” Laura Davis, a 44-year-old in Chicago who identifies as a progressive liberal, has struggled with what she describes as the “American declarations of grandiosity” this year, including Trump's White House ballroom construction and the repainting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. She believes that money could be better spent on Americans in need, as well as international aid, and she worries the country's reputation is being damaged by the Trump administration's actions.“It doesn't mean we can't celebrate the things that do make America a unique and in some ways exceptional place to be,” she said. “But I think it's more nuanced than that, and I hope that doesn't get lost in the celebration.”About 8 in 10 Americans say the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the country has turned out, according to a new Gallup poll. Only about 2 in 10 say the signers would be pleased. That’s down significantly from 1999 — the first time the question was asked — when 55% believed they would be disappointed and 44% said they would be pleased. Sydney Crispin, a 39-year-old Democrat in Maine, believes the country's “incredible” foundation is worth celebrating. Still, she is conflicted by what she sees as a decline in people's ability to have respectful discourse, something she believes is at the heart of America's identity. She hopes communities find ways to celebrate the remarkable parts of America this Fourth of July while still reflecting on its areas for improvement.Celebrating the 250th: Spending time with friends or family tops on listJust under half, 44%, of U.S. adults plan to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary by spending time with friends or family, according to a recent Gallup-With Honor poll. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults say they plan to watch coverage of America 250 events on television or social media. More than half of adults ages 65 and older plan to celebrate with friends or family, while nearly half plan to watch coverage of the event on television or social media. Adults under 30 are more likely to say they are not planning to celebrate at all. The Gallup-With Honor poll found about 2 in 10 U.S. adults plan to participate in a neighborhood or community event, while approximately 1 in 10 say they will be attending an official America 250 event.Lyle Nelson, a 67-year-old in Idaho, said he plans to maintain his tradition of watching the annual Macy’s firework show at home. Nelson — who agrees with a lot of what Trump has done in office — remarked that even though Trump was disappointed that he did not get reelected in 2020, he might be pleased that he's the one in the White House during this historic event. “I wonder if he’s thankful that he gets to be president during the 250th anniversary,” Nelson said. “I think he'll be excited for that.”___The AP-NORC poll of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.The Gallup-With Honor poll of 3,199 adults was conducted May 12-22 using a sample drawn from Gallup's probability-based panel. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. The separate Gallup poll of 1,001 adults was conducted May 1-17 using a sample drawn from Gallup’s probability-based panel. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/how-americans-are-feeling-about-the-countrys-250th-anniversary-according-to-new-polls/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Linley Sanders, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:07:22.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDLIXPYD2AJAMFB6FEGHPHEYRGE.jpg","slug":"how-americans-are-feeling-about-the-countrys-250th-anniversary-according-to-new-polls"},{"id":"k58k6g","title":"KPRC 2 Insiders, Enter for a chance to win IKEA gift cards!","excerpt":"IKEA is opening a brand-new store in Webster. To celebrate, three KPRC 2 Insiders will win IKEA gift cards!📺 WATCH: Houston Life goes LIVE from new IKEA Webster ahead of Grand OpeningOne grand prize winner will claim a $500 gift card. The second-place winner will get to go shopping with a $250 g...","content":"IKEA is opening a brand-new store in Webster. To celebrate, three KPRC 2 Insiders will win IKEA gift cards!📺 WATCH: Houston Life goes LIVE from new IKEA Webster ahead of Grand OpeningOne grand prize winner will claim a $500 gift card. The second-place winner will get to go shopping with a $250 gift card, and the third-place winner will land a $100 gift card as a prize.Enter below daily through July 5 to increase your odds of claiming a prize. The winners will be drawn and notified on July 6, 2026.OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/contests/2026/06/22/kprc-2-insiders-enter-for-a-chance-to-win-ikea-gift-cards/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:34:05.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F46YBIAPWDJGZNCKZKGAJE7YOVI.png","slug":"kprc-2-insiders-enter-for-a-chance-to-win-ikea-gift-cards"},{"id":"mamwif","title":"Boston close call as American and Delta jets were only 300 feet apart, expert says","excerpt":"Just a few hundred feet was all that separated a departing American Airlines jet and an inbound Delta Air Lines flight last weekend during a close call on a runway at Boston’s Logan Airport, an aviation expert estimated.","content":"Just a few hundred feet was all that separated a departing American Airlines jet and an inbound Delta Air Lines flight last weekend during a close call on a runway at Boston’s Logan Airport, an aviation expert estimated.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/boston-logan-airport-near-miss-airlines-faa-close-call-american-delta-jets-were-only-300-feet-apart-expert-says","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Nick.Viviani@fox.com (Nick Viviani)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:31:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdelta-american-gettyimages-1378736391.jpg","slug":"boston-close-call-as-american-and-delta-jets-were-only-300-feet-apart-expert-says"},{"id":"7lmizu","title":"Mammoth Metal Recycling leaves East Houston residents wondering what’s in the air","excerpt":"What’s in the air? East Houston residents demand answers after Mammoth Metal Recycling fireResidents on Houston’s East Side are asking a pressing question in the wake of a large outdoor recycling fire: What exactly are they breathing?The air near the intersection of Kellogg and Lawndale streets h...","content":"What’s in the air? East Houston residents demand answers after Mammoth Metal Recycling fireResidents on Houston’s East Side are asking a pressing question in the wake of a large outdoor recycling fire: What exactly are they breathing?The air near the intersection of Kellogg and Lawndale streets has noticeably changed since a massive cloud of smoke became visible Monday afternoon, raising concerns about air quality for thousands of nearby residents — including the elderly and young children.A massive blaze, a massive responseThe fire broke out around 2:49 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Mammoth Metal Recycling, near the intersection of Kellogg and Lawndale streets. Houston Fire Department (HFD) says a large pile of tires, trash and debris on the property ignited.HFD Chief Thomas Munoz said the fire and smoke about the size of a football field,To battle the blaze, approximately 100 firefighters were rotated in and out of the scene — a strategy designed to keep crews fresh while fighting both the fire and the intense summer heat. Several fire engines and hoses were deployed at the scene, and rehabilitation services trucks were also spotted on site to support firefighter health and safety during the grueling response effort.Cooling buses and on-site medical assistance were also made available to help prevent heat exhaustion.No injuries have been reported.The fire continued burning into Tuesday, June 23. In posts on Facebook and Instagram, HFD said firefighters, Public Works and the Health Department remained on scene Tuesday. Firefighters working to extinguish hotspots in the debris.Agencies step in to monitor air, waterChief Munoz sought to reassure the community as crews worked to contain the blaze.“At this time, there is no immediate danger to the community, and we will maintain a presence here for as long as necessary to ensure the area remains safe,” Munoz said.Multiple agencies have been called in to back up that commitment. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard are monitoring air quality and water runoff in the surrounding area. Hazmat teams have also been on scene.What residents near the fire should doWhile officials say there is no immediate danger, health experts and fire officials are urging residents near the fire site to take precautions.Dr. Inyang Uwak with Air Alliance Houston — an advocacy group that works to reduce the public health impacts of air pollution through research, education and advocacy — recommends that people in the area stay indoors and wear a mask if venturing outside.HFD also warned in its social media posts that residents in the area should expect smoke and odor to remain present. The department specifically cautioned individuals who are sensitive to smoke, including those with respiratory conditions, to take appropriate precautions and limit prolonged outdoor exposure if necessary.Toxic pollutants detected in the airDr. Uwak says the fire released a dangerous mix of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter — also known as PM pollution — carbon monoxide and heavy metals, all byproducts of burning tires.While Chief Munoz has stated there is no immediate danger to the community, Dr. Uwak’s findings underscore why vulnerable residents — particularly those with respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children — should heed the precautions being recommended by health experts. HFD also making the same recommendation to nearby residents on social media. ‘My life is what worries me the most’For many East Side residents, the threat isn’t abstract — it’s immediate and personal.One woman was caring for her elderly father, 94-year-old Luis, who uses a wheelchair and could not evacuate on his own when the smoke appeared.“I tell him go inside, Dad, you can still smell it and I think it is bad for him, he is 94,” she said.Luis, speaking in Spanish through a voiceover translation, described his fear and helplessness during the fire.“My life, my life is what worries me the most,” he said. “What could I do? I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t do anything.”Original Spanish: “Mi vida, mi vida... Pues que pensaba yo, no podia caminar, no podia hacer nada.”Meanwhile, a neighbor identified as Claudia De la Rosa said the irritation she felt drove her family out of their home for the day.“My nose was kind of itchy, so I told my husband I didn’t want to be at my house,” Claudia said.She added that breathing remains her top concern.“Right now, I guess just the breathing — you can still see the smoke, and you’re like breathing all the air,” Claudia said.Smoke drifts to north side of HoustonThe impact of the fire isn’t limited to the East Side. Harris County Environmental Response is also actively monitoring air quality across the region.According to Dr. Uwak, wind carried emissions from the fire northward on Tuesday, reaching as far as the area near Homestead Road and East Mount Houston Road on the city’s North Side.Residents in those areas should also follow the same precautions recommended for East Side residents — stay indoors when possible and wear a mask if going outside.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/mammoth-metal-recycling-fire-leaves-east-houston-residents-wondering-whats-in-the-air/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sandy Torres","publishDate":"2026-06-24T14:45:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FNTRFATGN25DTXHHBB4RNIF6KIM.png","inBriefing":true,"slug":"mammoth-metal-recycling-leaves-east-houston-residents-wondering-whats-in-the-air"},{"id":"tik1d6","title":"When a rip current sucks you out to sea, try not to panic","excerpt":"To someone who is getting sucked out to sea by a rip current, “Don’t panic!” may be difficult to heed, even if that’s exactly what you should do. But lifeguards say to not only relax but flip over and float out of the danger.Rip currents are one of the coast’s greatest dangers and account for the...","content":"To someone who is getting sucked out to sea by a rip current, “Don’t panic!” may be difficult to heed, even if that’s exactly what you should do. But lifeguards say to not only relax but flip over and float out of the danger.Rip currents are one of the coast’s greatest dangers and account for the most beach rescues every year. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. And more than 80% of beach rescues annually involve rip currents.Already this year, there have been at least 21 people killed from rip currents in U.S. waters, according to the National Weather Service.Here are some things to know about rip currents:Rip currents can be hard to spotRip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach. They don't pull swimmers under water, but can carry them out a fair distance from shore.“A rip current is like a river that pulls out to sea,” said San Diego Lifeguard Marine Safety Lt. Charlie Knight. “So when the waves come into the beach, it needs somewhere to go. And so it takes these little channels out that we call rip currents to put all that water back into the ocean.”Low spots along the beach, or areas near jetties or piers, are often where rip currents form. They can be connected to stormy weather but also sometimes occur during sunny days. They can be hard to detect because the surface water often appears calm.The current can flow as fast as 8 feet (3.2 meters) per second, faster than even a strong swimmer can overcome, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.It's nearly impossible to fight rip currentsThe most frequent advice from beach rescue teams and weather forecasters is to “'flip, float and follow.” Flipping over to float makes it easier to stay calm, conserves energy and keeps the airways open while the swimmer is in the rip current's grip.It’s nearly impossible to fight the current directly. Many swimmers who get in trouble tire themselves out trying to get back to the beach, lifeguards say.“People tend to panic when they can’t get into the beach, and that’s when we have problems,” Knight said. “So if you are caught in a rip current, the biggest thing is don’t panic, stay calm, flip over onto your back, float and allow the rip current to take you out.”Once the rip current dissipates, it might leave the swimmer out in deeper water. Lifeguards recommend raising an arm to signal for help.Look for flags warning of rip current conditionsFlags with different colors are used to warn beachgoers of various hazards.Red means a high hazard, yellow means a moderate threat and green means low danger. There's also purple for dangerous sea life, such as jellyfish, and double red when a beach is closed for any reason.The National Weather Service posts rip current risks on its websites around the coasts and has developed a computer model that can predict when conditions exist that may lead to their formation up to six days in advance for the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Guam.If possible, it’s best to swim near a lifeguard station.What to do when swimmer is spotted in a rip currentIt can be dangerous to try to rescue someone caught in a rip current, officials say. Often the people trying to perform the rescue can get into trouble themselves.It's best to find a lifeguard, if there is one, or call 911 if a struggling swimmer is spotted. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/24/when-a-rip-current-sucks-you-out-to-sea-try-not-to-panic/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Javier Arciga, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T11:02:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FA2CP6HZCVJA7NAY2VE57UCMTCI.jpg","slug":"when-a-rip-current-sucks-you-out-to-sea-try-not-to-panic"},{"id":"2rxiy4","title":"Rock legend Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens are inducted to the Hollywood's Rockwalk","excerpt":"Give a \"Rebel Yell\" to rocker Billy Idol. He was inducted into the Guitar Center Hollywood Rockwalk.","content":"Give a \"Rebel Yell\" to rocker Billy Idol. He was inducted into the Guitar Center Hollywood Rockwalk.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/rock-legend-billy-idol-guitarist-steve-stevens-are-inducted-hollywoods-rockwalk/19366018/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-24T05:12:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19368453_062326-otrc-billyidol-vid.jpg","slug":"rock-legend-billy-idol-and-guitarist-steve-stevens-are-inducted-to-the-hollywoods-rockwalk"},{"id":"fmehoz","title":"Ex-aides win primaries to replace retiring Democratic House members","excerpt":"U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer and Jerrold Nadler, two of the top Democrats in Congress, are retiring when their terms expire in January, but they will continue to make their imprints on Washington.The pair passed the torch Tuesday night to former aides who won the Democratic primaries to replace them on...","content":"U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer and Jerrold Nadler, two of the top Democrats in Congress, are retiring when their terms expire in January, but they will continue to make their imprints on Washington.The pair passed the torch Tuesday night to former aides who won the Democratic primaries to replace them on Capitol Hill, and because both districts are overwhelmingly blue, they are all but certain to win in November and get sworn in to replace their former bosses. Hoyer and Nadler are the latest lawmakers to successfully anoint their successors after spending decades in Congress. Among 68 members of Congress not seeking reelection this year, at least five have endorsed former staffers to replace them and more than a dozen others have, to varying degrees, worked to smooth the path to Capitol Hill for their favored replacements. The practice can be controversial, particularly when lawmakers try to strategically time their announcement to give favored insiders the upper hand. But even at a time when voters give Congress a dismal approval rating, they're often receptive to the recommendation of their own representative. That was the case for Natasha Greensword, 45, who backed Adrian Boafo in Maryland's Democratic primary on Tuesday in part because he was endorsed by Hoyer, who has represented the area since 1981. “It was a plus,\" Greensword said. There was also a racial component that resonated for Greensword, a Jamaican immigrant. “It did help him to have a white man endorsing a Black candidate and saying he’s got our backs,” she said.Not everyone felt the same way, particularly in the anti-incumbent environment that influenced so many prominent Democrats’ decision to step aside.Norma James, 64, said she skipped over Boafo in part because of Hoyer’s endorsement.“If Steny was endorsing him, he’s not the one you want,” James said. Indeed, not every outgoing lawmaker had luck endorsing a successor on Tuesday night. Retiring Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez backed Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who lost Tuesday. That race was won by Assemblymember Claire Valdez, who was endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.“You might actually not want the endorsement of a departing incumbent because even if that incumbent is personally liked, the base of the party may have a lot of members who are unhappy with the establishment in general,” said Matthew Green, a politics professor at Catholic University of America. \"And so they see an endorsement by an incumbent as actually a bad thing.”Retiring legislators can tip the scales Many departing lawmakers prefer to keep their preferences to themselves when it comes time to hang it up. Others go to great lengths to arrange things how they want. Most infamously, Democratic Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois earned a formal reprimand from a bipartisan majority of the House for a particularly aggressive strategy to keep his seat in friendly hands. Garcia announced his retirement plans just after the deadline to file paperwork to run for the seat. By then, his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, was the only candidate who had submitted the needed paperwork. She went on to win the primary for the Chicago-area district with 100% of the vote. The maneuvering by Chuy Garcia and Patty Garcia, who aren't related, drove a wedge between House Democrats. Chuy Garcia dismissed allegations he was being deceptive, saying he made a last-minute decision not to run because of health and family considerations. But Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., said Garcia's actions amounted to “election subversion” and introduced the resolution to reprimand him. Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Steve Daines pulled a similar move in Montana. He quietly coordinated with former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, who filed paperwork to run for the office nearly simultaneously with Daines withdrawing from the race. It all went down minutes before the filing deadline. Alme faced no serious opposition for the party's nomination and won the primary with 76% of the vote. Daines coordinated his surprise handoff with the White House, and President Donald Trump immediately backed Alme. The last-minute shuffle avoided a potentially damaging Republican primary and caught Democrats flat-footed. Some lawmakers prefer more subtle endorsementsOther lawmakers have taken a lighter touch to try and sway the direction of their district after they're gone, and not always successfully. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., made clear that state Rep. La Shawn Ford was his preferred successor after nearly three decades in Congress, but that wasn't enough to clear the field for him. Ford eked out a narrow win in a crowded primary in March. In California, Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley made a quick endorsement of Assembly member Jacqui Irwin. She still had a contested primary, but she comfortably won a spot in the general election.Republican Rep. Ralph Norman had better luck in South Carolina. Nobody challenged his chosen successor, state Sen. Wes Climer, who ran unopposed for the party's nomination. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn't recruit a preferred replacement as San Francisco's representative in Congress, and she declined to weigh in on the contentious battle to replace her until the last minute. Days before the primary, she endorsed county Supervisor Connie Chan, helping her make it to the general election in November. Hoyer and Nadler back former aidesHoyer, 87, was the longtime No. 2 Democrat in House leadership. Nadler, 79, was the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and is the dean of New York's congressional delegation after 34 years in Congress. Both decided not to run for reelection this year in the face of a Democratic base hungry to push aside their party's aging leaders in Washington. Hoyer backed his former campaign manager, Boafo, who is now a Maryland state delegate, in a crowded field of 24 candidates. “Y’all, I gotta give a special thanks to my mentor, to my friend, Steny Hamilton Hoyer,” Boafo said after winning the Democratic primary Tuesday night.“Tonight, the Democratic voters of the 5th Congressional District decided that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders,\" he said. \"And it’s with great humility that I accept that responsibility.”Nadler endorsed state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, a longtime aide to New York Democrats including Nadler, in a feisty primary for the Manhattan House seat. Lasher hailed his ex-boss in a victory speech, saying Nadler has been a political presence throughout his life.“When I was born, I was already Assemblyman Nadler’s constituent,” Lasher said, adding that he later “watched as Congressman Nadler led fights long before they were convenient.”At least three other retiring lawmakers backed former aides to succeed them, including Chuy Garcia. Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia endorsed his former chief of staff, Rob Adkerson, who lost the primary in a runoff. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., endorsed his district director, Aaron Flint, within hours of announcing his decision not to run for reelection. Flint won a four-person primary earlier this month.___Associated Press reporter Mike Catalini contributed from Morrisville, Pa. Cooper reported from Phoenix.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/ex-aides-win-primaries-to-replace-retiring-democratic-house-members/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jonathan J. Cooper And Gary Fields, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:56:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSBNKPVSLZFDV7OQLIZPQBEBMPA.jpg","slug":"ex-aides-win-primaries-to-replace-retiring-democratic-house-members"},{"id":"w50ofo","title":"'This isn't me': Man linked to brother's criminal history for 20 years","excerpt":"A Houston man says a 20-year-old identity mix-up has hijacked his life, leaving him unable to get a job, or even drive a car, without fear.","content":"A Houston man says a 20-year-old identity mix-up has hijacked his life, leaving him unable to get a job, or even drive a car, without fear.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/isnt-man-linked-brothers-criminal-history-20-years/19365189/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Mycah Hatfield","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:48:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365473_06232026-ktrk-hatfield-10p-mistaken-identity.jpg","slug":"this-isnt-me-man-linked-to-brothers-criminal-history-for-20-years"},{"id":"3kw2mi","title":"Southeast Houston recycling facility fire continues to burn, air monitoring continuing","excerpt":"A massive plume of smoke is rising from a fire at a recycling facility in southeast Houston. The fire was reported near Kellogg Street and Manchester Street and is currently at three alarms.","content":"A massive plume of smoke is rising from a fire at a recycling facility in southeast Houston. The fire was reported near Kellogg Street and Manchester Street and is currently at three alarms.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/large-plume-smoke-from-fire-southeast-houston","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Barbi.Barbee@fox.com (Barbi Barbee)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:55:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-22-22h12m25s747.png","slug":"southeast-houston-recycling-facility-fire-continues-to-burn-air-monitoring-continuing"},{"id":"vnoegr","title":"Cases tied to Houston police officer fired over racist video include murder, robbery and DWI","excerpt":"The Houston police officer who was fired after posting a racially charged and profanity-laced video on social media was involved in dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases, according to a review by ABC13.","content":"The Houston police officer who was fired after posting a racially charged and profanity-laced video on social media was involved in dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases, according to a review by ABC13.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/cases-tied-houston-police-officer-fired-racist-video-include-murder-robbery-dwi/19367552/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Jessica Willey","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19367645_062326-ktrk-ashley-gonzalez-img.png","slug":"cases-tied-to-houston-police-officer-fired-over-racist-video-include-murder-robbery-and-dwi"},{"id":"fl7tj7","title":"Sugar Land officer injured during traffic stop on Highway 6, suspect search ongoing","excerpt":"Sugar Land police are searching for a suspect who left the scene of a traffic stop on Highway 6 where an officer was injured.","content":"Sugar Land police are searching for a suspect who left the scene of a traffic stop on Highway 6 where an officer was injured.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/sugar-land-officer-injured-traffic-stop-highway-6-suspect-search","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Terrian.Spurs@fox.com (Terrian Spurs)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:55:59.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fscreenshot-2026-06-24-055332.png","slug":"sugar-land-officer-injured-during-traffic-stop-on-highway-6-suspect-search-ongoing"},{"id":"lww9f5","title":"Nearly 4,000 robotaxis recalled over risk of driving in construction zones","excerpt":"A new recall of Waymo’s robotaxis comes after multiple reported incidents of the autonomous vehicles driving past ramp closures into construction sites.","content":"A new recall of Waymo’s robotaxis comes after multiple reported incidents of the autonomous vehicles driving past ramp closures into construction sites.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/robotaxis-recalled-risk-construction-zones","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Daniel.Miller@fox.com (Daniel Miller)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:17:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fwaymo-robotaxi.jpg","slug":"nearly-4000-robotaxis-recalled-over-risk-of-driving-in-construction-zones"},{"id":"9yl40v","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1591: Completed Technologies","excerpt":"Episode: 1591 Baroque violins and the notion of a completed technology. Today, let’s talk about complete technologies.","content":"Episode: 1591 Baroque violins and the notion of a completed technology. Today, let’s talk about complete technologies.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/20/554089/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1591-completed-technologies/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-20T05:01:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1591-completed-technologies"},{"id":"d6outs","title":"“Mass euthanasias”: Screwworm could have deeper implications for Texas’ already-crowded animal shelters","excerpt":"Most stray animal shelters are already at capacity. Adding a deadly parasitic infestation could create an even more dire situation.","content":"Most stray animal shelters are already at capacity. Adding a deadly parasitic infestation could create an even more dire situation.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/animals/2026/06/19/555087/screwworm-effect-texas-stray-animals/?utm_source=rss-animals-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Jayme Lozano Carver, Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-19T21:43:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19164002%2FSPCA-Horses-02-450x300.jpg","slug":"mass-euthanasias-screwworm-could-have-deeper-implications-for-texas-already-crowded-animal-shelters"},{"id":"3saj3s","title":"First of its kind queer museum in San Francisco Chinatown amplifies Chinese LGBTQ+ artists","excerpt":"On one side of the world, Xiangqi Chen can be punished for her LGBTQ+ activism. But on the other, the activist and artist is lauded as a trailblazer — the architect behind the first of its kind Chinese queer art museum.The irony that she left her home in China and found a public platform for her ...","content":"On one side of the world, Xiangqi Chen can be punished for her LGBTQ+ activism. But on the other, the activist and artist is lauded as a trailblazer — the architect behind the first of its kind Chinese queer art museum.The irony that she left her home in China and found a public platform for her LGBTQ+ artistic expression in San Francisco’s Chinatown — the country’s oldest — is not lost on her.“Here in San Francisco Chinatown, I still continued my journey and met so many like-minded community members and friends,” Chen told The Associated Press through an interpreter. “It kind of actually encouraged me and gave me lots of strength to do what I know is my mission, my calling.”The OUT Museum opened with a rainbow-ribbon cutting at the end of May — between Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Pride Month. Situated across from the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, the bilingual museum is giving recognition to a demographic that has long felt invisible. It seems like an ideal fit in the progressive city at a time when some cities, states and the federal government are restricting or banning certain LGBTQ+ rights.To start, the museum is only open on Saturdays and is one room with fewer than a dozen artworks by artists from China and the Chinese diaspora. But there is hope to expand the museum's exhibits and days of operation.Museum allows Chinese artists to fully tell their storiesWhile still living in China, Chen launched a Kickstarter for a proposed museum six years ago — more than 2,000 donated on the platform. But she knew it likely wouldn't be built there. In 2022, she came to the U.S. on a J-1 visa as a visiting scholar at Georgetown University. By 2024, Chen gained attention in San Francisco for her role in an exhibition at the Asian Art Museum. That led to a residency with the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.The organization was “proud to be the incubating space for the OUT Museum prototype,” executive director Jenny Leung said in an email.The level of support that followed amazed Chen.“I got so many chances to connect with the local Asian American queer community and even the Chinatown community in general,” she said. Interest soon followed from longtime collaborators and younger artists who reached out via Instagram. They are represented in the inaugural exhibition, which includes photography, zines and an interactive installation where visitors use thread to trace their self-discovery journey with gender and sexuality. For Hong Kong-born artist Dixon Ngai, this museum offers an outlet to tell his story as mainstream media typically overlook the Chinese LGBTQ+ community. He contributed a hand-painted, Chinese porcelain wine pot inspired by the Cantonese opera “Di Nü Hua,” or “The Flower Princess.”Ngai said the OUT Museum, unlike other exhibitions, is very specific to the experience of the Chinese queer community, allowing “more people to see our voice.”Museum affirms evolving attitudes toward LGBTQ+ presenceSince the museum's opening, Chen has been “one hundred percent moved” by unexpected feedback from one particular demographic: Chinese immigrants, both queer and straight, who have lived in California for decades. A 60-year-old transgender man who visited shared how he immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s for crucial gender-affirming care. There was also a mother looking to connect with her gay adult son. “She later emailed me saying that she’s so grateful for all the events the art museum has organized,” Chen said. “Her son came out to her, and she’s very proud of her son and she wants to express gratitude.”These reactions are proof the museum is elevating the visibility of Chinese, Chinese American and Asian American LGBTQ+ people, said author and activist Helen Zia, a museum advisory board member. It also shows how attitudes have shifted, she said, as it would have been difficult to mount even 20 years ago.“There were Asian churches who would have demonstrations week after week with thousands of people just condemning same-sex couples,” Zia said, recalling the response from the Chinese community in 2008 when she handed out pro-gay marriage flyers in Oakland's Chinatown. “We got people yelling at us, spitting.”Later that year, Zia and her wife were among many couples who wed after the California Supreme Court rejected a same-sex marriage ban. Even today, she says the museum's presence sends a needed message.“See our humanity,” Zia said. “Here's the beautiful art that we create and imagine and contribute to the world.”LGBTQ+ life in mainland China versus the USBeing homosexual in China means living under the radar and discriminatory policies. In 2001, the Chinese Psychiatric Association stopped listing homosexuality as a mental disorder. But LGBTQ+ couples still cannot marry or adopt. They are also limited in their right to publicly advocate. When Chen lived in Shanghai, she ran a grassroots center for lesbians. One of the reasons she left was because during the pandemic the government started cracking down on spaces for LGBTQ+ activism. She likely could not even put on an art show, let alone a museum. “From 2013 to 2015, that kind of art exhibition by queer artists (could) exist, but only if you don’t explicitly show or tell the audience that your work or yourself identify as queer or LGBTQ,” Chen said. “But not nowadays.”That Shanghai center is how Zia met Chen a decade ago. Zia was doing research for a book and toured the center.“She's been just incredibly brave in China, creating a center that attracted a lot of state attention,” Zia said. A key difference Chen has noticed among American-born Chinese LGBTQ+ people versus those in China is they are more educated about gender and sexual identity and have more access to support. Under the second Trump administration, LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat. President Donald Trump's administration has targeted gender-affirming care and sought to ban transgender people in the military. Some anti-Pride lawmakers recently proposed “Nuclear Family Month.”San Francisco also recently dealt with shifting LGBTQ+ attitudes after Giants baseball players wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats.Nevertheless, the Chinese artists say the social landscape here is a breath of fresh air. “Here in San Francisco, in California, we enjoy the air of freedom, there is equal human rights, there is security,” Ngai said. “So, we are very proud to be ourselves.”This Sunday, Chen will proudly walk in her first San Francisco Pride Parade. She will plug the museum while dressed fittingly as a woman warrior from a Cantonese opera. “I think completing this opening will be a start for me. It’s not the end,” Chen said. “We still have a long way to go.”___Tang reported from Phoenix.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/24/first-of-its-kind-queer-museum-in-san-francisco-chinatown-amplifies-chinese-lgbtq-artists/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Terry Tang And Terry Chea, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:01:21.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUKXT4XJTO5HUTBM5WRFYLW2L5U.jpg","slug":"first-of-its-kind-queer-museum-in-san-francisco-chinatown-amplifies-chinese-lgbtq-artists"},{"id":"mf22l5","title":"Crash victim's family files lawsuit against Tesla, driver","excerpt":"A lawsuit filed Tuesday claims Tesla was at least partially responsible when one of their cars slammed into a west Harris County home and killed a 76-year-old woman.","content":"A lawsuit filed Tuesday claims Tesla was at least partially responsible when one of their cars slammed into a west Harris County home and killed a 76-year-old woman.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/crash-victims-family-files-lawsuit-tesla-driver/19367462/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Luke Jones","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:40:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19367522_062326-ktrk-tesla-crash-house-img.png","slug":"crash-victims-family-files-lawsuit-against-tesla-driver"},{"id":"bhc7i","title":"Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg loses to Micah Lasher in crowded New York City congressional primary","excerpt":"The Kennedy dynasty won't be returning to Congress next year. Kennedy family scion and political novice Jack Schlossberg lost Tuesday to New York state Assembly Member Micah Lasher, in a closely watched and crowded Democratic primary for an open congressional seat in the heart of Manhattan.Lasher...","content":"The Kennedy dynasty won't be returning to Congress next year. Kennedy family scion and political novice Jack Schlossberg lost Tuesday to New York state Assembly Member Micah Lasher, in a closely watched and crowded Democratic primary for an open congressional seat in the heart of Manhattan.Lasher has spent his career in politics, working for officeholders including the man whose seat he hopes to win in November, Democratic longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler. Flanked by another former boss, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and other politicians in New York City's Democratic establishment, Lasher said in his victory speech that he aimed to “revamp and recharge the Democratic Party in Washington\" and to show it has \"bold new ideas to improve the lives of struggling Americans and then deliver on them.\"Lasher is well positioned for November's general election — Democrats make up two-thirds of the district's registered voters.Before the race was called, Schlossberg had made an early appearance at his evening watch party at a Manhattan concert venue to thank his campaign workers and reiterate his message that Democrats need to put forward more frank, responsive and inspiring candidates \"who are willing to speak plainly about the cost of living, about corruption and fearlessly about the Constitution.\"“We don’t just need younger candidates. We need different people,” he said, adding, “unless Democrats learn from the signals that are being sent all across the country, we are going to keep on losing.”About an hour later, deflated “oohs” rippled through the room of largely young supporters as they got news of Lasher's victory. The campaign was colorful and hotly contested, partly because of Schlossberg's star power as the social-media-savvy grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, but also because the race became an expensive proxy fight among artificial intelligence interests.Schlossberg got plenty of attention in the race, as a member of a famous political family who delivered his own “progressive and aggressive” message in dynamic and popular, if sometimes wacky, social media posts.Supporters “don’t just like me because I’m a Kennedy,\" Schlossberg told The Associated Press earlier this year. “They like me because of my experience, my ideas, and they trust me because they see what’s going on with their very own eyes.”But he also faced questions about his limited professional resume and his seriousness as a candidate. The 33-year-old, who holds a joint law and business degree, worked briefly at the State Department’s environmental bureau and has written political opinion pieces for Vogue. He said that family money bought him independence from political fundraising.Money cascaded into the race as some tech and AI companies lined up against candidate Alex Bores, a former tech company engineer and a state Assembly member who wrote legislation that many in the industry opposed. But some other, more regulation-friendly AI heavyweights counterpunched by trying to help Bores.Voters in the district were deluged with mailers and ads, particularly about Bores and rival Micah Lasher, a fellow Assembly member and former Nadler aide. Lasher emphasized his long experience working in government for Nadler and others. Bores positioned himself as a fresher face who stood up to powerful interests.“I didn’t get in this race to make a point about AI, but some of the most powerful people on the planet, a handful of oligarchs hell-bent on preventing any regulation of their industry whatsoever … decided they wanted to make an example out of this race. This was a huge and unprecedented fight, and we did not back down,” Bores said in a concession speech. Alongside the AI battle, the race featured competing endorsements from Nadler and Carolyn Maloney, the fellow Congress member whom he defeated in a 2022 primary after their once-neighboring districts were largely combined by redrawn maps. This year, Maloney endorsed Bores, while Nadler endorsed Lasher.Candidate George Conway had his own political connections, though not necessarily ones he embraced — a former Republican, he was married to Kellyanne Conway, a former adviser to Republican President Donald Trump before distancing himself from both of them. A veteran attorney, George Conway helped create the anti-Trump organization called The Lincoln Project.Trump reveled in Conway's defeat, calling him “a Trump Deranged Loser” in a social media post. Several other candidates also vied for the nomination.___Associated Press journalist Emily Wang Fujiyama contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/24/a-kennedy-scion-runs-in-a-crowded-pricey-new-york-city-congressional-primary/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anthony Izaguirre, Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T01:02:02.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FEDQSUMQTCRAMNCABR5GN2T6QHM.jpg","slug":"kennedy-scion-jack-schlossberg-loses-to-micah-lasher-in-crowded-new-york-city-congressional-primary"},{"id":"5pl7cy","title":"Mamdani proves his power with New York endorsements, plus more takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries","excerpt":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani waded into Democratic U.S. House primaries to boost three progressives over establishment-backed candidates. All of them won Tuesday, defeating two incumbents and essentially ensuring that two self-described democratic socialists will be elected to Congress in t...","content":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani waded into Democratic U.S. House primaries to boost three progressives over establishment-backed candidates. All of them won Tuesday, defeating two incumbents and essentially ensuring that two self-described democratic socialists will be elected to Congress in their deep blue districts.The mayor said it was a question of electing “better Democrats” who would \"put working people back at the heart of politics.” The approach consternated some in Democratic leadership, but the outcome showcased Mamdani's rising influence. Elsewhere Tuesday, two opposing factions of the artificial intelligence industry spent millions on a House race that became a proxy fight over tech regulation. And President Donald Trump, after two of his chosen candidates for governor lost Republican primaries this month, ensured it wouldn’t happen again. The president endorsed both candidates in a South Carolina runoff — and one of his endorsed candidates inevitably won.Mamdani successfully flexes his political power in House racesWhen Mamdani took the stage in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, the crowd chanted “DSA,” the initials for the Democratic Socialists of America.It was just the latest sign of an ascendant political movement, and two of the candidates successfully backed by Mamdani are democratic socialists. In the primary for retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s seat, state Assembly Member Claire Valdez beat out Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Valdez was endorsed by Mamdani, and Reynoso was endorsed by Velázquez. Democratic U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat lost his bid for reelection to Darializa Avila Chevalier, another Mamdani-backed democratic socialist. Avila Chevalier hasn’t held public office before and once helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. A third candidate backed by Mamdani, former city comptroller Brad Lander, defeated U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman by running to his political left. The race partly revolved around the war in Gaza, with Lander assailing Goldman for not being critical enough of Israel.All three victors are expected to win their blue districts, which would also place three Mamdani allies in Congress come January.Lasher won Manhattan House primary where AI regulation was debatedOne crowded Democratic primary in Manhattan had become a proxy battle between two powerful camps in the artificial intelligence industry because of one candidate: New York Assemblyman Alex Bores. Bores, a former Palantir employee, had cited ethical concerns in leaving the company and pushed one of the more sweeping state-level AI regulation bills in the country. He pointed to that legislation, which faced some industry pushback, as a framework for how he’d approach regulation in Congress.His entry in the race for retiring Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler’s seat prompted a political group financed by investors in OpenAI to spend more than $7 million in ads attacking Bores — only for an opposing group connected to Anthropic to ride to his aid with more than $10 million.Bores fell short in the primary, which was won by Assemblymember Micah Lasher, a longtime government hand backed by Democratic leaders. Lasher had criticized Bores by suggesting he would be beholden to the big tech faction who supported him. “I have some news for the two big AI companies who’ve taken such an unusual interest in who won this congressional seat,\" he said Tuesday night. \"I won’t be taking my cues from either of you when it comes to protecting our kids, our jobs, our environment.”Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, and former Republican lawyer George Conway rounded out the field. Trump successfully hedges in South Carolina after endorsement record gets shakierThe president is proud of his ability to pick winners in Republican primaries, but he stumbled in governor's races earlier this month. First U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra lost to businessman Zach Lahn in Iowa, then Lt. Gov. Burt Jones fell short to billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia. So Trump took steps to ensure a victory for his endorsement in South Carolina on Tuesday. After initially endorsing Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette shortly before the primary, he decided to also support state Attorney General Alan Wilson in the runoff. “I can’t hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other, so therefore, I am going to Endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson!” he wrote in a social media post Friday. “It’s a Wealth of Riches – With either one you can’t go wrong.”It appeared to be a prescient decision, and Wilson swiftly came out on top in the runoff. “I was honored to receive his endorsement,” Wilson told his supporters of Trump in accepting victory Tuesday. “I think he saw the fight in our campaign, the energy in our campaign. And think he likes a fighter and I think that’s won him over. I want to thank you, Mr. President.” In the end, Trump's endorsement was another winner on the night. “Alan Wilson wins!” he posted on social media. “Endorsed by President Trump!”Former US representative beats more progressive competitors in Utah's new Democratic battlegroundIt's unusual for Utah's Democratic primaries to draw much attention, but that's because the party hasn't had much of a shot in the staunchly red state. That is until redistricting last year created a lone Democratic island in the Salt Lake City area. The new district had a dark enough hue of blue that primary candidates jostled for who was furthest left, a contest that former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams — who won Tuesday — worked to adapt to.When McAdams last ran in 2018, ousting a Republican, he described himself as pro-life and fashioned himself as a moderate. Now, in the new left-leaning district, he pledged to support abortion rights and said he’s only “moderate in tone.”The more progressive candidates who challenged him included state Sen. Nate Blouin, who has said the electorate had grown accustomed to Democrats who will “play nice” with Republicans and who won support from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Maryland Republicans sought an heir to HoganRepublican Larry Hogan reigned as Maryland governor for eight years, standing on a more moderate conservative platform to keep his perch in the left-leaning, East Coast state. At Hogan's departure, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore took over in 2023, and he won his party's primary Tuesday in his bid for reelection to a second term. Moore is widely viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.Republicans voted for Dan Cox, who leaned furthest to the right out of the nine candidates and had a photo of himself with Trump on his law practice's website. On the campaign trail, he had pledged to cut taxes and expand housing affordability programs.___This story has been corrected to show Moore took office in 2023, not 2024. ___Bedayn reported from Austin, Texas, and Lodhi from New York.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/mamdani-and-ai-industry-flex-political-power-in-new-york-plus-more-to-watch-in-tuesdays-primaries/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jesse Bedayn And Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:02:39.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2BOI6J3XJBCF5JDF77BVIMEPD4.jpg","slug":"mamdani-proves-his-power-with-new-york-endorsements-plus-more-takeaways-from-tuesdays-primaries"},{"id":"tfduzj","title":"French health ministry confirms Ebola virus in doctor who worked in Congo","excerpt":"A positive case of Ebola virus has been identified in France in a doctor traveling back from Congo, the French Ministry of Health said Wednesday.The individual, who has not been identified, returned from a humanitarian mission in one of the virus transmission zones in Congo and was taken into car...","content":"A positive case of Ebola virus has been identified in France in a doctor traveling back from Congo, the French Ministry of Health said Wednesday.The individual, who has not been identified, returned from a humanitarian mission in one of the virus transmission zones in Congo and was taken into care at a specialized facility in France. The person is in stable condition, the ministry said.The Congolese health ministry said Wednesday there are 1,094 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 277 confirmed deaths. The Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no vaccines or treatment, has been the worst ever in terms of case numbers in its first month.Officials admit there could be far more cases they don’t know about and the peak of the outbreak, which was declared May 15, could still lie ahead.All precautionary measures, including the patient’s isolation, were taken upon their arrival in France, the health ministry said, adding that their transfer to a hospital was carried out under secure conditions to prevent any risk of contamination.“An in-depth epidemiological investigation is underway to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient,” the ministry said, adding that a regional health agency will closely monitor them during a 21-day home isolation.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/24/french-health-ministry-confirms-ebola-virus-in-doctor-who-worked-in-congo/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:59:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FZH5L7C73F5DRDP2F2IQRKS2QCQ.jpg","slug":"french-health-ministry-confirms-ebola-virus-in-doctor-who-worked-in-congo"},{"id":"5ndz62","title":"Tesla sued after Katy crash leaves 76-year-old woman dead","excerpt":"Tesla is facing a new wrongful death lawsuit in Texas after a crash that allegedly involved the company's Autopilot system left a 76-year-old grandmother dead inside her family's home.","content":"Tesla is facing a new wrongful death lawsuit in Texas after a crash that allegedly involved the company's Autopilot system left a 76-year-old grandmother dead inside her family's home.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tesla-sued-after-katy-crash-leaves-76-year-old-woman-dead","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:02:48.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftesla-photo.jpg","slug":"tesla-sued-after-katy-crash-leaves-76-year-old-woman-dead"},{"id":"rquu7r","title":"University of Houston point guard Kingston Flemings selected No.8 by Hawks in 2026 NBA Draft","excerpt":"Welcome to the NBA, Kingston Flemings! The UH freshman point guard was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.","content":"Welcome to the NBA, Kingston Flemings! The UH freshman point guard was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/university-houston-point-guard-kingston-flemings-selected-no8-hawks-2026-nba-draft/19366455/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-24T02:21:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"university-of-houston-point-guard-kingston-flemings-selected-no8-by-hawks-in-2026-nba-draft"},{"id":"btg6la","title":"Austin, Houston included in NHL expansion chatter, reports say","excerpt":"The NHL is apparently considering both Austin and Houston as sites for a possible expansion hockey team, according to multiple reports.","content":"The NHL is apparently considering both Austin and Houston as sites for a possible expansion hockey team, according to multiple reports.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/sports/austin-houston-nhl-texas-expansion-discussion","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Aaron.Barker@fox.com (Aaron Barker)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:16:02.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F01%2FGettyImages-892475174-e1641661580915.jpg","slug":"austin-houston-included-in-nhl-expansion-chatter-reports-say"},{"id":"ydgpbl","title":"Chaos erupts on American Airlines flight as unruly passenger allegedly bites fellow traveler midair","excerpt":"An American Airlines flight descended into chaos Sunday morning after a passenger was accused of biting another traveler and attempting to fight others onboard.","content":"An American Airlines flight descended into chaos Sunday morning after a passenger was accused of biting another traveler and attempting to fight others onboard.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/chaos-erupts-american-airlines-flight-unruly-passenger-allegedly-bites-fellow-traveler-midair","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:56:28.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Faa.jpg","slug":"chaos-erupts-on-american-airlines-flight-as-unruly-passenger-allegedly-bites-fellow-traveler-midair"},{"id":"ovdijm","title":"Houston anti-trafficking groups ramp up awareness efforts ahead of FIFA World Cup crowds","excerpt":"As Houston welcomes massive crowds for FIFA World Cup events, local organizations and law enforcement agencies are working to address a less visible concern: human trafficking.Advocates say large-scale events can create opportunities for traffickers seeking to exploit an influx of visitors, makin...","content":"As Houston welcomes massive crowds for FIFA World Cup events, local organizations and law enforcement agencies are working to address a less visible concern: human trafficking.Advocates say large-scale events can create opportunities for traffickers seeking to exploit an influx of visitors, making awareness and prevention efforts especially important.“Unfortunately, human trafficking is a big business,” said Jacquelyn Aluotto, CEO of No Trafficking Zone.Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, experts say as Houston prepares for World Cup visitorsAccording to Aluotto, human trafficking has grown into a global criminal enterprise worth an estimated $526 billion. Her organization partners with the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify potential victims and connect them with resources and support.No Trafficking Zone has been expanding its efforts since NRG Park became the world’s first designated “No Trafficking Zone” in 2020.The Houston-based initiative has since become a model for other FIFA host cities across the country.“It varies from awareness and prevention to working alongside law enforcement, so we’re really excited and we’re learning a lot from each of the cities,” Aluotto said.While many people may associate trafficking concerns with large venues, advocates say the crime can occur in a variety of locations connected to major events, including hotels, short-term rentals, fan festivals and other high-traffic areas.United Against Human Trafficking helps lead efforts to prevent human trafficking as the World Cup comes to HoustonAluotto encourages residents and visitors to stay alert and report suspicious activity if something doesn’t seem right.She emphasized that human trafficking is not unique to FIFA or sporting events.Instead, advocates say it is a year-round issue that affects communities across the country.With the world’s attention turning to Houston during FIFA events, local organizations hope increased awareness will help educate more people about the warning signs of trafficking and the resources available to victims.Officials say public awareness and community involvement remain key tools in preventing exploitation and helping those who may be at risk.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/houston-anti-trafficking-groups-ramp-up-awareness-efforts-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-crowds/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"T.J. Parker, Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-24T12:09:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F22db4ccd-cd2c-4c7c-9907-bb0303133600%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-anti-trafficking-groups-ramp-up-awareness-efforts-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-crowds"},{"id":"wtvw9w","title":"2 Newsletter: Recycling Plant Fire, Sunshine Returns & A Teen’s E-Bike Safety Warning","excerpt":"Good morning, Houston.☀️We have so much to talk about, but first, happy hump day. Can you believe we are halfway through the week? I can’t. But that makes sense because most of us were out on Monday, enjoying the long holiday weekend. But let’s get into the news of the day. The fire I first warne...","content":"Good morning, Houston.☀️We have so much to talk about, but first, happy hump day. Can you believe we are halfway through the week? I can’t. But that makes sense because most of us were out on Monday, enjoying the long holiday weekend. But let’s get into the news of the day. The fire I first warned you about on Tuesday at the recycling plant in East downtown is finally out, and KPRC 2 spoke with the managing director of Mammoth Metal Recycling. Prateek Desai, told KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that the company is making sure this doesn’t happen again, and that he was in Dallas when the fire broke out and immediately returned to Houston to work with city officials and firefighters.The fire burned for nearly 24-hours before firefighters were able to put it out. As always, follow us with the latest on Click2Houston.com and watch us live on KPRC 2+.➡️ Love our morning newsletter? Share it with your family and friends!Weather ⛅TODAY: 94° TONIGHT: 77°KPRC Meteorologist Justin Stapleton says:“Temperatures climb from around 80 degrees at 8 a.m. to 84 degrees by 10 a.m., reaching 88 degrees around lunchtime and 92 degrees by 2 p.m. Skies will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy throughout the day with no significant rain expected.”➡️ More weather headlines? Check them out hereGet your forecast details here.Houston’s Top Headlines 📰Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fireFor the first time since a massive fire tore through a Houston recycling facility, the managing director of Mammoth Metal Recycling is speaking publicly.Managing Director, Prateek Desai, told KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that the company is making sure this doesn’t happen again. He told KPRC 2 News Reporter Sandy Torres at the scene that he was in Dallas when the fire broke out and immediately returned to Houston to work with city officials and firefighters.“It was very disturbing, let’s put it that way. I didn’t expect this,” Desai said.Police searching for driver after Sugar Land officer injured during traffic stopA Sugar Land police officer was injured during a traffic stop Tuesday night, and the driver involved fled the scene, according to investigators.The incident happened around 9:50 p.m. in the southbound lanes of State Highway 6 near Frost Pass.Sugar Land police said an officer initiated what was described as a routine traffic stop. Investigators said the vehicle initially stopped, and the officer made contact with the driver.Teen survives traumatic brain injury after e-scooter crash, urges others to wear helmetsAs electric bikes and scooters become more popular among teenagers, doctors are warning families about the risk of serious injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries.One Houston-area teen knows those dangers firsthand.Things 2 Know 💡Headed to Houston Stadium or FIFA Fan Fest? How you can park for $1How to request mosquito help in Houston area countiesIn case you missed it... 👀No mechanical malfunction found so far in Tesla that killed 76-year-old woman after crashing into Katy home, HCSO saysHouston Weather: Summer Heat Settles In Through The End Of June‘Stop the bleeding’: Body camera footage shows moment deputy was shot during gunfight at Humble apartment complexShare your Pins! 📷See a news story in your neighborhood? Capture a great weather moment? Just want to share a photo of your pet? Send your photos and videos to Click2Pins, and you may see them on air and online!Don’t miss a minuteWe’re tracking your forecast, bringing you traffic solutions, and covering important news LIVE from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KPRC 2 and the KPRC 2+ livestream. Join us today!","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/meta/newsletter/2026/06/24/2-newsletter-recycling-plant-fire-sunshine-returns-a-teens-e-bike-safety-warning/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:47:33.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6A5EIDDXBJFUNP3BSL7FY6ZM4E.png","slug":"2-newsletter-recycling-plant-fire-sunshine-returns-a-teens-e-bike-safety-warning"},{"id":"s0oh2z","title":"FIFA World Cup fans’ obsession with ranch dressing prompts TSA warning","excerpt":"Move over, soccer stars. Ranch dressing may be the most surprising breakout star of the FIFA World Cup 2026.As thousands of international fans travel across the United States for the tournament, many are discovering a uniquely American obsession: ranch dressing. The condiment’s growing popularity...","content":"Move over, soccer stars. Ranch dressing may be the most surprising breakout star of the FIFA World Cup 2026.As thousands of international fans travel across the United States for the tournament, many are discovering a uniquely American obsession: ranch dressing. The condiment’s growing popularity among visitors has become so widespread that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) felt compelled to issue a warning.Texas family says World Cup dream was crushed after StubHub tickets fell through hours before matchThe TSA reminded travelers that ranch dressing is considered a liquid and must follow the agency’s 3-1-1 carry-on rule. Any bottle larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage or risk being confiscated at security checkpoints.The agency even joked on social media that fans who discover ranch while visiting the U.S. should pack it in their checked bags before heading home. The lighthearted warning came after reports of travelers attempting to bring full-size bottles through airport security.The ranch craze is also creating opportunities for brands and restaurants.According to restaurant industry experts, ranch remains one of the most versatile menu additions because it can easily be paired with burgers, chicken sandwiches and a variety of other foods.‘Don’t make this a thing’: Elmo cautiously pledges allegiance to Team USA after NBA Finals beheading“If you’re adding a new burger or a new chicken sandwich, you can add this layer of innovation to your menu at a relatively easy and low cost,” Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze said.Now, Kraft is capitalizing on the trend. The company recently teased TSA-friendly ranch packets designed specifically for travelers who want to bring America’s favorite dressing home without running into airport security issues. The travel-sized packets would allow fans to carry ranch through security while complying with TSA regulations.What started as a social media curiosity has quickly turned into a full-fledged World Cup phenomenon, proving that for many international visitors, the tournament’s most memorable American souvenir might not be a jersey or a soccer ball, it could be a packet of ranch dressing.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/fifa-world-cup-fans-obsession-with-ranch-dressing-prompts-tsa-warning/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:18:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUJNSHTHSLBD6VL4JMRFRALM7CA.jpg","slug":"fifa-world-cup-fans-obsession-with-ranch-dressing-prompts-tsa-warning"},{"id":"kzw05n","title":"Houston-area public housing waitlist lottery opens for first time in years","excerpt":"For the first time in three years, the Housing Alliance HTX has opened its waitlist lottery for several public housing properties.","content":"For the first time in three years, the Housing Alliance HTX has opened its waitlist lottery for several public housing properties.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/houston-area-public-housing-waitlist-lottery-opens-first-time-years/19365472/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Daniela Hurtado","publishDate":"2026-06-24T01:45:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19366335_housing-alliance-htx-img.png","slug":"houston-area-public-housing-waitlist-lottery-opens-for-first-time-in-years"},{"id":"2p2alv","title":"Teen survives traumatic brain injury after e-scooter crash, urges others to wear helmets","excerpt":"As electric bikes and scooters become more popular among teenagers, doctors are warning families about the risk of serious injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries.One Houston-area teen knows those dangers firsthand.Halle Neely was riding her electric scooter without a helmet when she crashe...","content":"As electric bikes and scooters become more popular among teenagers, doctors are warning families about the risk of serious injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries.One Houston-area teen knows those dangers firsthand.Halle Neely was riding her electric scooter without a helmet when she crashed, suffering a severe head injury that required emergency brain surgery.Electric bikes can be fast and dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe“I was riding my scooter without a helmet and I guess when I was turning, I slammed my head really hard on my right side,” Halle said.Her mother, Heather Neely, said the impact was immediate and severe.“You can tell she didn’t have time to brace herself for impact. It was straight... like she went straight onto her head,” Heather said.Halle’s family rushed her to a local emergency room before she was flown by Life Flight to the Texas Medical Center.After multiple CT scans, doctors discovered bleeding in her brain.Dr. Peter Yang, a pediatric neurosurgeon with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann, performed the surgery that saved Halle’s life.Yang said Halle’s case is one of many serious head injuries he has treated involving electric scooters and bikes.According to Yang, a common factor in many of those cases is that riders were not wearing helmets.Child operating electric bike involved in head-on collision“The overwhelming evidence that we have in our experience and our anecdotal experiences is that helmets are protective of the brain and the skull,” Yang said.Doctors say traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to life-threatening emergencies that require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.Fortunately, Yang said Halle made a full recovery and is not expected to experience long-term effects from her injury.Now, Halle and her family are sharing their story in hopes of preventing similar accidents.They want other riders to understand that wearing a helmet can make the difference between life and death.Medical experts encourage parents to ensure children wear properly fitted helmets whenever riding electric scooters, e-bikes, bicycles, skateboards or other wheeled devices.For Halle and her family, the message is simple: a helmet could save your life.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/teen-survives-traumatic-brain-injury-after-e-scooter-crash-urges-others-to-wear-helmets/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Cathy Hernandez, Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:31:52.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe676f049-9437-4fc9-85b1-7bbcc196bf53%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"teen-survives-traumatic-brain-injury-after-e-scooter-crash-urges-others-to-wear-helmets"},{"id":"mxcr4m","title":"Premier says China’s tech advancements an 'opportunity' for the world, not a threat","excerpt":"China’s Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday defended the country’s technological advancements as an opportunity for the world rather than a threat.Li also said the country’s heavy state subsidies were not the main reason for the rapid rise of its high-tech industries, at a time when Western officials h...","content":"China’s Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday defended the country’s technological advancements as an opportunity for the world rather than a threat.Li also said the country’s heavy state subsidies were not the main reason for the rapid rise of its high-tech industries, at a time when Western officials have complained that China’s state support for industries from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles has provided an unfair competitive edge.China’s No. 2 leader made the remarks in his speech at the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, known as the “Summer Davos,” held this week in the northeastern Chinese coastal city of Dalian.He acknowledged there have been growing global concerns about China’s technological innovations, with some pointing to the term “China Shock 2.0,” as they see the nation's high-tech boom as a threat to many advanced economies. Instead, that should be seen as “China Opportunity 2.0,” he said.“From the global development perspective, ‘China Opportunity 2.0’ means there’ll be broader access to advanced technologies and more widely shared benefits,” Li said.“China’s emerging technologies and products are bringing to the world not shocks, but opportunities,” he added. “Not threats, but empowerment.”China’s tech advancements and growing exports of EVs, solar panels, chips, batteries, AI and robotics have offered affordable options to global markets, but have also raised criticisms among governments concerned about issues such as oversupply. Some are taking protectionist measures.Li also dismissed claims that the rise of China’s high-tech sectors was because of massive government subsidies. U.S. and European policymakers have raised concerns over Chinese state subsidies creating unfairness to their industries, while a June report by the 38-country Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, said huge state subsidies, including those in China, can distort global markets and create unfair competitive advantages.“There are some people who say that Chinese products are competitive mainly because the Chinese government's subsidies,” Li said in his speech. “That’s not true. The Chinese government is not that wealthy.”China’s large domestic market, which allows the mass and fast deployment of new technologies among its population of 1.4 billion, and huge corporate investments are among the key factors in its robust tech advancements, he said.Li also name-checked Chinese tech giant Huawei, which has faced Western restrictions, and robotics company Unitree, both of which have risen quickly in size and market share, as examples of China’s innovation success.Beijing earlier voiced its opposition to an expansion this month of the Pentagon's list of Chinese military-linked companies to Unitree and other tech firms, preventing them from landing U.S. defense contracts. The list also includes Huawei.___Associated Press video producer Wayne Zhang in Beijing contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/24/premier-says-chinas-tech-advancements-an-opportunity-for-the-world-not-a-threat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Chan Ho-Him, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:16:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHNRFIW6ERZEORO4ACRB4DUL35U.jpg","slug":"premier-says-chinas-tech-advancements-an-opportunity-for-the-world-not-a-threat"},{"id":"f2eucp","title":"Influencer Jake Lang released on bond, ordered to leave Texas within 24 hours","excerpt":"Pardoned January 6th rioter Jake Lang has been released from jail on a reduced $250,000 bond and ordered to leave Texas within 24 hours following a felony terroristic threat charge.","content":"Pardoned January 6th rioter Jake Lang has been released from jail on a reduced $250,000 bond and ordered to leave Texas within 24 hours following a felony terroristic threat charge.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/jan-6-rioter-jake-lang-released-bond-ordered-leave-texas-within-24-hours","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"David.Sentendrey@fox.com (David Sentendrey)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T02:23:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F06232026-rr-pkg-use-this-david-jake-lang-frisco-ar_00.00.07.50.jpg","slug":"influencer-jake-lang-released-on-bond-ordered-to-leave-texas-within-24-hours"},{"id":"h2dbch","title":"Pharrell sends Vuitton surfing as Jeremy Allen White, Missy Elliott and Victor Wembanyama look on","excerpt":"Pharrell Williams sent Louis Vuitton’s dandy surfer at star-filled Paris Fashion Week over a giant curling wave Tuesday, closing the opening day of menswear shows with a glass-walled camper, a moonlit set and a collection that put clothes ahead of spectacle.A moon rose overhead, stars were visibl...","content":"Pharrell Williams sent Louis Vuitton’s dandy surfer at star-filled Paris Fashion Week over a giant curling wave Tuesday, closing the opening day of menswear shows with a glass-walled camper, a moonlit set and a collection that put clothes ahead of spectacle.A moon rose overhead, stars were visible above the runway, and beneath them came the wave: a barrel built tall enough to swallow the show. It rose from a sandy outdoor set, spraying mist into the heat and giving the evening’s surf fantasy a practical appeal.The front row had its own stars. Jeremy Allen White, Charles Melton, Future, Missy Elliott, Lola Young, Coco Jones, Quavo, Victor Wembanyama, Jackson Wang, BamBam and Finn Bennett were among the guests.Out of the wave walked Williams’ surfer — sun-bleached, salt-worn and tailored for somewhere between shore and city.For Louis Vuitton’s spring-summer 2027 men’s collection, surfing supplied the wardrobe: wetsuit textures, patched outerwear, weathered denim, beaded bombers, logoed surfboards and tailoring loosened by travel.Since arriving at Vuitton, Williams has returned often to the dandy: elegant but easy, polished but relaxed. This season, he sent him to the beach — or at least to the kind of beach reached after the boardroom, with luggage and cashmere in tow.A silver camper, reimagined as a glass-walled habitat and parked among dunes, framed the Vuitton man on familiar house terrain: travel. Vuitton began with trunks, after all.Hang 10, tailoredThe clothes worked best when the surf references were handled lightly.Technical wetsuits met tailoring fabrics, including functional diving pieces marked with Vuitton’s Monogram. Weathered jackets looked already lived in. Hoodies came sun-faded and salt-softened, with gilded LV drawstrings. Denim and coats had shibori-like indigo effects. Bomber jackets were weighted with dense ropes of beadwork.Williams’ trompe l’oeil effects also returned, with surfaces made to mimic other surfaces and casual pieces revealing more handwork up close. Several pieces leaned into the after-surf wardrobe: robe-like coats, soft jackets and easy layers with the comfort of a towel thrown over cold shoulders.The new flat-soled skate shoe brought the collection back to Williams’ older world: skateboarding, Billionaire Boys Club, Ice Cream and Nigo. That gave the surf theme a sharper edge, and an obvious commercial engine.Surf’s up, spectacle downWilliams’ Vuitton has always known how to stage an event. His debut turned the Pont Neuf into a gold Damier runway. Other shows have brought games, houses, orchestras, choirs and front rows built for the camera.Tuesday had plenty of production: a cinematic prelude with surfers Mikey February and Julian Wilson, a soundtrack featuring Quavo, Williams and Angélique Kidjo, and live performances by L’Orchestre du Pont Neuf and the Voices of Fire choir.But the set did not overwhelm the clothes. The wave was huge. The collection held its own.Vuitton said it would support Coral Gardeners, with plans to help out-plant 1,000 corals and restore 250 square meters of reef habitat in French Polynesia in 2026.Williams took his bow as the wave still towered behind him. This time, the clothes were not swept away.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/2026/06/23/pharrell-sends-vuitton-surfing-as-jeremy-allen-white-missy-elliott-and-victor-wembanyama-look-on/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Thomas Adamson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:15:19.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FASDIZ6A6RNAK7JBMYSWZ7RXWIU.jpg","slug":"pharrell-sends-vuitton-surfing-as-jeremy-allen-white-missy-elliott-and-victor-wembanyama-look-on"},{"id":"43syv4","title":"Police searching for driver after Sugar Land officer injured during traffic stop","excerpt":"A Sugar Land police officer was injured during a traffic stop Tuesday night, and the driver involved fled the scene, according to investigators.The incident happened around 9:50 p.m. in the southbound lanes of State Highway 6 near Frost Pass.Sugar Land police said an officer initiated what was de...","content":"A Sugar Land police officer was injured during a traffic stop Tuesday night, and the driver involved fled the scene, according to investigators.The incident happened around 9:50 p.m. in the southbound lanes of State Highway 6 near Frost Pass.Sugar Land police said an officer initiated what was described as a routine traffic stop. Investigators said the vehicle initially stopped, and the officer made contact with the driver.At some point during the encounter, the driver fled the scene.Police said the officer suffered an injury to his arm during the incident and was taken to a hospital. Authorities said the officer is in stable condition.As of Wednesday morning, investigators have not released details explaining how the officer was injured. Police also have not described the driver or the vehicle involved.An active search for the suspect and vehicle was underway following the incident.Authorities have not said what prompted the original traffic stop, and the investigation remains ongoing.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sugar Land Police Department.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/police-searching-for-driver-after-sugar-land-officer-injured-during-traffic-stop/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ninfa Saavedra, Ricky  Munoz","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:09:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F74660084-60ca-4f41-a57a-11cd78945bdd%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"police-searching-for-driver-after-sugar-land-officer-injured-during-traffic-stop"},{"id":"c42mu","title":"‘Still standing today’: Galveston’s Reedy Chapel keeps 161-year tradition alive on Juneteenth","excerpt":"The historic church is one of the places where enslaved Texans learned they had been freed on June 19, 1865.","content":"The historic church is one of the places where enslaved Texans learned they had been freed on June 19, 1865.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/galveston/2026/06/19/555078/juneteenth-galveston-reedy-chapel-texas/?utm_source=rss-galveston-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Julianna Washburn, Galveston County Bureau","publishDate":"2026-06-19T21:25:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19161710%2FDSC_0221-450x300.jpg","slug":"still-standing-today-galvestons-reedy-chapel-keeps-161-year-tradition-alive-on-juneteenth"},{"id":"vq1luz","title":"Houston fans cheer for U.S. World Cup team despite heat advisory","excerpt":"Hundreds of fans visited the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown to cheer for the U.S. men’s soccer team on Friday. Many of them were seen strutting through misters, fanning themselves, and sitting in the sun.","content":"Hundreds of fans visited the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown to cheer for the U.S. men’s soccer team on Friday. Many of them were seen strutting through misters, fanning themselves, and sitting in the sun.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/19/555066/houston-fans-cheer-for-u-s-world-cup-team-through-a-heat-advisory/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Adkison","publishDate":"2026-06-19T21:11:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19152337%2FImage-2026-06-19T152308.593-450x338.jpg","slug":"houston-fans-cheer-for-us-world-cup-team-despite-heat-advisory"},{"id":"olm46i","title":"Texas lawmakers want fixes to statewide voter registration system ahead of midterms","excerpt":"This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas’ free newsletters here.Texas lawmakers on Tuesday asked the Texas Secretary of State’s Office for assurances that issues with the s...","content":"This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas’ free newsletters here.Texas lawmakers on Tuesday asked the Texas Secretary of State’s Office for assurances that issues with the state’s voter registration and election management system would be fixed before the November midterm election. “Those fixes have to be done, because if we go into a November election and we don’t, we can’t claim that we have integrity in the voter roll,” said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Republican from Harris County, during a Senate State Affairs Committee hearing that addressed voter registration and voter list maintenance issues.Bettencourt said he’s heard complaints about the system, known as TEAM, from election officials in Travis, Austin, and Jackson counties, among others. Christina Adkins, the elections division director at the secretary of state’s office, said the agency is “dedicating every possible resource that we have within our office to resolving these issues.”“There is nothing more important in our office than this project,” Adkins said. TEAM was redesigned and redeveloped by the state and relaunched last summer. Election officials say they have struggled with it since then, and though some functionality issues have been resolved, others continue to come up. For example, election officials have reported that processes such as voter registration status lookups and precinct assignments frequently don’t work properly. In addition, the system often malfunctions when attempting to produce reports of registered voters and voters who have requested a mail ballot, forcing some election officials to produce their own spreadsheets to keep track. The problems, election officials say, have added financial and staffing strains on counties already strapped for resources. The system was developed by Civix, a Louisiana-based vendor. The majority of the state’s 254 counties rely on TEAM to plan elections and maintain their voter rolls. Even counties that instead use software from a state-approved private vendor to manage their voter rolls are required by state law to sync their data with TEAM daily, and are required to use TEAM to verify a voter’s identity and their eligibility to cast a ballot.Groups representing election officials across Texas have asked the agency to halt the TEAM update rollout and address issues that they said “directly impact key parts of the election and jury process.” The groups first outlined their complaints in a letter to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson in October, and sent another one in February. Earlier this month, Nelson announced she’d be stepping down as of July 17. Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to appoint her successor.Secretary of state, vendor working together on fixesAccording to public records, the state’s contract with Civix is for $17 million. The secretary of state’s office told Votebeat last year that the money for it came from a mix of state dollars and federal funds allocated under the 2002 Help America Vote Act, earmarked for improving election administration.Bettencourt raised questions about Civix’s work during the hearing. “When I get half a dozen counties with their hair on fire, and some counties are small, and some of them are big, that means that the vendor is behind on actually delivering fixes to the system,” Bettencourt said. He directly asked Adkins whether Civix was up for the task. “Yes, sir,” she responded, adding her office is working with the vendor on fixes. Civix did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Civix, Adkins said, also manages voter registration systems for other states, including Louisiana and Iowa, but Texas is the vendor’s biggest election management and voter registration software customer. The Texas Secretary of State’s Office has said it anticipated technical issues with this “once-in-a-decade upgrade,” though it pointed to some unexpected challenges that have exacerbated the issues. The agency specified that it didn’t anticipate the updated system having to handle significant amounts of data from large counties that abruptly stopped using a vendor that had financial problems. It also noted that redrawn boundaries following last year’s unexpected midcycle redistricting created additional complications that prevented counties from mailing out voter registration certificates on time. \nDisclosure: Texas Secretary of State has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.Natalia Contreras is a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with the Texas Tribune. She is based in Corpus Christi. Contact Natalia at ncontreras@votebeat.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/24/texas-lawmakers-want-fixes-to-statewide-voter-registration-system-ahead-of-midterms/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat And The Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-24T10:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FI6IHTS2AYBGPJKOCJZC5VPP6SY.jpg","slug":"texas-lawmakers-want-fixes-to-statewide-voter-registration-system-ahead-of-midterms"},{"id":"wjk13g","title":"NBA Draft 2026: Chicago Bulls draft Texas standout Dailyn Swain at No. 15","excerpt":"Former Texas Longhorns standout Dailyn Swain has been selected 15th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft following a spectacular breakout season.","content":"Former Texas Longhorns standout Dailyn Swain has been selected 15th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft following a spectacular breakout season.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/nba-draft-2026-chicago-bulls-draft-texas-standout-dailyn-swain-no-15","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T02:21:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2283034074.jpg","slug":"nba-draft-2026-chicago-bulls-draft-texas-standout-dailyn-swain-at-no-15"},{"id":"qb82s3","title":"Houston Police Officer indicted on sexual assault of a child under 14, court records show","excerpt":"According to court records, a child under 14 complained in Oct. 2025 that the former HPD officer sexually assaulted her. Since then, his attorney said the officer has been on leave and cooperating with investigators.","content":"According to court records, a child under 14 complained in Oct. 2025 that the former HPD officer sexually assaulted her. Since then, his attorney said the officer has been on leave and cooperating with investigators.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/houston-police-officer-indicted-sexual-assault-child-14-court-records-show/19366293/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Miya Shay","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:23:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19366589_houston-police-car-black-FILE-img.png","slug":"houston-police-officer-indicted-on-sexual-assault-of-a-child-under-14-court-records-show"},{"id":"3r1o02","title":"England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup despite flurry-filled final minutes","excerpt":"England and Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz have met before at the World Cup, with the result being quite a bit different.This time, Queiroz’s team earned a point that could end up being enough for a spot in the round of 32.England dominated possession on Tuesday but came up empty on several late scor...","content":"England and Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz have met before at the World Cup, with the result being quite a bit different.This time, Queiroz’s team earned a point that could end up being enough for a spot in the round of 32.England dominated possession on Tuesday but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a rain-filled 0-0 draw.“Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” Queiroz said. “We did it.”Four years ago at the World Cup in Qatar, Queiroz was coaching Iran when his team faced England and lost 6-2.England, which has not lost to an African country at the World Cup in nine meetings, outshot Ghana 19-1 but failed capitalize on multiple chances in the closing minutes.“Frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up,” England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. “They got exactly out of the game what they played for. Couldn’t quite break them down, even with all corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance.”Both teams won their opening matches at this year's tournament, with Ghana beating Panama 1-0 and England defeating Croatia 4-2. Now both still have work to do in Group L before securing a spot in the knockout round at the first 48-team World Cup.England ended up losing to France in the quarterfinals at the 2022 tournament. Ghana hasn’t made it to the knockout round since reaching the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.But with the expanded tournament this year, the best eight third-place teams will advance, giving both teams a good chance heading into their final group matches.England will next play Panama on Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ghana will take on Croatia at the same time in Philadelphia.The Three Lions had a chance to take the lead in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header hit the crossbar. Harry Kane gathered the rebound but couldn’t get enough on it with his left foot and shot high.Ghana’s best chance came in the 78th when Abdul Fatawu outfought England midfielder Eberechi Eze for the ball and raced down the sideline. He fed the ball to Prince Adu, but he was challenged from behind by Ezri Konsa before he could get off a shot. Adu wanted a penalty but didn’t get it.“It was a clear penalty, if not a red card,” Queiroz said. “We have no doubts about that.”England coach Thomas Tuchel said they were a bit surprised with how Ghana was aligned, defending in a 4-5-1 formation. He called Ghana's efforts one of the most physical that he's seen in the tournament.“They defended with a lot of determination. A lot of discipline,” Tuchel said.Tuchel added he doesn’t believe England was too dependent on Kane, the striker who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.“He was not involved as much as we would like to, but it was so narrow,” Tuchel said. “It was difficult to find space. The little moments that he had were just so unlucky.”In the first half, England had 60% of the possession but only five attempts on goal, with Kane missing inside the box just before the end of the half.Ghana picked up the pace in the second half, getting a chance in the 50th when Marvin Senaya got a touch in the box, but couldn’t quite get much behind a header as it was blocked by the England defense.Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare earned a clean sheet in his first World Cup start.“I think we did our best to get the best possible result that we were hoping for,” Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo said. “It’s just the plan of the coach and we did follow the coach.”(corrects previous story which said Ghana plays Panama)___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/england-and-ghana-play-to-0-0-draw-at-world-cup-despite-flurry-filled-final-minutes/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kyle Hightower, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:22:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4M7A7EXZZFAFXLDDVYHOBOWFBY.jpg","slug":"england-and-ghana-play-to-0-0-draw-at-world-cup-despite-flurry-filled-final-minutes"},{"id":"tgwxl3","title":"Philippine devotees honor St. John the Baptist with a mud-covered display of faith","excerpt":"Hundreds of Catholic devotees wrapped themselves in dried banana leaves and covered their bodies with mud on Wednesday in the Philippine village of Bibiclat, taking part in a display of faith honoring St. John the Baptist. The Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival is held annually in this village ...","content":"Hundreds of Catholic devotees wrapped themselves in dried banana leaves and covered their bodies with mud on Wednesday in the Philippine village of Bibiclat, taking part in a display of faith honoring St. John the Baptist. The Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival is held annually in this village in Asia’s largest Catholic nation as devotees thank the local patron saint for miracles and fulfill vows made in prayer.Melencio Nenuda, a 39-year-old construction worker, said the mud-covered parishioners frightened him as a child and he used to hide when they passed by. But that changed when when he fell seriously ill in the sixth grade and his mother prayed to St. John the Baptist, vowing that he would join the tradition if he recovered.“I will continue to go back to this tradition because it gives me a good future,” said Nenuda, adding that his wife and son also participate.Village residents link the festival to faith and survivalDevotees prepare for the observance before dawn.Heading into nearby fields around 4 a.m., they search for soft mud and smear it over their bodies before wrapping themselves in dried banana leaves.Once ready, they walk barefoot to St. John the Baptist Church carrying only cellphones and lighted candles. As they wait for Mass to begin, hymns are sung near a small fire formed by the candle offerings.Local church leaders say the practice began in the 1800s, when farmers smeared themselves with mud as an expression of humility, and covered themselves with the leaves to conceal their identities due to discrimination against the poor during that time.According to the Rev. Elmer Villamayor, who led the parish between 2014 and 2021, devotion to St. John the Baptist grew after a group of local men escaped execution during the Japanese occupation in World War II.Villamayor said residents say the men were spared after a sudden rainstorm interrupted the proceedings, an event many interpreted as divine intervention.Participants trace their devotion to personal blessingsWhile no official attendance records are kept, Villamayor estimates that up to 3,000 people take part in the festival.Rickmar Castilio, 43, has participated for the last two decades. This year, his 11-year-old son Nathan joined him for the first time.“There are a lot more devotees now,” Castilio said. “Maybe they have experienced miracles or they have seen good things and that is why there is an increasing number of people who believe in St. John.”His family has its own blessing to be thankful for, Castilio said. After his first child died, he vowed to continue honoring St. John the Baptist through the annual ritual if a future child survived. He has returned every year since his prayers were answered.“(I bring my child so) that he will get closer to St. John,” Castilio said. “The youth now are starting that path.”___Hernández reported from Beijing.Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/philippine-devotees-honor-st-john-the-baptist-with-a-mud-covered-display-of-faith/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joeal Calupitian, Aaron Favila And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T07:31:54.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F3FSL4EBZORFRTNJVXFIPWLGCRI.jpg","slug":"philippine-devotees-honor-st-john-the-baptist-with-a-mud-covered-display-of-faith"},{"id":"aqq60t","title":"Archaeologists find huge Viking textile production site in Denmark","excerpt":"SØArchaeologists have discovered a huge Viking Age textile production site in Denmark that dates back more than 1,000 years and underlines the sophistication of Viking society.Experts from the Moesgaard Museum said this week that the sprawling 100,000-square-meter (more than 1 million-square-foot...","content":"SØArchaeologists have discovered a huge Viking Age textile production site in Denmark that dates back more than 1,000 years and underlines the sophistication of Viking society.Experts from the Moesgaard Museum said this week that the sprawling 100,000-square-meter (more than 1 million-square-foot) site features an area for processing flax as well as more than 80 pit houses — semi-buried huts that were used as workshops and dwellings in Viking times.It's located in Søften, 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus, on the Jutland peninsula. The site dates back to the late Iron Age and early Viking Age, sometime between A.D. 600 and 950.Archaeologist Liv Stidsing Reher-Langberg, who led the 10-month dig, said that “we have a clear focus on textile production, which makes this settlement different from other kinds of settlements of this period.”“We have spindle whorls, we have weight looms; that tells us about what has been going on in the pit houses,” said Reher-Langberg, adding that archaeologists had also discovered silver coins, glass beads and pottery.Experts found separate areas for production and crafts, plus a single residential home, which suggests work was overseen by a powerful individual with control over resources and production.Reher-Langberg said that, over the last three decades, people with metal detectors had unearthed several silver coins in the area. A trial excavation 1½ years ago, before the start of construction work on a new road and industrial area, then piqued archaeologists’ interest.“We could see in the trenches that it just keeps on going, with these houses and pit houses and textile production features,” Reher-Langberg said.Moesgaard Museum historian Kasper Andersen said that the discovery at Søften is “another piece in the puzzle” to understanding the local economic, cultural and political structure at the time.During the Viking era, Aarhus — then known as Aros — functioned as a center for royalty and international trade. And last year, archaeologists discovered another Viking site in Lisbjerg, just 4 kilometers (2½ miles) away, that was likely home to members of the nobility. Goods and resources were likely brought from the countryside and settlements like Søften, before entering an extensive international trade network, Andersen said.“When you have a production site of this scale, it cannot be only because of the local area. It needs to be understood as part of a greater network, a much bigger international perspective,” Andersen said.Reher-Langberg hopes future carbon dating and pollen analysis might answer some lingering questions, for instance about what kind of textile production went on at the site.During the Viking Age, considered to run from A.D. 793 to 1066, Norsemen known as Vikings undertook large-scale raids, colonization, conquest and trade throughout Europe, even reaching North America.Andersen said that the discovery at Søften shows that Vikings were “not just simple, uncivilized, barbaric hordes, rambling about Europe.”“To have a place like Søften, you need a very well-organized society with a production line, and you also need a market to have the production,” he said. “The textiles from Søften go into a market that’s much bigger than just the local area.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/24/archaeologists-find-huge-viking-textile-production-site-in-denmark/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"James Brooks, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:14:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWKWRIQVZM5BGPL2YNKPYIKYGME.jpg","slug":"archaeologists-find-huge-viking-textile-production-site-in-denmark"},{"id":"yjxins","title":"Live updates: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Houston","excerpt":"Portugal and Uzbekistan will kick off for their second match in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The two will play at Houston Stadium, trying to continue their best to stay alive in their Group.","content":"Portugal and Uzbekistan will kick off for their second match in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The two will play at Houston Stadium, trying to continue their best to stay alive in their Group.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/live-blog/news/watch-live-updates-fifa-world-cup-2026-portugal-vs-uzbekistan","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:30:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F7a1da6ec-img_3114-scaled.jpeg","slug":"live-updates-portugal-vs-uzbekistan-fifa-world-cup-2026-match-in-houston"},{"id":"lbvdm4","title":"Cristiano Ronaldo becomes 1st player to score in 6 World Cups after goal against Uzbekistan","excerpt":"Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting a goal in the sixth minute of Portugal’s match against Uzbekistan.","content":"Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting a goal in the sixth minute of Portugal’s match against Uzbekistan.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-1st-player-score-6-world-cups-goal-uzbekistan","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:49:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282430541.jpg","slug":"cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-1st-player-to-score-in-6-world-cups-after-goal-against-uzbekistan"},{"id":"bebk7f","title":"Ukraine says it hit a railway bridge to Crimea, seeking to isolate the Russian-held peninsula","excerpt":"Ukraine said Tuesday its forces struck a railway bridge, a power plant and other key infrastructure targets in Crimea as Kyiv’s military seeks to isolate the vital Russian-held peninsula in the latest stage of the 4-year-old war.The drone attacks added to the woes on the Black Sea peninsula, wher...","content":"Ukraine said Tuesday its forces struck a railway bridge, a power plant and other key infrastructure targets in Crimea as Kyiv’s military seeks to isolate the vital Russian-held peninsula in the latest stage of the 4-year-old war.The drone attacks added to the woes on the Black Sea peninsula, where Russian authorities have had to suspend gasoline sales to civilians as Ukraine has intensified its recent campaign to disrupt supply lines and the electrical grid at the height of the summer tourist season.The peninsula was seized by force and illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Ukraine's increasing use of long-range strikes has highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and put added pressure on the Kremlin while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt, Western analysts and officials say.Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said last week that his forces are “isolating Crimea with drones.”“It looks like in the nearest time, Crimea will become an island. This could lead to some very unexpected consequences for Russians,” Fedorov said on a blogger's YouTube channel.Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had been warned that Ukraine aimed to disrupt energy supplies and Russia’s tourism industry. He didn’t say who gave the warning.Ukrainian drones “coming in a huge stream” seek to “destabilize” Russian society, Putin said.Russia's ​Deputy Prime Minister ​Alexander Novak told Putin on Tuesday that officials were considering suspending diesel fuel exports to protect the country's motorists, adding to ongoing bans on the export of jet fuel and gasoline, according to the Tass news agency. Novak also said scheduled maintenance at refineries had been postponed.Ukraine also has hit targets near to the Kremlin in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city this month.Parts of Crimea are without powerUkraine’s Defense Ministry said drones struck an oil storage depot at the Kerch thermal power plant in eastern Crimea, an electrical substation in the west, and a liquefied natural gas distribution station in Simferopol, the peninsula’s second-biggest city.In addition, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces said their units, working with what they said was the resistance movement in Crimea, destroyed a rail bridge over the North Crimean Canal near the village of Rozdolne.The military described the span as a key logistics route used to supply Russian forces in southern Ukraine and said drones began hitting the structure late Sunday to Monday, collapsing part of it. A second strike early Tuesday targeted railway repair equipment deployed at the bridge and its remaining sections, it said on Telegram.It was not possible to independently verify the Ukrainian claims, and Russian officials made no immediate comment.Parts of Crimea were without power Tuesday, the area’s energy supplier said. But it attributed the outages to “technical malfunctions” in local electrical grids and said it expected power to be restored within 24 hours.The diamond-shaped peninsula is important because of its naval bases and beaches, as well as its strategic location in the Black Sea. Russia has spent centuries fighting for it.Russian-appointed officials in Crimea have appeared reluctant to discuss attacks on the peninsula, but new security measures suggest deepening tension.Its Ministry of Sport on Tuesday canceled all sporting events, competitions, and training sessions for children through Sept. 1. It described the measures as “aimed solely at ensuring the safety of our children, athletes, and anyone who is involved with sport.”On Monday, Gov. Sergei Aksyonov said that for security reasons, all summer camps in the region had stopped accepting children and new bookings until Sept. 1.Successes against Russia boost Ukrainian moraleOn the front line in eastern Ukraine, where Russia’s war of attrition has made slow and costly advances since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has deployed cutting-edge drone technology to keep the enemy pinned down.Meanwhile, its medium-range drones have also disrupted Russia’s supply lines to the front, and its long-range strikes have increasingly damaged Russian oil facilities that provide vital revenue for the Kremlin’s war effort.The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said Monday its forces have hit more than 800,000 enemy targets with drones since the beginning of the year and that 95% of drones used by the armed forces are domestically produced.The successes have boosted Ukrainian confidence, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says sustained foreign support is locked in to help stop Russia.Officials have shown renewed vigor in talking about the war.Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Andrii Melnyk said Monday that Kyiv remained ready for direct talks with Russia to achieve a “just and lasting peace” based on the U.N. Charter, but warned that Ukraine’s willingness to compromise was not open-ended.Melnyk said at a U.N. Security Council meeting that a ceasefire along the current front line already represented a major concession and urged Russia to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territory.He also said recent Ukrainian strikes had altered the dynamics of the war, adding: “This is just the beginning.”Russia's top diplomat says Moscow will defend BelarusMeanwhile, the Kremlin is ready to “ensure the security” of its neighbor and ally Belarus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday, days after Zelenskyy demanded that Belarus remove relay equipment on its territory that Kyiv said aided Russian drone attacks.The relay stations are used for signal transmissions to Russian drones attacking Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy.Lavrov told the Russian news agency Interfax that Kyiv was trying to drag Belarus into the conflict. Moscow, in fact, had used Belarus' territory to launch its invasion of Ukraine.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/ukraine-says-it-hit-a-railway-bridge-to-crimea-seeking-to-isolate-the-russian-held-peninsula/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Illia Novikov, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:43:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPVRCUDBKSVFXDH6BV4EX7OFVDQ.jpg","slug":"ukraine-says-it-hit-a-railway-bridge-to-crimea-seeking-to-isolate-the-russian-held-peninsula"},{"id":"c4l0zu","title":"'Supergirl' takes on new mission in DC Studios adventure","excerpt":"\"Supergirl\" is a new take on a familiar superhero, offering a different perspective of one of DC's iconic characters.","content":"\"Supergirl\" is a new take on a familiar superhero, offering a different perspective of one of DC's iconic characters.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/supergirl-takes-new-mission-dc-studios-adventure/19366252/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:42:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19366301_062326-cc-ap-supergirl-img.jpg","slug":"supergirl-takes-on-new-mission-in-dc-studios-adventure"},{"id":"zg5ehm","title":"From peace talks to Pennsylvania: Trump shifts focus to economy in a key swing state","excerpt":"President Donald Trump's visit attempted to shift attention to the U.S. economy in his first major public event outside the nation's capital since he signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war.","content":"President Donald Trump's visit attempted to shift attention to the U.S. economy in his first major public event outside the nation's capital since he signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war.","url":"https://6abc.com/post/peace-talks-pennsylvania-president-donald-trump-visit-mack-truck-facility-macungie/19361874/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:36:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365916_062326-wpvi-trump-visit-6-vid-vid.jpg","slug":"from-peace-talks-to-pennsylvania-trump-shifts-focus-to-economy-in-a-key-swing-state"},{"id":"g0vrk6","title":"Judge bars immigration arrests at US courthouses in a setback for Trump","excerpt":"A judge on Tuesday barred the federal government from making arrests at immigration courts, ordering an end to a practice that took hold shortly after President Donald Trump took office last year.The Trump administration's reversal of long-standing policy against arrests at immigration court resu...","content":"A judge on Tuesday barred the federal government from making arrests at immigration courts, ordering an end to a practice that took hold shortly after President Donald Trump took office last year.The Trump administration's reversal of long-standing policy against arrests at immigration court resulted “not from merely unreasoned decision-making but a complete lack of decision-making,” wrote U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts of San Francisco. Authorities failed to address the “chilling effect” of arrests on whether people attend court hearings.“For 80 years, Congress has commanded federal agencies to think before they act,” wrote Pitts, referring to the Administrative Procedure Act, a 1946 law that requires federal agencies to justify its actions. That law, he wrote, \"does not require an agency to make the choice that a reviewing court might deem preferable. But it demands that an agency at least provide sound reasons for following its chosen course.\"The ruling is the second setback for courthouse arrests since May when a federal judge in New York barred them at immigration courts. That order applied only in New York, while the latest decision invalidated the policy nationwide.James Percival, the U.S. Homeland Security Department's general counsel, criticized the ruling as an exercise in judicial overreach.“When a judge sentences a defendant, the defendant is taken into custody. If an alien is ordered removed by an immigration judge, the same should happen. A district judge ordering otherwise is naked judicial activism in service of an anti-American, open borders agenda,” Percival wrote online. After Trump took office, hearings across the country often ended with cases being dismissed by the government, setting the stage for plainclothes agents to make arrests in hallways in coordination with attorneys from the Department of Homeland Security.Pitts, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, faulted the administration for carrying out the arrests and for holding people in nearby cells for longer than a prescribed 12-hour limit.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/24/judge-bars-immigration-arrests-at-us-courthouses-in-a-setback-for-trump/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Elliot Spagat, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T02:51:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FYWIWGLVEUVCZJMLIF3KTVJDSB4.jpg","slug":"judge-bars-immigration-arrests-at-us-courthouses-in-a-setback-for-trump"},{"id":"hve4aw","title":"Congress passes bipartisan housing bill aimed at increasing supply, lowering prices","excerpt":"The House gave final approval Tuesday to a broad bipartisan bill aimed at lowering the cost of housing, with lawmakers in both parties eager to show progress on affordability issues ahead of this year's midterm elections.","content":"The House gave final approval Tuesday to a broad bipartisan bill aimed at lowering the cost of housing, with lawmakers in both parties eager to show progress on affordability issues ahead of this year's midterm elections.","url":"https://abc7chicago.com/post/senate-passes-landmark-bipartisan-housing-bill-aimed-increasing-supply-lowering-prices-amid-affordability-crisis/19363481/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:36:04.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363539_062326-wls-housing-bill-11a-vid.jpg","slug":"congress-passes-bipartisan-housing-bill-aimed-at-increasing-supply-lowering-prices"},{"id":"96z1uy","title":"Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day","excerpt":"Here's everything you need to know about the 4-day sales event on Amazon.","content":"Here's everything you need to know about the 4-day sales event on Amazon.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/everything-need-know-amazon-prime-day/19276244/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:09:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-amazon-prime-day"},{"id":"404t3b","title":"Bucks must figure out how to move forward after trading away franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo","excerpt":"Giannis Antetokounmpo brought the Milwaukee Bucks back to relevance and delivered the franchise its first title in half a century as the most impactful player in team history.Now the Bucks face the onerous challenge of retooling without the player who carried the team on his broad shoulders for o...","content":"Giannis Antetokounmpo brought the Milwaukee Bucks back to relevance and delivered the franchise its first title in half a century as the most impactful player in team history.Now the Bucks face the onerous challenge of retooling without the player who carried the team on his broad shoulders for over a decade.The Bucks agreed on the eve of Tuesday’s draft to send Antetokounmpo along with forward Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had yet to receive the required league approval.Milwaukee also got the No. 13 selection in Tuesday’s draft - they used it on Tennessee forward Nate Ament - along with a first-round pick swap in 2030, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and a second-rounder in 2033, the person said.The move leaves the Bucks without one of the most beloved figures in Wisconsin sports history. Milwaukee fans watched in awe as Antetokounmpo spent the last 13 seasons maturing from a skinny teenager into one of the top players on the planet.Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins understood this was a possibility when he accepted the job in April following the departure of Doc Rivers.“Naturally, we did talk about Giannis, the entire roster, developmental pathways for everyone you know, moving forward,” Jenkins said during his introductory news conference last month. “Because from the coaching lens, I've got to start formulating that, what we’re going to do, not just this offseason, but when we hit the ground running, you know, at the start of training camp. So naturally, (we) talked about that. Had great dialogue, full transparency.”Replacing a beloved superstarAntetokounmpo had spent his entire career with the Bucks, who selected the 18-year-old from Greece with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. The nine-time all-NBA forward leads the Bucks in virtually every career statistical category, including points, rebounds, assists, blocks, games and minutes.He won MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. Antetokounmpo came back from a knee hyperextension in the 2021 playoffs to earn NBA Finals MVP honors while scoring 50 points in the title-clinching Game 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns.Antetokounmpo, 31, had signed multiple contract extensions to stay in Milwaukee and play in one of the NBA’s smallest markets. He was so appreciated for his loyalty that a mural of him — 53½ feet high and 56½ feet wide — appears on the side of a three-story building in downtown Milwaukee.Plenty of fans stopped by that mural Tuesday to pay homage to Milwaukee’s departing superstar. Some left mementoes, including a Sports Illustrated commemorating the Bucks’ 2021 title that included this message: “Thanks for everything, big fella! 34 forever — Milwaukee.”“I’m at a loss for words,” said Danny Nelson of Delafield, Wisconsin. “I still don’t think it’s real. He was everything to the city. It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone.”Those fans generally harbored no hard feelings toward Antetokounmpo regarding the trade. They instead wanted to offer thanks.“I want what’s best for him,” Isabelle Branger of Milwaukee said. “He’s done a lot for us here.”Facing possibility of a long rebuildThe Bucks made plenty of high-risk, high-reward moves in an attempt to keep Antetokounmpo happy and remain in contention. But the Bucks never got beyond the second round of the playoffs after winning that 2021 title due in part to injuries to Antetokounmpo and other key players. They're coming off a 32-50 season that snapped a string of nine straight playoff appearances.Those big swings they took to stay competitive with Antetokounmpo will make it tougher to rebuild without him.Even after making this blockbuster deal to recoup draft capital, Milwaukee doesn’t have any first-round picks in 2027 or 2029. The Bucks gave up multiple first-round picks in the 2020 trade that brought Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee and the 2023 deal in which they acquired Damian Lillard. Holiday played a key role in the Bucks’ 2021 title before leaving Milwaukee in the Lillard trade. Lillard was waived after tearing his Achilles in a 2025 first-round playoff loss to Indiana, a move that enabled the Bucks to sign former Pacers center Myles Turner.That made it imperative that the Bucks find assets with their two lottery picks Tuesday, as they picked Arizona guard Brayden Burries at No. 10 overall before taking Ament at No. 13. That No. 10 pick represents their earliest selection since 2016, when they also went 10th and took Thon Maker.Although he couldn't comment directly on Antetokounmpo's exit because the trade isn't official, Bucks general manager Jon Horst spoke generally about the path forward Tuesday night in a press conference following the first round.“I’m just really excited to continue to build and kind of add on piece and piece and create, again, an identity, a style of play, a roster full of character and versatility and size,” Horst said. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s a good start.”The Bucks have one potential building block in guard Ryan Rollins, who turns 24 next month. Perhaps a new staff gets more from Turner, whose production dipped his first year in Milwaukee.This trade gives Milwaukee an infusion of youth as it begins a new chapter.Herro is a Milwaukee-area native and 2025 All-Star who has scored at least 20 points per game each of the last four seasons, though injuries limited the 26-year-old to 33 games in 2025-26. Jaquez, 25, scored 15.4 points per game in a bench role this season. Ware is a 22-year-old, 7-footer. Jakucionis, 20, was the 20th pick in last year’s draft.But this still represents a major transition for a team that had considered itself a legitimate contender as long as it had a healthy Antetokounmpo, who finished fourth or higher in the MVP balloting every year from 2019-25 before injuries limited him to a career-low 36 games this season.This franchise has been through lean years before. The Bucks reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2001 but didn’t win another playoff series until returning to the East finals in 2019.Longtime Bucks fans know the challenges that come after a superstar’s departure. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to a 1971 title when he was known as Lew Alcindor and got them another conference championship in 1974 before requesting a trade. The Bucks sent Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 1975, and they wouldn’t get back to the NBA Finals until that 2021 championship season.Now the guy most responsible for that 2021 celebration also is leaving town.___AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/bucks-must-figure-out-how-to-move-forward-after-trading-away-franchise-icon-giannis-antetokounmpo/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Steve Megargee, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:42:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMGFUH7CLXFDYPEW32UOGRLMSFQ.jpg","slug":"bucks-must-figure-out-how-to-move-forward-after-trading-away-franchise-icon-giannis-antetokounmpo"},{"id":"vq0d9t","title":"2 former Galveston correctional officers arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with inmates","excerpt":"Criminal charges were filed against Kenneth McDaniel Jr. and Kamron Kirk after two separate female inmates accused them of sexual assault in March.","content":"Criminal charges were filed against Kenneth McDaniel Jr. and Kamron Kirk after two separate female inmates accused them of sexual assault in March.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/criminal-justice/2026/06/19/555051/tdcj-galveston-sexual-misconduct-charges-correctional-officers/?utm_source=rss-criminal-justice-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-19T20:20:09.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2F02140228%2FTDCJHospitalGalvestonFB-450x338.jpg","slug":"2-former-galveston-correctional-officers-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-misconduct-with-inmates"},{"id":"23jzui","title":"Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac Jr., Selected in 2026 NBA Draft First Round","excerpt":"University of Houston point guard Kingston Flemings and forward/center Chris Cenac Jr. became First-Round picks with their selections during the 2026 NBA Draft inside Barclays Center on Tuesday night.Flemings was taken with the #8 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks while Cenac was tabbed with the ...","content":"University of Houston point guard Kingston Flemings and forward/center Chris Cenac Jr. became First-Round picks with their selections during the 2026 NBA Draft inside Barclays Center on Tuesday night.Flemings was taken with the #8 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks while Cenac was tabbed with the #27 pick by the Boston Celtics.As true freshmen in 2025-26 Flemings and Cenac led the Cougars to a 30-7 overall record for the program’s fifth straight 30-win season (tying the NCAA Division I record) and the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the seventh consecutive season, the nation’s longest active streak.This marked the fourth NBA Draft in which multiple Cougars were selected in the First Round. That group includes forward Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers • #8 overall) and guardMarcus Sasser (Detroit Pistons • #25 overall) in 2023; center Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets • #1 overall) and forward Michael Young (Boston Celtics • #24 overall) in 1984 and forward Elvin Hayes (San Diego Rockets • #1 overall) and guardDon Chaney (Boston Celtics • #12 overall)This also marked the 14th NBA Draft in which multiple Cougars were taken in any round. The Cougars have never had three Men’s Basketball student-athletes taken in a single draft.Guard Emanuel Sharp and point guard Milos Uzan look to set a school single-season record with the NBA Draft Second Round beginning Wednesday night inside Barclays Center.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/kingston-flemings-chris-cenac-jr-selected-in-2026-nba-draft-first-round/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-24T04:30:36.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCV2XUH5O2VGZBGW5PVHP6S5NMI.jpg","slug":"kingston-flemings-chris-cenac-jr-selected-in-2026-nba-draft-first-round"},{"id":"pg7y4e","title":"After a difficult rebuild, the Wizards have new hope after adding Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick","excerpt":"It has been nearly a half-century since Washington was a real championship contender in the NBA.Now, AJ Dybantsa's arrival represents a potential turning point for a franchise that could really use one.“He is a special person,” general manager Will Dawkins said. “I can't wait for the city to real...","content":"It has been nearly a half-century since Washington was a real championship contender in the NBA.Now, AJ Dybantsa's arrival represents a potential turning point for a franchise that could really use one.“He is a special person,” general manager Will Dawkins said. “I can't wait for the city to really embrace him. He's already started his own foundation giving back to people back in Massachusetts, Jamaica, Africa. He really is about where he wants to be.”The Wizards took Dybantsa with the first overall pick in Tuesday night's NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 freshman averaged 25.5 points at BYU last season. Born in Boston, Dybantsa played at Utah Prep in high school before staying in state for his one year in college. When Washington won the draft lottery, there was speculation the Utah Jazz might try to trade up from No. 2 to take Dybantsa, but ultimately the Wizards kept the pick and selected him.“I was just super confident. I've been betting on myself for a while now,” Dybantsa said. “Since about ninth grade I've been No. 1, so I didn't really plan on dropping in the draft.”Dybantsa’s full name is Anicet Francois Dybantsa Jr. He wore flag pins Tuesday for Jamaica and the Republic of Congo, where his mother and father are from. Dybantsa had the commissioner announce him as Anicet in honor of his father.“We're definitely getting a difference maker on the basketball court. There's no doubt about that,” Dawkins said. “What I would want our fans to know night one is that he is a worker. He is a passionate person who loves basketball and will continue to work and get better.\"Dybantsa has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, his favorite player. That’s fitting, because Durant has been a white whale of sorts for Wizards fans, since he’s from D.C. but hasn’t played there while in college or the pros.The process of scouting Dybantsa began long before Washington found out it would pick first. He's been on the radar for a while.“He’s just a competitor,” Dawkins said. “He sees a challenge and he attacks it. I’ve seen that from a very young age to where he is now. He has a humility about him that he knows how good he is, but he wants to keep working so he can reach the highest level.”The Wizards won an NBA title in 1978, back when they were called the Bullets. But they have not won 50 games since 1979, and that was also the last time they so much as reached the conference finals. In between periods of total futility, they've occasionally had entertaining players and interesting teams. But a true superstar capable of delivering a championship? That's been for other franchises.Washington blew the top pick in 2001, taking Kwame Brown. The Wizards fared better in 2010 with John Wall at No. 1 overall, and he at least helped them get past the first round of the postseason.That era eventually ran its course, and not even a brief visit from Russell Westbrook in 2020-21 could make Washington particularly relevant. Recently, the Wizards have embarked on a significant rebuild that yielded a record of 50-196 over the past three seasons.Washington drafted big man Alex Sarr at No. 2 overall in 2024, and the roster also includes recent first-round picks Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Will Riley and Cam Whitmore. Even before they won this year's lottery, there were signs the Wizards would be a lot more interesting in 2026-27. They traded for Trae Young and Anthony Davis last season, and although Davis didn't play at all for Washington and Young barely did, Dybantsa is joining a team that has some intriguing talent around him.“Obviously they have a great young core, and the potential is there,” Dybantsa said. “Them adding me, I think I can help them a little bit. Them re-signing Trae Young, them having A.D. and having good vets along with our young core. I think we can do big things.”___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/after-a-difficult-rebuild-the-wizards-have-new-hope-after-adding-dybantsa-with-the-no-1-pick/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Noah Trister, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:33:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F43WWNO7P3JAZNH7MEBG6XWRDHY.jpg","slug":"after-a-difficult-rebuild-the-wizards-have-new-hope-after-adding-dybantsa-with-the-no-1-pick"},{"id":"pq2vnf","title":"Texas fireworks sales open June 24: What to know before buying","excerpt":"Texas Fourth of July fireworks sales officially kick off this Wednesday, June 24, but fire officials warn that even simple sparklers pose a serious burn risk for kids.","content":"Texas Fourth of July fireworks sales officially kick off this Wednesday, June 24, but fire officials warn that even simple sparklers pose a serious burn risk for kids.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-fireworks-sales-open-june-24-what-know-before-buying","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:01:45.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-1241606434.jpg","slug":"texas-fireworks-sales-open-june-24-what-to-know-before-buying"},{"id":"byqm2b","title":"Everything old is new again: ABC13 historic footage of Texas Legislature","excerpt":"In historic footage of the Texas Legislature that ABC13 recovered from the station archives, many of the concerns that Texans were facing in the 1960s remain today.","content":"In historic footage of the Texas Legislature that ABC13 recovered from the station archives, many of the concerns that Texans were facing in the 1960s remain today.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/everything-old-is-new-abc13-historic-footage-texas-legislature/19356959/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Tom Abrahams","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:37:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365791_barbara-jordan-abc13-historic-film-img.png","slug":"everything-old-is-new-again-abc13-historic-footage-of-texas-legislature"},{"id":"3mmq7w","title":"The Latest: Mamdani successfully backs three primary candidates as he reshapes New York politics","excerpt":"The latest round of primary elections took place Tuesday in four states: Maryland, New York, South Carolina and Utah.The midterm elections in November will determine control of both chambers of Congress and will also see the election of dozens of governors and other state and local offices. Befor...","content":"The latest round of primary elections took place Tuesday in four states: Maryland, New York, South Carolina and Utah.The midterm elections in November will determine control of both chambers of Congress and will also see the election of dozens of governors and other state and local offices. Before then, voters must choose nominees for each of these offices, making their picks in primary elections throughout the spring and summer in all 50 states. New York: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reshaping the city’s congressional delegation through a series of successful endorsements in Democratic primaries in districts 10, 13 and 7. Maryland: All eight of the state’s congressional districts held contested primaries. In a state that typically leans left (only one district is led by a Republican), the primaries often determine the general election winners. Gov. Wes Moore secured the Democratic nomination for a second term.South Carolina: State Attorney General Alan Wilson won the Republican nomination for governor after President Donald Trump, who initially endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for the job, said on Friday that either contender would be a good pick.Utah: Voters cast ballots to nominate congressional candidates using a new map that created a Democratic-friendly district in Salt Lake City. Ben McAdams, a former Utah congressman who has sought to shed his reputation as a moderate, won the Democratic primary in that redrawn district.Here's the latest:Avila Chevalier says her victory vanquishes ‘the politics of the past’Darializa Avila Chevalier, the first-time candidate who ousted Rep. Adriano Espaillat in a Democratic primary, portrayed him as unresponsive to constituents’ calls and out of touch with such key issues as housing affordability in the district in upper Manhattan and part of the Bronx.“Today we make it clear — the politics of the past ends today,” the democratic socialist said at her victory party, adding that “the era of taking a check and cashing a check and calling it representation is over.”“No longer will we accept a politics that throws scraps at us and acts as if we should be grateful for them,” she said.Mamdani’s picks sweep New York City’s congressional primariesAll three candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their primaries, knocking off incumbents Dan Goldman in New York’s 10th District and Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District and winning the Democratic nomination for the open seat in the 7th District.Opposing views over Israel were at the center of the clash between incumbents and their Mamdani-backed challengers. Brad Landers, who ran against Mamdani in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, criticized AIPAC’s support of Goldman and promised to sponsor legislation that would put restrictions on military aid to Israel.McAdams supporter says his campaign gave her hopeDonna Gunn says it’s “beautiful” to see former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams win and to have an opportunity to send a fierce ally for LGBTQ+ rights back to Washington.The longtime Special Olympics volunteer says she has been deterred from engaging in politics ever since Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election. But McAdams’ victory in the Democratic primary for Utah’s 1st Congressional District has given her hope, Gunn says.“We are so happy and so lucky to get Ben, who’s going to stand up to that bully in the White House,” she said.Democratic US Rep. April McClain Delaney advances in Maryland primary to defend her seatMcClain Delaney won her Democratic primary, fending off competitors in what became one of the state’s most expensive races.Among her challengers was David Trone, the wealthy founder of Total Wine & More, who previously held the seat before stepping aside to make an unsuccessful Senate run in 2024. Trone lent some $25 million of his own money to his campaign.McClain Delaney represents the 6th District, which stretches from the westernmost part of the state to the Washington suburbs.She loaned her campaign more than $7 million.Boafo gives a special thanks to Hoyer, his former boss“Y’all, I gotta give a special thanks to my mentor, to my friend, Steny Hamilton Hoyer,” Maryland state Del. Adrian Boafo said after winning the Democratic primary for Maryland’s 5th District, which Hoyer has represented for decades.“He’s been our Danish knight in shining armor, our rock,” Boafo said.“Tonight, the Democratic voters of the 5th Congressional District decided that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. And it’s with great humility that I accept that responsibility.”Valdez says democratic socialist victories in New York send a messageSpeaking to supporters in Brooklyn after her Democratic primary victory, Claire Valdez said they hadn’t just won an election.“We have declared that this movement is durable, that it is growing, and that it will not stop” until working people are not just offered a seat at the table, but “run the table.”Valdez said that back when she was bagging groceries for work, “I couldn’t dream of running for office — I could barely dream of a day off.”Utah Democrat says progressives will keep organizing after defeatState Sen. Nate Blouin says the progressive movement “still has a long way to go” after former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams prevailed in the Democratic primary for Utah’s 1st Congressional District. McAdams was considered a more moderate candidate than Blouin and the other two Democrats in the race, former Meta and TikTok employee Liban Mohamed and tax attorney Michael Farrell.“This isn’t the end,” Blouin said in a statement. “It’s the beginning of a new era of organizing in Utah, one focused on progressive values that strengthen our communities instead of billionaire donors and special interests.”A spokesperson for Blouin declined to immediately answer when asked by text if the lawmaker will get behind McAdams’ campaign.Trump relishes in downfall of Democratic foes in New York primariesThe president delighted in the defeat of two of his Democratic foes in Tuesday’s congressional primaries in New York.He slammed Rep. Dan Goldman, a former federal prosecutor who served as lead counsel for Trump’s first impeachment, after Goldman lost his primary for a seat in Manhattan and Brooklyn.“Weak and pathetic Congressman Dan Goldman just lost, BIG! I guess people didn’t like him illegally targeting President TRUMP,” the president wrote on his social media platform. “In any event, this jerk is finally GONE!”And he took aim at George Conway, who lost his bid to succeed outgoing Rep. Jerry Nadler in a crowded race in Manhattan, calling Conway a “Trump Deranged Loser at the highest level.”McAdams reminds supporters he voted to impeach TrumpDemocratic primary winner Ben McAdams in Utah’s 1st Congressional District outlined his previous work in Congress to expand healthcare, invest in public lands and secure protections for LGBTQ+ communities.But McAdams told supporters that his defining vote was to impeach Donald Trump, which was met with loud applause.“I would do it again,” he said. “Character matters, courage matters and right now talk is cheap. Utahans deserve someone who has already shown the courage to stand up and speak with conviction when the pressure is real.”Mamdani speaks in BrooklynThe mayor celebrated all three of the candidates he endorsed winning their primaries on Tuesday.“A year ago, it was not the end of a political movement,” he said. “It was the beginning!”The crowd chanted “DSA! DSA!” after Mamdani took the stage, the initials for the Democratic Socialists of America.“The old politics that got us to this crisis is not the politics that is going to get us out of this crisis,” Mamdani said.Defeated Democrat says party will unite behind McAdams in UtahCandidate Michael Farrell says he’s looking forward to working with Democratic primary winner Ben McAdams in Utah’s 1st Congressional District.Farrell, a tax attorney, added that he isn’t worried about whether party members would rally behind McAdams following the highly competitive primary.“Given the results, clearly folks are supportive of Ben pushing forward, so I don’t see an issue with that,” Farrell said.Lasher hails the congressman — and ex-boss — he aims to succeedAfter winning the Democratic nomination for retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler’s seat in the heart of Manhattan, state Assemblymember Micah Lasher said Nadler has been a political presence throughout his life.“When I was born, I was already Assemblyman Nadler’s constituent,” Lasher said, adding that he later “watched as Congressman Nadler led fights long before they were convenient.”Lasher, who has also worked for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, says he wants to “revamp and recharge the Democratic Party” and to “show that Democrats in Congress shave bold new ideas to improve the lives of struggling Americans and then deliver on them.”McAdams thanks supportersFormer U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams credited his supporters at his election party following what appeared to be a decisive victory in a crowded Democratic primary for Utah’s 1st Congressional District.“Thank you, Utah Democrats, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” McAdams said. “Tonight this victory belongs to every volunteer who showed up on a hot June afternoon and knocked door after door.”He also asked for their continued support for the November general election: “You ran hard. You ran with conviction, and this party and this state are better for it. The energy and the passion your campaigns brought to this race is exactly what we need headed into November.”McAdams voters cheer his victorySupporters of former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams broke out in cheers as word of his victory spread at the Democrat’s election watch party in Salt Lake City.People moved toward a podium surrounded by orange, blue and white balloons, where McAdams was getting ready to speak.He prevailed in a highly competitive Democratic primary for Utah’s 1st Congressional District and enters the general election as the favorite in the newly drawn district.Espaillat concedes New York’s 13th District Democratic primary“Tonight wasn’t our night but I love you anyway,” he told supporters.The New York congressman was up against Avila Chevalier, backed by Mamdani.“When i came to this nation as a young immigrant boy, I could have never imagined that I would be a member of Congress,” Espaillat said. “That is the privilege of my life, to serve you the community, and I will continue to love and serve this community in the best way that I can.”Mamdani-backed community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier defeats Rep. Adriano EspaillatAvila Chevalier scored an upset in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District.The race pitted the community organizer backed by the city’s democratic socialist mayor against a five-term congressman.Espaillat was the first person who had been an undocumented immigrant elected to Congress.Avila Chevalier is currently a doctoral student at the City University of New York. Her victory underscores the influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s political movement as he builds allies in Washington.Trump-backed US Rep. Celeste Maloy wins GOP primary for redrawn House seat in UtahMaloy defeated former state lawmaker Phil Lyman, who embraced false claims of fraud following the 2020 presidential election.The district, spanning most of southern and eastern Utah, emerged last fall from a legal battle over the state’s previous congressional map, dramatically altering its makeup. The shakeup left Maloy vulnerable to a primary challenge.Under the new map, Democrats are expected to pick up one of Utah’s four Republican-held House seats in the Salt Lake City area this fall.Maloy will face off against Democratic nominee Kent Udell, an engineer, in the November general election. The GOP candidate is heavily favored to win in the deep-red district.Alex Bores concedes in Democratic primary for Manhattan-based House seat after candidacy dominated by AIThe New York Assembly member lost the Democratic primary in the state’s 12th Congressional District to Micah Lasher, who previously worked as an aide for the seat’s current holder, Rep. Jerry Nadler.“I didn’t get in this race to make a point about AI,” he said, but said “some of the most powerful people on the planet” lined up against him.“They set out to make people afraid of them,” Bores said. “Instead, they learned just how ready the people are to push back.”Anthony Constantino wins GOP primary for an upstate New York district after Trump endorsementThe brash, Trump-backed MAGA disciple who owns a custom sticker business in upstate New York defeated state Assembly Member Robert Smullen in the Republican primary to replace outgoing Rep. Elise Stefanik.Constantino, who drew national attention after he put a massive “Vote For Trump” sign on the roof of his company’s building, is expected to cruise to victory this fall in the heavily Republican district, which stretches across most of New York’s northern tip.Smullen had heavy support from the state’s Republican Party but it was not enough to overcome the president’s still-strong hold over voters.Stefanik late last year said she would not seek reelection to the House and that she was suspending her campaign for governor to spend more time with her family.Goldman concedes to Lander in Democratic primary for New York’s 10th DistrictUS Rep. Dan Goldman said it was a privilege to serve in Washington, adding that there was a silver lining to his loss to Mamdani-backed Brad Lander.“I can’t wait to be a much more present father,” he said. Goldman has five children.Former US Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for redrawn House district in UtahBen McAdams, a former Utah congressman who has sought to shed his reputation as a moderate, has won the Democratic primary in a redrawn U.S. House district that Democrats are strongly favored to win this fall.McAdams defeated several candidates to his political left, including a state senator and a former employee of TikTok and Meta who had insisted McAdams is too conservative to represent a deep blue district.The seat in the Salt Lake City area is among the few anticipated Democratic pickups following a national redistricting fight started by Trump  to try to help Republicans maintain their majority in the U.S. House.The 1st Congressional District race could be crucial for Democrats, who need to gain only a few House seats in November to take control of the narrowly divided chamber.McAdams is strongly favored to defeat Republican Riley Owen, an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve who was chosen during the state GOP’s spring convention.Republican Dan Cox will again face Democrat Wes Moore in Maryland governor’s raceCox beat a crowded field of competitors to clinch the Republican nomination.The 51-year-old ultraconservative former member of the state House of Delegates unsuccessfully ran against Moore four years ago.Cox has promoted Trump’s lies about the 2020 election being stolen and organized buses to Washington for the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021.He has pledged to slash taxes and beef up housing affordability programs if elected.Nate Blouin not getting his hopes up in Utah House raceThe Democratic state senator said just before polls closed that he was feeling calm, “because I think I know what’s going to happen.”Blouin, a progressive Democrat, said he thinks the progressive vote will be divided, and former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, a moderate, will prevail.Blouin had urged another progressive candidate, Liban Mohamed, to drop out of the Democratic primary for Utah’s 1st Congressional District.Polls have closed in UtahIn-person election day voting concluded in Utah at 8 p.m. local time, which is 10 p.m. EDT. Comparable past elections can offer clues about when to expect the first vote results and how long the vote count might take.In the 2024 state primary, The Associated Press first reported results at 10:03 p.m. EDT, or three minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 2:07 a.m. EDT with about 74% of total votes counted. The tally surpassed 90% of the vote counted by June 27 at 6:32 p.m. EDT, two days after election day.Micah Lasher wins the Democratic nomination for a Manhattan-based US House seatLasher is running to replace his former boss Rep. Jerry Nadler.Lasher has worked as an aide for a wide range of New York political figures like Nadler, Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.He won a bruising primary battle for one of the richest and most Democratic House seats in the country. The large field included Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg and former GOP lawyer George Conway.Schlossberg calls for ‘different people’ in fight against corruptionJack Schlossberg took the stage in Manhattan after polls closed in New York’s Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District.The grandson of President John F. Kennedy was the first of the candidates in the race to speak, but neither conceded nor suggested he had won. Instead, he repeated his message of a need for the Democratic Party to put forward more vigorous candidates.“No matter what, if we win tonight, or if we don’t, we’re still in the midst of a corruption crisis,” he said. “We need to do things differently. We don’t just need younger candidates. We need different people, people who are willing to speak plainly about the cost of living, about corruption and fearlessly about the Constitution.”Army veteran Cait Conley wins Democratic House primary in key New York swing districtConley will face Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in the general election for New York’s 17th District.Lawler, a two-term congressman, is considered one of the nation’s most vulnerable Republicans. Democrat Kamala Harris carried the Hudson Valley swing district in the last presidential race.Conley earned the backing of national groups, including the American Federation of Teachers, VoteVets and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.The 40-year-old Democrat topped a field that featured Beth Davidson, a county legislator who raised questions about Conley’s ties to companies involved with Trump’s immigration crackdown. Conley denied any connection to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Conley emphasized her military background, having deployed six times as an Army officer to combat zones including Iraq and Afghanistan. She later served in the Biden administration as the director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council.Maryland state Del. Adrian Boafo wins Democratic primary in race to succeed Rep. Steny HoyerIn choosing Boafo over nearly two dozen competitors, voters in the 5th District opted for a continuation of Hoyer’s pragmatic style of politics rather than a more progressive, antiestablishment approach promised by some other candidates.Boafo, 32, is endorsed by Hoyer — his former boss — along with Gov. Wes Moore and other prominent Democrats. He also secured donations from tech firms and the cryptocurrency industry. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC also spent more than $1 million backing him.Boafo worked as a field director and campaign manager for Hoyer before becoming a lobbyist and state delegate.Mamdani-backed candidate Claire Valdez wins Democratic primary in New York’s 7th DistrictNew York state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist, defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso with the backing of Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Both endorsed Valdez in hopes of giving the progressive left a greater foothold over the Democratic establishment in New York’s congressional delegation.The primary victory also leaves Valdez in strong position for November in the heavily Democratic district that covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens. It also marked a stinging setback for Reynoso, who had the endorsement of the district’s retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez.Lots of voters in Salt Lake City despite wildfire smokeVoters in the state’s most populous city were turning out in large numbers even as smoke from wildfires burning across Utah turned the skies hazy and produced some of the worst air quality on the planet.Some voters at the Salt Lake County Government Center said they had been waiting for close to an hour as polls got busier later in the day. Some walked briskly to their vehicles after casting ballots, while others pulled up to drop boxes to avoid the lines and hazy air.Seven large fires were burning across Utah, including a blaze that started over the weekend in the dry, grassy foothills just outside Salt Lake City. It had the 12th-worst air quality of any city globally on Tuesday, according to IQAir’s live ranking.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/the-latest-primaries-bring-out-voters-in-new-york-maryland-south-carolina-and-utah/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:53:06.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVOGMSZYIMBCYVCYX5V7TTQLRYI.jpg","slug":"the-latest-mamdani-successfully-backs-three-primary-candidates-as-he-reshapes-new-york-politics"},{"id":"5r5e47","title":"Mamdani slate sweeps Democratic primaries in New York, ousts 2 incumbents from Congress","excerpt":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s slate of fiery progressives swept establishment-backed Democrats in the state's congressional primaries on Tuesday, ousting two sitting congressmen in a resounding show of force for the democratic socialist leader of America’s largest city, who is fighting to ...","content":"New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s slate of fiery progressives swept establishment-backed Democrats in the state's congressional primaries on Tuesday, ousting two sitting congressmen in a resounding show of force for the democratic socialist leader of America’s largest city, who is fighting to reshape the Democratic Party in New York and beyond.U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is in his fifth term, was defeated by Mamdani’s most polarizing pick, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who once helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, a two-term incumbent, was beaten by the Mamdani-backed former city Comptroller Brad Lander, a fixture among New York progressives who has often shown sympathy to the democratic socialist movement. And another Mamdani ally, democratic socialist state Assembly Member Claire Valdez, defeated the handpicked successor of retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez.Tuesday's primaries represented a major political gamble for the 34-year-old mayor, whose strength is surging, and a potential headache for Democratic leaders, who fear that Mamdani and his loyalists may push the party too far left ahead of November's midterm elections — when voters across the nation will decide which party controls Congress for the last two years of Trump’s final term.The sweep also sends an undeniable message to establishment Democrats in Washington, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who campaigned against Mamdani’s candidates and lost. Mamdani and his slate were openly fighting for dramatic change on key issues, Israel's war in Gaza and affordability chief among them.The mayor ping ponged across the city to celebrate his allies’ victories, declaring that his election had helped ignite a new era.“A year ago, it was not the end of a political movement. It was the beginning,” a smiling Mamdani charged at Valdez's celebration party in Brooklyn, reflecting on his mayoral victory last year, as the crowd chanted, “DSA! DSA!”Later, at Avila Chevalier's celebration in Manhattan, he added: “We are showing there is a new path for politics in our city and in our country.\" In Washington, Jeffries downplayed the influence of the Mamdani-backed candidates before polls closed on Tuesday. “We have agreed to strongly disagree,” Jeffries said of Mamdani on Capitol Hill. “There are 215 members of the House Democratic caucus. A handful of primaries that go in one direction or the other, in a given state or two, aren’t going to reshape who we are as House Democrats.”Meanwhile, Democrat Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, failed in his bid to write his own chapter in Camelot lore as he competed in a crowded field for a seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler. Mamdani made no endorsement in that hotly contested race.Establishment Democrats celebrated the victory of state Assembly member Micah Lasher, a longtime government hand backed by Democratic leaders, who prevailed in a field that also included anti-Trump activist George Conway and assembly member Alex Bores, whose proposals to regulate artificial intelligence triggered tech industry blowback. Mamdani's insurgents sweep to victoryMamdani, whose first six months in office have drawn praise from establishment Democrats and even President Donald Trump, had made a big push to promote the three congressional candidates who challenged Democrats supported by the party's leadership. Two of Mamdani’s congressional slate identify as democratic socialists, while Lander has allied himself with the movement in the past. In his celebration speech on Tuesday, Lander vowed to abolish the federal bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, described Israel’s war in Gaza as “genocide” and referred to “Trump’s fascism.” He has been especially outspoken against Trump’s immigration crackdown and was acquitted  earlier this month on charges related to a protest inside a building housing an immigration court .All three of Mamdani’s candidates have promised to “abolish ICE,” condemned the “genocide” in Israel and vowed to “tax the rich” if elected.Avila Chevalier, 32, was in her first race for political office in facing a longtime member of the House. Espaillat, 71, was the first Dominican American elected to Congress and has been representing his district in upper Manhattan and the Bronx for nearly a decade. Avila Chevalier cast herself as an outsider. Espaillat’s allies called Avila Chevalier unfit for office, pointing out a history of inflammatory and profane social media posts when she was in her 20s.Around an hour before polls closed, she was standing on a street corner in Harlem campaigning with controversial streamer Hasan Piker. Later, with Mamdani at her side at her Manhattan celebration, said slammed the “Democratic machine” for discounting her supporters.“Today we make it clear -- the politics of the past ends today,” she said. “No longer will we accept a politics that throws scraps at us and acts as if we should be grateful for them.”In East Harlem, 47-year-old voter Sara Hyler said she flip-flopped several times between Avila Chevalier and Espaillat in the lead up to Election Day, but eventually cast her ballot for Avila Chevalier after learning about heavy support for the incumbent by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.“It was the breaking point, my last straw,” she said of the donations to Espaillat by the lobbying group, also known as AIPAC.Hyler said it was important to elect a new crop of progressive Democrats who aren’t beholden to AIPAC and the Israeli government. “As much as I support Israel, I don’t think we should be paying for them,” Hyler said.The war in Gaza was a dividing line between Goldman and Lander, both of whom are Jewish. Lander assailed Goldman for not being tough enough on Israel over its military action against Palestinians. Goldman has consistently criticized Israel's government and condemned settler violence but has stopped short of describing the conflict as a genocide, which Lander has done.Mamdani had backed Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in the race to succeed Velazquez in a district covering parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Though Reynoso won Velazquez's endorsement, he failed to earn the mayor's backing.A Trump acolyte triumphs in upstate New YorkIn northern New York state, a Trump acolyte with no previous political experience prevailed over a conservative state lawmaker in the Republican primary for a seat soon to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik.Anthony Constantino, head of the custom sticker company Sticker Mule, won the GOP nod in New York's 21st Congressional District, overcoming New York state Assembly Member Robert Smullen for the nomination.Constantino had showcased his enthusiasm for the president by putting a massive “Vote For Trump” sign atop one of his company buildings. He also released a hip-hop album titled “Thank You President Trump,\" and commissioned a statue of Trump and gave it to the president in Florida. Trump has endorsed him. Smullen, who had strong support from local Republicans, had argued that Constantino's antics, which include regular bashing of the state GOP, make him unfit to serve in the House.____Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz, Jake Offenhartz and Larry Neumeister in New York contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/in-new-yorks-primaries-progressives-face-the-establishment-and-a-kennedy-scion-seeks-office/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anthony Izaguirre, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:01:35.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FQPRELGHTDFFJJIIJIET2UNV4SM.jpg","slug":"mamdani-slate-sweeps-democratic-primaries-in-new-york-ousts-2-incumbents-from-congress"},{"id":"r47exl","title":"Tucker Carlson says he'll no longer support the Republican Party","excerpt":"Longtime conservative commentator Tucker Carlson said on a podcast that \"there's no chance I would support the Republican Party\" ahead of the November midterm elections.","content":"Longtime conservative commentator Tucker Carlson said on a podcast that \"there's no chance I would support the Republican Party\" ahead of the November midterm elections.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/tucker-carlson-says-hell-no-longer-support-republican-party/19363887/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:20:02.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365894_062326-wls-tucker-gop-430pvo-vid.jpg","slug":"tucker-carlson-says-hell-no-longer-support-the-republican-party"},{"id":"m9v113","title":"20-year-old arrested, charged in connection with fatal crash that left man dead in Katy, FBCSO says","excerpt":"Deputies say that 20-year-old Dejon Fortune was charged with felony intoxication manslaughter and he was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail.","content":"Deputies say that 20-year-old Dejon Fortune was charged with felony intoxication manslaughter and he was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/20-year-old-arrested-charged-connection-fatal-crash-left-man-dead-westheimer-parkway-katy-fbcso-says/19365149/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Chaz Miller","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:16:10.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365084_062326-katy-car-crash-img.png","slug":"20-year-old-arrested-charged-in-connection-with-fatal-crash-that-left-man-dead-in-katy-fbcso-says"},{"id":"6e6hb8","title":"Maryland Democrats make Adrian Boafo their choice to replace his former boss, Rep. Steny Hoyer","excerpt":"Maryland Democrats chose state Del. Adrian Boafo on Tuesday to advance to November's general election in the race to succeed his retiring former boss, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, opting for a continuation of Hoyer's pragmatic style of politics over a more progressive, antiestablishment approach promis...","content":"Maryland Democrats chose state Del. Adrian Boafo on Tuesday to advance to November's general election in the race to succeed his retiring former boss, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, opting for a continuation of Hoyer's pragmatic style of politics over a more progressive, antiestablishment approach promised by some other candidates.Boafo, a 32-year-old state delegate, received key endorsements from Hoyer, Gov. Wes Moore and other prominent Democrats, along with donations from tech firms and the cryptocurrency industry. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC also spent more than $1 million backing him. In a nighttime speech to supporters, Boafo gave special thanks to Hoyer, whom he called a mentor and friend.“Tonight the Democratic voters of the 5th Congressional District decided that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders,” said Boafo, 32. “And it’s with great humility that I accept that responsibility.”Also Tuesday in Maryland, rising party star Gov. Wes Moore won the Democratic primary in his bid for reelection to a second term. Republican voters hope to return the state to GOP leadership by picking a candidate they think can unseat him.The primaries in the left-leaning East Coast state are set to have an outsize impact. In many cases they will determine who is likely to win in heavily partisan districts this fall. Seven of Maryland's eight congressional districts are represented by Democrats, and one by a Republican.That dynamic and Hoyer’s departure attracted big spending and some familiar names to the most-watched Democratic primaries. Among them was Harry Dunn, a former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol from the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. He ran on a platform that included protecting democracy.Boafo called Dunn a “brother” during his acceptance speech, saying “it takes a special level of courage and partial insanity to run for the Congress of the United States.”Some races became proxy fights about how Democrats should behave in the current political climate. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson won a primary challenge from a progressive who criticized his decision to block a midcycle redistricting attempt.The lead-up to Election Day has had some hiccups. Last month the State Board of Elections had to resend mail-in ballots to some voters in the closed primary after a vendor error caused some to receive a ballot for the wrong party. President Donald Trump seized on the issue, falsely claiming that Moore illegally sent the ballots to ensure victory for Democrats. The state administrator of elections derided him for spreading misinformation.Two dozen candidates competed to replace a Democratic fixtureAs the longest-serving House Democrat and the longtime party No. 2 in the chamber, Hoyer is nothing short of an institution. His retirement gave voters in the 5th District a chance to reflect on that leadership, and they ultimately decided they wanted more of the same. Natasha Greensword, 45, and her husband Rodrick Greensword, 58, both voted for Moore in the gubernatorial primary and for Boafo to be the nominee to succeed Hoyer.“We know the governor is governed by the pillars on which his culture is built,” and he will work for the people, making moral and humane choices, Natasha Greensword said.She said Boafo seemed to share the same values as Moore and Hoyer. She added that she thought Hoyer’s endorsement helped as well.In all, 24 Democratic candidates were on the ballot, such as Dunn and progressive attorney Wala Blegay, proposed change. Both Dunn and Blegay, who are vocally pro-Palestinian, criticized Boafo for getting help from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC and other special interests.The best-funded candidate in the race was Quincy Bareebe, a home healthcare CEO who funneled more than $3 million of her own money into the primary. “I just love what she is doing in the community,” said Michelle Green, 59, who voted for Bareebe.Boafo will face Republican Chris Chaffee, a business owner, in the November general election for the heavily Democratic district. A freshman in Congress defeats a challenge from her predecessorDemocratic Rep. April McClain Delaney won her primary against former Rep. David Trone, who left his seat representing the sprawling 6th District in 2024 and was now trying to win it back. The race was contentious — and expensive. Trone, the wealthy founder of Total Wine & More, lent his campaign some $25 million of his own money, while McClain Delaney lent herself over $7 million. Trone criticized McClain Delaney on immigration. She was the only Maryland Democrat in Congress to vote for the Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia student whose killing became an anti-immigrant rallying cry for Republicans.The GOP still has no obvious heir to HoganMaryland used to have a moderately conservative governor in Larry Hogan. In the years since he left office in 2023, Republicans have yet to find a clear successor. In Tuesday's GOP gubernatorial primary, Dan Cox, an attorney and former state delegate who unsuccessfully ran for governor four years ago, won the nomination. Cox leaned the furthest right out of the nine candidates in the race. He has a photo of himself with Trump on his law practice’s website, and he pledged to slash taxes and beef up housing affordability programs if elected.Jason Mangen, a lifelong Republican, said he backed Cox because he was concerned about the state's budget, which has seen shortfalls over the years.“You look at the economy, and hopefully get a governor who can guide the legislature and get a good budget,” Mangen said. “I think Dan Cox is good on the budget.”___Swenson reported from New York, and Kruesi from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press writer Gary Fields in Bowie, Maryland, contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/maryland-democrats-choose-nominees-for-us-house-including-a-successor-for-longtime-rep-steny-hoyer/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ali Swenson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:01:32.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FUYXBGZK2XNAKRMZ2N4EJDR64EI.jpg","slug":"maryland-democrats-make-adrian-boafo-their-choice-to-replace-his-former-boss-rep-steny-hoyer"},{"id":"xlqlhx","title":"AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 pick on a big NBA draft night for freshman stars and Michigan's champions","excerpt":"AJ Dybantsa is on his way to Washington and ready to start working as soon as he gets there.That's not until Wednesday. Tuesday was a night for the NBA's No. 1 draft pick to party.“Obviously this night is just a celebration of all the hard work I’ve done in the past, and so now I’m going to celeb...","content":"AJ Dybantsa is on his way to Washington and ready to start working as soon as he gets there.That's not until Wednesday. Tuesday was a night for the NBA's No. 1 draft pick to party.“Obviously this night is just a celebration of all the hard work I’ve done in the past, and so now I’m going to celebrate,” Dybantsa said.So were a record number of one-and-done college stars who followed him, a trio of national champions from Michigan and fans of both New York teams on what sounded like an even more festive NBA draft than usual.The Wizards started it by selecting Dybantsa, a forward who led the nation in scoring in his one season at BYU. He averaged 25.5 points, highlighted by a 43-point effort that broke BYU's freshman scoring record, and was the first of a record-tying eight straight college freshman taken to begin the draft.That matched the record set last year. Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 was the first non-freshman. “I think down the road we can continue to do this,” Dybantsa said. “They are comparing us to a certain amount of draft classes. Obviously we have to see how that plays out and how we do in the league, but if we talk it into existence, I think that would be pretty special.”At 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, who happens to be his favorite player. Durant grew up in the Washington area, and Wizards fans can only hope Dybantsa can live up to the comparisons. They certainly hope he will be better than center Kwame Brown, the pick Washington made in 2001, the first time it had the No. 1 selection after the NBA changed draft formats to eliminate territorial picks in 1966. The Wizards took John Wall in 2010 the other time, and he did turn into an All-Star.Dybantsa — who was called by his full name, Anicet Dybantsa Jr., in tribute to his father — appeared to say a quick prayer after his name was announced, then went on stage to greet Commissioner Adam Silver and slipped on a black Wizards hat that matched nicely with his black suit.Dybantsa beat out fellow freshman Darryn Peterson of Kansas, who was taken at the No. 2 pick by Utah. While some thought Peterson had the most talent in the class, the guard missed 11 games during the season because of injuries and illness, potentially creating some questions that Dybantsa didn't have.“I can’t go back and change anything now,” Peterson said. “Obviously I wanted to be the No. 1 pick, but I went No. 2. So now I’m prepared to go to Utah and get to work.”Cameron Boozer, the college player of the year in his one season at Duke, was taken at No. 3 by Memphis. Caleb Wilson, another freshman forward from rival North Carolina, went to Chicago with the next pick.Those players were the expected top four throughout the pre-draft process, though there was certainly a case for Peterson to go first with his promise. Or for Boozer, with his body of work after he put up 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for Duke, where his father, Carlos, also played before becoming a two-time NBA All-Star. The uncertainty was expected to begin at No. 5. The Los Angeles Clippers acquired the rights to it after a trade with the Indiana Pacers and used it on Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. The host Brooklyn Nets then went with Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. Michigan's men make their markDarius Acuff Jr. to Sacramento at No. 7 and Kingston Flemings to Atlanta at No. 8 continued the run of scoring guards before Dallas went back to the bigs — and created a reunion in the process — by taking Morez Johnson Jr. from Michigan. Johnson was congratulated by national champion Michigan teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara, who were also in the green room, and then hugged his old and new coach. Dusty May left the Wolverines to coach the Mavericks on the eve of the draft. Lendeborg and Mara didn't have to wait long for their turn. The Golden State Warriors took Lendenborg with the No. 11 pick and the Oklahoma City Thunder followed by going for the 7-3 Mara.“We got our ultimate goal of winning the national championship and we just got drafted together, all lottery picks,” Johnson said. “I’m proud of my brothers, and I’m very excited to see what our future has for us.”Cheers for the New Yorkers, but not for the SpursThe draft is always a celebration, when all teams have hope, but the cheers seemed even more frequent than usual. They began when Silver opened his remarks by hailing the NBA champion Knicks and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, with a number of fans in Barclays Center wearing Knicks jerseys. Nets fans, who endured a miserable season watching the home team in the arena, applauded the selection of Brown, who had a 45-point performance to highlight his season that was cut short by a back injury. The Nets also acquired the rights to Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, the No. 28 pick, from Minnesota through a three-team trade agreed to Monday in which the Nets will get Julius Randle from the Timberwolves. Beyond some brief jeers for Silver that pro sports commissioners often get at the start of their drafts, there weren't any until it was announced that the San Antonio Spurs, who lost to the Knicks in the finals, were on the clock. Loud boos broke out that continued when it was announced that the Spurs took forward Jayden Quaintance, who played in just four games for Kentucky last season because of a knee injury. From Milwaukee to MexicoThe Milwaukee Bucks, who are losing two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, picked up two rookies. They took Arizona guard Brayden Burries with the No. 10 pick and are acquiring the rights to Tennessee forward Nate Ament, who was taken at No. 13 by Miami but is part of the package the Heat are sending to Milwaukee in the trade for Antetokounmpo that was agreed to Monday.Karim López became the first Mexican-born player drafted in the first round. The 6-8 forward, who spent the last two seasons playing with the New Zealand Breakers, was taken by Detroit and his rights were acquired by Memphis. The second round will be held Wednesday night.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/the-washington-wizards-are-on-the-clock-with-the-no-1-pick-in-the-nba-draft/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Brian Mahoney, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:57:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSXKMXUIXANFJTAF2SFDHKVCKDI.jpg","slug":"aj-dybantsa-is-the-no-1-pick-on-a-big-nba-draft-night-for-freshman-stars-and-michigans-champions"},{"id":"i586j","title":"2026 NBA draft tracker: List of 1st-round picks","excerpt":"The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Tuesday night in New York:___1. Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, forward, 6-9, 217, BYUScouting report: First-team Associated Press All-American and national scoring leader (25.5) as a sturdy-framed freshman. Pressured defenses by creating...","content":"The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Tuesday night in New York:___1. Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, forward, 6-9, 217, BYUScouting report: First-team Associated Press All-American and national scoring leader (25.5) as a sturdy-framed freshman. Pressured defenses by creating his own shot and getting to the line, where he led the country in made free throws (229) and attempts (296). Synergy rated him as “Excellent” as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls (87th percentile, 27% of possessions) and post-ups (94th, 10.9%). Averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Shot 51%. Scored  BYU freshman-record 43 points against Utah. Must improve his 3-point shot (33.1%).2. Utah Jazz — Darryn Peterson, guard, 6-5, 199, KansasScouting report: Scoring playmaker thrives off the dribble, in halfcourt and in transition. Freshman averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Shot 38.2% on 3-pointers, hitting  six 3s in a win at Oklahoma State. Made 82.6% of free throws, logging six games with at least eight attempts. Biggest questions centered on availability. Dealt with a preseason full-body cramping issue requiring hospitalization, then missed 11 games for injury or illness. Frequently had limited minutes for uncertainty with his day-to-day status.3. Memphis Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer, forward/center, 6-8, 253, DukeScouting report: Fifth freshman named AP men’s national player of the year. Averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. Shot 55.6%, routinely finishing through contact and physical play. Made 39.1% of 3s. Rated “Excellent” by Synergy against man defense (94th percentile), on post-ups (86th) and spot-up shots (95th). Strong passer (4.1 assists) out of double teams or in initiating offense. Son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer. Lacks explosive athleticism, relying more on strength and positioning than above-the-rim play. 4. Chicago Bulls — Caleb Wilson, forward, 6-9, 211, North CarolinaScouting report: Second-team AP All-American as a freshman with explosive athleticism, go-go-go motor, 7-foot wingspan and spotlight-embracing personality. Averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. Thrived at the rim and in transition. Stood out in marquee wins against Kansas and rival Duke. Needs to add strength and hone his 3-point shot (25.9%). Had a national-leading 66 dunks when he suffered a broken left hand in mid-February, then broke his right thumb in practice when on the verge of returning in March.5. Los Angeles Clippers (from Indiana) — Keaton Wagler, guard, 6-5, 188, IllinoisScouting report: Freshman four-star recruit became a second-team AP All-American in Illinois’ first Final Four run since 2005. Can play on or off the ball. Averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Shot 39.7% on 3s, hitting nine 3s in a 46-point outburst against Purdue. Rated “Excellent” by Synergy as the pick-and-roll ballhandler and with his jumper in off-the-dribble and catch-and-shoot opportunities. Lacks elite athleticism. Needs to add strength.6. Brooklyn Nets — Mikel Brown Jr., guard, 6-5, 180, LouisvilleScouting report: Freshman offers scoring punch with combo-guard size. Averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists. Erupted for 45 points and 10 3-pointers in a blowout of N.C. State to break the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman scoring record set by 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Needs to add strength. Battled back issues that sidelined him for eight midseason games and then resurfaced  to sideline him for the last six.7. Sacramento Kings — Darius Acuff Jr., guard, 6-2, 186, ArkansasScouting report: First-team AP All-American with standout offensive skills. Freshman ranked third nationally in scoring (23.5) and 14th in assists (6.4), leading Razorbacks to first Southeastern Conference Tournament title in 26 years. Had program freshman-record 49 points in a double-overtime loss at Alabama. Thrived as the pick-and-roll ballhandler (rated “Excellent” in the 89th percentile by Synergy) and in isolation (rated “Very good” in the 74th percentile). Defense is a question.8. Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans) — Kingston Flemings, guard, 6-3, 183, HoustonScouting report: Third-team AP All-American as a freshman with potential to be disruptive defensively. Averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Pressured opponents in transition or off the bounce. Had program freshman-record 42 points in a loss to Texas Tech. Posted a nearly 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Ranked in the top six at combine in lane-agility time, shuttle run and three-quarter-court sprint. Needs to add strength and refine shot mechanics.9. Dallas Mavericks — Morez Johnson Jr., forward/center, 6-9, 251, MichiganScouting report: Versatile and physical presence as a sophomore transfer from Illinois, helping Michigan win its first NCAA title since 1989. Averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks with potential to play forward or a small-ball 5-man. Thrived as a cutter, in post-ups and in finishing at the rim. Ranked ninth at the combine with a better than 7-3 wingspan.10. Milwaukee Bucks — Brayden Burries, guard, 6-4, 215, ArizonaScouting report: Freshman combo guard offers potential to impact both ends of the court. Averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists for 36-win Final Four team. Shot 49.1% overall, 39.1% on 3-pointers and 80.5% on free throws. Averaged 1.5 steals, including nine games with at least three. Ranked fourth at the combine in standing vertical leap (35 inches).11. Golden State Warriors — Yaxel Lendeborg, forward, 6-9, 241, MichiganScouting report: First-team AP All-American for NCAA champion. Has a strong frame and better than 7-3 wingspan. Shot 37.2% on 3s at career-high volume compared to 34.9% through two seasons at UAB. Showed toughness by gritting through ankle and knee injuries in the Final Four and title game. Older prospect (23) who spent three years in junior college.12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers) — Aday Mara, center, 7-3, 260, MichiganScouting report: Junior from Spain projects as a defensive force after helping Michigan win the national title. Averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 23.4 minutes. Ranked sixth nationally in blocks (2.6). Shot 66.8% overall. Led all combine players in standing reach (9-9) while ranking second in wingspan (7-6). Must improve at the line (56.4%).13. Miami Heat (traded to Milwaukee) — Nate Ament, forward, 6-10, 211, TennesseeScouting report: Freshman offers intriguing versatility and athleticism as No. 2 scorer (16.7) for Elite Eight team. Illustrated long-term potential while averaging 22.8 points on 45.2% shooting from Jan. 10 to Feb. 20, including 39.1% on 3s. Must fill out his game with spot-up shots accounting for 18.7% of his possessions, according to Synergy. Needs strength to handle physical play.14. Charlotte Hornets — Hannes Steinbach, forward/center, 6-10, 248, WashingtonScouting report: German freshman averaged 18.5 points and national-best 11.8 rebounds. Had a 24-rebound game against USC and five other games with at least 15 boards. Also had 10 games with at least six offensive rebounds. Shot 57.7% overall. Showed inside-out potential by hitting 18 3-pointers (34.5%). Averaged 1.2 blocks with better than 7-2 wingspan.15. Chicago Bulls (from Portland) — Dailyn Swain, guard/forward, 6-7, 211, TexasScouting report: Junior transfer from Xavier averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Most of his work came as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll scenarios and in transition. Showed active hands by averaging 1.6 steals. Must improve 3-point shooting after shooting 34.4% last year and 29.3% through three seasons.16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Phoenix via Orlando, traded to Oklahoma City) — Bennett Stirtz, guard, 6-3, 186, IowaScouting report: Senior point guard who climbed from Division II to Drake, then led Iowa to its first Elite Eight since 1987. Averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals. Synergy rated him as “Excellent” as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll scenarios (91st percentile), working in isolation (84th) and finishing at the rim (90th).17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Philadelphia, traded to Detroit) — Ebuka Okorie, guard, 6-1, 186, StanfordScouting report: Four-star prospect who became a surprise freshman star. Ranked seventh nationally in scoring (23.2). Posted eight 30-point games, including 40 points in a win against Georgia Tech and 36 in a win against North Carolina. Showed the burst to score in transition and the halfcourt despite being undersized.18. Charlotte Hornets (from Orlando via Phoenix) — Christian Anderson, guard, 6-1, 180, Texas TechScouting report: Third-team AP All-American as a sophomore. Averaged 18.5 points and ranked fifth nationally in assists (7.4). Projects as a scoring playmaker despite being undersized. Shot 40% on 3-pointers over two seasons. Thrived as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll scenarios (93rd percentile in Synergy) and as a spot-up shooter (90th).19. Toronto Raptors — Allen Graves, forward, 6-8, 226, Santa ClaraScouting report: West Coast Conference’s freshman and sixth man of the year for program that reached first NCAA Tournament since 1996. Averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 22.6 minutes. Shot 51.2% overall. Showed range (41.3% on 3s) and defensive potential (0.9 blocks, 1.9 steals).20. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta) — Jayden Quaintance, center, 6-9, 253, KentuckyScouting report: Physical tools stand out but sophomore’s health is a question. Suffered torn ACL in right knee in February 2025 while playing for Arizona State, then played just four games at Kentucky due to lingering swelling. Ranked fourth at the combine in wingspan (better than 7-5) and has big hands (tied for combine lead with 11-inch width, tied for second with 9.5-inch length).21. Detroit Pistons (from Minnesota, traded to Memphis) — Karim Lopez, forward, 6-8, 222, New Zealand Breakers (Australia)Scouting report: Versatile forward with athleticism and a nearly 7-foot wingspan. Native of Mexico. Spent two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” developmental program that produced lottery picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr in recent years. Averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last year. Turned 19 in April.22. Philadelphia 76ers (from Houston via Oklahoma City) — Labaron Philon Jr., guard, 6-3, 176, AlabamaScouting report: Third-team AP All-American as a sophomore after averaging 22.0 points and 5.0 assists. Made a leap in shooting efficiency at 50.1% overall (up from 45.2% as a freshman) and 39.9% on 3s (up from 31.5%). Thrived as ballhandler in pick-and-rolls (94th percentile in Synergy) and repeatedly beat man defenses in the halfcourt (90th).23. Atlanta Hawks (from Cleveland) — Zuby Ejiofor, forward/center, 6-8, 245, St. John’sScouting report: Senior offered a physical presence in St. John’s Sweet 16 run, averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Made 18 of 59 3s (30.5%) for some inside-out range. Has defensive potential with high motor, strong frame and 7-2 wingspan allowing him to tussle in the paint and move his feet to handle switches.24. New York Knicks — Cameron Carr, guard, 6-5, 184, BaylorScouting report: Transferred from Tennessee and blossomed as a redshirt sophomore in a lead role with the Bears. Averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Shot 49.4% overall and 37.4% on 3s. Ranked among combine leaders in standing vertical leap (second at 38 inches) and max vertical leap (third at 42.5 inches).25. Los Angeles Lakers — Sergio De Larrea, guard, 6-6, 205, Valencia Basket (Spain)Scouting report: A 20-year-old playmaker with size and range. Posted modest numbers (4.2 points, 2.2 assists in 11.2 minutes) in 31 games of top-level EuroLeague competition, but shot 39.6% from 3-point range and had a 1.8 assist-to-turnover margin. Has a 6-9 wingspan and good passing touch.26. Denver Nuggets — Tarris Reed Jr., center, 6-10, 260, MichiganScouting report: Interior force who powered UConn’s NCAA title-game run. Senior had career-high averages of 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 blocks. Had 31 points and 27 rebounds in first-round NCAA win against Furman as first player since Houston’s Elvin Hayes (1968) with a 30/25 game in March Madness. Has a better than 7-4 wingspan.27. Boston Celtics — Chris Cenac Jr., forward/center, 6-11, 240, HoustonScouting report: Freshman and McDonald’s All-American with rangy skills. Started 36 games and led top-10 team in rebounding (7.9). Hit 30 3-pointers. Settled into a complementary role (9.5 points) and had three or fewer baskets in 18 of 37 games. Didn’t get to the line often (58 attempts in 37 games) and shot poorly when he did (62.1%).28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit, traded to Brooklyn) — Joshua Jefferson, forward, 6-8, 246, Iowa StateScouting report: Second-team AP All-American. Senior playmaker with a strong frame and size. Averaged 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. Passing is a standout skill (4.8 assists) with his ability to initiate offense. Had four games with at least 10 assists. Posted a nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio via Atlanta) — Alex Karaban, forward, 6-7, 225, UConnScouting report: Tested and versatile redshirt senior with range (career 37.4% on 3s) and 6-11 wingspan. Held career averages of 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks. UConn won two NCAA titles and played for a third with him as a full-time starter.30. Dallas Mavericks (from Oklahoma City via Washington and Philadelphia) — Koa Peat, forward, 6-7, 245, ArizonaScouting report: Sturdy-framed freshman who averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists for Final Four team. Scored primarily in transition, on post-ups or as the roller in pick-and-rolls. Made seven 3s with a jumper rated as “Below Average” (27th percentile) by Synergy. Tied for fifth at the combine in standing vertical leap (34.5 inches).___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/24/2026-nba-draft-tracker-list-of-1st-round-picks/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Aaron Beard, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:19:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F22XRSH7725G65LMX3V6DN565LQ.jpg","slug":"2026-nba-draft-tracker-list-of-1st-round-picks"},{"id":"ak7v9d","title":"Family of woman killed after Tesla crashes into Katy home sues Tesla and driver","excerpt":"The family of 76-year-old Martha Avila, killed when a Tesla crashed into their Katy-area home, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and the driver.The lawsuit, filed Monday in Harris County, comes just days after the June 19 crash that killed Martha Avila and left her family without a...","content":"The family of 76-year-old Martha Avila, killed when a Tesla crashed into their Katy-area home, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and the driver.The lawsuit, filed Monday in Harris County, comes just days after the June 19 crash that killed Martha Avila and left her family without a home. The lawsuit was filed by Avila’s daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Justin Barbour, individually and on behalf of the estate of Martha Avila. The suit names Tesla, Inc. and driver Michael Butler as defendants. According to the lawsuit, Butler was driving a Tesla Model 3 eastbound on Rose Hollow Lane around 8:00 p.m. when the car crashed through the front wall of the Barbour family’s home. The lawsuit claims Butler told authorities he had the vehicle on Autopilot at the time. RELATED: No mechanical malfunction found so far in Tesla that killed 76-year-old woman after crashing into Katy home, HCSO saysThe lawsuit states Avila was inside the front room when the Tesla crashed into the home. Justin Barbour was also inside the home and suffered injuries to his neck, back and shoulders, according to the filing. The lawsuit claims Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems were defective and alleges the vehicle either failed to detect the end of the street and the home in its path or experienced sudden unintended acceleration. Specifically, the family alleges the vehicle:Failed to detect the end of the street and the home in its path; Failed to adequately monitor driver engagement; Failed to warn consumers about the limitations of its driver-assistance systems; and May have experienced sudden unintended acceleration. In addition to suing Tesla, the family also accuses the 44-year-old male driver of negligence and gross negligence.The lawsuit alleges the driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle and that his actions and inactions “proximately caused” Martha Avila’s death and the family’s injuries and damages. The petition further alleges the driver acted with “reckless disregard for a substantial risk of severe bodily injury,” entitling the family to seek punitive damages. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office previously said investigators found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. Tesla’s Autopilot director also posted on X that the driver manually overrode the vehicle’s driver-assistance system, reaching a speed of 73 miles per hour before impact.Attorney Chris Adkins with Zehl & Associates is representing the family and said they are still searching for answers.READ MORE: Surveillance video shows Tesla flying through Katy neighborhood before slamming into home, killing 76-year-old woman“They’re really focused on getting to the truth and figuring out what happened and how it happens so they can prevent it from happening to anyone else again,” Adkins said.The lawsuit also accuses Tesla of failing to adequately warn consumers about the limitations of its driver-assistance technology and misleading drivers about the capabilities of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. It seeks more than $1 million in damages, along with punitive damages. The Barbour family previously told KPRC 2 they are now living out of hotels after the crash left their home unlivable. Jennifer Barbour described her mother as a devoted grandmother who helped care for her children.“My mom was just a blessing to have in our house,” she said.In a statement released after the lawsuit was filed, the family thanked the first responders and medical workers who helped them.“We would like to recognize the efforts of the first responders and the medical professionals who were there to help us during this tragedy,” the family said. “From the men and women with EMS and Life Flight, to the fire crews who had drinks for our family and stuffed animals for the children, your quick response, professionalism, and kindness have been a significant reason that we have been able to deal with this unimaginable situation. Thank you for all that you do to help families like ours during the hardest moments.”The lawsuit demands Tesla preserve all evidence related to the crash, including the vehicle, black box data, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving logs, telemetry, software and firmware versions, sensor and camera data.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/family-of-woman-killed-after-tesla-crashes-into-katy-home-sues-tesla-and-driver/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jaewon Jung","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:21:24.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F4d804750-4d72-4c09-90f5-2c61a3c3fcba%2Fimage.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"family-of-woman-killed-after-tesla-crashes-into-katy-home-sues-tesla-and-driver"},{"id":"o5yhfi","title":"Mammoth Metal Recycling managing director speaks out for first time after East End fire","excerpt":"For the first time since a massive fire tore through a Houston recycling facility, the managing director of Mammoth Metal Recycling is speaking publicly.Managing Director, Prateek Desai, told KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that the company is making sure this doesn’t happen again. He told KPRC ...","content":"For the first time since a massive fire tore through a Houston recycling facility, the managing director of Mammoth Metal Recycling is speaking publicly.Managing Director, Prateek Desai, told KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that the company is making sure this doesn’t happen again. He told KPRC 2 News Reporter Sandy Torres at the scene that he was in Dallas when the fire broke out and immediately returned to Houston to work with city officials and firefighters.“It was very disturbing, let’s put it that way. I didn’t expect this,” Desai said.Desai suggested the fire was accidental in nature.“I believe what triggered the fire was a natural act of God or causes because of heat and friction. I don’t think there was any, they found it to be accidental,” he said.RELATED: Houston recycling company had history of illegal burning citations before massive fireHowever, the Houston Fire Department says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.The fire comes as a series of questions surround the company and its leadership.A Houston Fire Department source told KPRC 2 News that Mammoth Metal Recycling had been cited twice in the past month for illegal burning. Court records also show the City of Houston sued the company for more than $70,000 in delinquent taxes and later won a default judgment.When asked about the tax issues, Desai defended the company’s record.“Yes, we’ve been paying our taxes. All our taxes are paid up to date, except for 2025,” he said.KPRC 2 News is also working to verify the status of a court-ordered sale of the property.The company’s troubles do not stop there. Federal prosecutors indicted company leaders in 2023 in connection with an alleged $53 million COVID relief fraud scheme. Court records show one owner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced in August.RELATED: Large fire burning at recycling facility in Houston’s East EndDespite the questions surrounding the company, Desai says Mammoth Metal Recycling is focused on moving forward and preventing future incidents.“We are working towards containing it more and remediating it and cleaning up the whole space and making it better, so that this won’t happen again in the future,” Desai said.KPRC 2 News has been attempting to reach the CEO and owner of Mammoth Metal Recycling for comment since the fire broke out. Desai says he is passing along KPRC 2’s contact information to the owner and will request a statement about the fire.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/24/mammoth-metal-recycling-managing-director-speaks-out-for-first-time-after-east-end-fire/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Corley Peel","publishDate":"2026-06-24T03:06:57.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fdca9a100-b95e-41f5-a881-fb435af47906%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"mammoth-metal-recycling-managing-director-speaks-out-for-first-time-after-east-end-fire"},{"id":"wcvxsi","title":"US eases restriction on Iran's World Cup team, allowing travel 2 days before next match","excerpt":"The U.S. is easing its restrictions on Iran's World Cup team, allowing the squad to travel into the country two days before its next match, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.The team will still be required to leave after Friday's match in Seattle, a department spokesperson sai...","content":"The U.S. is easing its restrictions on Iran's World Cup team, allowing the squad to travel into the country two days before its next match, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.The team will still be required to leave after Friday's match in Seattle, a department spokesperson said. A spokesperson for the Iran Football Federation confirmed that the team will leave its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday for Seattle.“This was planned on our end,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press. “We were going to look at how the first two movements went, and if they went smoothly, we would extend the extra day in light of the longer travel time.”The policy change was first reported by NBC News and comes as officials from both countries negotiate over how to end the war in Iran.Iran's squad has complained about the travel restrictions levied on the team, and the challenges it has faced since the outbreak of war. Iran in March sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team's arrival. Several team officials and members of the support staff have been barred from traveling into the U.S. with the team.For the first two matches, near Los Angeles, the team was not permitted to travel until the day before. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei repeatedly said that restriction disadvantaged the team, especially when it had less than 24 hours on the ground before its noon match Sunday.“Right now we need recovery more than anything,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter after the 0-0 draw against Belgium. “The conditions have been extremely hard for us.”It's not uncommon for teams to travel a day before the match, and it's in line with FIFA regulations, which state that “each team shall travel from its team base camp to the match venue one day before matchday (MD‑1) and in exceptional cases on MD‑2, and shall return to their team base camp after the match (on MD/MD+1).”But Iran had asked for more time to acclimate to host cities and recover after matches, especially for the 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) trip to Seattle. The team is scheduled to train on Thursday at the University of Washington.“We don’t ask for much. We just ask for the same procedure as for all the other 47 teams,” Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh said Sunday. “Hopefully we can bring everyone who is involved and help us with us.” The Iran team has also said it experienced difficulties entering and exiting the U.S. each time it made the 127-mile (204-kilometer) flight between Tijuana and Los Angeles. The typically short trip took five hours the day before its first match against New Zealand, team captain Mehdi Taremi said. Hours before Sunday's match against Belgium, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News the Iranians had “tried to get somebody in yesterday” who had direct ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. In a statement, the soccer federation vociferously pushed back, calling the claim “an outright and undeniable lie.”Iran's players and coaches have mostly steered clear of outright commentary on the war. “We are here for football, not politics,” Ghalenoei said Saturday. But the team hasn't shied from highlighting the victims of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school at the start of the war in the Middle East, likely launched by the U.S.Players wore gold-colored pins with the number “168” on their jackets when they disembarked in Mexico on June 7, referencing the number of people killed in the attack, mostly young girls. They left a goodbye note in the locker room at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, after their match Sunday, calling for peace “among all nations” and with the hashtags #168 and #minab, the school’s name.At Iran's last training session Tuesday in Tijuana before departing for Seattle, four small flags had been stuck into the turf, each bearing the number 168. It's unclear whether Iran's upcoming opponent, Egypt, will also be allowed to arrive in Seattle two days early. After its 3-1 victory against New Zealand in Vancouver Sunday, Egypt asked to fly directly to Seattle. FIFA denied that request, citing a lack of security resources to accommodate the last-minute demand. Egypt returned to its base camp in Spokane, Washington, a 45-minute flight from Seattle.Egypt's national team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.___AP Sports Writer John Marshall contributed reporting and AP video journalist Javier Arciga contributed reporting from Tijuana, Mexico.___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/us-eases-restriction-on-irans-world-cup-team-allowing-travel-2-days-before-next-match/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:15:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJJXSCKM4JJGNLARY6HJOAY5NZI.jpg","slug":"us-eases-restriction-on-irans-world-cup-team-allowing-travel-2-days-before-next-match"},{"id":"vf5ww1","title":"Blazers hire Wolves assistant Micah Nori as head coach, a year after Chauncey Billups' sudden exit","excerpt":"The Portland Trail Blazers picked Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori as their head coach on Tuesday, after making the playoffs for the first time in five years under the direction of interim coach Tiago Splitter.Nori, who spent the past five seasons with the Timberwolves, has interviewed...","content":"The Portland Trail Blazers picked Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori as their head coach on Tuesday, after making the playoffs for the first time in five years under the direction of interim coach Tiago Splitter.Nori, who spent the past five seasons with the Timberwolves, has interviewed for multiple head coach vacancies, including the Chicago Bulls earlier this month, the New York Knicks last year, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024. Nori, 52, was the lead assistant under Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch when the club made the playoffs each season, won five series, and reached the Western Conference finals in 2023 and 2024. During the Timberwolves' 2024 playoff run, Nori took on a greater role during games while Finch recovered from a knee injury. “It’s a great opportunity and certainly speaks to all the success that we’ve been able to have here,” Finch said of Nori. “He’s ready for it. He’s elite in his relationship building. I know he’ll fit right in in a situation where it’s really promising. I think it’s going to be a perfect match.”Nori, who began his NBA career in 1998 as a scout with the Toronto Raptors, has also been an assistant for the Raptors, the Sacramento Kings, the Denver Nuggets, and the Detroit Pistons. His son, Dante, is a minor league player in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.\"After an extensive search process, it became clear that Micah embodies the qualities we are looking for in the leader of this franchise,” Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said in a statement. “He has been a key contributor to successful organizations and brings a wealth of expertise, a proven ability to develop players and an authenticity that aligns with the culture we are building. We are excited about the future under his direction and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”Splitter, who was hired last week as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, was promoted from assistant to interim coach when then-head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in October in a federal takedown of a sprawling gambling operation. Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering.The Blazers went 42-40 with a five-game loss to NBA finalist San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs, the first postseason appearance and first time they finished with a winning record in five years.It is the first major hire for the team under the Blazers' new ownership group led by Tom Dundon. The group bought the NBA franchise from the estate of Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft who died in 2018. The NBA’s Board of Governors approved the sale, worth a reported $4.25 billion, in April. “From my conversations with Tom and Joe, it was evident that there is a strong commitment to building a culture that values accountability, development and team success,\" Nori said. \"This is a team with tremendous talent, and I’m excited to begin working with our players and staff.”___AP Sports Writer Dave Campbell in Minneapolis contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/blazers-hire-wolves-assistant-micah-nori-as-head-coach-a-year-after-chauncey-billups-sudden-exit/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:13:25.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FL336M2RSOZGUTKBPHBE6J7AEIQ.jpg","slug":"blazers-hire-wolves-assistant-micah-nori-as-head-coach-a-year-after-chauncey-billups-sudden-exit"},{"id":"qweq","title":"Shooting suspect scoped out library before returning with a shotgun and killing 2, police say","excerpt":"The 18-year-old suspect in a shooting at a Northern California library did a walk-through of the building, then went to his vehicle, got a shotgun and fatally shot a man at the main door and another inside, law enforcement said Tuesday.Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said gunshots and screams c...","content":"The 18-year-old suspect in a shooting at a Northern California library did a walk-through of the building, then went to his vehicle, got a shotgun and fatally shot a man at the main door and another inside, law enforcement said Tuesday.Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said gunshots and screams could be heard on a 911 call Monday evening from the Butte County Library's branch in Chico — a city of about 100,000 people about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco.“From the first 911 call to having him in custody was less than four minutes,” Aldridge said, praising officers for stemming the loss of life.The suspect shot a man at the entrance of the library in the leg and then shot him in the head before firing multiple shots inside and shooting another man in the head, said Sid Patel, special agent in charge in the FBI’s Sacramento office. “Yesterday’s violent attack was horrific,” Patel said. “The full force of the FBI is assisting this investigation.”Details emerge on the victims and the arrestAuthorities identified the men who died as 46-year-old Jacob Hull, who his brother said went by the name Cody, and 74-year-old Robert Johnson. The 7-year-old daughter of Hull's girlfriend fell during the shooting and was taken to the hospital with a minor injury, Benjamin Heneberry, Hull's brother, told The Associated Press. The suspect fled out the back of the library as officers entered, but additional law enforcement personnel behind the building took the man into custody, Aldridge said during a news conference after the arrest. Officers recovered a shotgun from the floor of the library and two other guns from the suspect’s car. The weapons were registered to the suspect’s family, the police chief said, without providing any other information.Heneberry said his brother had just gotten to the library with his girlfriend's daughter and was sitting on a bench just outside when he was shot. He said his girlfriend’s daughter is physically OK, but she saw everything.“We’re just devastated and shocked,\" he said, explaining that a fundraiser had been set up for Hull's girlfriend and her daughter. \"Nobody would imagine that this would happen to their own brother.”Heneberry described his brother as a very smart, quiet and low-key man who loved 1990s hip-hop. He was a father figure to his girlfriend's daughter and was supporting them, Heneberry said.Police surround the libraryA video from the scene shows police patrol cars surrounding the one-story brick building and officers pointing their rifles. Another video shows a man face-down on the ground being handcuffed by a police officer who then picks him up and hands him to another officer who walks him away from the building. Jeannie Lee Schroeder was on a city bus that stopped near the library when she noticed a lot of police. As officers carrying guns marched toward the street, the bus driver started driving away. \"I see a person in a light-colored shirt running toward the street, toward where the bus was at,” Schroeder said. “And then there was an officer behind him, and another officer coming at the side of him, and that’s when they tackled him down.”Police later determined the suspect acted alone and identified him as Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. Sayer had recently graduated from Chico High School, Patel said. He was booked into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder. There was no indication he had any prior relationship with or connection to the victims, police said. Officials said Tuesday that Sayer's family has retained an attorney, but didn't release the lawyer's name. A search Tuesday of Butte County court records did not show Sayer’s name. Suspect demonstrated an affinity for Columbine shootingsAt the time of the shooting, Sayer was wearing a white T-shirt inscribed with the words “natural selection,” mimicking a T-shirt with the same slogan worn by Eric Harris, one of two shooters in the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado, Patel said. “He had been a fan, and a fan for a long time” of the Columbine shootings on social media, Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey said.Sayer is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, he said. Joseph Vasquez had English classes with Sayer at Chico High School. He said Sayer was liked and accepted by most of his peers, but he didn’t seem to have close friends.“He was very smart. He cared a lot about his grades,” Vasquez said. “He was kind of talkative but very anti-social.”Vasquez said he and his friends were very surprised about the shooting.Shooting leads to plans for library securityThe shooting in Chico shocked the community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and led authorities to say they will add security personnel at each library location.“A library should be a place of joy,” said Misty Wright, director of public libraries in Butte County. “Most of all it should be a place that feels safe. Yesterday that safety was shattered.”Wright said that before the shooting, the libraries were visited by “mobile patrols” and that she wasn’t sure if they are armed. All Butte County library branches were to be closed Tuesday, officials said.There have been at least three fatal attacks at libraries in the last nine years.A man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting a man in a library and another man in a convenience store in 2023. In 2020, a suspect was sent to a mental health facility after he pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a library security guard in Spring Valley, New York. A teenager who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting two public library employees in Clovis, New Mexico, in 2017 was also sentenced to life in prison.___ This story has been updated to correct that two men were killed, not a man and a woman.___Associated Press writers Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia, Hallie Golden in Seattle and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, also contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/18-year-old-suspect-arrested-in-shooting-that-killed-2-inside-northern-california-library/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:48:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJY55SWK5MREDLD7VTBPQY6VT2U.jpg","slug":"shooting-suspect-scoped-out-library-before-returning-with-a-shotgun-and-killing-2-police-say"},{"id":"53l2rk","title":"Katy ISD confirms investigation of alleged sexual assault of special needs student on campus","excerpt":"Katy ISD has confirmed they are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a McDonald Junior High student with special needs.","content":"Katy ISD has confirmed they are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a McDonald Junior High student with special needs.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/katy-isd-confirms-investigation-alleged-sexual-assault-mcdonald-junior-high-special-needs-student-campus/19365359/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Lileana Pearson","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:12:33.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365861_062326-ktrk-mcdonald-junior-high-img.png","slug":"katy-isd-confirms-investigation-of-alleged-sexual-assault-of-special-needs-student-on-campus"},{"id":"mvxehm","title":"Senate for first time approves a war powers resolution in a rebuke to Trump over Iran conflict","excerpt":"The Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.It was the 10th ti...","content":"The Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.It was the 10th time the Senate has tried to stop the war, and the outcome, on a vote of 50-48, was a stunning turnaround from past efforts. While the resolution is largely symbolic, and does not carry the full force of law, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate over both the war and the deal Trump struck with Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.Trump responded angrily Tuesday night on his Truth Social platform, calling the vote “poorly timed and meaningless” and saying it \"provided aid and comfort\" to Iran.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said, “Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Trump and his war instead of the American people.” Schumer said Americans have paid the price for “Trump's historic blunder in Iran. It'll go down in the history books as one of the worst foreign policy forays America has ever made.”In the past, as many as four GOP senators have voted for the war powers resolutions, and they did so Tuesday — Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voted against. Trump bashed the four Republicans as losers, saying, “These senators have made my job more difficult.” On this vote, the absence of two Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who was admitted to the hospital recently for an undisclosed matter, left the GOP without a full majority to halt the effort. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., also missed the vote.The vote comes as the Pentagon is seeking $80 billion from Congress mostly for the Iran war as it backfills munitions and stockpiles.Trump to meet senators as Republicans balk at Iran deal Trump himself is headed to the Capitol on Wednesday to meet with GOP senators after Vice President JD Vance was overseas working to negotiate with Iran to end its nuclear ambitions — which had been among the stated rationales for the war. The president is not pleased with the Republicans who have been critical of the deal he struck with Iran, according to one GOP senator granted anonymity to discuss the private dynamics. The terms of the Iran deal are spelled out in a memorandum of understanding that Trump signed last week, starting a 60-day clock for the sides to reach a broader agreement over ending Iran's nuclear program. But Republicans have particularly objected to the $300 billion fund to help Iran rebuild, which is far greater than the $1.7 billion then-President Barack Obama refunded the country under his administration's 2015 Iran deal. \"I believe President Trump is getting very poor advice on Iran,\" Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said last week on his podcast after the deal was made public.Democrats have repeatedly forced Iran votesOver and again, Democrats have been forcing votes on the Iran war, almost since the U.S. and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.Nearly each week they're in session, the Senate Democrats have put forward war powers resolutions, but they have failed to amass the majority needed for passage in the narrowly split chamber, where Trump’s Republican Party holds the majority. Trump would almost certainly veto any measure that passed.The House pushed its own version to passage earlier this month, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in approving the war powers resolution, over the objections of House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP leadership.While the House- and Senate-passed resolution does not go to the president for his signature, passage stands as a powerful, if symbolic, statement from Congress and a rebuke of the administration’s military actions. Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democrat from Virginia who has led his party’s efforts, said the pause in warfighting, as Trump’s team works to shore up a fragile ceasefire, provides the perfect time for Congress to step back and assess “what should the next chapter be.”Hegseth seeks $80 billion from Congress for the Iran warDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on Capitol Hill this week, seeking roughly $80 billion in supplemental funding to shore up defense supplies in the aftermath of the Iran war, which is drawing scrutiny when many Americans are reeling from high gas prices and costs of living.The Pentagon early on had estimated the war cost $11.3 billion during its first week, and senators said experts put the overall price tag of Operation Epic Fury higher, at some $100 billion.The Defense Department's funding request is part of a broader beef-up of military money the White House wants as part of its budget request this year.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday, “We should not spend another dime of taxpayer dollars on Operation Epic Failure.\" The Trump administration is seeking $1.5 trillion in defense funding this year — a nearly 50% increase — including $350 billion that it wants in a so-called budget reconciliation package. Johnson and GOP leaders are working to pass that package on their own, over the objections of Democrats, much the way they approved Trump's big tax cuts bill last year.The 2025 tax cuts package also included a sizable increase for the military.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/senate-is-set-to-vote-again-on-a-war-powers-resolution-to-halt-the-iran-conflict/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:37:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F622F7B2OONHGVDDOGPBB2GUATI.jpg","slug":"senate-for-first-time-approves-a-war-powers-resolution-in-a-rebuke-to-trump-over-iran-conflict"},{"id":"p6y5y9","title":"Troubled Reflecting Pool faces fresh scrutiny over vandalism claims and duck deaths","excerpt":"The saga over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool took a turn as President Donald Trump said Tuesday that six people have been arrested over recent damage. The president’s troubled $14-million-plus rehabilitation project has become a visceral flashpoint over law enforcement, aesthetics and envir...","content":"The saga over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool took a turn as President Donald Trump said Tuesday that six people have been arrested over recent damage. The president’s troubled $14-million-plus rehabilitation project has become a visceral flashpoint over law enforcement, aesthetics and environmental concerns ahead of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.In a social media post, Trump claimed without supporting evidence that there had been a “350-foot gash” in the paint as the administration faces a self-imposed deadline to fix the botched renovation before the nation's 250th anniversary celebration next week. He has also said, including again on Tuesday, that the federal government would release images to substantiate his claim.Trump pledged to beautify the century-old Reflecting Pool ahead of the anniversary celebrations, draining its water and having the bottom painted a color he dubbed “American flag blue.” But since the site was restored, its water has been plagued with algae bloom and pieces of the new coating appeared to be peeling off the bottom.Trump, without evidence, has repeatedly blamed the peeling paint on vandalism.“It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition,” Trump wrote Tuesday, adding that another seven people were cited for allegedly damaging the pool. The U.S. Park Police and the Interior Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the arrests or Trump's claim of vandalism. The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching the already-peeling paint. He said he wanted to examine the new coating, touching a still-attached chunk briefly then letting go shortly after a park worker told him to.A maintenance problem morphs into a law enforcement issueNational Guard members and Park Police have been patrolling the deck around the pool after Trump insisted over the weekend that vandals were responsible for damage to the liner, without providing evidence.Crews were seen adding fencing near the area late Tuesday. An Interior spokeswoman said the Reflecting Pool “was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July,\" noting that one of the launch pads for the fireworks is near the pool.“With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site,\" spokeswoman Katie Martin said in an email. She did not provide evidence of her claim about the political leanings of possible vandals.Trump said Tuesday that the Interior Department will release images of alleged vandalism at the pool. Pressed by reporters after Air Force One landed in Pennsylvania for a visit to a trucking company, Trump said Interior is “going to share” photos and videos of the alleged vandalism, which remains unverified.The president had said on Monday that the images existed and the federal government would provide them. No photos were made public as of Tuesday afternoon.The arrests highlighted what’s expected to be tightened security in the capital ahead of and during the 250th anniversary celebrations, which are set to draw large crowds to the National Mall and other tourist sites.Trump also said Tuesday that “some of the water” will be drained from the pool “either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair.”It was unclear from his post what the scale, scope or cost of the permanent repair would be. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a contractor on the pool project, said it has identified some areas in the Reflecting Pool that require repairs. “These areas are a very small part of the massive 7-acre project, and do not indicate a failure of the liner,” the company said in a statement. The company said it expected to make the repairs to the pool once it is drained, as part of the warranty.Environmental group wades in after duckling found deadAdding to the controversy swirling around the pool, an environmental group called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate after a Mallard duckling carcass was photographed floating in the algae-filled pool, and two other ducks were found dead nearby. The Center for Biological Diversity said Tuesday that the Wildlife Service must enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects migratory birds.“Wasting taxpayer money turning the reflecting pool into a giant duck death trap just in time for America’s 250th birthday party is as Trump as it gets. Cruel, stupid and selfish,” said Tara Zuardo, a senior campaigner at the Arizona-based group. City Wildlife, a Washington-based rescue and rehabilitation non-profit that also conducts necropsies on birds found in the city, said they could not comment on the cause of the death of the duckling because its carcass “wasn't recovered for examination.”Renovation project plagued ahead of the 250 celebrationsTrump pitched the original improvements as intended to clean, beautify and reinforce an iconic site that he said had become dilapidated and dirty because of previous presidents’ neglect. Algae has plagued the pool for a century, and Trump insisted that the newly installed “American flag blue” coating, which he selected himself, would turn the pool into a gleaming expanse along the National Mall.Yet within weeks of Trump declaring the rehabilitation completed in time for Independence Day, the water was plagued by a vivid green algae bloom that clouded the pool’s coating. A piece of liner, about 4 square feet, was observed on Friday, partially floating in the pool. The Associated Press saw additional pieces in the water on Monday. Workers were seen in recent days pouring hydrogen peroxide into the pool in an attempt to kill the algae. Hydrogen peroxide can act as a paint remover.Experts say the dark lining can add to algae growth by absorbing more sunlight than lighter surfaces. That raises the surrounding water temperature, allowing algae to thrive.___Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this story.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/trump-says-6-people-have-been-arrested-for-damaging-the-reflecting-pool/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:05:15.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGXHUXPJFHJCYZPODXBTRV5QX3A.jpg","slug":"troubled-reflecting-pool-faces-fresh-scrutiny-over-vandalism-claims-and-duck-deaths"},{"id":"xaz5fh","title":"8 convicted in Texas immigration center shooting and protest are sentenced to decades in prison","excerpt":"A former U.S. Marine reservist and seven others were sentenced Tuesday to decades in prison over a shooting last year that wounded a police officer during a demonstration at a Texas immigration detention center.Prosecutors called the crime an act of terrorism and said the eight were linked to the...","content":"A former U.S. Marine reservist and seven others were sentenced Tuesday to decades in prison over a shooting last year that wounded a police officer during a demonstration at a Texas immigration detention center.Prosecutors called the crime an act of terrorism and said the eight were linked to the leftist militant group antifa. The defendants' attorneys denied any antifa ties and family members expressed shock and anger over the stiff sentences.Benjamin Song, the Marine reservist who was convicted of opening fire during the July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, was sentenced to 100 years in prison, the maximum punishment. The seven others sentenced in Fort Worth courtrooms received prison terms ranging from 30 to 70 years.“I am livid,” said Lydia Koza, whose wife, Autumn Hill, was sentenced to 50 years in prison. “The government wants to take her entire life away because she attended a protest. Nobody died.” U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, one of two judges overseeing the proceedings, said what happened wasn’t a protest but “an assault on democracy.” All but one of the eight defendants sentenced Tuesday were convicted on terrorism charges.“The need to deter this type of conduct is high,” O’Connor said.The case drew attention beyond Texas as critics warned it could have wide-reaching impact on protests and First Amendment free-speech rights. The Justice Department called it the first sentencing of “defendants affiliated with” antifa after President Donald Trump last fall signed an executive order designating it as a domestic terrorist organization. Prosecutors link protesters to antifaTrump issued the order even though there is no domestic equivalent to the State Department’s list of foreign terror organizations. Antifa is not a single organization but rather an umbrella term for far-left militant groups that confront or resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations. “The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. Prosecutors told jurors during the trial that the group’s actions — including bringing firearms, first aid kits and wearing body armor — were signals of nefarious intent. Attorneys for the defendants have said there was no planned ambush and that protesters who brought firearms only did so for their own protection. They argued the gathering was planned as a late-night demonstration with fireworks to show support for immigrants being held at Prairieland before gunshots broke out.Prosecutors have said Song had yelled, “get to the rifles” and opened fire, striking a police officer who had just pulled up to the center.Some defendants say they weren't part of the planningPhillip Hayes, Song’s attorney, rejected characterizations that the protesters were extremists and said his client will appeal the 100-year sentence. “This is a bunch of kids and young adults who really have a really big heart and really wanted their voice to be heard,” Hayes said. “It was never intended that anybody get hurt. It was never intended that any shots would be fired.”Prosecutor Frank Gatto urged the judge to impose stiff penalties.“People with that kind of extremist beliefs need extra time in prison,” Gatto said. “They believe violence is justified.”Defendants and their family members pleaded for leniency. Autumn Hill said the gathering “seemed more like a party to me than anything else” and that she and others who participated “didn’t expect or want any violence or destruction of property to occur.” Hill’s attorney, Cody Cofer, told the judge that there was no evidence she had a gun, nor that she believed in violence to achieve change. He said that after fireworks were set off, she was so conscientious that she made sure to pick up the trash left behind before leaving.Chris Tolbert, defendant Savanna Batten's attorney, has said that his client didn’t bring a firearm, spray paint or fireworks to the center, nor did she participate in the planning of the demonstration.Hill and Batten both received 50-year sentences. Another defendant, Daniel Sanchez Estrada, was not at Prairieland the night of the shooting or involved in the planning, his attorney Christopher Weinbel said. Sanchez Estrada, who is married to another of the defendants, was convicted only on charges of concealing documents. Weinbel said his client just moved a box of his own belongings of artwork, poetry, journals and zines after the shooting. Nothing in the box was illegal, Weinbel said. Sanchez Estrada was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Other defendants previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists rather than take their case to trial. Last week, federal prosecutors charged 15 people with impeding the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. They claimed the demonstrators were members of antifa who conspired against the federal government to block arrests and deportations by setting up blockades around government buildings and throwing chunks of ice at federal vehicles, among other actions. ___Marcelo reported from New York. Associated Press journalist Kendria LaFleur contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/8-convicted-of-terrorism-charges-in-texas-immigration-center-shooting-sentenced-to-decades-in-prison/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jamie Stengle And Philip Marcelo, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:56:41.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FXRKBN7CMTVFO3EWC6AXMCH5FH4.jpg","slug":"8-convicted-in-texas-immigration-center-shooting-and-protest-are-sentenced-to-decades-in-prison"},{"id":"dnk0h9","title":"Supreme Court of Texas denies appeal in case challenging Harris County’s 2024 elections conduct","excerpt":"Conservative activist Steven Hotze claimed Harris County’s Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office was failing to maintain the integrity of the county’s voter roll and was thus allowing illegal voting. The high court upheld a lower court ruling that Hotze lacked standing to sue.","content":"Conservative activist Steven Hotze claimed Harris County’s Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office was failing to maintain the integrity of the county’s voter roll and was thus allowing illegal voting. The high court upheld a lower court ruling that Hotze lacked standing to sue.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/elections/2026/06/19/555050/supreme-court-of-texas-denies-appeal-in-case-challenging-harris-countys-conduct-of-2024-elections/?utm_source=rss-elections-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Andrew Schneider","publishDate":"2026-06-19T18:52:41.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F05%2F06162034%2FAP451596786818-450x300.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-of-texas-denies-appeal-in-case-challenging-harris-countys-2024-elections-conduct"},{"id":"gpvttr","title":"Olympian skier Bode Miller pleads not guilty to Idaho misdemeanor drug charges","excerpt":"Olympic gold medalist skier Bode Miller has pleaded not guilty to a pair of misdemeanor drug charges after he was arrested on a charge of possessing psilocybin mushrooms.Miller was arrested June 6 in eastern Idaho, according to court records, and pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled s...","content":"Olympic gold medalist skier Bode Miller has pleaded not guilty to a pair of misdemeanor drug charges after he was arrested on a charge of possessing psilocybin mushrooms.Miller was arrested June 6 in eastern Idaho, according to court records, and pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia the following week. Miller said in a post on Instagram that he was pulled over after accelerating to pass a vehicle on the highway. His friend had a small amount of cannabis and a cannabis pipe, which Miller said he didn't know about.“We fully cooperated with the officer,” he said. \"I am hopeful the misdemeanor charges will be dropped once the facts are reviewed.”The court documents don't include any details about the circumstances surrounding Miller's arrest. But in a probable cause statement, Fremont County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Hurt wrote that he found Miller with a white dispensary bag containing 4.1 grams of the psychedelic mushrooms.Idaho has some of the strictest drug laws in the nation. But Colorado and Oregon have both legalized the use of psilocybin for therapeutic treatments, and the substance has become increasingly popular with some health advocates who believe that microdosing it or using it in therapeutic settings can help ease anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Food and Drug Administration and other federal agencies to speed up research and loosen restrictions on psychedelics, and in response the FDA said it would offer ultra-fast review to three psychedelic drugs being developed to treat mental health conditions.The 48-year-old Miller took a gambler’s approach to ski racing. His high-risk, high-reward style resulted in six Olympic medals, including gold in the super-combined at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and numerous crashes.His last major race was at the 2015 world championships in Beaver Creek, Colorado, when a bad wipeout knocked him out of the super-G. He cut a gate too close and hooked his left arm, sending him spiraling out of control. His skis popped off, and he began to somersault down the slope before righting himself. He slowly got up and waited for someone to bring him his skis. Once he clicked back into the skis, he went down the slope and waved to the fans. Miller later underwent surgery to fix a torn right hamstring tendon caused when his ski sliced him.Miller won 33 World Cup races and a pair of World Cup overall titles. He also captured four gold medals at world championships.___ Associated Press journalists Pat Graham and Jake Seiner contributed.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/olympian-skier-bode-miller-pleads-not-guilty-to-idaho-misdemeanor-drug-charges/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rebecca Boone, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:59:03.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSWBPHHQCVNEH3DC4OGM4YYXLEE.jpg","slug":"olympian-skier-bode-miller-pleads-not-guilty-to-idaho-misdemeanor-drug-charges"},{"id":"kk3obd","title":"Mavs hire Dusty May just in time for NBA draft, then pick one of the coach's Michigan players","excerpt":"The Dallas Mavericks lured Dusty May away from national champion Michigan just in time for the NBA draft.Then they selected one of their new coach's players with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round Tuesday night.“The Michigan Mavs,” forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. said moments after the se...","content":"The Dallas Mavericks lured Dusty May away from national champion Michigan just in time for the NBA draft.Then they selected one of their new coach's players with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round Tuesday night.“The Michigan Mavs,” forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. said moments after the selection was announced in New York — and less than two hours after Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said he wasn't concerned about the timing of May's hiring as it related to the draft. Ujiri added that of course the club would welcome the new coach's input.“He’ll be involved because he’s a college coach,” said Ujiri, whose team also had the final pick of the first round at No. 30. “He has interaction with his players. We want to know as much information as we can on these players.”The Mavericks officially announced the hiring of May a few hours before the draft. Dallas also has the 48th overall pick in the second round Wednesday night.May is making the jump to the NBA less than three months after leading Michigan to its first NCAA championship since 1989. He had a 64-13 record in two years with the Wolverines, including a 34-3 season that ended with a 69-63 victory over UConn in the national title game.The Mavericks made their choice to replace Jason Kidd official on the same day they added Johnson in the next step of building around 2025 No. 1 pick and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who turns 20 in December.The 20-year-old Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore with Michigan after spending his freshman season at Illinois.“It’s a different ballgame with NIL in college. It’s like a professional league,” said Ujiri, who let Kidd go about two weeks after getting hired by the Mavericks in May. “Many things I think translate in some kind of way. I look at the style of play, big players, how he sees the game. And then I look at the person. Incredible person.” The 49-year-old May's title with Michigan came three years after he led Florida Atlantic to its only Final Four appearance. The Wolverines won the Big Ten Tournament in his first season after he inherited a team that went 8-24 under Juwan Howard. It was the school’s lowest win total since going 7-20 in 1981-82.“While we are disappointed to see Dusty leave Michigan, we are deeply grateful to the May family for the lasting impact they have made on our program and our university,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement announcing Mike Boynton as May's interim replacement.May’s record in his last four college seasons was 124-26, an .827 winning percentage that was third best in all of major college men’s basketball over that span behind Houston’s Kelvin Sampson (.861) and Duke’s Jon Scheyer (.832). His overall college record is 190-82.“This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization,” May said in the news release announcing his hiring.May spent 21 years in the college ranks after the Indiana native first served as a student manager for the Hoosiers and coach Bob Knight while he was in school there from 1996-2000. Florida, UAB and Murray State were among his stops as an assistant before debuting as a head coach with Florida Atlantic in 2018-19.“He's somebody who came up in a really tough way, video coordinator, assistant coach, and how he's developed himself,” Ujiri said. “He's worked everywhere. He's coach small teams, big teams.”Moving on from Kidd was the last part of putting the ill-fated Luka Doncic trade behind the Dallas franchise for good.Nico Harrison, the engineer of the trade that brought the oft-injured Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers, was fired as general manager in November after the team started slowly in 2025-26. The Mavericks missed the playoffs for the second year in a row since reaching the NBA Finals and losing to Boston.Doncic and Kyrie Irving were the key players in that deep playoff run in 2024, two years after Doncic also reached the Western Conference finals with a mostly different supporting cast.Irving remains on the roster amid lingering questions about his future after missing all of last season. Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in March of last year, a month after the Doncic trade.Ujiri, who is also the team's alternate governor, hired Mike Schmitz as GM soon after his arrival. Schmitz, a former draft analyst for ESPN, had been the assistant GM in Portland. Now Ujiri and Schmitz have teamed up on the coaching change.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/mavericks-announce-hiring-of-dusty-may-as-coach-hours-before-the-start-of-the-nba-draft/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:37:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBO6OMUEDZZEWJM35BFOZXYMXNU.jpg","slug":"mavs-hire-dusty-may-just-in-time-for-nba-draft-then-pick-one-of-the-coachs-michigan-players"},{"id":"22525s","title":"Alan Wilson wins South Carolina Republican governor runoff after Trump hedges his bet on race","excerpt":"South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson won a runoff election on Tuesday, swiftly routing the candidate initially endorsed by President Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee for governor.Wilson defeated Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, whom Trump backed in the closing days of the primary campaign....","content":"South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson won a runoff election on Tuesday, swiftly routing the candidate initially endorsed by President Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee for governor.Wilson defeated Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, whom Trump backed in the closing days of the primary campaign. The president later said he supported both candidates, hedging his bets in the race after his candidates for governor lost in Iowa and Georgia earlier this month. Wilson, the son of longtime U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, has served as the state’s top prosecutor since 2011. His victory sets up a November general contest with state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, who won the Democratic nomination outright two weeks ago.As news spread of Wilson’s win, scattered whoops went up around the downtown Columbia ballroom, where supporters had only begun to fill in for his Election Night party. Later joined on stage by his wife, children and other relatives including his father, the newly minted nominee pledged to be a “transformational governor.”He also reached out to Evette’s backers, calling them his “kinsmen,” for whom he promised “to fight as hard for you as you fought.”At her election party, Evette said she was disappointed her run ended in a loss, but she threw her support behind Wilson.“It’s OK to be disappointed,\" she said. “Lord knows that I am. But in just a few months, there’s going to be a general election, and the choice in that general election is going to be between conservative principles and a Democratic Party that wants the exact opposite for South Carolina.”Trump at the center of the campaignThe Republican primary to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster, who is term-limited, largely centered around candidates’ proximity to Trump, with nearly all of the contenders expressing hope of securing his endorsement.That achievement initially went to Evette, 58, who has served alongside McMaster for two terms, in the primary’s closing days. Long before that, Evette often featured photos and video of herself with the president in campaign ads and other materials. She also hired a campaign team that includes Trump’s longtime pollster Tony Fabrizio.But as Wilson seemed to gain momentum heading into the runoff, Trump on Friday said he was endorsing both candidates, throwing a curveball to voters looking to the president for guidance.Wilson, 52, also boasted support from sheriffs and solicitors across the state, law enforcement officials with whom he works often as South Carolina’s top prosecutor. Immediately following Trump’s double endorsement on Friday, Wilson began boasting about it, too. Moments after Trump posted on social media, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said he was also supporting Wilson. A person familiar with the senator's thinking but not authorized to speak publicly said Scott had been making calls in support of Wilson, helping raise money and lobbying Trump to back him as well.On Monday, Sen. Ted Cruz, another Wilson backer, came to South Carolina to stump for him.Other primary candidates who failed to make the runoff, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, endorsed Wilson. Although Mace had fiercely feuded with Wilson, he said they had “buried the hatchet.”Republican runoff was South Carolina primaries’ last major contestThe only runoff debate between Wilson and Evette was heated. Because each was given time to issue a rebuttal whenever their name was mentioned, the debate’s first half-hour swiftly devolved into a ping-ponging, back-and-forth over allegations of mudslinging and taxpayer-funded salary increases. The audience provided a soundtrack of thunderous jeers and hoots.While Democrats also had multiple candidates running in some primary contests earlier this month, they’re not dealing with runoffs in the top races.Johnson, seen a rising star among South Carolina Democrats, defeated two other hopefuls to win his party’s gubernatorial nomination outright,And Charleston physician Annie Andrews also cleared the Democratic field in her challenge to Graham.Winning statewide in November remains tall order for DemocratsWhile South Carolina Democrats hope their primary momentum helps propel them to general election wins, they have lots of ground to make up on that front.McMaster notched double-digit victories in 2018 and 2022, defeating Democrat Joe Cunningham by nearly 18 percentage points. Democrats haven’t won a governor’s race in the state since 1998.As for U.S. Senate seats, no Democrat has won one of those here in decades either. When he last ran in 2020, Graham defeated his Democratic opponent, Jaime Harrison, by a 10 percentage point margin. That contest was the most expensive in state history, and among the country’s most expensive congressional races ever.The last time a Democrat won any statewide-elected seat in South Carolina was 2006. And in recent history, Republicans have typically taken statewide seats in the state by double-digit margins.___Collins reported from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.___Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/south-carolina-voters-will-choose-between-2-trump-backed-candidates-for-governor-in-runoff/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Meg Kinnard And Jeffrey Collins, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:02:38.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FD5CWUYA4A5FZLDOAS7W3QFXOEI.jpg","slug":"alan-wilson-wins-south-carolina-republican-governor-runoff-after-trump-hedges-his-bet-on-race"},{"id":"bgvxzm","title":"Trains halted across Germany because of communication system problem","excerpt":"A problem with a communications system forced Germany’s railway network to halt all trains late Tuesday, leaving passengers stranded across the country.Trains were held at stations and would-be travelers stood in long lines at information desks as they tried to figure out how to get to their dest...","content":"A problem with a communications system forced Germany’s railway network to halt all trains late Tuesday, leaving passengers stranded across the country.Trains were held at stations and would-be travelers stood in long lines at information desks as they tried to figure out how to get to their destinations.The main national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, said shortly before 1 a.m. — nearly 2 1/2 hours after it first reported the outage — that the problem had been resolved and service was resuming “step by step.” The company said there was a nationwide problem with the GSM-R digital communication system, which is used for internal communication on the railway network. It later said that the cause had been identified, but didn't specify what it was.The Bild newspaper quoted Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla as saying that they \"were able to stabilize the situation with an emergency system.”Deutsche Bahn said during the outage that it was giving taxi and hotel vouchers to passengers and, where possible, making available trains at stations for travelers to sit in. It apologized for the situation.At Berlin's central station, Reyna Ghoshal and a friend were trying to get back to Munich after a trip to the German capital and saw \"unhappy faces” as they arrived at the station.“The train conductor was very nice, but he was just like, ‘we don’t know,’” said Ghoshal, who is from Atlanta. She said that “we booked a bus for 8 a.m. just in case, but generally we don’t know what’s going on.\"In recent years, complaints about train delays and disruption in Germany have become increasingly frequent. Government-owned Deutsche Bahn has started conducting thorough but disruptive overhauls of major routes after years of underinvestment in a bid to improve its performance.The German railway system has on rare occasions in the past halted all or most trains, but because of storms rather than for technical reasons.GSM-R, short for Global System for Mobile Communications–Railway, offers voice and data services needed to operate railways, including communication between train drivers and control centers.According to the European Union Agency for Railways, it has been introduced across Europe since 2000 as a common standard for railway operations.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/trains-halted-across-germany-because-of-communication-system-problem/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:20:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6LXT5APBLJAGZP4NUVFACF5ECE.jpg","slug":"trains-halted-across-germany-because-of-communication-system-problem"},{"id":"6roikf","title":"Axiom Space redomiciles in Texas","excerpt":"Axiom Space, a commercial human space exploration company, announced they have redomiciled in Texas.","content":"Axiom Space, a commercial human space exploration company, announced they have redomiciled in Texas.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/axiom-space-redomiciles-texas","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Steven.Ardary@fox.com (Steven Ardary)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:06:52.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F8i6a2455-scaled.jpg","slug":"axiom-space-redomiciles-in-texas"},{"id":"dc3gsm","title":"Tesla official says driver in deadly Katy crash overrode self-driving","excerpt":"A Tesla official says a driver who claimed to be using autopilot when his car slammed into a Katy home actually overrode self-driving by pressing on the accelerator. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still investigating the deadly crash.","content":"A Tesla official says a driver who claimed to be using autopilot when his car slammed into a Katy home actually overrode self-driving by pressing on the accelerator. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still investigating the deadly crash.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tesla-official-says-driver-deadly-katy-crash-overrode-self-driving","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:20:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-19-22h02m14s262.png","slug":"tesla-official-says-driver-in-deadly-katy-crash-overrode-self-driving"},{"id":"flaiug","title":"Houston Life goes LIVE from new IKEA Webster ahead of Grand Opening","excerpt":"Get your FRAKTA shopping bags ready - there’s a new IKEA coming soon to Webster. Join the Houston Life team as they take you inside for a sneak peek of the new store opening to the public Friday, June 26. New store locationLocated at the Center at Baybrook - just off I‑45, IKEA Webster is the com...","content":"Get your FRAKTA shopping bags ready - there’s a new IKEA coming soon to Webster. Join the Houston Life team as they take you inside for a sneak peek of the new store opening to the public Friday, June 26. New store locationLocated at the Center at Baybrook - just off I‑45, IKEA Webster is the company’s 10th Texas location and the third new Texas store this year — bringing its signature combination of low‑priced, well‑designed home furnishings closer to communities including Webster, Clear Lake and Friendswood.✨ KPRC 2 Insiders, Enter for a chance to win IKEA gift cards! ✨What you’ll find inside The 93,000‑square‑foot store showcases more than 7,000 products, with roughly 4,800 items available for immediate takeaway. Shoppers can expect a guided look at fully furnished showrooms tailored to local lifestyles, a Swedish food area serving classics like meatballs and veggie options, and an “As is” department offering discounted, gently used items.“We are proud to open our 10th store in the state of Texas,” said Rob Olson, interim CEO of IKEA U.S. “IKEA Webster marks our third store opening in Texas this year and reflects our investment in making the IKEA experience more affordable, accessible and convenient.” Fredrik Rabe, market manager for IKEA Houston, added that the store reflects the company’s continued investment in the region and the team’s excitement to celebrate the milestone with the community.Tune in Tuesday to see local showrooms, tips and grand‑opening detailsHouston Life’s LIVE from IKEA Webster will give viewers a hands‑on preview of showroom vignettes and design consultations available in‑store and offer tips for shoppers planning to visit during the grand‑opening weekend. IKEA Webster’s grand‑opening celebration on Friday, June 26 runs 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; regular hours will be Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.Don’t miss Houston Life live on Tuesday, June 23 for an inside look, local design ideas and a taste of Sweden right here in Space City. To learn more: www.IKEA.us. ✨ KPRC 2 Insiders, Enter for a chance to win IKEA gift cards! ✨","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/06/23/houston-life-goes-live-from-new-ikea-webster-ahead-of-grand-opening/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","publishDate":"2026-06-24T00:37:53.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe7933f96-f089-4d49-bb94-aa435b655259%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-life-goes-live-from-new-ikea-webster-ahead-of-grand-opening"},{"id":"gktdor","title":"Man who moved into a Houston homicide scene last year is now claiming ownership of the Gilley murder home","excerpt":"A man arrested last year for moving into a southeast Houston home that was the scene of a homicide and claiming to have a lease agreement is the same man connected to another high-profile crime scene — the Heights home where Lee Gilley allegedly strangled his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer, KPRC 2 ...","content":"A man arrested last year for moving into a southeast Houston home that was the scene of a homicide and claiming to have a lease agreement is the same man connected to another high-profile crime scene — the Heights home where Lee Gilley allegedly strangled his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer, KPRC 2 News has confirmed through records and police.A notice posted in the window of the Gilley home on Allston Street lists Matthew Jackson and a company called Save A Life Homes LLC as claiming ownership of the more-than-$1 million property.Houston police responded to the home last week after Christa’s family reported that someone had taken possession of the property, changed the locks and installed cameras.Officers spoke to a man through a doorbell camera who said he owned the home and would go to court to prove it, according to a police spokesperson.In court, Christa’s father, Chris Bauer, called the situation “shocking,” saying no one else should be there.PREVIOUS: Man claims ownership of Heights home where Lee Gilley allegedly murdered wife before fleeing to ItalyJackson has been here beforeLast May, Houston homicide investigators searched a home on Edgebrook Drive in southeast Houston and found a missing man’s remains wrapped in plastic.About two weeks after KPRC 2 News aired live coverage of the search warrant being executed, a tenant returned to the home on May 31 and called Houston police after finding that Jackson had moved in and that some of her belongings were missing.MORE ON THAT INCIDENT: Decomposing body found in home during search for missing man in Edgebrook areaOfficers said he had fraudulent papers referencing Save A Life Homes LLC. Jackson allegedly told police he had seen the house on the news and claimed to have a lease agreement.He was arrested on a trespassing charge, court records show, but the case was later dismissed after Jackson completed 16 hours of community service and a decision-making course.Now, the same pattern appears to be repeating — this time at a much higher-profile address.Missing man’s phone may have been used without permission before HPD found human remains in SE Houston homeThe timeline raises questionsOn May 6, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at the Gilley home on Allston Street, and KPRC 2 News was the first crew live on the scene as investigators worked the case.Law enforcement seizes capital murder suspect Lee Gilley’s car after he flees U.S. to ItalyTwo days later, on May 8, property records show a deed was signed transferring the home to Jackson and Save A Life Homes LLC. However, neither Gilley nor Bauer, who remain the legal owners of the home, appear to have signed the document.Attorney Lori Hood is not connected to the case but has handled at least seven fraudulent deed transfer cases in the past year. She said the paperwork posted in the window is not legitimate.“It’s something somebody typed up and put in the window to scare people off — to scare the real owners off,” Hood said.Hood said it appears Jackson filed an affidavit of adverse possession and then a warranty deed within days of each other — a timeline that would make both documents legally invalid under Texas law.“Adverse possession in Texas takes longer than two days,” Hood said. “And if you look at the affidavit of possession, it doesn’t even state how long they’ve been in possession of the property. We know this family lived there, and Mr. Gilley lived there until he went to Italy on or around May 1, so it hasn’t been vacant that long.”The suspected end game: MoneyHood said the scheme follows a recognizable pattern: targeting homes left temporarily vacant by families in crisis.“The pattern mirrors what we see a lot of times with what I’ll call these people who take advantage of those experiencing life chaos,” Hood said. “They’re nothing short of criminals. They’re taking advantage of a lack of attention to a piece of property by families — whether it’s an elderly person, a poor person or, in this case, someone who’s had a horrible event happen to their family.”The financial motive, Hood said, is straightforward.“The long-run game is to get them out. You have to file a lawsuit, and a lot of times they demand money in order to leave the house,” she said. “For them, it doesn’t cost anything but a filing fee — about $20 for a warranty deed — and the cost of changing the locks. All of a sudden, they’re in the catbird seat.”And even when a deed is clearly fraudulent, as Hood believes this one is, she said the real owners face a costly legal battle to get it removed.“In order to clean up title, you have to file a lawsuit to get that piece of paper removed, and it’s very expensive,” Hood said. “They’ve taken these houses hostage — blackmail, whatever you want to call it.”KPRC 2 News has attempted to track down the notary whose stamp appears on the May 8 deed, without success.Where things stand nowJackson is currently out on bond in connection with a separate April 2026 trespassing case at an apartment complex in southeast Houston.When reached by phone, Jackson’s defense attorney in that misdemeanor case said he did not have information about Jackson’s latest activities involving the Gilley home.Jackson is not facing any charges connected to the Gilley property, though records show he has been involved in civil disputes at both the state and federal levels involving other properties.KPRC 2 News has attempted to reach Jackson for comment by email, phone and at an address listed in court records. No one answered the door.The ownership dispute is unfolding as Gilley remains in custody in Italy. Authorities say he cut off his ankle monitor while out on bond and fled last month, just weeks before his capital murder trial was scheduled to begin.A new trial date has not been set. However, attorneys involved in the criminal case confirmed that the U.S. Department of Justice has submitted a formal extradition request to the Italian government.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/man-who-moved-into-a-houston-homicide-scene-last-year-is-now-claiming-ownership-of-the-gilley-murder-home/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bryce Newberry","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:49:10.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F6d7a3a45-38ff-480e-b825-d0ed5a4dabfd%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"man-who-moved-into-a-houston-homicide-scene-last-year-is-now-claiming-ownership-of-the-gilley-murder"},{"id":"34jcs4","title":"Texas family says World Cup dream was crushed after StubHub tickets fell through hours before match","excerpt":"A Texas family says their dream of attending a FIFA World Cup match at Houston Stadium was shattered less than 24 hours before kickoff when they learned the tickets they purchased months earlier would not be delivered.The Dupee family traveled from Midland to Houston hoping to watch soccer supers...","content":"A Texas family says their dream of attending a FIFA World Cup match at Houston Stadium was shattered less than 24 hours before kickoff when they learned the tickets they purchased months earlier would not be delivered.The Dupee family traveled from Midland to Houston hoping to watch soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal take on Uzbekistan. Instead, they ended up watching the match from a Dave & Buster’s after receiving an email from StubHub saying the seller could not provide the tickets they purchased.The family says they spent about $1,500 on three tickets, including one for 12-year-old Dallin Dupee, who received the tickets as a Christmas gift.“Yes! It’s soccer World Cup tickets,” Dallin said as he opened the gift on Christmas morning.The family documented the purchase and their interactions with StubHub through screenshots and emails, something experts say is important if ticket issues arise.Angus Dupee said everything appeared to be on track until Monday night.“Up into last night, we were ready to go, we thought,” Dupee said.‘Don’t make this a thing’: Elmo cautiously pledges allegiance to Team USA after NBA Finals beheadingThen came an email from StubHub stating: “Your seller is not able to provide the tickets that you originally purchased.”Dupee said he immediately contacted StubHub hoping to find replacement tickets.“All they said is that you can get a refund,” he said.According to StubHub’s website, the company’s FanProtect Guarantee promises buyers valid tickets, on-time delivery and states that if there is an issue with an order, customers will receive “comparable or better tickets or your money back.”Dupee said he repeatedly asked for replacement seats and was willing to accept any available tickets inside NRG Stadium.“If they could change their policy, they had tickets last night and they say they will get you upgraded tickets if yours are not available and I was trying to work with them like just give us anything, we will take anything in the stadium and if they had done that I would be happy. They just said you’re out of luck,” he said.StubHub points to World Cup ticketing challengesKPRC 2 reached out to StubHub with a list of questions about the family’s experience.Can you confirm whether StubHub is aware of this specific case?We have a dedicated team supporting World Cup customers and can confirm that we have contacted this customer to offer them tickets to attend an upcoming match in Houston, as soon as this Friday’s match. Please let us know if you hear from them regarding this. What circumstances led to the original seller being unable to deliver the tickets?The primary driver has been the event organizer’s ticketing infrastructure. The event organizer launched a new app immediately before the tournament began, and that system has had significant performance issues — delays, failed transfers, and access problems that have affected all resale platforms, not just StubHub. In the majority of cases where buyers received cancellation notices, the issue was that the transfer couldn’t complete through the event organizer’s system, not that the seller didn’t have the tickets.How does StubHub determine whether replacement tickets are available under the FanProtect Guarantee? If tickets remain listed for sale on the platform, why might those tickets not be offered as replacement tickets to affected customers?Replacement tickets are evaluated based on price, but given the challenges with the event organizer’s technology, we have expanded eligible capacity to source replacement tickets for customers.Under what circumstances would a customer be offered only a refund instead of replacement tickets?When a comparable replacement can’t be sourced in time, buyers receive a full refund under our FanProtect Guarantee. Does StubHub prioritize replacement tickets for customers whose orders cannot be fulfilled?Our top priority is getting fans into matches — a refund is always a last resort. Our teams are actively working to support each and every customer in this.What would you say to customers who feel they are being forced to repurchase tickets at significantly higher prices after their original order falls through?The vast majority of World Cup orders on StubHub have been fulfilled successfully —we’ve managed to get hundreds of thousands of fans to World Cup matches so far this year. The cases generating complaints represent a fraction of overall transactions, but we take each one seriously. If you’re having an issue with your order, contact us directly and ask for World Cup specialist support. Has StubHub experienced an increase in ticket-delivery issues or replacement requests surrounding World Cup matches or other high-demand events?What we are seeing is specific to this tournament. World Cup tickets are distributed and controlled entirely by the event organizer, transfers must flow through the event organizer’s own infrastructure, and the event organizer launched a new app right before the tournament began. That combination — centralized control, a new untested system, and compressed timelines — created transfer challenges that go beyond what we see at a typical live event. Those infrastructure issues are outside StubHub’s direct control, but our responsibility to fans is not, and we’ve been working around the clock to resolve outstanding cases.ON THE RECORD: “The issues fans have experienced at this World Cup are largely driven by performance problems with the event organizer’s own ticketing infrastructure, which has created transfer failures across all resale platforms. Every StubHub order is backed by our FanProtect Guarantee, so when ticket transfer is interrupted, we work to find a comparable replacement ticket or issue a full refund. Getting fans to their matches is always the priority, and our teams are working through every case with that goal.”What consumers should doExperts recommend keeping copies of receipts, screenshots, emails and other documentation if a ticket purchase falls through.Portugal vs. Uzbekistan in Houston: What fans need to know about today’s FIFA World Cup matchThey also say consumers who believe a company failed to honor an advertised policy or guarantee can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.The Attorney General’s Office has already launched an investigation into FIFA over World Cup ticket seat complaints.For now, the Dupee family says they are disappointed they missed the opportunity to see Ronaldo play in Houston, but hope sharing their story will help other fans avoid a similar experience.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/texas-family-says-world-cup-dream-was-crushed-after-stubhub-tickets-fell-through-hours-before-match/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Re'Chelle Turner","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:46:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Ff71d9c2b-61a9-40d9-8fca-2df7e70821d6%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"texas-family-says-world-cup-dream-was-crushed-after-stubhub-tickets-fell-through-hours-before-match"},{"id":"lu0fnl","title":"Houston Fan Fest battles sweltering heat as Portugal vs. Uzbekistan match gets underway","excerpt":"Temperatures across the city are expected to climb into the upper 80s and mid-90s Fahrenheit, reaching 89°F to 96°F (32°C–35°C). But what fans are truly feeling outdoors tells a different story. The heat index, which factors in humidity and reflects how hot it feels to the human body, is forecast...","content":"Temperatures across the city are expected to climb into the upper 80s and mid-90s Fahrenheit, reaching 89°F to 96°F (32°C–35°C). But what fans are truly feeling outdoors tells a different story. The heat index, which factors in humidity and reflects how hot it feels to the human body, is forecast to reach a staggering 102°F to 109°F (39°C–43°C).That difference has proven critical as thousands of fans gather outdoors for hours at a time.Heat-related incidents fluctuate throughout Fan FestSince Fan Fest began, officials have documented a highly variable pattern of heat-related incidents, reflecting changing weather conditions, crowd size, and intermittent closures.The opening day saw a major spike with 100 reported heat-related incidents on June 11, before numbers dropped sharply to just three the following day. The pattern continued to shift over the following days, with 16 incidents on June 13 and 10 on June 14, when operations were briefly disrupted due to lightning at 12:26 p.m. before resuming later that afternoon at 1:20 p.m.Houston, Austin in consideration for NHL expansion franchiseWeather conditions forced a full closure on June 15, followed by a delayed reopening on June 16, which saw only a single reported incident. Activity then rose again midweek, with 10 incidents on June 17, 21 on June 18, and a peak of 28 on June 19.As conditions stabilized slightly, the numbers dipped to nine incidents on June 20 and just one reported case on June 21, highlighting how closely heat, humidity, and crowd conditions are tied to safety concerns at the event.Officials continue to emphasize hydration, shaded rest areas, and frequent breaks as essential precautions for attendees.Fans feel the heat — and try to guess itOn the ground, the conditions are impossible to ignore. Many fans described the heat as overwhelming, with some joking that they felt like they were “melting” under the combination of sun and humidity.When asked to estimate the “feels-like” temperature—the heat index—most guesses clustered around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, though a few pushed higher. One fan estimated “around 102,” while others landed near 94 or 100 before learning the actual heat index was closer to 105°F.“That’s what gets you,” one attendee said. “It’s not just the temperature—it’s the humidity. That’s what makes it feel way hotter.”Cooling strategies become part of the experienceDespite the conditions, the Fan Fest atmosphere remains energetic. Fans are leaning on everything from portable hand-held fans to misting stations, wet towels, and electrolyte drinks to stay comfortable.“We brought portable fans, water, Powerade—everything,” one group said. “You just have to stay on top of it.”Others planned breaks in shaded areas or nearby concessions. “We’re going to grab ice cream and drinks near Houston Hall,” another attendee said. “You just have to make it fun while you’re here.”Soccer excitement builds for Portugal vs. UzbekistanEven with the heat, anticipation for the match between Portugal and Uzbekistan continued to draw large crowds, many proudly supporting Portugal and star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.“Ronaldo, for sure,” one fan said. “Always.”Portugal vs. Uzbekistan in Houston: What fans need to know about today’s FIFA World Cup matchThe match is part of a broader international soccer showcase under FIFA, which has turned Houston into a global hub for fans, culture, and competition.A celebration tempered by cautionAs Houston hosts one of its biggest international sporting events, the city is balancing celebration with safety. With heat index values reaching as high as 109°F, officials continue to urge fans to stay hydrated, monitor their physical condition, and take advantage of cooling stations throughout the venue.For many attendees, though, the experience remains unforgettable—a mix of world-class soccer energy and unmistakable Texas summer heat.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/houston-fan-fest-battles-sweltering-heat-as-portugal-vs-uzbekistan-match-gets-underway/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Joy Addison","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:44:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2Fe2c74748-bcab-4a46-9d37-2601b905029b%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"houston-fan-fest-battles-sweltering-heat-as-portugal-vs-uzbekistan-match-gets-underway"},{"id":"jcuy91","title":"Dare to Dream: The design reflecting Houston's World Cup spirit","excerpt":"Meet Stephanie Leal, the Houston artist whose design has become part of the city's World Cup identity.","content":"Meet Stephanie Leal, the Houston artist whose design has become part of the city's World Cup identity.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/dare-dream-design-reflecting-houstons-world-cup-spirit/19365352/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:53:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365383_DaretoDreamThedesignreflectingHoustonsWorldCupspirit-vid.jpg","slug":"dare-to-dream-the-design-reflecting-houstons-world-cup-spirit"},{"id":"tlkvtx","title":"How the weather can impact the air quality in Houston","excerpt":"It's on hot, dry, and calm summer days when the air quality across Houston can dip into unhealthy levels for residents.","content":"It's on hot, dry, and calm summer days when the air quality across Houston can dip into unhealthy levels for residents.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/how-weather-can-impact-air-quality-houston/19364522/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Elyse Smith","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:53:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365681_062326-ktrk-air-quality-img.png","slug":"how-the-weather-can-impact-the-air-quality-in-houston"},{"id":"axb3lb","title":"Senate for first time approves a war powers resolution in a rebuke to Trump over Iran conflict","excerpt":"The Senate for the first time has approved a war powers resolution to block U.S. military action against Iran.","content":"The Senate for the first time has approved a war powers resolution to block U.S. military action against Iran.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/senate-first-time-approves-war-powers-resolution-rebuke-trump-iran-conflict/19365164/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:19:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19365464_062326-wls-iran-war-power-act-4p-vid.jpg","slug":"senate-for-first-time-approves-a-war-powers-resolution-in-a-rebuke-to-trump-over-iran-conflict"},{"id":"ogsnvi","title":"Bed, Bath & Beyond making a comeback, searching for oldest expired coupon","excerpt":"Bed, Bath & Beyond is making a comeback, and to promote its return, the company is holding a contest to find the oldest existing expired coupon.","content":"Bed, Bath & Beyond is making a comeback, and to promote its return, the company is holding a contest to find the oldest existing expired coupon.","url":"https://6abc.com/post/bed-bath-beyond-making-comeback-searching-oldest-expired-coupon/19363342/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:09:19.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363435_062326-wpvi-bed-bath-beyond-comeback-730am-vid.jpg","slug":"bed-bath-beyond-making-a-comeback-searching-for-oldest-expired-coupon"},{"id":"tf8ux8","title":"No mechanical malfunction found so far in Tesla that killed 76-year-old woman after crashing into Katy home, HCSO says","excerpt":"The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction in the Tesla involved in a deadly crash that left a 76-year-old Katy woman dead after a vehicle slammed into her home last Friday.HCSO provided KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry with the following state...","content":"The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction in the Tesla involved in a deadly crash that left a 76-year-old Katy woman dead after a vehicle slammed into her home last Friday.HCSO provided KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry with the following statement Tuesday afternoon: “The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. At this time, investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. However, it is important to note that the investigation is not complete. Once all evidence has been gathered, the investigative file will be presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.\"Tesla officials say driver manually overrode self-drivingYesterday leaders at Tesla also indicated that the situation appeared to indicate manual action from the driver as opposed to an involuntary crash.Responding to a post reacting to a news article on the crash, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the situation made “no sense” and that their vehicle’s Full-Self-Driving mode automatically drives slowly through neighborhoods.Ashok Elluswamy, the VP of Autopilot and AI Software at Tesla responded to Musk’s comment, adding that the driver had allegedly pushed the car’s accelerator “all the way to 100%” and had continued to press it even after the crash.Surveillance video shows moments before crashSurveillance video obtained by KPRC 2 News shows the Tesla Model 3 speeding down Rose Hollow Lane seconds before the crash. Investigators said the vehicle hit a curb before slamming into a two-story brick home on Blooming Park Lane.READ MORE: Surveillance video shows Tesla flying through Katy neighborhood before slamming into home, killing 76-year-old womanAuthorities said the driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler, told investigators the vehicle was operating in an automated driving mode at the time of the crash. So far, Butler is not facing any charges. The sheriff’s office said he failed to maintain a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence. Investigators are still working to determine how fast the vehicle was traveling before impact.Victim remembered as beloved grandmotherThe crash killed 76-year-old Katy resident Martha Avila, who neighbors say was in the front room of her home at the time of impact. She was rushed to the hospital after the Tesla struck the residence but later died from her injuries.Neighbors described her as a cherished presence in the community and a “second mother” figure to those living nearby.“This is absolutely, it’s a tragedy,” neighbor Cynthia Moll said, adding that Avila’s loss has devastated both family and friends.ALSO READ: ‘We just want answers’: Family mourns woman killed in Tesla crash as federal investigation gets underwayDriver hospitalized, investigation continuesButler was also hospitalized following the crash. Dispatch audio indicated he may have been trapped inside the Tesla after the collision, though his current condition has not been released.Officials said Butler is cooperating with investigators and did not appear to be intoxicated at the time of the crash.Authorities also noted that it remains unclear exactly how the vehicle left the roadway and whether automated driving features played a role in the incident.The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence, including surveillance video, vehicle data, and witness statements.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/news/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton, Bryce Newberry","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:13:38.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F181cb09e-ef71-4ab6-82d2-a0ee6eb2cc93%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"no-mechanical-malfunction-found-so-far-in-tesla-that-killed-76-year-old-woman-after-crashing-into-ka"},{"id":"tgyjfb","title":"DOJ officials allowed to remain in prosecution of Correspondents Dinner shooting suspect","excerpt":"A judge rejected a bid to disqualify top Justice Department officials from leading the prosecution of Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.","content":"A judge rejected a bid to disqualify top Justice Department officials from leading the prosecution of Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/doj-prosecution-correspondents-dinner-shooting-suspect","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Daniel.Miller@fox.com (Daniel Miller)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:22:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fwhite-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-suspect.jpg","slug":"doj-officials-allowed-to-remain-in-prosecution-of-correspondents-dinner-shooting-suspect"},{"id":"t1z5ak","title":"Texas 7-year-old saves toddler brother from drowning, earns rare sheriff’s commendation","excerpt":"A 7-year-old North Texas boy has been nominated for a rare police commendation after his quick thinking and bravery saved his unresponsive 1-year-old brother from a backyard swimming pool, authorities said.","content":"A 7-year-old North Texas boy has been nominated for a rare police commendation after his quick thinking and bravery saved his unresponsive 1-year-old brother from a backyard swimming pool, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-7-year-old-saves-toddler-brother-from-drowning-earns-rare-sheriffs-commendation","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:38:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fpatrick-and-liam.png","slug":"texas-7-year-old-saves-toddler-brother-from-drowning-earns-rare-sheriffs-commendation"},{"id":"n1b6tg","title":"Savannah Guthrie says family remains 'in agony' over missing mom, begs the public for tips","excerpt":"“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to viewers Tuesday to come forward with any information about her missing mother, a day after news organizations said a ransom note received months ago had indicated that she was dead.“We are in agony, and we cannot be at peace. … We lov...","content":"“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to viewers Tuesday to come forward with any information about her missing mother, a day after news organizations said a ransom note received months ago had indicated that she was dead.“We are in agony, and we cannot be at peace. … We love our mom. We'll never stop looking for her,” Guthrie said at the “Today” desk in New York, holding a tissue in her left hand.Nancy Guthrie, 84, who lived alone, was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1. The FBI released video more than a week later from a camera outside her front door showing a masked stranger. Her blood was found on the porch, but the case remains unsolved.Some media outlets had previously reported receiving ransom notes in the days after Guthrie’s disappearance but had not disclosed the details while the investigation was at an early stage. Guthrie's family was aware of the notes.Tucson TV station KOLD said Monday that it had received two notes, one demanding millions in Bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie’s return and another that said she had died. Separately, CNN cited law enforcement sources in reporting on the contents of the notes.CNN said a note indicated that those who kidnapped Guthrie did not mean to kill her but that she died shortly after her disappearance.“I don't have any comment on this story. I'm not involved in our coverage,” Savannah Guthrie said Tuesday, referring to NBC News. “But I can't pretend I'm not here. And since I am, I want to just take the opportunity to ask people — really to beg people — to come forward. Somebody knows something.”The Pima County Sheriff’s Department referred questions about the ransom notes to the FBI, which declined to comment.Tom Morrissey, a retired chief U.S. marshal in Arizona who isn’t involved in the Guthrie investigation, said details of a ransom note might be publicly released in investigations if authorities think it might help to identify a suspect. But he said specifics, such as whether a victim has died, are often held back simply to protect the investigation because authorities aren’t certain where their inquiry is headed.“It’s still an open investigation,” Morrissey said. “These things can go into directions you wouldn’t believe to be possible.”Bob Krygier, who retired as a lieutenant with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in January, said it goes against procedure and common sense for investigators to reveal that a missing person has died until a body has been found or several years have passed since the person disappeared. “Once you start making statements from the law enforcement side that has speculation, you lose so much credibility,” Krygier said.Volunteers and search teams scoured the nearby desert terrain filled with cactuses, bushes and boulders in the weeks after Nancy Guthrie vanished. A group recently conducted a search near the Arizona-Mexico border but didn't report finding her.Savannah Guthrie and her siblings occasionally appeared in social media videos earlier in the saga, urging the public to come forward with tips. She asked people to “raise your prayers with us” and acknowledged that her mother might be in heaven dancing “with our daddy.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/23/savannah-guthrie-says-family-remains-in-agony-over-missing-mom-begs-the-public-for-tips/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:32:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FD6FAP4GOJBEQVBFSO4LK5AVBMU.jpg","slug":"savannah-guthrie-says-family-remains-in-agony-over-missing-mom-begs-the-public-for-tips"},{"id":"l73zb5","title":"Former Colorado analyst pleads guilty in DNA testing scandal","excerpt":"A former forensic analyst with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felony counts stemming from accusations that she manipulated and omitted data to speed up the DNA testing process, calling into question the validity of hundreds of criminal cases. Yvonne “Missy” Wo...","content":"A former forensic analyst with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felony counts stemming from accusations that she manipulated and omitted data to speed up the DNA testing process, calling into question the validity of hundreds of criminal cases. Yvonne “Missy” Woods entered guilty pleas to committing a cybercrime, perjury, attempting to influence a public servant and forgery. Dozens of other counts were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Woods was set to stand trial later this year. Instead, she'll face between 8 and 16 years in prison when she's sentenced in September.Woods and her attorneys declined to talk to reporters after Tuesday's hearing.Authorities accused Woods, who resigned in 2023 after a decades-long career, of altering data to conceal tampering, deleting data that showed she failed to troubleshoot issues within the testing process and not thoroughly documenting tests performed in case records.The investigation into Woods’ misconduct began in September 2023 after an intern at the bureau discovered missing information in a case that Woods handled in 2018. According to an arrest affidavit, Woods allegedly told investigators at one point that she had changed data to complete cases more quickly.Problems with the scientist’s work were found in cases involving homicide, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes, according to a law enforcement affidavit. Prosecutors were forced to review hundreds of cases.At least one murder conviction was overturned as a result of Woods’ misconduct. Michael Clark was released from prison in 2025 after his lawyers argued that DNA evidence in the case was mishandled by Woods, but prosecutors are seeking to retry him. In at least two cases, both homicides, the defendants received lesser sentences under plea deals than they could have faced if they went to trial because prosecutors were afraid Woods’ involvement could lead to acquittals.Convictions in other cases also are being challenged in courts across Colorado.State officials have said that the response to Woods’ actions could end up costing more than $11 million.The state investigation bureau in a statement issued Tuesday described Woods' actions as intentional criminal fraud and said it didn't reflect the bureau's practices.“This moment is not about moving on, for CBI it’s about moving forward,” said Armando Saldate, bureau director. “Today’s guilty plea is an important moment of accountability.”The bureau said it has been making changes and is committed to following best practices used nationwide in forensic science.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/former-colorado-analyst-pleads-guilty-in-dna-testing-scandal/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:48:46.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJLON3RWI4JCPXE3R2KOIF6WAXI.jpg","slug":"former-colorado-analyst-pleads-guilty-in-dna-testing-scandal"},{"id":"o460v5","title":"Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals","excerpt":"Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique.Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice.Messi has five goals in Argentina's first two...","content":"Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique.Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice.Messi has five goals in Argentina's first two matches, setting the record for career World Cup goals with 18. Mbappé has scored four times for France, moving into a tie for second with 16 goals.“Leo always scores,” Mbappé said. “He’ll always score. If I want to look at what Leo’s doing, I’ll have to do even more.”They are not alone in hitting the back of the net. Norway's Erling Haaland already has four in his country's first two games at the World Cup since 1998. And Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo broke out with two goals against Uzbekistan on Tuesday to raise his career World Cup total to 10.But Messi and Mbappé are the maestros making this World Cup their personal symphony. It's one they've been writing since the 2022 final in Qatar, when Messi scored twice and Mbappé three times before Argentina finally won on penalty kicks in a title game for the ages.There should be plenty of music still to come from both. Argentina and France have already clinched spots in the elimination rounds, and both are among the favorites to win the tournament.Messi is defying age in a young man's gameMessi has scored most of his World Cup goals at an age when most top scorers would be well past their prime.He has 12 World Cup goals since he turned 35, and he will turn 39 on Wednesday, three days before Argentina plays its final group-stage match — against Jordan.Messi, the former Barcelona icon who now plays for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, still possesses exquisite touch and passing in traffic, and energy and stamina that carry him through an entire match.His second goal against Austria came late. Messi passed to teammate Julián Álvarez, whose shot was blocked. Messi chased the rebound and slid the shot through two defenders to seal a 2-0 victory.“We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he’s one of the best, and he is the best,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said.Mbappé chasing Messi with every goalAt 27, Mbappé is in his physical prime with the speed and power to chase Messi's record, not just in this tournament but likely for years to come.He was just 19 when he led France to the 2018 World Cup title in Russia. With his goal against Croatia, he joined Pelé as the only teenagers to score in a World Cup final.Mbappé scored four goals in the in the 2018 tournament and has been on a charge ever since. The Real Madrid forward's speed haunts defenders and his power shooting with with both feet can overwhelm a goalkeeper.He was the Golden Boot winner as the top scorer with eight goals in 2022. His 16 career World Cup goals match Miroslav Klose of Germany, one ahead of Brazil great Ronaldo.Mbappé scores at a much higher rate than Messi. His 16 goals have come in 16 matches since 2018. Messi has played in 28 matches across six tournaments dating to 2006.“I’ve always scored goals in the World Cup, so it’s not something I’m thinking about or that I’m worried about,\" Mbappé said.Haaland making his mark in World Cup debutNorway's 6-foot-5 striker could be the biggest threat to Messi and Mbappé as the World Cup's top goal scorer if Norway can stay in the tournament long enough.The 25-year-old Manchester City star has been one of the top strikers in Europe for several years and scored two goals in each of Norway's two victories.Norway will meet Mbappé and France on the pitch Friday. Both teams have already advanced to the next round, and the winner of the match wins the group.“We’re through (to the next round), which is incredible,” Haaland said. “So I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They (France) are probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”Norway coach Stale Solbakken says Haaland is the player who can push the team deep into the tournament.“He is is the best striker,” Solbakken said. “He's not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”Mbappé disagreed. Only he didn't point at himself.“It's clear,\" Mbappé said. “(Messi) is the best in the world.”___AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/messi-and-mbappe-romping-through-world-cup-with-dazzling-display-of-history-making-goals/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jim Vertuno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:46:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FD74WP7VBAFDYHF3IE455XP7BN4.jpg","slug":"messi-and-mbapp-romping-through-world-cup-with-dazzling-display-of-history-making-goals"},{"id":"y2z2dw","title":"US and Iran dispute whether Tehran has agreed to nuclear inspections","excerpt":"The U.S. and Iran disputed whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites.","content":"The U.S. and Iran disputed whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/iranian-president-masoud-pezeshkian-lands-pakistan-us-iran-teams-work-finalize-war-ending-deal/19362861/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:38:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19362823_AP-IRAN-PAKISTON-TN-IMG.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"us-and-iran-dispute-whether-tehran-has-agreed-to-nuclear-inspections"},{"id":"z0mqyh","title":"Brendan Sorsby has to wait until 2027 to join the NFL","excerpt":"Brendan Sorsby will have to wait until 2027 to begin his NFL career.The NFL informed the 22-year-old quarterback on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, and encouraged him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through the regular draft next year. The le...","content":"Brendan Sorsby will have to wait until 2027 to begin his NFL career.The NFL informed the 22-year-old quarterback on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, and encouraged him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through the regular draft next year. The league told Sorsby of its decision in a letter that was obtained by The Associated Press.Sorsby had applied for the supplemental draft after a legal battle with the NCAA, which had declared him ineligible for making thousands of bets on sporting events worth at least $90,000 during his college career. Those included at least 40 bets on Indiana while he was a freshman there in 2022, though none on the games in which he played for the Hoosiers that season.The NFL hasn't held a supplemental draft since 2023 and had no plans to do so this year before Sorsby's petition. No player has been selected in the supplemental draft since 2019.“Your Petition — filed three business days before the deadline, without any supporting information or documentation, and only after abandoning your recent litigation efforts to avoid NCAA sanctions — does not provide a basis for the League to alter those plans,\" NFL attorney Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr. said in his letter to Sorsby and the 32 NFL teams. \"The issues presented by your Petition are too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interests, to permit meaningful review within the timeline presented.”Eligibility for either the regular draft or supplemental draft is required for entry into the NFL, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its union. A player who is not selected in the draft could then enter the league as a free agent.“No player shall be eligible to be employed by an NFL Club until he has been eligible for selection in an NFL Draft,” the CBA states in Article 6.Sorsby is considered a potential Day 2 pick — second or third round — in next year's draft. Teams will have to be convinced he's overcome his gambling problems.The NFL's letter pointed out that Sorsby's petition didn't address reports that he may have violated state law nor did it “demonstrate accountability for your conduct or indicate whether, or how, you would adhere to the League’s rules and policies governing the integrity of competition.\"It concluded: “We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.”The submission deadline for the rarely used supplemental draft was Monday. Sorsby had planned to work out for NFL teams on July 10.Sorsby, after transferring earlier this year from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, was banished from competition by the NCAA for the gambling activity.After spending a month in a residential treatment program for a diagnosed addiction that led to thousands of bets, Sorsby sued the NCAA and gained a court-ordered reinstatement that prompted nationwide backlash toward Texas Tech. The controversy led Sorsby to enter this special draft session.“The sole reasons identified in your Petition for seeking entry into the Supplemental Draft are that you have been ‘declared ineligible’ by the NCAA, have ‘exhausted all of (your) avenues to continue in the NCAA,’ and ‘want to now play in the NFL,’” Ferazani wrote. \"The Petition provides no information regarding the basis for, or timing of, the NCAA’s decision. Public sources, however, indicate that in May 2026 the NCAA issued a determination declaring you permanently ineligible from participation in college athletics, based on a sustained pattern of improper gambling activity during your collegiate career at three different universities.”A person with knowledge of the union's thinking told the AP that the NFL Players Association “has not made any determination on if, how or whether there are legal grounds to act on” the league's decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it is a legal matter.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/nfl-informs-brendan-sorsby-it-will-not-hold-a-supplemental-draft-this-year/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rob Maaddi, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:05:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6OYGTHWKVFE2TD475GBI6RKQNI.jpg","slug":"brendan-sorsby-has-to-wait-until-2027-to-join-the-nfl"},{"id":"fsggb2","title":"ALS diagnosis changes Texas man’s life overnight; Now he’s fighting for awareness","excerpt":"Ben Dennis is proof that life as we know it can change in an instant. Now, he's on a mission to show us all what truly matters.","content":"Ben Dennis is proof that life as we know it can change in an instant. Now, he's on a mission to show us all what truly matters.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/als-diagnosis-changes-texas-mans-life-overnight-now-hes-fighting-awareness","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Randy.Wallace@fox.com (Randy Wallace)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T01:55:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-22-20h54m28s970.png","slug":"als-diagnosis-changes-texas-mans-life-overnight-now-hes-fighting-for-awareness"},{"id":"bu77rz","title":"More Bible stories for public schools given initial approval by Texas education board","excerpt":"Texas students may soon attend social studies and reading classes that minimize racial, geographic and cultural diversity while emphasizing the Bible. The majority-Republican State Board of Education granted preliminary approval Tuesday afternoon to a reading list for all public schools that incl...","content":"Texas students may soon attend social studies and reading classes that minimize racial, geographic and cultural diversity while emphasizing the Bible. The majority-Republican State Board of Education granted preliminary approval Tuesday afternoon to a reading list for all public schools that includes teaching Christian stories. The board members then began debating a rewrite of Texas’ social studies lessons, with an initial vote expected on those proposed changes upon conclusion.Final votes on the two proposals are expected Friday.On Monday, board members heard from teachers, students and community members in support of and concerned about the suggested lessons. Nearly 500 people signed up to testify in a hearing that at several points turned contentious, with heated exchanges between speakers and the removal of at least one person deemed out of order by the board chair. The statewide reading list would require, among other literary works, that schools teach Bible material to children as young as 6 years old up to young adults preparing to receive their diplomas. That includes Christian stories about Adam and Eve, The Eight Beatitudes and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.The social studies proposal, meanwhile, represents a dramatic transformation in how Texas schools have long administered lessons on history, geography, economics and government. It eliminates the current sixth-grade world cultures course, deemphasizes world history outside of European tradition and dedicates more focus to Texas and the United States.If approved by the education board Friday, both changes would take effect during the 2030-31 school year.Conservative Republican leaders and activists champion the new lessons, which they view as “the final battle” in a push to rid Texas schools of instruction they say paints America in a negative light and trains students to hate the country. Sociology classes, for example, currently require students to understand “the impact of race and ethnicity on society” and “analyze the varying treatment patterns of minority groups.” But that standard does not exist in the newly proposed social studies plan. Republican leaders across the state often depict Islam as a violent religion they view as incompatible with their conservative Christian American values. During the board’s April meetings, the board eliminated a social studies standard that would have required students to learn about Muslim contributions to algebra and astronomy.“Let me be very clear: Islam is not a religion,” Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, testified before the education board Monday. “It is a totalitarian theocracy, not unlike totalitarian systems of communism, Nazism and globalism.”Asked if he had ever visited a Muslim-majority country, Hall responded no. Elizabeth Jensen, who identified herself as a Texas school board trustee but did not specify the district, told the education panel that she believes “slavery was and still is fundamental to Sharia,” referring to the set of moral codes and principles that Muslims follow. Sharia does not have a uniform meaning, as Muslims interpret and act upon it differently. Muslims have spent months denouncing such Islamophobia at State Board of Education meetings, calling it misinformation and harmful to the hundreds of thousands of Texans who practice the faith. Meanwhile, students, educators and progressive activists spoke out in opposition to the lack of racial, ethnic and gender inclusion in the debated books and lessons, as well as the state’s Christian focus over other religions. “These proposed standards actually defy the Constitution and highlight only one group of Americans as the founders who built this country to the exclusion of others — both in the past and in the present,” Ruth Nasrullah, a Muslim speaker, told the board members.English teachers stressed during the meeting that many of the books on the proposed reading list do not align with what Texas requires them to teach, despite taking up most of roughly 36 weeks of instructional time in an academic year.   On the other hand, educators criticize how the social studies proposal prioritizes memorization over critical thinking and simplification over accuracy. Historians call attention to factual errors, saying the new standards would set children up for failure post-graduation. One lesson, for example, describes the forced relocation and imprisonment of Japanese families during World War II as one of the “contributions” to America’s military effort. Another proposal notes that high school students should know the significance of leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, specifying Thurgood Marshall, Barbara Jordan and Hector P. Garcia — but not Martin Luther King Jr. A panel of nine advisers guided the social studies overhaul, almost all of whom hold no Texas K-12 classroom experience and several of whom have ties to conservative activism.Before initial approval of the reading list, the elected state board members — led by Republican Tom Maynard — debated whether they should prohibit teachers from assigning non-state-mandated books without the educators first posting them online for parental review. However, some expressed concerns about micromanaging teachers.They also considered whether to grant charter schools flexibility in which grades they introduce the required readings, an attempt to appease charter leaders who said they wanted to assign more rigorous books to children in lower grades. But some members said doing so might create the opposite effect, allowing lower-performing campuses to lessen rigor for students in higher grades. Neither of those passed, but board members have another opportunity to resurface suggestions before the final vote Friday.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/22/more-bible-stories-in-public-schools-changes-to-history-lessons-before-texas-education-board-today/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Jaden Edison","publishDate":"2026-06-22T10:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FISWQSYAMVNFY3EXWESXTVUEBAM.jpg","slug":"more-bible-stories-for-public-schools-given-initial-approval-by-texas-education-board"},{"id":"5onmfb","title":"Houston, Austin in consideration for NHL expansion franchise","excerpt":"The National Hockey League has taken a major step toward expanding into Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as the leading candidates for a new franchise.Following Tuesday’s NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league has approved the process...","content":"The National Hockey League has taken a major step toward expanding into Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as the leading candidates for a new franchise.Following Tuesday’s NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league has approved the process for a new expansion team in Texas.Earlier Tuesday, ESPN NHL reporter Emily Kaplan reported that expansion discussions involving Texas were expected to be addressed during the Board of Governors meeting. Kaplan later reported that billionaire businessman and Rice alum Dan Friedkin would be the prospective owner of the expansion franchise.Dan Friedkin would be the prospective owner of the expansion Texas NHL team. Wrote about Friedkin’s interest previously, as well as his sports portfolio  🔗 https://t.co/hRfezefe45&mdash; Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) June 23, 2026Under the agreement, Pursuit Sports, the global sports ownership and operating platform of the Friedkin family, has been granted exclusive rights to pursue an NHL expansion franchise in the state.ALSO READ: Astrodome, NHL team and more: UH survey reveals citizens’ feelings on sports, entertainment topics in HoustonThe Friedkin Group, a Texas-based ownership organization that owns Italian soccer club AS Roma and several other sports and entertainment assets, will immediately begin evaluating Houston and Austin as potential homes for the team.In a statement released Tuesday, the Friedkin family said both Houston and Austin offer compelling opportunities for a successful NHL franchise.“Each city brings unique attributes that would make a new team a huge success — both have the infrastructure, passionate fan bases, and economic strength needed to support a championship-caliber franchise for years to come,” the family said.The group said it has long been interested in bringing another NHL team to Texas and will now begin a thorough evaluation process to determine the franchise’s future home.“We have wanted for some time to bring an NHL team to Texas, and we are excited that the process has now begun,” the statement said. “Selecting a new market for an NHL franchise is a special and important responsibility, and we are grateful to the league for their faith in us and their support.”If Houston is ultimately selected, it would become the second NHL market in Texas alongside the Dallas Stars. Houston has previously been linked to NHL expansion and relocation discussions due to its large population, corporate presence and existing arena infrastructure at the Toyota Center. The city’s hockey history includes the Houston Aeros, who competed in two minor and development hockey leagues from 1994 to 2013.No timeline has been announced for a final decision between Houston and Austin, but Tuesday’s announcement marks the most significant step yet toward bringing NHL hockey to another Texas city.A report from ESPN contributed to this article. Read their full article here.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/news-2/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton, Randy McIlvoy","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:58:16.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWYDGUYHTUFD45PVHR4VGYXVZH4.jpg","slug":"houston-austin-in-consideration-for-nhl-expansion-franchise"},{"id":"ntou5r","title":"Trump administration touts Iran deal as a payday for US farmers, but Iran denies it","excerpt":"U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance say their interim deal to end the war with Iran will deliver a financial windfall to American farmers.But the Iranians deny it. And in the absence of more details, sanctions experts are flummoxed over exactly how billions of dollars’ worth o...","content":"U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance say their interim deal to end the war with Iran will deliver a financial windfall to American farmers.But the Iranians deny it. And in the absence of more details, sanctions experts are flummoxed over exactly how billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian assets would make their way to the American heartland from the escrow accounts where they’ve been locked for years by U.S. sanctions.A tentative agreement reached last week would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas once passed, and allow Iran to start selling its oil freely again during a 60-day period when the two countries will continue negotiating key issues. The memorandum of understanding also promised to unfreeze Iranian assets.Trump’s deal has come under fire for failing to address the reasons the president cited for going to war with Iran on Feb. 28, including curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, its missile program and its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.Lashing back at critics Tuesday on his Truth Social media platform, Trump said U.S. farmers would get a payday: The U.S. Treasury Department, he wrote, would release the Iranian assets “into escrow, controlled by the U.S.A., and will be used for the purchase of food and medical supplies, exclusively from the United States, including Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans from our great American farmers. These are things that are desperately needed by Iran.’’Vance, who spoke about the proposal after high-level talks in Switzerland, and Trump say that any frozen funds and assets held outside of Iran will be used to buy U.S. crops.But the Iranians deny that's part of the deal. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said any agricultural purchases would be based on “prices and quality,’’ not terms dictated by Washington.“It is interesting that the philosophy and goal of the war, which was the destruction of the Iranian civilization and the collapse of Iran, has become enriching American farmers,” Baghaei said.Iran’s ambassador in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, rejected Vance’s contention that the U.S. and Qatar would dictate how Iran uses unfrozen funds. “Iran is the only country who decides what to do with those assets,” he told reporters.A U.S. official dismissed the contradiction, asserting that Iranian leaders were speaking to their domestic audience. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record.Joseph Glauber, a research fellow emeritus at the International Food Policy Research Institute, said Iran was unlikely to abandon its other trade partners on food.Iran’s major suppliers include Brazil, India, Turkey, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Argentina, he said. Trump’s demand to buy from the U.S. would “create some hard feelings with some of our competitors.”Under previous sanctions, the U.S. has required that money foreign countries spend on imports from Iran — such as South Korean purchases of oil and Iraqi purchases of Iranian electricity — be locked in escrow accounts and typically released only if the Treasury approves and if the proceeds go toward “non-sanctionable’’ items such as food and medicine.On Monday, the U.S. Treasury approved the sale of Iranian oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products through Aug. 21. It did not mention any escrow accounts.Richard Goldberg of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who coordinated efforts to put diplomatic pressure on Iran in the first Trump administration, said in a post on X that he would welcome “a clarification that Iran is actually restricted to only buying U.S. agricultural products.”Richard Nephew, senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, said it’s unclear what the new U.S.-Iran agreement actually means for releasing restricted Iranian assets.Could the U.S. require that the assets be used to buy American farm products?“Well, we can try!’’ Nephew, who helped design Iran sanctions in the Obama and Biden administrations, said by email. “All you really need to do is to tell a foreign bank that they can move the money but only to a U.S. bank to buy soybeans or whatever.\"Banks do not have to comply, he said. If they refuse, the U.S. could sanction them as well.But it's rare for the U.S. to conduct itself that way, he added, “in part because we don’t usually like to give the impression that we treat national security issues as a cash grab.”___Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/trump-administration-touts-iran-deal-as-a-payday-for-us-farmers-but-iran-denies-it/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Paul Wiseman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:14:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FG5SGG6ZNAVCIVGUT4TJBSULBLY.jpg","slug":"trump-administration-touts-iran-deal-as-a-payday-for-us-farmers-but-iran-denies-it"},{"id":"fqidz6","title":"Houston woman added to FBI's most wanted fraudster list, accused of nearly $100 million in healthcare fraud, bureau officials say","excerpt":"FBI Houston said the Houston woman is accused of committing nearly $100 million in health care fraud through a medically unnecessary genetic testing and kickback scheme.","content":"FBI Houston said the Houston woman is accused of committing nearly $100 million in health care fraud through a medically unnecessary genetic testing and kickback scheme.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/houston-woman-added-fbis-most-wanted-fraudster-list-accused-100-million-healthcare-fraud-bureau-officials-say/19364390/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:08:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19364379_emylee-thai-mugshot-fbi-wanted-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"houston-woman-added-to-fbis-most-wanted-fraudster-list-accused-of-nearly-100-million-in-healthcare-f"},{"id":"rvmcwu","title":"9 large buckets of illegally harvested oysters recovered in Brazoria County, Texas Game Wardens say","excerpt":"Multiple charges were filed after nine large buckets of illegally harvested oysters were recovered in Brazoria County, the Texas Game Wardens said.","content":"Multiple charges were filed after nine large buckets of illegally harvested oysters were recovered in Brazoria County, the Texas Game Wardens said.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/multiple-charges-issued-9-large-buckets-illegally-harvested-oysters-recovered-brazoria-county-texas-game-wardens-say/19364868/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:02:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19364771_oysters-harvested-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"9-large-buckets-of-illegally-harvested-oysters-recovered-in-brazoria-county-texas-game-wardens-say"},{"id":"704ga9","title":"California intends to sue Trump administration over deal to end offshore wind project","excerpt":"California intends to sue the Trump administration over its deal to end an offshore wind project proposed off the state's central coast.State officials said they are combating the administration's attacks on their offshore wind industry by sending a notice of their intention to sue to the Departm...","content":"California intends to sue the Trump administration over its deal to end an offshore wind project proposed off the state's central coast.State officials said they are combating the administration's attacks on their offshore wind industry by sending a notice of their intention to sue to the Department of the Interior on Tuesday. Tuesday’s action is focused on the administration buying back the lease for Golden State Wind, a floating offshore wind project off California’s central coast.California has made a major commitment to offshore wind because of its potential to generate vast amounts of clean electricity from strong, consistent winds off its coast. Its strategy calls for the state to develop 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045, enough to power roughly 25 million homes and provide about 13% of the state’s electricity supply. These energy and climate goals are now in jeopardy, and that's why California will fight vigorously, said California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild. He called the administration's strategy of buying back offshore wind leases “a strategic mistake of colossal proportions\" that is especially stunning at a time when fossil fuel prices have been spiking due to the Iran war. “Countries that thrive around the world are those that lean into innovation, into the energy sources of the future,” he said in an interview on Tuesday. “And so to turn away from this, and turn back the clock, and really engage in what I consider to be a war on innovation, is really ill-considered. And I think it’s a decision that’s not just bad for California, it’s bad for the nation.” Trump administration favors fossil fuels over wind President Donald Trump has said he’s boosting fossil fuels to unleash America’s affordable and reliable energy, and he frequently talks about his hatred of wind power. The Interior Department started buying back offshore wind leases after federal courts thwarted Trump’s efforts to stop offshore wind development through executive action. In exchange for reimbursements of lease fees, companies are investing in fossil fuel projects and geothermal energy. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said last week that “under President Trump, companies are shifting investment back toward dependable, secure energy infrastructure that can power our economy and lower utility costs.” A total of five federal leases off California's coastline have been awarded to energy developers. Two are being canceled through deals with the Interior Department: Golden State Wind and another floating project off California’s central coast by Chicago-based Invenergy. The state says it also issued an administrative investigative subpoena on Tuesday to Invenergy, which accepted a $765 million deal last week to terminate its offshore wind leases.California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that the state won’t stand idly by as the Trump administration “illegally strikes deals to kill offshore wind projects and replace them with more windfalls for his fossil fuel friends.”Eight offshore wind projects have been stopped so far The total amount spent on these agreements is nearly $2.6 billion. Under the first deal announced in March, French company TotalEnergies is getting nearly $1 billion — essentially a refund of its two offshore wind leases — if it invests the money in fossil fuels instead. Those leases were off the coasts of North Carolina and New York. New York is leading a lawsuit challenging the TotalEnergies agreement and Democrats in Congress are investigating it. Golden State Wind and Bluepoint Wind agreed in April to end their leases. Bluepoint Wind was an offshore wind farm in the early stages of development off the coasts of New Jersey and New York.Golden State Wind is a joint venture by Ocean Winds and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Under its agreement, Golden State Wind can recover about $120 million in lease fees after the same amount is invested in oil and gas assets, infrastructure or projects along the Gulf Coast, Interior said. Michael Brown, CEO of Ocean Winds North America, said in April that the deal provided “clarity” for the company and its investors.Hochschild and Bonta say that Interior illegally reallocated federal taxpayer dollars to pay Golden State Wind to abandon its offshore wind energy lease and invest an equal amount in out-of-state fossil fuel projects, which will do nothing to support California’s energy economy. They also say California has invested more than $100 million over the past decade to ready its ports, transmission systems and industries to support offshore wind generation, and those investments may be lost if the Trump administration successfully halts offshore wind development. California plans to sue in 60 days if the situation isn't rectified.___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/california-intends-to-sue-trump-administration-over-deal-to-end-offshore-wind-project/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Mcdermott, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:26:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTVRDRTXYWBDB5AXHISZNY75WBQ.jpg","slug":"california-intends-to-sue-trump-administration-over-deal-to-end-offshore-wind-project"},{"id":"tqlbto","title":"Overturned 18-wheeler releases at least 24 million honeybees, forcing Texas neighborhood lockdown","excerpt":"A Texas neighborhood was placed on lockdown after an 18-wheeler carrying up to 24 million honeybees overturned, unleashing massive swarms across the area, authorities said.","content":"A Texas neighborhood was placed on lockdown after an 18-wheeler carrying up to 24 million honeybees overturned, unleashing massive swarms across the area, authorities said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/overturned-18-wheeler-releases-least-24-million-honeybees-forcing-texas-neighborhood-lockdown","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:27:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fmillions-of-bees-in-tx-from-queen-bee-supply-llc-5.jpg","slug":"overturned-18-wheeler-releases-at-least-24-million-honeybees-forcing-texas-neighborhood-lockdown"},{"id":"tcp5vw","title":"France records its hottest day ever as Europe withers in early heat wave","excerpt":"France recorded its hottest day ever Tuesday as an early heat wave gripped Europe, prompting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting hours and disrupting school and transportation schedules in multiple countries.Punishing temperatures extended to the United Kingdom and Spain, ...","content":"France recorded its hottest day ever Tuesday as an early heat wave gripped Europe, prompting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting hours and disrupting school and transportation schedules in multiple countries.Punishing temperatures extended to the United Kingdom and Spain, where weather agencies issued red alerts — like France — about the risks of extreme heat for tens of millions of people.The record of 29.8 C (85.6 F) for France’s national thermal indicator — an average of temperatures measured at 30 weather stations — was only the latest in a series of never-before-registered highs heaped on Europe's largest country. The conditions were likely to persist at least until the weekend.“Further record-breaking temperatures are expected, including some that could surpass all previous records, regardless of the time of year,” the Meteo France weather service said.France's previous hottest days were recorded during heat waves of August 2003 and July 2019, with an average temperature of 29.4 C (84.9 F).Temperature records also tumbled at individual weather stations and on consecutive days in some towns as daytime highs climbed well above 40 C (104 F), Meteo France said.In the French capital, Gin Dujardin said the heat forced him to halt his work fixing roofs, which in Paris often have galvanized zinc coverings.“It’s very, very hard because the zinc is very hot. The welds don’t hold,” he said. “It’s Dubai temperatures. It’s impossible.”France has recorded 40 fatalities from drowning in the past week as people seek relief in rivers and other bodies of water, despite authorities' warnings about unsupervised swimming. Most of the drownings involved young people, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said.Meteo France said the heat wave has reached what it described as a “plateau of severity,” with unrelenting heat, day and night. A growing number of regions will tip into the red again Wednesday as the heat spreads across more than half of the country, including the northernmost tip of France, the weather service said.Human-caused climate change is tied to increasingly extreme weather, and U.N. climate agency projections say the next five years are likely to shatter more heat records.The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower close earlyIn a country without widespread air conditioning, schools, public transportation and sporting events have been affected. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower closed in the afternoon instead of late at night, as it usually does. The Louvre museum said it would close two hours earlier than normal from Wednesday through Saturday.“Although parts of its historic building are naturally resilient, the museum remains vulnerable and is not sufficiently adapted to climate change,” Louvre officials said. “Heat buildup is greatest toward the end of the day and is further intensified by high visitor numbers.”This heat wave, coming early in the summer, has already been compared to the August 2003 heat wave that roasted France with the highest temperatures in over half a century. It caused an estimated 15,000 deaths, many of them among older people in apartments and retirement homes without air conditioning.Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Over the last four years, more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes, and most of those deaths were preventable, the World Health Organization’s Europe office said this month.The above-average temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.Rail systems are strained by high temperaturesHundreds of British schools planned to close or close early this week because of the heat, while many train services were reduced to avoid heat-related problems on the rail lines.The Met Office, the U.K. weather agency, issued a heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with forecasts suggesting June’s all-time daily temperature record could be broken.Temperatures of around 37 degrees C (98.6 F) are expected in southern England, with up to 35 C (95 F) in southeast Wales. The peak of the heat wave is now forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when highs could reach 39 C (102.2 F) in London or southern England.Conditions are expected to ease by Friday, the Met Office said.On Tuesday, multiple U.K. train operators, including the express train serving London Gatwick Airport, said they were canceling or reducing services. Railway operators urged people to travel only if \"absolutely necessary” on Wednesday and Thursday.Heat waves could become more frequent and longerFurther south, Spain faced a heat wave across parts of the Iberian Peninsula.Spain’s national weather service, Aemet, issued red alerts Tuesday for temperatures of 44 C (111 F) in southern Andalusia as well as warnings of thermometers hitting 40 C (104 F) in the normally temperate Cantabria and the Basque Country regions along the country's northern Atlantic coast.Aemet meteorologist Rubén del Campo said Spain, which has experienced increasingly torrid summers, is only going to get hotter because of climate change as heat waves become more frequent, longer and occur outside the traditional window of July and August.Of the dozen heat waves Aemet has recorded in June since it started tracking them in 1975, half have occurred since 2015, del Campo said.Human-driven climate change is heating up the atmosphere, both above Spain and in the surrounding sea waters, he said.Copernicus, the EU weather monitoring agency, found that in Europe and globally, 2024 was the hottest year on record, and the continent experienced its second-highest number of “heat stress” days.Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, especially in southeastern Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health impacts and wildfires.___Associated Press journalists John Leicester in Paris, Sylvia Hui in London and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/a-red-alert-over-france-and-heat-that-may-rewrite-the-record-books/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T07:36:43.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWYSI4W5JYZBKXD7KI3K3MHLZZE.jpg","slug":"france-records-its-hottest-day-ever-as-europe-withers-in-early-heat-wave"},{"id":"rh19ks","title":"Former Harris County jailer sentenced, loses license after handcuff assault on inmate","excerpt":"Former Harris County corrections officer Jaylin Sherman has been sentenced to a probated jail term and stripped of her TCOLE license after being convicted of striking an inmate with handcuffs.","content":"Former Harris County corrections officer Jaylin Sherman has been sentenced to a probated jail term and stripped of her TCOLE license after being convicted of striking an inmate with handcuffs.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/former-harris-county-jailer-sentenced-loses-license-after-handcuff-assault-inmate","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Sherman.Desselle@fox.com (Sherman Desselle)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T01:21:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fjailer.jpg","slug":"former-harris-county-jailer-sentenced-loses-license-after-handcuff-assault-on-inmate"},{"id":"gkmx8h","title":"Federal officials plan to offload some warehouses purchased for immigrant detention","excerpt":"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is retreating from a plan to use warehouses to hold up to 10,000 people on a single site, jettisoning a key piece of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s $38-billion plan to rapidly expand detention capacity this year. The federal government, w...","content":"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is retreating from a plan to use warehouses to hold up to 10,000 people on a single site, jettisoning a key piece of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s $38-billion plan to rapidly expand detention capacity this year. The federal government, which was sued by Michigan and a Detroit suburb, informed a judge Monday that a warehouse purchased in Romulus will be sold. Plans also are unraveling in Social Circle, Georgia, and the El Paso suburb of Socorro, local officials said.The three cities are among 11 where the federal government spent a combined $1.074 billion on warehouses. The New York Times first reported last week that federal immigration officials now plan to get rid of seven of the 11 warehouses — either giving them to other federal agencies or selling them outright. DHS didn't confirm the reports but said in a statement that it is \"moving swiftly to utilize EXISTING detention space with our state and county partners.” Pushback to warehouse purchases was immediate“Wildly foolhardy\" is how Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former ICE official under the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations described the plans to convert the buildings into immigrant detention. One issue was that Noem’s purchases were largely carried out of public view and angered communities that were caught by surprise. Some only learned about ICE’s ambitions after the agency bought or leased space for detainees.After Noem was fired, her replacement, Markwayne Mullin, quickly paused the purchase of new warehouses. Objections came from Republicans and Democrats alike Some were opposed on moral grounds to ICE’s presence in their neighborhoods, while others questioned whether the facilities would be a drain on local resources, such as sewer and water systems. Seven federal lawsuits were filed, and regulatory roadblocks created hassles elsewhere. Meanwhile, questions about how much DHS paid for some warehouses triggered an internal audit. The agency shelled out double what the New Jersey warehouse was valued at in tax records and nearly five times more than the assessed value of the Social Circle warehouse.Trickler-McNulty, the former ICE official, said ICE does have a few facilities that it owns that it inherited from its predecessor agency, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, but generally ICE has contracted out its detention needs.“Facilities over 2,000 people just break down. It’s very hard to run a very big facility, to keep it staffed, to keep all of it moving,” she said. Former head of plumbing business takes over for NoemMullin, who took over and expanded his family’s plumbing business before representing Oklahoma in the U.S House and Senate, acknowledged there had been issues at his confirmation hearing. He noted that most municipalities don’t have the capacity in their infrastructure for waste and water.Indeed the water issues were such a challenge that a federal lawsuit filed over the Salt Lake City warehouse, the costliest purchased at $145.4 million, said ICE officials told the mayor that they might need to truck water and sewage from the facility as an “interim solution.” Plans begin to unravelThe New York Times story, which cited internal documents that the newspaper obtained, said the Salt Lake City warehouse is among those that federal immigration officials plans to hand off or sell. Also on the list is the Romulus warehouse, as well as one in New Jersey and two each in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said it would have been an “abomination\" if the 249,000-square-foot Romulus warehouse was transformed into immigrant detention, as was planned when it was purchased for $34.7 million, “The ICE warehouse proposal was every bit as ill-conceived as it was cruel and unnecessary, and I am relieved that this chapter is coming to a close,” Nessel, a Democrat, said.Social Circle, Georgia, announced last week in a statement that it has received notification from U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican, that the Department of Homeland Security is no longer pursuing an ICE detention facility there. Meanwhile, acting ICE Director David Venturella told officials in the El Paso area during a visit there earlier this month that the agency has changed its plans for three warehouses it purchased in nearby Socorro for $122 million, said Rep. Veronica Escobar, who was present for the visit. Escobar, a Democrat who represents El Paso, said during a news conference that ICE no longer plans to detain up to 8,500 immigrants in the facilities as originally envisioned, and instead will convert the property into an ICE campus, she said. The site will include an unspecified smaller number of detainees but also ICE offices and training space, she said.Frustrations persist as communities seek detailsHowever, many of the communities remained frustrated, as they struggled to get information about possible sales.In Pennsylvania, state and local officials said Tuesday that they hadn’t received any new information from DHS about two warehouses bought earlier this year by the department. Both are being held up by the state’s denial of permits over concerns that drinking water and sewer service are inadequate to handle thousands of inhabitants.U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, whose district includes both warehouses, said he met Friday with DHS personnel, but that the agency hadn’t made a decision whether to use them as detention centers or sell them.In Georgia, the city manager in Oakwood, said Tuesday he is talking to his state congressional delegation, trying to confirm rumors that a warehouse there will be sold. “I have not heard anything yet,” B.R. White said. Work appears to continue on other warehousesIn Maryland, where a judge extended a stoppage on transforming a sprawling warehouse into a processing facility for immigrants, ICE is currently collecting public comments about the environmental impacts of the facility. And an announcement earlier this month disclosed more details on plans for the facility, including six secure recreation yards. Patrick Dattilio, the founder of Hagerstown Rapid Response, which formed in opposition to housing ICE detainees in the warehouse, said there has been little communication outside of the lawsuit. But he remains committed to keeping it from opening.“It’s a big warehouse,\" Dattilio said. “It’s not meant for people.”___ Associated Press writers Marc Levy and Ed White contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/federal-officials-plan-to-offload-some-warehouses-purchased-for-immigrant-detention/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Heather Hollingsworth, Ryan Foley And Rebecca Santana, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:26:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCZINRZSXRFEMBPZUCSOXHABBXE.jpg","slug":"federal-officials-plan-to-offload-some-warehouses-purchased-for-immigrant-detention"},{"id":"h7qekl","title":"National Hockey League seeking expansion in Houston and Austin as potential targets","excerpt":"The expansion will be discussed at the NHL board of governors meeting in New York this week.","content":"The expansion will be discussed at the NHL board of governors meeting in New York this week.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/texas-hockey-news-nhl-looking-expand-franchises-houston-austin-potential-targets/19364778/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ESPN","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:43:01.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F16063480_ADOBE-STOCK-HOCKEY.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"national-hockey-league-seeking-expansion-in-houston-and-austin-as-potential-targets"},{"id":"xsj808","title":"NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons","excerpt":"Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enro...","content":"Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.The Division I Cabinet unanimously approved the change from the longstanding tenet of college sports that gave athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition with their eligibility clock starting at the time of enrollment, regardless of age.The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, maternity leave or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes who are injured.“While previous NCAA rules have served college sports well for a long time, we heard also loud and clear from NCAA members and student-athletes that eligibility rules should be easier to understand,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said. The NCAA believes the age-based model will make rules easier to administer and help make roster management more predictable for coaches.“I think this new rule is one of the most sensible things the NCAA has ever done, and it will absolutely eliminate the type of eligibility litigation that’s predominated lately,” said attorney Tom Mars, who represented Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss in his successful quest for an additional year of eligibility in a case that went to the Mississippi Supreme Court.Mars added, “Let me put it in bottom-line language: There’s no way somebody could file an eligibility case based on a medical waiver now with the new rule. Can’t be done. You can file it, I guess, but it will be immediately dismissed.”The rules, which will become official when the Cabinet adjourns its meetings on Wednesday, are set to take effect this fall. Division I includes more than 350 schools, some 200,000 athletes and, with football and basketball leading the way, is by far the most lucrative of the three in the NCAA.The five-in-five language also is included in Senate legislation intended to address numerous concerns across college sports and comes after a wave of lawsuits from athletes seeking to extend their college careers and ability to earn money through revenue sharing and name, image and likeness deals. Still to be seen is whether the new rules will withstand legal scrutiny alongside the existing challenges.Heisman Trophy runner-up and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia remains the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging an NCAA rule counting seasons spent at junior colleges against players’ Division I eligibility time. That case is slated for trial in February.“I wouldn’t say that the rule change itself will slow lawsuits down,” said Sam Ehrlich, a Boise State assistant professor of legal studies in business and management who tracks litigation against the NCAA.Ehrlich said athletes very well could continue to petition courts for extended eligibility based on antitrust arguments, but appellate courts recently have delivered wins for the NCAA by overturning preliminary injunctions in several cases.The new eligibility model will affect all athletes who enroll in 2027-28. Currently enrolled athletes with eligibility after the 2025-26 academic year, and those who are incoming freshmen this fall, can apply the age-based model or continue under previous eligibility rules. It would be advantageous this year for some incoming freshman hockey players to use the traditional model if they are coming from the junior ranks and are 20, as is common in the sport. For schools with current athletes who may be eligible for hardship waivers or extensions of eligibility under current rules, the D-I Cabinet indicated the deadline to submit requests to the NCAA is July 31. After that date, waivers would no longer be available.Ryan Downton, the attorney for Pavia in his case against the NCAA that won him a sixth year of eligibility last season, said he was happy to see athletes allowed five seasons of competition. But he said it was likely that high school class of 2022 athletes who are now cut off from further competition will go to court.“These athletes are still within their five-year eligibility window and spent their entire college careers competing against fifth- and sixth-year players due to the COVID waiver,” Downton wrote in an email to The Associated Press. \"We hope the courts will correct the unfairness of the NCAA’s ruling and allow class of 2022 players to play their fifth season in 2026-27.”Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, wrote in a text to the AP that he had not seen the final language that was adopted but that the rule's “general structure that has been discussed is within reason.”“But it's important for athletes to have an opportunity to seek hardship waivers,” he wrote.___AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/ncaa-panel-approves-new-eligibility-rules-giving-division-i-athletes-5-years-to-play-5-seasons/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eric Olson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:26:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FE44G3BTXWBD4LB5GORYE7WZDSY.jpg","slug":"ncaa-panel-approves-new-eligibility-rules-giving-division-i-athletes-5-years-to-play-5-seasons"},{"id":"21e6go","title":"US slaps new sanctions on Cuban companies key to island's crumbling economy","excerpt":"The U.S. hit Cuban state companies on Tuesday with new sanctions that analysts say are expected to spook foreign investors and deepen a severe economic crisis.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target five Cuban entities, including three linked to Grupo de Administración Empre...","content":"The U.S. hit Cuban state companies on Tuesday with new sanctions that analysts say are expected to spook foreign investors and deepen a severe economic crisis.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target five Cuban entities, including three linked to Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., a business conglomerate run by Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces. Best known as GAESA, it is believed to command nearly 40% of Cuba's gross domestic product. As of early 2024, it held $14.5 billion in liquid reserves.“The situation in Cuba is devolving as the island’s corrupt, brutal and anti-American Communist regime continues to prioritize its own total control over the freedom, opportunity and basic well-being of the Cuban people,” Rubio wrote on X.Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, accused “regime elites” of using GAESA to “steal the island’s few resources, diverting them for repression, anti-American subversion and spying instead of schools, power plants, and basic necessities for the Cuban people.”Bruno Rodríguez, Cuba's foreign affairs minister, rejected the sanctions, calling Rubio “dishonest and mendacious.”“Cuba has proven stronger, more capable, and more effective than he anticipated in the face of the ruthless aggression and collective punishment inflicted upon its people and their living conditions,\" he wrote on X. “What this individual is promoting from the world’s greatest power is a crime.”Cuba’s U.N. Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán accused Rubio of directing “a chorus of lies” featuring Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Republican.“No government, no rational person — and certainly not the people of Cuba who suffer from the economic impact of the U.S. economic war — can believe that the intensification of the blockade, the energy siege, and the rest of the most recent sanctions are aimed at supporting the Cuban people,” he said in a statement.Anyone who provides services to the targeted Cuban entities risks being sanctioned and cut off from the U.S. financial system.“By designating specific entities, they’re making it clear to foreign investors: ‘If your business in Cuba touches any of these folks, you risk being banned,’” said Michael Bustamante, a professor and chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami.“For most of these companies, it’s a bridge too far,” he said of the impact of the new sanctions.The 5 entities sanctioned are key to Cuba's economyAlmacenes Universales S.A., or AUSA, is among the entities sanctioned. As the government’s main logistics and warehousing company, it holds up Cuba's export and import system and is the main logistics operator at the port of Mariel, west of Havana. It’s also the main storage company used by the state, Cuba’s private sector and foreign investor partners.Last week, Cuba announced a series of economic reforms, including allowing the private sector to bypass the state when importing goods. But Bustamante said he doesn’t believe that measure is operational yet.If people or companies avoid doing business with the storage entities, he said, that could disrupt the flow of goods and lead to humanitarian consequences. Also sanctioned was Rafin S.A., which Bustamante described as a “very opaque” company that he believes operates as the corporate financial arm within GAESA. He said it’s not a bank but holds capital from the government and GAESA and may be a player in financial deals.“That would also seemingly throw more cold water on the foreign investors that are already there,” Bustamante said.The third GAESA-related entity that was sanctioned is Banco Financiero Internacional S.A., a commercial bank that Bustamante said serves as a key institution for foreign investors. “If you don’t have a bank where you can go as a foreign investor, it makes your operations logistically quite difficult, to put it mildly.”Max Meizlish, a former U.S. Treasury sanctions enforcement officer, said the bank was targeted because it's “a key nexus” for GAESA-related funds: \"This is significant.”Also sanctioned were Geominera S.A., a state-owned mining company, and Empresa Siderúrgica Jose Martí, which the U.S. described as Cuba’s largest raw steel producer.The final sanction was slapped against Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, daughter-in-law of former President Raúl Castro.Sanctions imposed days after sweeping economic reformsThe sanctions are the latest in a recent string that have targeted GAESA itself and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.“It’s very, very hard to suss out what’s going on here,” Bustamante said. “Is this setting the table for the great sale of Cuba state assets to the highest bidder or the lowest bidder?...Is this part of the recipe of a hostile takeover?”The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump keeps pressuring for a change in Cuba’s political and economic model, accusing the island of representing a threat to the U.S. because of its ties to U.S. adversaries. The Cuban government has repeatedly denied it’s a threat.Meanwhile, Cuba unveiled economic reforms last week that Bustamante described as “potentially the most significant liberalization of the Cuban economy in 60 years,\" though he said questions and doubts remain.On Tuesday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said the reforms “are modest, long overdue and ultimately superficial smoke signals from the Cuban regime. This is part of the dictatorship’s handbook: announce a cycle of supposed reforms to insinuate a desire for change, then quickly roll back any changes the moment the regime’s total control is at all threatened.”“The U.S. administration is going to continue applying pressure on the regime until the regime is a different beast entirely,” said Meizlish, a research fellow with the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.Cuba is already struggling with severe blackouts, food and water shortages and a crumbling healthcare system stemming in part from a U.S. energy blockade. In late January, Trump threatened tariffs against any country that sells or provides oil to the island, which depended heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American country.___Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.___Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/us-slaps-new-sanctions-on-cuban-companies-key-to-islands-crumbling-economy/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Dánica Coto, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:53:08.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F25NHWXY5NBGTZO6DDSIVY5AEQ4.jpg","slug":"us-slaps-new-sanctions-on-cuban-companies-key-to-islands-crumbling-economy"},{"id":"ctcxw","title":"Justice Department announces hundreds of charges in multi-billion-dollar healthcare fraud crackdown","excerpt":"The Justice Department announced criminal charges Tuesday against 455 people as part of a two-week healthcare fraud crackdown that officials say involved more than $6.5 billion in false claims submitted to insurers.Among those charged is a nurse practitioner accused in Texas of billing Medicare f...","content":"The Justice Department announced criminal charges Tuesday against 455 people as part of a two-week healthcare fraud crackdown that officials say involved more than $6.5 billion in false claims submitted to insurers.Among those charged is a nurse practitioner accused in Texas of billing Medicare for medically unnecessary wound-care procedures and using the proceeds for fancy jewelry and luxury cars; a mental health company owner who prosecutors say targeted the homeless by billing for crisis stabilization services they did not receive; and a hospice owner alleged to have paid kickbacks to a funeral home employee for information about deceased Medicare beneficiaries.A heart doctor, meanwhile, is charged in Florida in an $89 million healthcare fraud scheme, accused of billing insurers for medically unnecessary cardiovascular screening tests for college student-athletes and then rubber-stamping the results as normal without personally reviewing them.The doctor, Jason Finkelstein, 53, faces charges of healthcare fraud and conspiracy in what prosecutors describe as a yearslong scheme that preyed on the fears of athletes that they could die on playing fields or courts of sudden cardiac arrest. Athletes with no preexisting conditions who were concerned about being cleared to compete were administered tests they did not need and, in one case, a patient whose results were falsely certified as normal later died after his significant heart problems were undetected, the indictment says.Healthcare fraud has been a long-running Justice Department priority and news conferences announcing roundups and crackdowns have been common occurrences across the years. The Trump administration has made a point of emphasizing enforcement over the last year, including through the appointment of a new assistant attorney general, Colin McDonald, to help oversee healthcare fraud prosecutions at a Justice Department that operates multiple specialized task forces.“Today’s cases allege more than the theft of taxpayer dollars. Many allege the theft of human dignity,” McDonald said at a news conference announcing this year's crackdown, which covers cases charged or unsealed since June 8. “Our sick, needy and elderly placing their faith in the gift of medicine were neglected, ignored and used for personal profit,” The department says Finkelstein’s case, with allegations not only of unrendered services but also poor medical performance that put patients at risk, represents the type of sophisticated scheme prosecutors are striving to disrupt.A lawyer for Finkelstein, a Texas-based doctor who pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in Florida on Monday, did not return messages seeking comment.The alleged fraud ran between 2019 and the end of last year and, prosecutors say, involved Finkelstein and a pair of unidentified co-conspirators at a Florida-based cardiovascular testing and treatment practice where he served as medical directorOfficials say the scheme had multiple components, with Finkelstein and his company using what the indictment says were deceptive marketing tactics to encourage and offer free heart screens for students who did not need them and then certifying the results as normal without any review.The indictment quotes Finkelstein as telling an unnamed co-conspirator with whom he worked that “(t)hese kids could be high risk ...(o)ne of them drops dead on a field, they’re coming after both of us.”Finkelstein's co-conspirators blasted out emails to athletic trainers at colleges and universities stating that the tests being offered could identify any life-threatening condition that could prevent the students from playing, and also offered kickbacks and other inducements to school officials to refer potential patients for testing, according to the indictment.Insurance companies do not cover blanket cardiovascular testing but instead require a prior finding of a medical necessity. To avert that roadblock, prosecutors say, Finkelstein submitted to insurers phony diagnoses of conditions, such as elevated blood pressure and hypertension, that the athletes did not actually have. His company relied on sonographers who lacked the requisite credentials to travel to college campuses to perform the tests, and because Finkelstein was licensed in the 48 contiguous states, he and his company were able to submit claims for patients across the country, the indictment says.At the same time, prosecutors say, Finkelstein would certify cardiac test results as being normal without actually reviewing them. In one instance in 2024, according to the indictment, he signed off on approximately 63 test result images of one patient just 11 seconds after accessing them. The test results actually revealed a significantly enlarged heart and the teenage patient later died on the basketball court, officials said.“There is no way they could miss that, except they didn’t care,” said Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon by training and head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “This is not a diagnostic company. It’s a predatory scheme dressed up in medical clothing and we’re going to treat it as such.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/23/justice-department-announces-hundreds-of-charges-in-multi-billion-dollar-healthcare-fraud-crackdown/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Eric Tucker, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:34:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FK7R4RJZJPRAQ5NKLQLVRBLXDKI.jpg","slug":"justice-department-announces-hundreds-of-charges-in-multi-billion-dollar-healthcare-fraud-crackdown"},{"id":"ikdyre","title":"US and Iran dispute whether Tehran has agreed to nuclear inspections","excerpt":"The U.S. and Iran were in dispute Tuesday over whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites. As officials negotiated over how to permanently end the war in Iran, a separate plan emerged to break the shipping bottleneck through the Strait of Hormuz.The disagreement over...","content":"The U.S. and Iran were in dispute Tuesday over whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites. As officials negotiated over how to permanently end the war in Iran, a separate plan emerged to break the shipping bottleneck through the Strait of Hormuz.The disagreement over nuclear inspections came as Iran’s president met with Pakistani mediators and technical teams from the U.S. and Iran continued talks in Switzerland.A United Nations agency said Tuesday that a plan was underway to move stranded ships and their thousands of crew members through the strait — a vital passage for global energy supplies that Iran had blocked after the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28.Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, told reporters in Tehran that U.N. inspectors were not scheduled to examine nuclear sites bombed by the U.S. last year, rejecting comments made a day before by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that if Iran had not agreed to inspections, he would cut off talks with Tehran immediately. But he added there was no rush for those inspections to begin.The International Atomic Energy Agency has not responded to requests for comment over its possible role. It has been in and out of Iran since Israel’s 12-day war in 2025, but has not been granted access to bombed enrichment sites targeted by the U.S.Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though it has highly enriched uranium that could be used to build atomic bombs, should it choose to do so, the IAEA has said.The U.S. and Iran agreed to a deal last week that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium, and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country while giving each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements.Plan to evacuate stranded seafarers through Strait of Hormuz The plan to evacuate 11,000 crew members stranded on ships is being done in cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal states in the region, the United States and the maritime industry, according to the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez. “We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” he said in a statement.The organization said moving the ships will be done gradually to avoid any risk of collision.A shipping insurance executive cheered the development. “That can only be good news for all concerned,” said Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics for Marsh in London.But the uneasy ceasefire already has been tested by Iran saying it closed the strait again over fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Violence again broke out in Lebanon Tuesday.The U.S. has said that negotiators have discussed “mechanisms” to ensure that the strait remains open. Ship traffic is increasing but questions remain about who controls the passageway. Data and analytics company Kpler confirmed 39 ships crossed through the strait Monday, after about 92 crossings between Friday and Sunday. Prior to the war, roughly 100 ships a day made the journey.Two U.S. aircraft carriers were continuing to operate in the Middle East, the U.S. military’s Central Command said.Iran's president makes his first visit to Islamabad since the war startedIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday discussed a range of issues, including regional peace and economic cooperation, according to a statement from the presidency in Islamabad.It was the Iranian president's first visit since the U.S. and Israel launched war on Iran. He said during a news conference after their meeting that there was no mention of Iran’s missile program in the memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran.“If it was not for Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been plundered and destroyed,” Pezeshkian said, vowing to “never compromise or negotiate our missile capabilities.”Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif afterward said he will attend the Tehran funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the war's opening airstrikes.Iran says negotiations focused on sanctions relief, nuclear issues and moreAt the start of a 60-day window to reach a permanent deal to end the war, Iran and the U.S. agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to address the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Iran said the talks in Switzerland led to the creation of negotiation groups focused on sanctions relief, nuclear issues, reconstruction, and monitoring, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The report quoted Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister leading the talks there, as saying the countries also formed a way to discuss ships moving through Hormuz.In southern Lebanon Tuesday, Israeli soldiers opened fire and killed two people. That followed two days of calm after a ceasefire brokered Saturday. Any renewal of heavy fighting could threaten the broader diplomatic talks, since Iran has demanded that a full truce in Lebanon be part of any comprehensive deal.Israel occupies part of Lebanon and insists it must be able to attack militants launching attacks into northern Israel.The Israeli military said troops fired at four Hezbollah members who were riding a bulldozer and a motorcycle and had entered a security zone and failed to stop despite warning shots. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the two men were killed next to a bulldozer clearing a road.No Israeli airstrikes or shelling have been reported since Sunday and Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks in what has been the longest halt in the fighting since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war erupted in March.Netanyahu raises new questions over fragile Lebanon ceasefireIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that his military still has “full freedom of action\" in Lebanon to thwart any threats.Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the U.S.-Iran deal. Netanyahu has vowed to keep his forces in southern Lebanon until threats to Israel are eliminated. Hezbollah has refused to halt attacks unless Israel commits to withdrawing.When asked about Netanyahu’s comments, Trump said “we’re going to take a look at it,” adding that the situation would “get solved.”The main highway leading south from Beirut was jammed Tuesday with people displaced from southern Lebanon returning to their homes. Among them was Hawraa Nour El-Din, from the village of Khirbet Selm.“We don’t want the negotiations done by the government,” she said. “We want Iran to negotiate on our behalf, and we are returning victorious, whether everyone likes it or not.”In Washington, the State Department said a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks began on Tuesday with both political and security issues on the agenda. ___Rising reported from Bangkok and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Josh Boak, Matthew Lee in Washington, Mae Anderson in New York, and Seung Min Kim in Reading, Pennsylvania contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/irans-foreign-ministry-says-no-visit-scheduled-for-un-inspectors-to-visit-bombed-nuclear-sites/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T07:50:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FHSY4F6I33ZGFHGC2EPAOFNCNRU.jpg","slug":"us-and-iran-dispute-whether-tehran-has-agreed-to-nuclear-inspections"},{"id":"9doi8g","title":"Former Oklahoma death row inmate has a new trial set for a 1997 killing of motel owner","excerpt":"A new murder trial has been set for a former Oklahoma death row inmate who was on the brink of being executed multiple times during the three decades he spent in prison for the 1997 killing of his former boss.The Supreme Court overturned Richard Glossip's conviction in 2025, and a state judge rel...","content":"A new murder trial has been set for a former Oklahoma death row inmate who was on the brink of being executed multiple times during the three decades he spent in prison for the 1997 killing of his former boss.The Supreme Court overturned Richard Glossip's conviction in 2025, and a state judge released the man on bond last month.His attorneys had asked the same judge to consider whether there is enough evidence to retry him, but after a hearing Tuesday, the judge ruled that a new trial would start Sept. 28.Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond had pledged to retry Glossip for first-degree murder, but is not pursuing the death penalty again.“We are pleased with the ruling,” a spokesperson, Leslie Berger, said in an email.Glossip's attorney, Don Knight, declined to comment.Glossip had been sentenced to death for the January 1997 killing in Oklahoma City of motel owner Barry Van Treese, his former boss. Van Treese was beaten with a baseball bat in what prosecutors have alleged was a murder-for-hire scheme.Prosecutors accused Glossip of setting up Van Treese's murder, and a co-defendant, Justin Sneed, agreed to testify against Glossip to avoid the death penalty himself. Sneed was the only witness linking Glossip directly to the crime.But the Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors allowed Sneed to give testimony about his mental health history that they knew was false, and said it violated Glossip's constitutional right to a fair trial. Drummond agreed that Glossip should get a new trial.Glossip has maintained his innocence and has drawn support from Kim Kardashian and other prominent figures. Van Treese’s family had asked the Supreme Court to leave Glossip’s conviction and sentence intact.During Glossip's time on death row, Oklahoma courts set nine different execution dates for him. He came so close to being put to death that he ate three separate last meals.Each time, he was spared because of questions about Oklahoma's planned procedures for lethal injection. In 2015, he was even held in a cell next to Oklahoma’s execution chamber, waiting to be strapped to a gurney and die by lethal injection, when the state's governor put executions on hold to review its execution protocols.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/23/former-oklahoma-death-row-inmate-back-in-court-as-case-proceeds-to-retrial-in-1997-murder-case/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:00:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FVRIAFYK6FRDVTPA22LXLLPPY3U.jpg","slug":"former-oklahoma-death-row-inmate-has-a-new-trial-set-for-a-1997-killing-of-motel-owner"},{"id":"8esg18","title":"Bald eagle released near Houston after three months of medical care following injury","excerpt":"The eagle was found with a traumatic head injury in March near the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in Anahuac.","content":"The eagle was found with a traumatic head injury in March near the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in Anahuac.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/animals/2026/06/19/555034/bald-eagle-houston-spca-wildlife-refuge-anuhuac-texas/?utm_source=rss-animals-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Kyle McClenagan","publishDate":"2026-06-19T17:20:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19111433%2FcmuAxcoA-1-450x276.jpeg","slug":"bald-eagle-released-near-houston-after-three-months-of-medical-care-following-injury"},{"id":"5qi4hb","title":"Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations","excerpt":"Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...","content":"Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking how the parasitic fly landed here to begin with. Last week, the Texas Animal Health Commission identified a potential cause: small wildlife and rodents like armadillos, opossums and rabbits.Until now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has pointed to multiple factors, including border policies under President Joe Biden to the illicit movement of cattle at the hands of drug cartels.The new finding is based on conversations with entomologists, Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, told the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock. However, the source of the first case of New World Screwworm remains under investigation, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Other health experts say it’s still undetermined what allowed the invasive pest to finally breach the Texas-Mexico border.Tracing the sourceDuring last week’s committee hearing, Dinges said epidemiological investigators have found no evidence so far linking Texas cases to the illicit movement of cattle from Mexico.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said it is still investigating to determine how screwworm spread.“That’s very much an unknown, still, at this time. But wildlife is susceptible to New World Screwworm in the same manner that livestock and other warm-blooded animals are,” said a spokesperson for Texas Parks and Wildlife.However, the spokesperson added that small mammals don’t travel long distances such as the distance between the last known detection in Mexico at the time to the location of the first case in Texas, which was detected in LaPryor on June 3.Moving northThe USDA has repeatedly mentioned that models predicted that screwworm would inevitably arrive in the U.S. after the parasitic fly began moving north from South America in 2023.The pest began trickling up through Panama after it broke through the Darien Gap, which had served as a barrier for screwworm for decades.It then slowly moved through Costa Rica until it reached Nicaragua where it traveled quickly, said Jeremy Radachowsky, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean regional director for the Wildlife Conservation Society.“Not only was it moving very quickly, but it was moving exactly along these paths of cattle trafficking and cattle contraband that we’ve been able to identify earlier,” Radachowsky said.Screwworm detections followed those cattle-trafficking paths into Honduras and Guatemala. A few weeks later, Mexican officials detected their first case in November 2024. Screwworm was predicted to have arrived in the U.S. last summer, USDA officials said, but efforts to stop it delayed it for a year. “We’ve been actively and vocally warning that in order to stop screwworm, you have to stop this illegal and unregulated movement of cattle from south to north,” Radachowsky said. “That is definitely the driver.”But how it crossed from Mexico into the U.S. remains unclear, he said.The USDA closed all southern ports of entry to livestock imports from Mexico in May 2025 and have kept them closed since then, preventing cattle from legally crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.The Wildlife Conservation Society does not have clear information on how screwworm crossed into Texas, Radachowsky said, but noted that it can infest and travel with other warm-blooded animals like pets and wildlife.“At the Texas-Mexico border, you’ve got feral pigs, white tailed deer, other wildlife, basically moving back and forth as well,” he said.The unknownThere are 13 active cases of New World Screwworm in Texas as of Tuesday. An average of 15 suspected cases are reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission every day, Dinges said during the committee hearing last week.\n\nState Rep. Ryan Guillen, a Republican from Rio Grande City who chairs the committee, asked whether it would be logical to assume there are more cases between the Texas-Mexico border and the location of the confirmed infestations that just haven’t been reported.\nDinges replied that testing for screwworm has been ongoing for over a year and cases had not been detected until now.\n“We’ve been submitting anywhere from two to six larvae samples a week since last May and we have not detected any New World Screwworm larvae until June 3,” Dinges said.Despite those assurances, farmers and ranchers throughout Texas are operating under the assumption that screwworm is present in their area.“There’s just so much country that’s unsurveilled,” said John Sewell, a rancher from Kinney and Uvalde County said during the hearing. “I’m in between two — one south of me and one north of me. Do I think I don’t have it? I would be a fool to think I didn’t have it.”Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/23/texas-officials-say-rodents-and-other-small-wildlife-could-be-to-blame-for-new-world-screwworm-infestations/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:47:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOG3T7BS2BNFCXDFBBZG6W2OMB4.jpg","slug":"texas-officials-say-rodents-and-other-small-wildlife-could-be-to-blame-for-new-world-screwworm-infes"},{"id":"qmw59o","title":"Woman hospitalized after stabbing at METRO light rail platform, police say","excerpt":"A woman was sent to a hospital after being stabbed at a METRO light rail platform on Monday afternoon, according to METRO police.","content":"A woman was sent to a hospital after being stabbed at a METRO light rail platform on Monday afternoon, according to METRO police.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/woman-hospitalized-stabbing-metro-light-rail-platform-cavalcade-fulton-police-say/19355989/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:11:41.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19356036_062226-ktrk-cavalcade-stabbing-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"woman-hospitalized-after-stabbing-at-metro-light-rail-platform-police-say"},{"id":"log58x","title":"ESPN and Disney Jr. team up to help preschoolers discover the joy of sports!","excerpt":"Disney and ESPN are bringing back grants, sports clinics and Mickey-themed programming to help preschoolers stay active.","content":"Disney and ESPN are bringing back grants, sports clinics and Mickey-themed programming to help preschoolers stay active.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/disney-espn-expand-youth-sports-access-grantsclinicsand-mickey-programming/19364508/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:10:37.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19364507_062326-otrc-disneyjrletsplay-img.jpg","slug":"espn-and-disney-jr-team-up-to-help-preschoolers-discover-the-joy-of-sports"},{"id":"tkpwyy","title":"Disney+, Hulu announce 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' streaming date","excerpt":"Gird your loins. \"The Devil Wears Prada 2\" will stream exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu soon. See when you can start streaming.","content":"Gird your loins. \"The Devil Wears Prada 2\" will stream exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu soon. See when you can start streaming.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/disney-hulu-announce-devil-wears-prada-2-streaming-date/19364225/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:43:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19014721_050126-wabc-devil-wears-prada-2-streep-img.jpg","slug":"disney-hulu-announce-the-devil-wears-prada-2-streaming-date"},{"id":"8i0h3p","title":"Texas Hill Country floods hero Scott Ruskan to recieve Pat Tillman Award at ESPY Awards","excerpt":"U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2026 ESPY Awards.","content":"U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2026 ESPY Awards.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/texas-hill-country-floods-hero-scott-ruskan-recieve-pat-tillman-award-espy-awards/19364205/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:18:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F18621073_021926-ktrk-rodeo-parade-grand-marshal-for-web-bw-vid.jpg","slug":"texas-hill-country-floods-hero-scott-ruskan-to-recieve-pat-tillman-award-at-espy-awards"},{"id":"qsmmj7","title":"Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan","excerpt":"Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday.“I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.”Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two go...","content":"Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday.“I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.”Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, quieting critics after his forgettable performance in the team's 1-1 draw with Congo in the opener.Even though criticism isn't anything new to the 41-year-old superstar, he admitted that the intense negativity directed toward him this week was difficult.“But it’s always like that,” he said in Portuguese. “It doesn’t matter, because it’s been 23 years on the job and when things go well, ’Cristiano is good,' when things go bad, ‘Cristiano is a retired player, is old.' It will always be like that. But we responded well today, me and my teammates, which is what we wanted.” Ronaldo made history in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed the ball to him and he shot with his right foot to make it 1-0. He ran toward the bench and celebrated with his teammates.He added another in the 39th minute when he got a pass from Bruno Fernandes and scored with his right foot just inside the near post to make it 3-0.“As a defender you need to be ready and you need to be close to him in the box,” said Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, a standout defender in his playing days who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title. “If you give him one centimeter in the box you are dead.”Ronaldo was named man of the match for his performance, the latest of many in his incredible career.Portugal coach Roberto Martínez raved about the professionalism and poise Ronaldo showed this week amid calls from outsiders to bench him. “He's a human being,\" Martínez said. “He's allowed to have emotions. He's allowed to have feelings. What is impressive with him is the answer. Whatever he feels, the answer is to get back on the training ground and practice and work and demand from himself. That professionalism is what's (led) to the longevity.” The goals on Tuesday make him the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup behind Cameroon forward Roger Milla, who was 42 when he scored at the 1994 tournament in the United States.Ronaldo and Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the only men in history to play in six World Cup tournaments this year. Ronaldo’s scoring streak started in his debut in 2006 and he also netted goals in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.While he shares the record for most tournaments with Messi, he stands alone in scoring a goal in each edition after Messi failed to score at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.Ronaldo’s two strikes against Uzbekistan gave him 10 career goals in the tournament. Messi has 18 after a hat trick in Argentina's opener against Algeria and two more goals Monday against Austria that made him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.Ronaldo's latest performance extended his record by giving him 145 international goals, and his 10 career goals in the World Cup moved him past Eusébio's nine to make him Portugal's all-time scoring leader at the tournament.Tuesday's game was the 230th of Ronaldo’s international career, which is the most in history.This is likely to be the final World Cup for Ronaldo, who won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and the Champions League five times with Manchester United and Real Madrid.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/ronaldo-becomes-first-player-to-score-in-six-world-cups-with-goal-against-uzbekistan/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Kristie Rieken, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:14:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FBVXNNGGCHZFTJCAIRTD5SFNAYE.jpg","slug":"ronaldo-becomes-first-player-to-score-in-six-world-cups-with-two-goals-against-uzbekistan"},{"id":"luiofz","title":"2 teens shot in shooting in southwest Harris County, authorities investigating","excerpt":"Authorities are on the scene after two teens were shot in southwest Harris County on Monday afternoon, officials said.","content":"Authorities are on the scene after two teens were shot in southwest Harris County on Monday afternoon, officials said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/2-teens-shot-shooting-southwest-harris-county-authorities-investigating","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:05:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-22-19h05m07s049.png","slug":"2-teens-shot-in-shooting-in-southwest-harris-county-authorities-investigating"},{"id":"t08fjh","title":"Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup","excerpt":"Long after Mexico’s World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Héctor Chávez and his big black sombrero.Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.He says the ...","content":"Long after Mexico’s World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Héctor Chávez and his big black sombrero.Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.He says the game last Thursday in Guadalajara was his 543rd match watching “El Tri,” which he has followed around the world since Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986.Now at his 11the World Cup, Chávez is flanked by his 21-year-old son, also called Héctor Chávez, and known as Caramelo Jr. Both wear oversized sombreros with their nicknames written in all caps, making them hard to miss at stadiums.“Mexico has one of the best fan bases in the world, one that travels the most to matches, and one of the most colorful ones in the world, with tradition, identity and pride,” the 64-year-old Chávez told The Associated Press. “I’m very fortunate to be here, with my son by my side in his fifth World Cup, to keep supporting the national team with everything we’ve got.”Chávez has become a familiar sight in every stadium where the team plays in Mexico and around the world, including friendlies. He said the first national team match he attended was on Feb. 19, 1986, when Mexico faced the Soviet Union in the country’s capital. His first World Cup match was that same year, on June 3 against Belgium.Despite being at another World Cup at home, Chávez said he struggled to make it to the games this time.“This has been the most expensive World Cup in history, some of my friends who usually accompany me couldn’t come,” he said. “I had to break the piggy bank, and we are here with the support of our family, because without this support it wouldn’t be possible. The truth is that we’ve worked hard to be here, but finally we made it and we will keep following the national team to the end.”Caramelo is popular but also has his criticsDespite his popularity, Chávez is not universally loved in Mexico. Critics say he’s getting too much attention and question whether he’s promoting himself or the national team. He’s annoyed some fans by throwing his hat onto the field, including at the game between Colombia and Uzbekistan in Mexico City last week.“Well, they say that if they are criticizing you, it's because you are doing something good. We try not to pay too much attention to it. We preferer to hold on to the great support that the fans have shown us in person,” the younger Héctor Chávez said.Many teams have superfans who attract headlines at World Cups. Spain had Manuel Cáceres, known as “Manolo el del bombo” or “Manolo the bass drummer,” who followed the Spanish national team since the 1982 World Cup. He died last year. Brazil’s Clóvis Acosta Fernandes, known as the “Gaúcho Da Copa,” died in 2015.Congo has Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo’s assassinated independence hero Patrice Lumumba. He missed the team’s first game at this year’s World Cup but was expected to make it to Tuesday’s match against Colombia.Chávez worried that die-hard fans are being priced out of the World Cup, affecting the atmosphere in stadiums.“I miss the hardcore fans who follow their teams, who chant and cheer during the whole 90 minutes. Did you notice that they couldn’t even get the wave to work again?\" he said after Mexico's match against South Korea on June 18. “And why is that? It’s because we don’t have these fans. And why don’t we have these fans? It’s because they can’t afford these expensive tickets.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/meet-caramelo-the-mexico-superfan-attending-his-11th-world-cup/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Tales Azzoni, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:58:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F663YALG6VFDWZP6IQOXRBSMHGA.jpg","slug":"meet-caramelo-the-mexico-superfan-attending-his-11th-world-cup"},{"id":"qebvtk","title":"Goalllll! Messi mania overtakes Argentina as legend breaks scoring record","excerpt":"Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken monumental form during the 2026 World Cup: A statue stands 26 meters tall in a remote town in Patagonia, and a mural signed by over 1,300 fans celebrates the captain who continues to inspire devotion across the country.A giant tribute to MessiA 26-me...","content":"Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken monumental form during the 2026 World Cup: A statue stands 26 meters tall in a remote town in Patagonia, and a mural signed by over 1,300 fans celebrates the captain who continues to inspire devotion across the country.A giant tribute to MessiA 26-meter-tall (85-foot) figure of Messi made of 70 tons of steel and iron towers over the outskirts of Cutral Co, a remote southern town in Patagonia. The player is kneeling, with the World Cup trophy he won in 2022 between his legs and one arm raised, as if greeting motorists traveling along Route 22.Even the strong Patagonian wind cannot topple this tribute, inaugurated on June 16 during Argentina’s World Cup debut, when the team once again dazzled under Messi, who sealed the victory over Algeria after scoring three goals.Local authorities and the sculptor who designed it say it is the largest monument ever dedicated to the team captain, who turns 39 on Wednesday.“He is Argentina’s natural ambassador. For me, it was very important, not only as an artist but as an Argentine,” Aldo Beroisa, 61, told The Associated Press.The sculptor has designed giant dinosaurs and monuments to his country’s independence heroes in Cutral Co, an oil-producing town that has never attracted nearly as much attention as other Patagonian communities surrounded by picturesque lakes and mountains.Now, the town is filling up with admirers who want to see the statue of the soccer player who has scored 18 goals since making his World Cup debut in 2006. He achieved the record as the tournament’s top scorer this week, after netting both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria.The statue, which took 18 months to complete, depicts Messi falling to his knees on the grass at Lusail Stadium in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup final after Gonzalo Montiel sealed Argentina’s 4-2 shootout victory over France and crowned the country world champion.The statue also depicts the captain clutching Argentina’s jersey with one hand and pointing to the sky with his index finger, as he often does when he scores a goal, in tribute to his late grandmother.A mural made by fansThere are many murals of Messi around the world. However, the one painted in the Buenos Aires suburb of Berazategui stands out: The player’s smiling face is surrounded by the names of hundreds of his admirers.The mural, which is about six meters wide and 5.5 meters high (20 by 18 feet), caught Messi's attention.“Crazy ... thank you very much to all of you, to the people who supported it, who came by, and who keep coming by,” Messi said in a video sent to the creators.Creator Leonel García, 32, is gracious when he talks about the making of the mural.“This is a mural that I didn’t make by myself. Beyond the fact that I painted it, it was made by more than 1,300 people,” said García, recalling those who traveled to Berazategui from different towns to write down their names in the mural.The mural was painted in 18 days. García collaborated with Federico Merodo, the owner of the parking lot where the wall that served as the canvas was built.The hyperrealistic portrait posed a huge challenge, given that it depicts one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. The image is inspired by a gesture Messi made during a friendly match after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, when he appeared relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the game.“Messi brings joy to the country. The times we’re living through in Argentina may not be very good for some people, but Messi unites everyone ... and the mural does that too, because people from everywhere come together here, from every social class and every political sector,” García said.___Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/goalllll-messi-mania-overtakes-argentina-as-legend-breaks-scoring-record/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Almudena Calatrava, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:38:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGRECB5RPM5CCFC7BR2KFNSI4OA.jpg","slug":"goalllll-messi-mania-overtakes-argentina-as-legend-breaks-scoring-record"},{"id":"468rsn","title":"Federal appeals court allows the Trump administration to resume expanded use of speedy deportations","excerpt":"A federal appeals court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to resume carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants throughout the United States, not just near the border.A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit threw out a ...","content":"A federal appeals court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to resume carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants throughout the United States, not just near the border.A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit threw out a lower court decision that temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s expanded use of expedited removal. The ruling was a big victory for the Republican administration, which views the expansion of so-called expedited removal as a key tool for carrying out its mass deportation policy.Expedited removal — quick deportation without a chance to appear before a judge — has previously been applied to migrants arriving by sea or caught at or near the border shortly after crossing.In January, Trump expanded its use to undocumented migrants all over the United States. Immigration agents began whisking migrants away from courthouses where they had gone for immigration proceedings and then removing them from the country within days. “The Trump administration’s push for fast-track deportations will subject people to an unfair and error-prone system,” Anand Balakrishnan, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, said in a statement.Balakrishnan represented plaintiffs in arguments before the appellate panel and said its ruling “undermines the fundamental principle that people receive due process when the government seeks to deport them.”DC Circuit Judge Justin R. Walker, one of the judges on the panel, said the plaintiffs had not shown the expanded use of expedited removal violated due process rights. Immigrants received notice of removal proceedings and were given a chance to respond, he wrote in his opinion. Walker and the second judge in the majority, Neomi Rao, were appointed by Trump. The third judge on the panel was appointed by President Barack Obama, a Democrat.Walker said there was no requirement that the administration inform immigrants that they can avoid expedited removal if they can show they have been in the United States for more than two years. \"The constitutional requirement is notice of the action the government is taking and the grounds for it, plus an opportunity to respond,\" he wrote, adding that the plaintiffs' “contrary reasoning would require immigration officers to provide what amounts to legal advice.”Walker and Rao vacated an order by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb that put the expanded use of expedited removal on hold. Cobb, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, ruled in August that the administration had not developed procedures to ensure migrants were not wrongly deported under the expedited process.The plaintiffs had put forward “substantial evidence\" that the expedited removal process, on the contrary, carried a high risk of error when applied more broadly, Cobb said. The ruling cited examples of people who had lived in the U.S. for far longer than two years but were still ordered to be removed in expedited proceedings.In his opinion, Walker acknowledged evidence of such errors, but said they resulted from “individual officers’ failure to follow the law — not defects in the written directives under review or the procedures they incorporate.”The Trump administration has argued that its expansion of expedited removal includes protections to prevent arbitrary removal. In a court filing in October, Justice Department attorneys said Cobb's ruling was an “egregious error” that was depriving the administration of an “essential tool to combat the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration over the past few years” and efficiently deport potentially millions of people.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/federal-appeals-court-allows-the-trump-administration-to-resume-expanded-use-of-speedy-deportations/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:47:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTOX3PHYXRRDK7BFOQDFQUK462Q.jpg","slug":"federal-appeals-court-allows-the-trump-administration-to-resume-expanded-use-of-speedy-deportations"},{"id":"d1k76h","title":"NHL exploring Texas expansion in Houston or Austin with billionaire Dan Friedkin and family","excerpt":"The NHL is exploring potential expansion in Texas in either Houston or Austin under an agreement with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family, Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday.Bettman said the Board of Governors executive committee endorsed a term sheet agreed to with the Friedkins over the...","content":"The NHL is exploring potential expansion in Texas in either Houston or Austin under an agreement with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family, Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday.Bettman said the Board of Governors executive committee endorsed a term sheet agreed to with the Friedkins over the next six months. The total investment required between an expansion fee and the cost to build a new arena in one of those cities would amount to $3.5 billion, according to Bettman, who said discussions over the past two years largely revolved around Houston before Austin joined the conversation. “That’s part of the process is to determine what would be best, both for the league and for Dan Friedkin and family,” Bettman said. \"Both cities will require a new arena. It may be more feasible in one place than the other. And as we dig a little deeper and do the due diligence, we’ll figure out which makes the most sense.”Friedkin is chairman and CEO of the Friedkin Group with a net worth of $6.4 billion, according to Forbes. The Houston-based consortium has investments in the automotive industry, entertainment, hospitality and sports, including stakes in European soccer clubs Everton and AS Roma.No board vote was taken. That would only come if the sides involved move forward with an agreement.While there is no guarantee the NHL adds a 33rd team, the move is a first step toward becoming the largest professional sports league in North America, surpassing the NFL. Bettman has said officials were listening to expressions of interest from prospective owners in places like Houston and Atlanta but until now not yet engaged in a formal path toward expansion. “There was an update on Atlanta, there was an update on Arizona and there was an update on South Texas,\" Bettman said. \"But neither Arizona nor Atlanta are quite as far along in the process as the Friedkin opportunities.”Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson, who is on the executive committee, called it an important decision and said, “It’s just an exploration at this stage.”In a statement released through Pursuit Sports, the Friedkin family said it had reached an agreement with the NHL for exclusive rights to a franchise in South Texas with a focus on Houston and Austin. It said it would be methodical in assessing the best option.“Each city brings unique attributes that would make a new team a huge success — both have the infrastructure, passionate fan bases and economic strength needed to support a championship-caliber franchise for years to come,\" the family said. “We have wanted for some time to bring an NHL team to Texas, and we are excited that the process has now begun.\"The league last expanded to 32 teams with the Seattle Kraken beginning play in 2021 after the Vegas Golden Knights started in the 2017-18 season. Before that, there had been 30 teams since 2000, when Columbus and Minnesota entered.The recent success stories, combined with booming franchise values across sports, spurred talk of expansion in hockey circles, especially because expansion fees could exceed $1 billion. Seattle paid $650 million and Las Vegas $500 million.From Florida to Texas to California and places in between, the NHL has enjoyed strong popularity across the Sun Belt and non-traditional hockey markets over the past four decades. Teams were added in South Florida and Tampa in Florida, San Jose and Anaheim in California, Nashville, Tennessee, and Las Vegas, while relocations put teams in Dallas, Raleigh, North Carolina, Denver and elsewhere.Teams in those places have won the Stanley Cup the past seven years in a row and 13 times dating to Colorado's championship run in 1995-96.Board approves Penguins saleBettman said the board had approved the sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins from Fenway Sports Group to the Hoffmann family. The deal, reached a year ago, is worth $1.7 billion to $1.75 billion.“It’s nice that the Hoffmanns got a good deal, and it’s nice that Fenway in five years doubled its investment,” Bettman said. \"I still think it’s low, but that’s OK.”In a statement released by the team, incoming NHL governor Geoff Hoffmann called it a defining moment for his family.“The Penguins represent everything Hoffmann Family of Companies stands for: community, excellence and long-term thinking,” Hoffman said. \"We look forward to building on the team’s success by providing support and resources to both (general manager) Kyle Dubas and the hockey operations team, as well as the established leadership group on the business side. We’re proud to represent this storied franchise and are eager to become an active, invested part of the Pittsburgh community.”___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/nhl-exploring-expansion-opportunities-in-texas-ap-source-says/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Stephen Whyno, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:35:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWYDGUYHTUFD45PVHR4VGYXVZH4.jpg","slug":"nhl-exploring-texas-expansion-in-houston-or-austin-with-billionaire-dan-friedkin-and-family"},{"id":"aiu1et","title":"Tesla car crashes into house: Company says driver overrode autopilot in Texas crash that killed woman","excerpt":"A Tesla drove through the wall of a home in Texas, killing a woman inside. The company says autopilot was overridden.","content":"A Tesla drove through the wall of a home in Texas, killing a woman inside. The company says autopilot was overridden.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/tesla-car-crashes-house-company-says-driver-overrode-autopilot-texas-crash-killed-woman/19364037/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:48:26.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1560518883-ce09059eeffa%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"tesla-car-crashes-into-house-company-says-driver-overrode-autopilot-in-texas-crash-that-killed-woman"},{"id":"jm99jr","title":"What's in store as All-American UH guard Kingston Flemings preps ahead of NBA Draft night","excerpt":"University of Houston point guard Kingston Flemings is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.","content":"University of Houston point guard Kingston Flemings is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/nba-draft-where-will-university-houston-american-kingston-flemings-land-tuesday-showcase/19363745/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:39:57.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F18922378_041926-ktrk-uh-kingston-flemings-img.jpg","slug":"whats-in-store-as-all-american-uh-guard-kingston-flemings-preps-ahead-of-nba-draft-night"},{"id":"7eu299","title":"Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation","excerpt":"The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavi...","content":"The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl a Stanley Cup championship after two of the best hockey players in the league have fallen short over the past decade.“He’s bringing experience and accountability,\" Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said at the league’s Board of Governors meeting. “That’s what we wanted on the organizational management side, and that’s what our players wanted — our leadership group — so it all aligned.”There have been complaints from former players about Babcock's approach, including allegations of bullying. McDavid, Draisaitl and teammate Zach Hyman were consulted by management prior to bringing in Babcock, according to Jackson, who represented McDavid before joining the Oilers in 2023.“I think it was very important that Connor and Leon and Zach were involved and made their opinion known,\" Jackson said. “They’ve been in Edmonton a long time, have gone through some heartbreak together. They’ve earned the right to have a voice, and we sought that and we decided. Players don’t make the ultimate decision, but I think it’s more important to be collaborative with them about communication.”The 63-year-old Babcock has not coached a game in the league since being fired by Toronto 23 games into the 2019-20 season.Babcock has championship experience from coaching Detroit to the Cup in 2008. He made two other trips to the final, with Anaheim in ‘03 and when the Red Wings went again in ’09 and lost to Pittsburgh. He also guided Canada to back-to-back Olympic goal medals in 2010 and '14.Babcock also brings baggage.He stepped away from the Blue Jackets before training camp in September 2023 after taking the job on July 1. At the time, Babcock’s requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.When word emerged that Edmonton was interested in hiring Babcock, the NHL Players' Association asked the league to review what happened three years ago. The NHL said it found nothing to prevent him from being employed by a team, and Commissioner Gary Bettman echoed that sentiment after the hire became official.“Based on our investigation, we concluded there was no basis upon which he should be prohibited from coaching,\" Bettman said. \"His ability to coach depended on an NHL team wanting to have him coach — and that’s what Edmonton did.”Bettman said league officials looked into what was alleged to have happened with the Blue Jackets and drew conclusions as to whether they should disqualify someone from employment. “We do — and Mr. Babcock knows it because I spoke to him — expect a certain level of decorum and conduct among all NHL personnel, especially head coaches,” Bettman said.A report surfaced after the Maple Leafs fired Babcock that he had asked star Mitch Marner to share his ranking of teammates from hardest- to least-hardest working and then shared that with the rest of the group. Former Red Wings player Johan Franzen told a Swedish outlet that Babcock was the worst person he had ever met and said at one point he was terrified to go to the rink.Retired defenseman Mike Commodore, who played for Babcock briefly in 2011 in Detroit, spoke out this spring.“I don’t want to hear another word about how important mental health is for us when you literally just paved the way, cleared the way for Mike Babcock to get another opportunity in the NHL and put him in another position of power where he can abuse people,” Commodore said on the “Clearing the Crease” podcast.Daniel Winnik, who played for Babcock in 2015-16 with the Leafs, last week called him “the only guy that's ever made me hate hockey.”“I just hated coming to the rink,” Winnik said on TSN 1050 radio in Toronto. \"He's just a bully.\"Asked how the Oilers remained on track to hire Babcock given the criticism, Jackson said they “didn't look at social media.”“We just sort of did our thing,” Jackson said. \"Lots of people have lots of opinions, and that’s part of our business and the fans have their opinion. We knew what we needed to do to get the coach we wanted, so we just kept sort of moving forward with our diligence and got to a point where we were comfortable.”Kris Knoblauch, who coached Edmonton to consecutive trips to the Cup final in 2024 and ’25, was fired May 14. That decision was announced after news leaked that the Oilers had been denied permission by division rival Vegas to interview 2023 Cup-winning coach Bruce Cassidy, whom the Golden Knights fired on March 30 with eight games left in the regular season. Cassidy remains under contract for one more year. The Oilers instead turned to Babcock, whose 700 regular season and 90 playoff victories rank 12th and 10th, respectively, in NHL history.D.J. Smith, who was most recently the interim replacement in Los Angeles after Jim Hiller was fired and ran the bench in Ottawa from 2019-23, was named an associate coach. Smith was an assistant under Babcock in Toronto.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/edmoton-oilers-hire-mike-babcock-as-coach-after-the-nhl-clears-him-following-an-investigation/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:12:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FR2XDRKY3D5CSTFMU7EKGYFODRU.jpg","slug":"edmonton-oilers-hire-mike-babcock-after-nhl-clears-veteran-coach-following-an-investigation"},{"id":"laar8n","title":"Trump heads to battleground Pennsylvania but keep focuses on himself ahead of midterm elections","excerpt":"President Donald Trump visited a Mack Trucks facility in battleground Pennsylvania on Tuesday, attempting to shift attention to the U.S. economy in his first major public event outside the nation's capital since he signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war. The trip to Macungie, in the Alle...","content":"President Donald Trump visited a Mack Trucks facility in battleground Pennsylvania on Tuesday, attempting to shift attention to the U.S. economy in his first major public event outside the nation's capital since he signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war. The trip to Macungie, in the Allentown suburbs, came as Trump works to put the conflict — and the higher gasoline prices it caused — in the rearview mirror as the November midterm elections draw closer. Trump had a private tour of the facility, but his speech often felt more like a reelection rally from two years ago than an effort to promote his second-term accomplishments. The president listed longstanding political grievances, and made only passing mentions of promoting Republicans ahead of Election Day — while spending more time bragging about the UFC fight he staged on the White House lawn in honor of his own 80th birthday than he did the economy. At one point, Trump even called UFC fighters Bo Nickal and Anthony Cassar to the stage and mused about whether he could beat either one of them in a wrestling match if he were to “work out for the next couple of months.”It was Trump's fifth second-term visit to Pennsylvania, a state whose support in 2016 and 2024 helped him to win the White House. The truck factory is in a district where incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks in November.“For more than 100 years, this legendary company has been making trucks right here in eastern Pennsylvania,\" Trump said, “building the heavy duty machinery that keeps our economy rolling, our factories moving, and our industries roaring all across the nation.” His visit coincided with rising prices that could color the verdict voters render on Trump's stewardship in the fall. About one-third of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s approach to the economy, according to a June Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. That’s in line with last month for Trump on the issue.The Iran war, which began Feb. 28, has also been a politically difficult issue for the president. Most Americans continued to disapprove of his handling of Iran, according to the June AP-NORC poll, which was being fielded as Trump announced a tentative deal with Iran and concluded just before the interim agreement was signed last week. It found that 65% of U.S. adults disapprove of how the president is handling issues with Iran, unchanged from May. Still, while most Democrats and independents view Trump’s actions negatively, only about 3 in 10 Republicans are unhappy.This is the kind of district that matters in November electionsTrump addressed a cheering crowd from a stage erected on the factory floor, flanked by two red, white and blue trucks and rows of workers in fluorescent safety vests under a large “American Workers First” banner.It's the kind of district that may prove pivotal to Republicans holding narrow control of the House, where a loss could hobble the president's final two years in office. Mackenzie, a freshman lawmaker, is looking to hold on to a district Democrats have targeted to flip. Brooks, president of the state firefighters' union, has support from Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who's also seeking reelection this year. Trump urged the crowd to support Mackenzie, saying of his trip, “I’m not doing this for my health.” But he devoted more energy to issues like the U.S.-Mexico border, opposing transgender rights and decrying “Marxist” judges, while also referencing his administration's efforts to lower prescription drug prices. “We gotta win the midterms,” Trump said, in one of the few references he made to the midterms. Later, however, he suggested it wasn’t actually a “political season,” perhaps because he himself won’t be on the ballot in November. On Iran, Trump suggested that the country would be smart and keep negotiating during the ceasefire. “Otherwise we’ll have to finish the job, which will take about, maybe less than a week,\" he said. An odd moment came when the president offered, “The ideology of the Muslims is slightly different than the ideology of the Catholics. We have the Catholics and the Muslims slightly different.\" He didn't elaborate. Biden came to the same plant previously Trump's predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, visited the same Mack Trucks facility in 2021 to highlight regulations aimed at promoting manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 19.6 million jobs. It trended downward after the 2001 recession and the 2007-09 Great Recession. The figure now stands at 12.6 million as of May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2025, the truck facility got hit by market uncertainty, including sweeping tariffs that Trump's administration imposed, and about 170 people were laid off, according to Mack spokesperson Kimberly Pupillo. She added that by the end of last year, almost 150 people were recalled to work and anyone laid off last year was given the chance to return. There are about 2,800 workers at Mack, Pupillo said.At a pizzeria down the road from the truck facility, workers and diners said they'd heard about the president’s visit and recalled Biden’s trip to the plant. George Carver, a retired elementary school principal, said he wasn’t a fan of Trump’s: “I’m looking for a president who’ll clean up this mess,” he said, meaning improve the economy and better handle the war in Iran and immigration. “I’m looking for someone who’s gonna tell the truth — that could be a Democrat or Republican,” Carver said. Trump's visit underscores Pennsylvania's status as a crucial swing state. Trump made a trip to Mount Pocono in December to road test messages that he's addressing affordability; in July 2025, he was in Pittsburgh to tout tens of billions of dollars of recent energy and technology investments in the state; in June 2025, he was in West Mifflin to tell steelworkers he was doubling the tariff on steel imports to protect the industry; and in March 2025 he attended the NCAA wrestling championship in Philadelphia. Denise Green, a retired software trainer, was among a handful of people protesting the visit outside a McDonald’s across the street from the plant. Green said she was a former Republican who became a Democrat in 2007 because her original party backed policies where “all the money\" was going to the rich.Green said her key issue was Social Security funding, which she said she’ll need but is worried could run out. “It’s outrageous,” she said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/from-peace-talks-to-pennsylvania-trump-visiting-mack-truck-facility/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mike Catalini, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:08:48.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCSBPFDS5JJAATM4MHXBPMBCG7U.jpg","slug":"trump-heads-to-battleground-pennsylvania-but-keep-focuses-on-himself-ahead-of-midterm-elections"},{"id":"9o5tmw","title":"Leader of Texas Antifa group behind terrorist attack on Dallas ICE facility sentenced to 100 Years in prison","excerpt":"Eight members of an Antifa group that carried out an alleged terrorist attack on a North Texas ICE facility have been handed federal prison sentences.On Tuesday, the United States Department of Justice announced that eight members of the North Texas Antifa cell were sentenced to a combined 450 ye...","content":"Eight members of an Antifa group that carried out an alleged terrorist attack on a North Texas ICE facility have been handed federal prison sentences.On Tuesday, the United States Department of Justice announced that eight members of the North Texas Antifa cell were sentenced to a combined 450 years in prison.The sentences stem from their roles in rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and the attempted murder of an Alvarado police officer at the Prairieland Detention Center on July 4, 2025.This marks the first sentencing of defendants affiliated with Antifa following an executive order by President Donald J. Trump designating the group as a Domestic Terrorist Organization in September 2025.The Eight Members SentencedBenjamin Hanil Song, the leader who was convicted of the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, was sentenced to 100 years in prison.Evidence at trial showed that most members of the Prairieland cell looked to Song as a leader. Prosecutors said Song acquired firearms that he distributed to co-defendants and recruited members at gun ranges and combat training sessions, as well as through various ideologically aligned groups.Together, those involved in the Prairieland attack received a combined sentence of 450 years, including:Maricela Rueda — 70 years in prison Cameron Arnold — 50 years Savanna Batten — 50 years Zachary Evetts — 50 years Bradford Morris — 50 years Elizabeth Soto — 50 years Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada — 30 years Ines Soto was granted a continuance and will be sentenced on July 1.The sentences follow a 12-day trial that began on Feb. 23, during which jurors heard testimony from 46 witnesses and reviewed more than 210 pieces of evidence.Evidence presented included allegations that defendants brought 11 firearms, body armor, and 11 military-grade first aid kits containing tourniquets and other trauma supplies to the scene of the attack.Additionally, DNA and fingerprint evidence allegedly linked many of the defendants to items at the scene. Investigators also presented evidence from phone records suggesting participants turned off their phones or stored them in Faraday bags to avoid tracking.Additional DefendantsSeth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas pleaded guilty prior to trial to one count of providing material support to terrorists and will be sentenced on July 1.The single count of providing material support to terrorists applies to Baumann, Gibson, Kent, Morgan, Sharp, Thomas, and Sikes, consistent with charges presented to the jury at trial.Each of the seven defendants faces up to 15 years in federal prison and will be sentenced on July 1, 2026.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/leader-of-texas-antifa-group-behind-terrorist-attack-on-ice-facility-sentenced-to-100-years-in-prison/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Juliana Russell","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:34:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4LPO6D6BORA6BFYMML6LYZ6LBU.png","slug":"leader-of-texas-antifa-group-behind-terrorist-attack-on-dallas-ice-facility-sentenced-to-100-years-i"},{"id":"2h36s4","title":"AI stock slump raises the question if investors are just taking profits or getting very nervous","excerpt":"Technology companies are spending big to incorporate artificial intelligence into their businesses and to build huge data centers. Investors who had jumped on the bandwagon appear to be having second thoughts.Proponents of artificial intelligence see it as the next great revolution for the global...","content":"Technology companies are spending big to incorporate artificial intelligence into their businesses and to build huge data centers. Investors who had jumped on the bandwagon appear to be having second thoughts.Proponents of artificial intelligence see it as the next great revolution for the global economy. The revolution won't come cheap. Just four companies — Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft — plan to spend up to $720 billion this year, primarily on AI data centers. This week, investors are looking at the huge sums being spent and questioning whether AI can produce the profits and productivity necessary to make all the investment worth it. Critics have been talking about the possibility of a bubble in AI investment. On Monday, Amazon and Alphabet fell about 5%. On Tuesday, several companies that make the chips needed for the data center buildup — Nvidia, Micron Technology, Broadcom and Lam Research — led the market lower. At first, Microsoft, Alphabet and other so-called hyperscalers turned to cash on hand to fund the AI expansion. But they're increasingly relying on the markets to raise cash. AI buildout needs cashAlphabet, the parent company of Google, said earlier this month that it’s raising $80 billion in cash to help pay for its investments by selling shares of its stock. Overall, Alphabet is planning to spend as much as $190 billion this year — more than all the stock of The Walt Disney Co. is worth, and Alphabet is forecasting its spending on investments next year will “significantly increase.”In March, Amazon sold $54 billion of bonds in the U.S. and Europe as it plans to spend around $200 billion this year on AI investments. Elon Musk's rocket maker SpaceX was on a three-day skid heading into Tuesday. It regained some lost ground, but ended trading slightly below the closing price on its first day of trading on June 12. Musk acknowledges that SpaceX will have to spend heavily to fulfill its plans of sending AI data centers into space, and the company has announced that part of an upcoming bond offering will fund its AI buildout. High-priced chip companiesChip companies have benefitted as the demand for memory chips and processing power for AI data centers and other projects has led to a supply shortage and a surge in prices. Investors have bid up the share prices of these companies now in anticipation of big profits down the road. By one measure, which compares a company's stock price to its earnings per share, these companies might look expensive. Marvell Technologies lost money for five straight years before turning a profit of $2.7 billion in the fiscal year ended in January, thanks to gains in its data center business. The stock has more than tripled so far this year and its price-to-earnings ratio has gone from about 30 at the start of 2026 to near 100. Some data storage companies have seen even more eye-popping gains. Sandisk shares have soared more than 700% year to date and its P/E ratio stands at 68. Whether Sandisk shares are overvalued will depend on whether it meets Wall Street’s lofty expectations for the next 12 months -- earnings per share of $188.05 per share compared with $29.16 per share for the 12 months ended March 31. When the current stock price is compared to the forecast, the price-to-earnings ratio falls to around 11.The current price-to-earnings ratio for the S&P 500 is around 25. On Tuesday, investors unloaded at least some of their holdings in these stocks. Sandisk sank 13.6%, while Marvell lost 9.4%.The sell-off also took a bite out of exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, that invest heavily in tech stocks. The Invesco QQQ Trust Series ETF was down 3.3%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF slumped 7.9%.Pocketing some gainsWhile some investors may have doubts that companies going full throttle on AI infrastructure spending will ultimately be able to generate profits to justify their investment, it's likely some of the selling this week may be investors pausing to pocket some of their gains after the stock market’s recent string of all-time highs.“With no clear catalyst driving the move lower, we believe today’s pullback likely reflects profit-taking following a strong rally from the March lows,” said Brock Weimer, an investments strategy analyst at Edward Jones.Big Tech gains have powered major stock indexes on record-setting runs this year. Within the S&P 500, the tech sector alone is up nearly 27% just over the last three months and roughly 17% for the year. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi has nearly doubled so far in 2026.Heavy selling on Tuesday triggered a halt in trading in the Kospi, which set the stage for the wave of tech stock selling when trading opened in U.S. markets, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a research note Tuesday.Overall AI enterprise demand in Asia is “showing no cracks in the armor, which continue to make us very bullish on owning the tech AI winners over the coming year,” he added.Still, tech companies’ race to invest in the expansion of AI infrastructure could ultimately be sowing the seeds of future oversupply, according to Philip Straehl, chief investment officer at Morningstar Wealth.“Periods of elevated capital investment have historically not translated into strong outcomes for investors, leaving us cautious on the outlook,” Straehl wrote in a report last week.He expects that the rapid expansion of AI computing power will weigh on pricing, hurting companies’ returns and eventually result in a pullback in investing. Semiconductor companies are “particularly exposed to this dynamic,” Straehl wrote.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/ai-stock-slump-raises-the-question-if-investors-are-just-taking-profits-or-getting-very-nervous/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alex Veiga, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:18:30.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FIV2NI2PWIFGF5K3C6O2YQX7FCU.jpg","slug":"ai-stock-slump-raises-the-question-if-investors-are-just-taking-profits-or-getting-very-nervous"},{"id":"2ot49r","title":"Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with goal against Uzbekistan","excerpt":"Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments on Tuesday, getting a goal in the sixth minute of Portugal's match against Uzbekistan.","content":"Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments on Tuesday, getting a goal in the sixth minute of Portugal's match against Uzbekistan.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/portugals-cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-first-player-score-world-cups-goal-uzbekistan/19364039/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:36:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-first-player-to-score-in-six-world-cups-with-goal-against-uzbekistan"},{"id":"ar3w5i","title":"Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks","excerpt":"The federal government can't block benefits from the nation's largest food aid program from being used to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks, a judge ruled.Monday's ruling scuttles restrictions now in place or planned for the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance P...","content":"The federal government can't block benefits from the nation's largest food aid program from being used to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks, a judge ruled.Monday's ruling scuttles restrictions now in place or planned for the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 23 states. President Donald Trump's administration has not said whether it will appeal to a higher court.U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who sits in Washington and was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama, said in her opinion that the ruling was because the federal government did not follow its own definition of “food.” She said it wasn't a comment on whether the restrictions are a good idea.“The federal defendants and the states may have a genuine desire to improve the health of SNAP households by encouraging healthy choices at the store, and they can take lawful steps to meet those goals,” she wrote. “But what they cannot do is violate the law and their own regulations along the way.”The restrictions are part of the Make America Healthy Again campaignAgriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have encouraged states to limit what the food aid can be used to buy as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.They reason that soda and candy fuel obesity, diabetes and chronic disease epidemics — and taking them off the menu would encourage healthier food choices.The Agriculture Department has given 23 states so far permission to implement restrictions. Some have been implemented already, while others are queued to take effect in the coming months and years.At least one state that was set to limit soda and candy purchases changed course earlier this year. Colorado's human services board voted against implementing the ban after a March hearing in which SNAP beneficiaries and advocates said people would face stigmas if they mistakenly tried to use the benefits on prohibited items. They also said the rules were confusing because they would have allowed buying drinks with at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice, but not those with less.While the goals are similar, the exact rules vary by state. Some wanted to ban both sugary drinks and candy, while others only sought to ban sugary beverages.A legal challenge to the candy and soda ban — which includes items such as sports drinks in some states — was filed by SNAP beneficiaries in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.Judge says government ignored a definition of foodJackson said the main legal misstep in restricting what SNAP benefits could buy came because it ran contrary to Congress's definition of “food.”Under the law, SNAP benefits — formerly known as food stamps — can be used for “any food or food product for home consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption.”The government can waive requirements, but limiting use of the benefits to improve nutrition isn't listed as a reason to do so. Yet when states asked the Agriculture Department to let them restrict purchases, their requests included using alternate definitions of “food.”This may not be the final wordRollins suggested on social media Tuesday that the administration would “keep fighting to Make America Health Again,” though she did not say directly whether there would be an appeal. Rollins said “an activist judge just blocked our commonsense restriction on using SNAP benefits for soda and junk.”The case is among scores of challenges to Trump administration policies that hinge on whether the administration has the authority to change policies without congressional approval.While it's a big program helping nearly 39 million Americans — about 1 in 9 — buy groceries, SNAP is normally relatively low-profile. That's been different since Trump returned to office last year.Under his big tax and policy law signed last year, more recipients are subject to work requirements and states are being required to pay a larger share of administrative costs — and could be on the hook for benefit costs if their error rates are too high.During a government shutdown last year, courts blocked the administration from cutting off benefits. Meanwhile, Rollins has said that there's rampant fraud in the program.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/health/2026/06/23/judge-rules-government-cant-stop-snap-dollars-from-buying-candy-and-sugary-drinks/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:41:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPJE6ZHQ7UFDDPKWEZXC6Y3NEXU.jpg","slug":"judge-rules-government-cant-stop-snap-dollars-from-buying-candy-and-sugary-drinks"},{"id":"517utj","title":"Sharp drops in Big Tech companies pull indexes mostly lower on Wall Street","excerpt":"Wall Street gave up more of its recent gains Tuesday after a sell-off in big technology stocks spread from Asia back to the U.S. over worries about potentially higher interest rates by the end of the year.The S&P fell 1.4%. The benchmark index is coming off 11 weekly gains out of the last 12, led...","content":"Wall Street gave up more of its recent gains Tuesday after a sell-off in big technology stocks spread from Asia back to the U.S. over worries about potentially higher interest rates by the end of the year.The S&P fell 1.4%. The benchmark index is coming off 11 weekly gains out of the last 12, led largely by technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is less influenced by tech stocks, gave up an early gain and closed just 0.1% lower. The Nasdaq composite fell 2.2%.Markets throughout Asia fell. South Korea's Kospi index, a big winner in the AI boom, sank 10%. Stocks in Europe also fell.The selling largely targeted companies that have seen their values surge amid the frenzy over artificial intelligence technology. Their pricey stock values give them more influence over the broader market’s direction. On Tuesday, more stocks gained ground within the S&P 500 than fell, but tech companies overpowered gains elsewhere.Micron Technology slumped 13.2% and Nvidia fell 4.1%. Samsung Electronics slumped 12.3% in South Korea.SpaceX wavered in early trading then closed 1% higher. The space exploration and artificial intelligence company had a soaring market debut less than two weeks ago. The company plans to raise money through a bond offering, partly to fund AI development.The growing likelihood of interest rate hikes later this year has helped deflate the massive run-up in AI-related stocks in recent days as traders worry that the higher rates could hamper economic growth.Those Big Tech gains have been significant, sending major indexes on record-setting runs throughout 2026. Within the S&P 500, the tech sector alone is up 25.5% just over the last three months and 16.6% for the year. In Asia, South Korea's Kospi has nearly doubled so far in 2026, even after Tuesday's plunge.Analysts have been warning that high-flying technology stocks could be due for a downturn.“Viewed through this lens, a period of consolidation is reasonable, in our view, after such a sharp move higher,” wrote Brock Weimer, investment strategy analyst at Edward Jones, in a research note.Many technology companies have been spending heavily on AI technology. The potential for higher interest rates can stifle future spending and hurt prices for investments. The Federal Reserve has signaled that it could raise interest rates at least once before the end of the year. Wall Street sees an 85% chance that the central bank will raise its benchmark interest rate this year, according to date from CME Group. That's compared to 60% a week earlier.The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.50% from 4.51% late Monday. The yield on the 2-year Treasury fell to 4.20% from 4.24% late Monday. Bond yields remain high, though, amid worries about inflation.Inflation has been heating up throughout the year. The impact from tariffs helped halt and reverse what had been an easing of inflation growth. The U.S. war with Iran quickly pushed energy prices higher, including gas prices. Higher energy costs have also made shipping more expensive for a wide range of goods, and that has been weighing on businesses and households. A report due Thursday with an inflation measure that is preferred by the Fed is expected to show that inflation rose to 4.1%, in May.Oil prices have eased amid negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their war. The price for a barrel of U.S. crude for August delivery fell 0.9% to settle at $73.21. The September delivery price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 0.9% to settle at $76.80. Prices are still above levels of roughly $70 per barrel before the war began.All told, the S&P 500 fell 107.33 points to 7,365.46, while the Nasdaq dropped 579.56 points to 25,587.04. The Dow lost 45.87 points to close at 51,666.84.___AP Senior Producer Mayuko Ono in Tokyo contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/23/asian-shares-are-trading-mixed-amid-caution-about-the-war-in-iran/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Yuri Kageyama, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T02:38:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2LELUOEKOBHDHA6ATIU4CSYHMM.jpg","slug":"sharp-drops-in-big-tech-companies-pull-indexes-mostly-lower-on-wall-street"},{"id":"qmqwrw","title":"Local football players work in 'off-season' with Prairie View legend","excerpt":"While most high school and college students are off and on vacation during the summer, the athletes who want to make an impact this season are working.","content":"While most high school and college students are off and on vacation during the summer, the athletes who want to make an impact this season are working.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/local-football-players-work-off-season-prairie-view-legend/19356193/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:31:55.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363741_prairie-view-local-football-img.png","slug":"local-football-players-work-in-off-season-with-prairie-view-legend"},{"id":"w8xtzj","title":"Justice Department withdraws subpoenas that sought reporters' grand jury testimony, sources say","excerpt":"The Justice Department issued and then withdrew subpoenas that sought to compel reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to people familiar with the matter. The Washington Post confirmed that one of its journalists received a subpoena ...","content":"The Justice Department issued and then withdrew subpoenas that sought to compel reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to people familiar with the matter. The Washington Post confirmed that one of its journalists received a subpoena from the Trump administration as part of a broader and aggressive crackdown on media leaks that in January also included the extraordinary step of an FBI search of the home of another journalist at the newspaper and the seizure of her electronic devices. Reporters at The Wall Street Journal also received grand jury subpoenas, according to people familiar with the matter, a rare and unusual move that critics said amounted to a threat against press freedom. It wasn't immediately clear why the government withdrew the subpoenas or what precise news coverage the subpoenas concerned, but the decision to rescind them, first reported Tuesday by The Washington Post, was confirmed by people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a non-public law enforcement action. Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray wrote in a staff email obtained by The Associated Press that a subpoena to Ellen Nakashima, a prominent national security journalist who has reported on the Iran war and deadly U.S. military boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea, had been withdrawn. “The unwarranted subpoena of our reporter Ellen Nakashima – a clear violation of constitutionally guaranteed press freedom – was another sign of the government seeking to compel journalists to become instruments of its investigations. We will continue to stand fully behind the journalism of The Washington Post and fight all efforts by any administration that violate our First Amendment rights,\" a newspaper spokesperson said in a statement.A spokesperson for The Wall Street Journal didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Tuesday. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to comment on the subpoenas or the decision to withdraw them while speaking to reporters after an unrelated news conference, calling it a grand jury matter.“To the extent that we have to investigate breaches of national security, in whatever form they come, that’s something that we will continue to do,” Blanche said.He noted that in media leak investigations, “reporters are not our targets. We very much value and appreciate the role that reporters play in this city and country.”But, he added, “I have a similar important role to make sure that people that are entrusted with our nation’s secrets do what they’re supposed to do with that information, which -- spoiler alert -- means not sharing with reporters. There’s tension there. I don’t deny there’s tension there. But we're not going to stop investigating people who work in this administration who think it’s OK to leak classified information.”Mark Schoeff Jr., a reporter at CQ Roll Call and president of the National Press Club, called the decision to seek grand jury testimony from journalists “one of the most aggressive actions against a free and independent press in recent memory.” “Reporters were one step away from being forced to participate in a criminal investigation because they were doing their jobs. That should alarm every American who values a free press,” Schoeff said in a statement.The Justice Department over the years has developed, and revised, internal policies governing how it will respond to news media leaks.Though the department across presidential administration has periodically seized the phone records of individual journalists in hopes of identifying sources for national security stories, it is extremely rare for the government to attempt to compel a reporter to reveal their sources before a grand jury.In April 2025, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi rescinded a policy from President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration that protected journalists from having their phone records secretly seized during leak investigations — a practice long decried by news organizations and press freedom groups. The moves again gave prosecutors the authority to use subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to hunt for government officials who make “unauthorized disclosures” to journalists. A memo she issued said members of the press are “presumptively entitled to advance notice of such investigative activities,” and subpoenas are to be “narrowly drawn.” Warrants must also include “protocols designed to limit the scope of intrusion into potentially protected materials or newsgathering activities,” the memo stated.In January, FBI agents searched the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, who has been covering President Donald Trump’s transformation of the federal government, as part of a leak investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of taking home classified information.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/justice-department-withdraws-subpoenas-that-sought-reporters-grand-jury-testimony-sources-say/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Alanna Durkin Richer And Eric Tucker, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:21:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FGQCC344Y2JGGFBZCPXYFL6BWTU.jpg","slug":"justice-department-withdraws-subpoenas-that-sought-reporters-grand-jury-testimony-sources-say"},{"id":"l5s9ip","title":"The Latest: Senate approves war powers resolution in a rebuke to Trump over Iran conflict","excerpt":"The Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.It was the 10th ti...","content":"The Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.It was the 10th time the Senate has tried to stop the war, and the outcome, on a vote of 50-48, was a stunning turnaround from past efforts. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has told senators it needs roughly $80 billion, mostly to cover the cost of the U.S. war against Iran, adding to an already sizable military spending boost sought by President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill ahead of a formal request. Meanwhile Iran’s president is in Pakistan to facilitate negotiations on ending the war, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Abu Dhabi seeking to reassure Gulf allies.Trump visited a Mack Truck facility in a battleground district in swing state Pennsylvania Tuesday, shifting attention to the U.S. economy in his first major public event beyond the capital since he signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war.National Guard members and U.S. Park Police have been patrolling around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the Trump administration faces a self-imposed deadline to fix a botched renovation before the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.The Latest:Senate for first time approves a war powers resolution in a rebuke to Trump over Iran conflictThe Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.It was the 10th time the Senate has tried to stop the war, and the outcome, on a vote of 50-48, was a stunning turnaround from past efforts. While the resolution is largely symbolic, and does not fully carry the force of law, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate over both the war and the deal Trump struck with Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution  earlier this month.“Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Trump and his war instead of the American people,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. ▶ Read moreTrump touts the economy at Mack Truck facility in battleground PennsylvaniaThe president kept attention on the economy in his opening remarks while visiting the facility in the Allentown suburbs on Tuesday.Speaking in front of an audience of workers wearing reflective safety vests, the president said the U.S. is “the hottest country by a lot,” nodding to the success of Mack Trucks.He’s visiting the state ahead of key midterm elections in the battleground state. Pointing to Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Trump said “We gotta get you back in.”Trump kept his early comments to the U.S., briefly mentioning the war in Iran.Trump claims factory construction boom, but the spending numbers show a slowdownThe president claimed his tariffs are causing a boom in new factories opening in the U.S.While the artificial intelligence is boosting U.S. manufacturing, there has not been the renaissance claimed by Trump.Construction spending on manufacturing has fallen nearly 23% from an August 2024 peak, according to Census Bureau data.While the average annual spending is still higher than the historical average, it has slowed during Trump’s second term instead of accelerating at the president has insisted.The U.S. economy has shed 68,000 manufacturing jobs since the start of Trump’s second term, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Trump says that Iran agreed to UN watchdog inspections of its nuclear sites but ‘there’s no rush’The president told reporters as he arrived in Pennsylvania on Tuesday that if Iran had not agreed to the inspections, he’d cut off talks with Tehran, saying, “I’d cancel the meetings right now.”When asked when the inspections might occur, Trump said: “There’s no rush. They’ll be on the ground at the appropriate time.”Trump says Interior Department will release images of alleged and unverified vandalism of reflecting poolPressed by reporters after Air Force One landed in Pennsylvania, Trump said the Interior Department is “going to share” photos and videos of what he claims has been vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.The president said Monday that the images existed and the federal government would provide them, though the reporters tracking Trump said that their outlets had yet to receive images from the Interior Department that validated his claims.Trump said that six people have been arrested for damaging the pool, which filled with green algae after his recent repair as the blue coating began to peel off the floor.The government has yet to provide evidence that vandalism was behind the pool’s condition instead of repair process that failed to provide the results promised by Trump.Trump says critics of Iran deal have to be educatedThe president was asked Tuesday about Republicans in Congress — including Sen. Ted Cruz — who have been critical of Trump’s interim deal to end the war with Iran.“I think anybody that’s been critical has to be educated — even if they’re friends of mine,” Trump told reporters.Critics of the deal, including some Republicans on Capitol Hill, have said the agreement gives Iran significant benefits, while getting little immediately in exchange.Trump plans to speak as part of ‘The Great American State Fair’Trump will speak not far from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where the gavel Nancy Pelosi used as the first female House speaker sits next to a red “Make America Great Again” cap. It’s part of an exhibit dubbed “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness,” commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, with artifacts reminding Americans that today’s stark divides are not new.“People find the hope and the resiliency to move forward,” museum director Anthea M. Hartig said. “History is filled with those moments where we think we’re completely falling apart as we did in the Civil War and then we’re trying to figure out how to build it back together again.”The split screen will return on July Fourth as America 250 holds a concert in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah while the president returns to the National Mall for what he has described as a “Trump rally.”▶ Read moreTrump says 6 people have been arrested for damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting PoolTrump’s social media post said another seven were cited for damaging the pool, which Trump recently had ordered painted American Flag Blue. The president claimed without supporting evidence that there had been a “350 foot gash” in the paint.“It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition,” the president alleged.The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching the already-peeling paint as federal workers try to deal with an algae bloom in the water.Trump said that “some of the water” will be drained from the pool “either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair.”It was unclear from his post what the scale, scope or cost of the permanent repair would be.Marco Rubio has arrived in Abu DhabiThe U.S. secretary of state is in the United Arab Emirates on the first leg of a three-nation tour of Gulf countries aimed at easing their concerns about the result of an agreement intended to end the war with Iran.In the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain — all nations that Iran hit with missiles and drones in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli airstrikes — Rubio has meetings starting Wednesday with leaders who, in some cases, have taken a harder line on Iran recently than has the Trump administration.The Emiratis, in particular, have been at the forefront of calls for tough action notably to ensure the reopening of the Straight of Hormuz. There have been conflicting accounts of what the Memorandum of Understanding signed last week will mean for the strait, which the rest of the world wants open free of charge for all shipping.Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinksThe federal judge said Congress imposed no such limits on the nation’s largest food aid program.The ruling scuttles restrictions on candy, soda and other sugary drinks in the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 23 states. The Trump administration hasn’t announced an appeal.“The federal defendants and the states may have a genuine desire to improve the health of SNAP households by encouraging healthy choices at the store, and they can take lawful steps to meet those goals,” Judge Amy Berman Jackson wrote. “But what they cannot do is violate the law and their own regulations along the way.”Seeking to encourage healthier food choices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign has sought to take soda and candy off the menu because they fuel obesity, diabetes and chronic disease.Supreme Court sides with Trump administration against green card holders accused of crimesTuesday’s 6-3 decision centers around an immigration officer’s 2012 decision to put green-card holder Muk Choi Lau on immigration parole when he returned from a short trip abroad because he had been accused of a counterfeiting crime.Lau argued that overstepped the officer’s authority, and the decision wrongly allowed the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly begin deportation proceedings after he pleaded guilty to trademark counterfeiting.The Trump administration argued that suspicion of a crime is enough to put a lawful permanent resident on immigration parole.The court is separately considering cases over Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship, potentially revive a restrictive asylum policy and end temporary legal protections for migrants fleeing war and natural disasters in their homelands.Justices give US corporations big winsThe Cisco and ExxonMobil rulings, issued the same day, open U.S. courts in one case involving a foreign government while shutting the door in another. But they involved very different statutes. The Cisco decision was the latest to rule against plaintiffs seeking to use U.S. courts as a venue to seek justice over the acts of foreign governments, especially those that took place abroad. Falun Gong members sought unsuccessfully to overcome that skepticism by arguing that a substantial portion of Cisco’s activities involving China took place in the United States.The Cuba case hinged on whether the 1996 Helms-Burton law removes the shield from lawsuits in U.S. courts that typically cover foreign countries and state-owned businesses. The justices reversed a lower-court ruling that found that the Cuban state-owned companies are immune from lawsuits in U.S. courts.Supreme Court OKs ExxonMobil suit over property seized by Castro’s governmentThe Supreme Court has ruled that ExxonMobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in American courts over property on the island nation that was seized after Fidel Castro took power.The 6-3 decision was the second in as many months in favor of U.S. owners of Cuban property confiscated by the Communist government more than 65 years ago.The outcome in the two cases could be an additional lever for the Trump administration to exert pressure on Cuba, which is already being squeezed by a U.S. oil embargo.▶ Read moreSupreme Court kills suit claiming Cisco’s technology helped China persecute Falun Gong membersThe Supreme Court on Tuesday granted tech giant Cisco’s bid to shut down a lawsuit that claimed the company’s technology was used to persecute members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement in China.The justices ruled that American courts are the wrong forum, rejecting plaintiffs’ attempts to litigate under the 18th-century Alien Tort Statute (ATS) and the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA), first enacted in 1991.An Associated Press investigation last year showed that American tech companies, to a large degree, designed and built China’s surveillance state, encouraged by both Republican and Democratic administrations, even as activists warned such tools were being used to quash dissent, persecute religious groups and target minorities. Last month, AP won the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting for its stories.▶ Read moreWall Street points to another day of losses, led by an ongoing sell-off in techFutures for the S&P 500 fell 1.2% before the opening bell Tuesday, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 0.4%. Futures for the technology-heavy Nasdaq tumbled 2.6% following a 1.3% loss Monday. The Nasdaq has suffered heavy selling for days as investors grow anxious over massive spending by artificial intelligence companies and looming interest rate hikes in the U.S., which will make it more expensive for companies to fund growth through borrowing.Chip companies were among the biggest losers in overnight trading, with Micron and Intel both down more than 7%. Qualcomm fell 6.3%. Companies that specialize in memory and data storage were also taking a beating. Sandisk fell nearly 9% and Seagate was down 7.2% early.And Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which owns xAI, slipped another 1% before the bell after a 16.4% tumble to start the week.▶ Read moreIran’s president visits Pakistan for crucial talks on ending warIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also joined the delegation in Masoud Pezeshkian’s first visit to Islamabad since the conflict started with the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28.Iran’s talks Tuesday with officials mediating negotiations between Tehran and Washington on a permanent end to the war come as discrepancies emerge on what has been agreed to so far, and as more violence broke out in Lebanon.Technical teams have been working on details of the deal following high-level negotiations in Switzerland Monday led by Vance and Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that no visits were scheduled for the U.N. watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — to examine Iranian nuclear sites bombed by the United States last year. Vance previously said the negotiations in Switzerland won an agreement for the inspectors to visit the sites.▶ Read moreDiscrepancy on Iran’s use of unfrozen fundsFollowing the high-level talks in Switzerland, Vice-President JD Vance had said if Iranian financial assets were unfrozen, they “would actually go to buy American soy, American corn and American wheat for the benefit of the Iranian people.”However, Iran has no current demand for U.S. crops, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday that Tehran’s decisions on what to import would be based on “prices and quality.”“It is interesting that the philosophy and goal of the war, which was the destruction of the Iranian civilization and the collapse of Iran, has become enriching American farmers,” Baghaei said in Tehran.Iran’s ambassador in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, also questioned Vance’s contention that the U.S. and Qatar would have to approve how Iran uses unfrozen funds. “Iran is the only country who decides what to do with those assets,” he told reporters.Trump says Iran will buy US corn, soy and wheat. It won't likely happen soonTrump has heralded the peace talks with Iran as a win for U.S. farmers, saying that the unfreezing of sanctioned Iranian money will be tied to that country buying American-grown corn, soybeans and wheat.“These are things that are desperately needed by Iran,” Trump posted on social media. “This is a humanitarian crisis, and I feel it is necessary to help.”But Iran is unlikely to start buying a vast amount of U.S. farm products.“I don’t expect that trade would be very large in the short run,” said Joseph Glauber, a research fellow emeritus at the International Food Policy Research Institute.Glauber noted that Iran was “unlikely” to abandon its other trade partners on food for America. He said Iran’s major suppliers include Brazil, India, Turkey, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Argentina and that Trump’s demand to buy from the U.S. would “create some hard feelings with some of our competitors.”Authorities arrest 2 more suspects in planned attack on Trump’s UFC showTwo more people in Missouri and Washington state have been arrested in connection with what authorities say was a planned attack targeting Trump’s UFC cage-fighting show at the White House earlier this month.Law enforcement officials disrupted the plan a few days before the June 14 White House event, according to court documents.William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, according to court documents filed Monday in the Western District of Washington. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested Sunday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Missouri. A defense attorney appointed to represent Falkner did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment, and court records do not reveal if Rincker has obtained an attorney. Neither man has had the opportunity to enter a plea.▶ Read moreJudge blocks use of federal database to check citizenship, saying it could wrongly purge votersA federal judge on Monday ruled that a recently revamped version of a federal tool central to the Trump administration’s efforts to nationalize elections can no longer be used.U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan sided with advocacy groups that argued the recent upgrades to the program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, aggregated Americans’ sensitive personal data in a way that could result in voters being wrongly purged from voter rolls.She said Congress had expressly prohibited the government from centralizing Americans’ personal identifying information and that the federal agencies that created the SAVE program “knew that the database violates those statutory protections.”The decision is a major legal setback for Trump in his efforts to use federal agencies to encourage a nationwide crackdown on having noncitizens illegally on state voter rolls. The modified SAVE system had been a key pillar of the second election executive order the Republican president signed earlier this year. The ruling leaves its future uncertain.▶ Read morePatrols and nanobubbles at the Reflecting Pool as Trump seeks a renovation do-overNational Guard members and U.S. Park Police patrolled the deck around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday as President Donald Trump’s administration faces a self-imposed deadline to fix a botched renovation before the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.The patrols came two days after Trump said authorities had made “multiple arrests” of people he insisted were responsible for damage to the peeling coating after an algae bloom occurred. The liner was installed as part of his $14 million-plus project.The president has confirmed the problems most likely require draining the pool again for liner repairs and he promised a quick fix. Without offering substantiation, he also said vandals dumped fertilizer in the pool and slashed the coating with a box cutter.But the timeline was not clear Monday, with the White House saying damaged areas are still being assessed. Contractors and federal workers in recent days have been using chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to combat the algae.▶ Read morePentagon seeks $80 billion from Congress for Iran warThe Pentagon has told senators it needs roughly $80 billion, mostly to cover the cost of the U.S. war against Iran, adding to what is already a sizable military spending boost being sought by President Donald Trump.The White House Office of Management and Budget has yet to make a formal request to Congress. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill, including Monday evening. A top deputy defense secretary told senators about the Iran funding request last week, according to two people familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.The Wall Street Journal first reported on the developments.The push for billions of dollars in Iran war funding comes at a fraught political moment. Lawmakers are skeptical of the deal Trump struck with Iran to bring an end to the war, and wary of next steps. The White House has requested a remarkable $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon — a nearly 50% increase over the current fiscal year’s funding levels.▶ Read more","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/the-latest-pentagon-asks-congress-for-roughly-80-billion-to-cover-cost-of-iran-war/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T12:59:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F2EQ6STOSHFHYVEUSP33CKDKQZU.jpg","slug":"the-latest-senate-approves-war-powers-resolution-in-a-rebuke-to-trump-over-iran-conflict"},{"id":"5ds5yt","title":"TribCast: What a new secretary of state could mean for Texas elections","excerpt":"Longtime public official Jane Nelson is stepping down as Texas’ top election officer later this summer, after more than three years at the helm. As rumors swirl about who Gov. Greg Abbott will appoint as the next secretary of state, TribCast dives into the challenges Nelson has faced in the role ...","content":"Longtime public official Jane Nelson is stepping down as Texas’ top election officer later this summer, after more than three years at the helm. As rumors swirl about who Gov. Greg Abbott will appoint as the next secretary of state, TribCast dives into the challenges Nelson has faced in the role and what awaits her replacement.VoteBeat Texas reporter Natalia Contreras joins Matthew and Eleanor to look back at Nelson’s tenure and forecast the future. Watch the video above or subscribe to the TribCast on iTunes, Spotify, or RSS. New episodes every Tuesday.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/23/tribcast-what-a-new-secretary-of-state-could-mean-for-texas-elections/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Eleanor Klibanoff","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:43:09.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7NXMY7YYKNFFVHZJIFQN4GDDII.jpg","slug":"tribcast-what-a-new-secretary-of-state-could-mean-for-texas-elections"},{"id":"fpgvwb","title":"Mountains added to the Houston skyline on World Cup broadcast: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the week","excerpt":"The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.","content":"The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/19/554568/mountains-added-to-the-houston-skyline-on-world-cup-broadcast-the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-the-week/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-19T16:00:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19110541%2FHouston-skyline-with-mountains-on-the-BBC-v2-450x238.jpg","slug":"mountains-added-to-the-houston-skyline-on-world-cup-broadcast-the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-the-week"},{"id":"mar8qk","title":"Houston Weather: Summer Heat Settles In Through The End Of June","excerpt":"If you’re a fan of classic summer weather, Houston’s forecast is delivering exactly that.A large area of high pressure remains in control across Southeast Texas, keeping rain chances low and temperatures consistently in the mid-90s through at least the next 10 days. While actual air temperatures ...","content":"If you’re a fan of classic summer weather, Houston’s forecast is delivering exactly that.A large area of high pressure remains in control across Southeast Texas, keeping rain chances low and temperatures consistently in the mid-90s through at least the next 10 days. While actual air temperatures will top out around 94 degrees each afternoon, the humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.Tonight’s Forecast: It’ll be another quiet night across Southeast Texas with partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures.Most inland communities will fall into the mid-to-upper 70s overnight, with lows around 75 to 78 degrees from Brenham and Columbus to Conroe, Katy, and Houston. Along the coast, temperatures will remain much warmer, with Galveston only dropping to around 83 degrees.Humidity will stay high overnight, so even late this evening it will still feel distinctly summer-like outside.Wednesday’s Forecast:Wednesday looks nearly perfect if your plans involve the pool.Temperatures climb from around 80 degrees at 8 a.m. to 84 degrees by 10 a.m., reaching 88 degrees around lunchtime and 92 degrees by 2 p.m. Skies will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy throughout the day with no significant rain expected.Of course, Houston’s humidity means the heat index will rise quickly, so sunscreen, hydration, and frequent breaks in the shade will still be important.The weather pattern changes very little through the next 7 days:After what felt like two solid months of rain and a region that is no longer in a drought, a strengthening ridge of high pressure will take control this week, bringing hotter temperatures, fewer clouds, and no rain. The result will be a quieter forecast overall, but one that comes with increasing heat and humidity.Afternoon highs will generally range from 92 to 96 degrees through much of the week, with overnight lows falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s.While this won’t be an extreme heat wave by Houston standards, the lack of rainfall combined with several consecutive days of triple-digit heat indices will make for a prolonged stretch of summer heat. Most afternoons will feature heat index values between 104 and 107 degrees, and there may be isolated spots that briefly exceed those numbers. Staying safe in the heat:Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you do head outside, seek shade when possible, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. And never, under any circumstances, leave a person or animal alone in a closed car. Plus, as our temperatures hit the 90s, it’s a good reminder of how hot it gets inside your car - reaching life-threatening temperatures quickly. According to Stanford researchers, on a 90-degree day a parked car’s interior can reach 109 in just 10 minutes and 133 in 60 minutes. Cracking the windows make no significant difference in the rate of temperature rise, it can still be life-threatening.10 Day Forecast:Looking ahead, the forecast remains remarkably consistent. High temperatures stay in the low-to-mid 90s through the beginning of July, while overnight lows remain in the upper 70s. Rain chances remain very limited for most locations through the weekend and into next week.A few isolated showers may return around the middle of next week, but widespread rainfall is not expected at this time.For now, Houston’s weather pattern is firmly locked into summer mode: hot afternoons, warm nights, plenty of humidity, and very few opportunities for cooling rain.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2026/06/23/houston-weather-forecast-from-storms-to-dry-with-triple-digit-feels-like-heat/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Caroline Brown, Justin Stapleton","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:24:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FSXLCHC3LHRGKHEENPVH56FEEAA.png","slug":"houston-weather-summer-heat-settles-in-through-the-end-of-june"},{"id":"u0ta0","title":"Person hit by vehicle along feeder road of North Sam Houston Tollway at Antoine, HCSO says","excerpt":"The sheriff's office said it blocked the eastbound feeder road of the North Sam Houston Tollway at Antoine after a person was hit by a vehicle Tuesday morning.","content":"The sheriff's office said it blocked the eastbound feeder road of the North Sam Houston Tollway at Antoine after a person was hit by a vehicle Tuesday morning.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/person-hit-vehicle-feeder-road-north-sam-houston-tollway-antoine-hcso-says/19362686/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:36:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363638_062326-ktrk-feeder-autoped-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"person-hit-by-vehicle-along-feeder-road-of-north-sam-houston-tollway-at-antoine-hcso-says"},{"id":"cr0ego","title":"Trump administration announces $17.5 billion in loans for 10 new large nuclear reactors","excerpt":"The Trump administration is providing $17.5 billion to speed the development of 10 new large nuclear reactors to meet the skyrocketing power demand from massive data centers. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited “tremendous interest” among developers of data centers that would buy the power, as we...","content":"The Trump administration is providing $17.5 billion to speed the development of 10 new large nuclear reactors to meet the skyrocketing power demand from massive data centers. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited “tremendous interest” among developers of data centers that would buy the power, as well as utilities and energy companies. The nuclear plants could begin construction by 2030 and become operational in the mid-2030s, Wright and other officials said Tuesday.“This is the start,” Wright said on a call with reporters. “We’re going to move with the players that are ready to stand up and move quickly. Once that supply chain is up and running, do we think there will be dozens of these built going forward? I’d be very surprised if there were not.” Most U.S. nuclear power plants were built between 1970 and 1990. Only two new large reactors have been built from scratch in the United States in recent decades. Those two reactors, at Georgia Power Co.’s Plant Vogtle, were completed years late and billions of dollars over budget. The 10 new reactors will use the same design, Westinghouse’s AP1000. Wright said the Plant Vogtle project struggled because of bad planning, supply chain problems and the COVID-19 pandemic. But, he said, the reactor design is “robust and sound.”“By building in volume and at multiple locations, we think we will create and stand up a large supply chain and build a lot of construction expertise,” Wright said. “We expect the timing and cost of these plants to well outperform what was done on Vogtle.”Seven utilities and energy companies signed letters of intent that identified sites, the Energy Department said. The agency plans to pick five, which would host two reactors at each site. The federal financing would be used to purchase nuclear components with long lead times, and are not construction loans.The department declined to name the utilities involved or the states they are in, calling it premature until the selections are made. It did not give a timeline for making those selections.President Donald Trump set a goal of quadrupling domestic production of nuclear power within the next 25 years, and he has signed executive orders to speed development. The administration is working to advance new nuclear technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors.Dan Sumner, president and chief executive officer of Westinghouse, said industrialized nuclear power needs to be built at fleet scale, in order for the United States to lead in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and the industries that will define the next century.Critics of building more nuclear reactors say they’re too expensive and riskier than other low-carbon energy sources. Several states restrict or ban new nuclear power plant construction.Travis Fisher, director of energy and environmental policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute think tank, said the Energy Department has the authority to issue these loan guarantees, but he doesn't think the executive branch should be so heavily involved in the electricity sector. If the past is any indication, the next administration will use similar authorities to favor a different set of energy resources, he added. \"Remove the state barriers and the federal favoritism and let companies build the power plants that pass the market test,” Fisher wrote in an e-mail Tuesday. Data centers used 4% to 5% of the nation's total electricity in 2024, a share that could nearly triple by 2028, according to government estimates. Some analysts predict nationwide electricity use to rise as much as 20% in the next decade, with data centers a big reason.The Energy Department said the loans could speed up the development of these 10 reactors by up to three years and lower construction costs. Its goal is for all 10 to be under construction by 2030, to start providing power in the mid-2030s. The utilities and Westinghouse will be expected to contribute up to $5 billion in equity in total across the five, two-reactors projects. Wright said his department provides up to $17.5 billion in loans, or $3.5 billion per project, in debt to pair with the equity. He said it's “very, very low risk to the American taxpayers.” ___McDermott reported from Providence, R.I. ___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/trump-administration-announces-175-billion-in-loans-for-10-new-large-nuclear-reactors/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jennifer Mcdermott And Matthew Daly, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:34:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKCFHQSPVYZCATHQS52HXTNCPZI.jpg","slug":"trump-administration-announces-175-billion-in-loans-for-10-new-large-nuclear-reactors"},{"id":"xuvqep","title":"Person killed in 18-wheeler crash on I-45 NB before Cypresswood, HCSO says; all lanes reopened","excerpt":"A major crash involving a truck and an 18-wheeler has cleared after shutting down all the I-45 North Freeway northbound lanes before Cypresswood on Tuesday morning.","content":"A major crash involving a truck and an 18-wheeler has cleared after shutting down all the I-45 North Freeway northbound lanes before Cypresswood on Tuesday morning.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/deadly-crash-involving-truck-18-wheeler-shuts-down-45-north-freeway-northbound-lanes-before-cypresswood-hcso-says/19361627/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:17:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"person-killed-in-18-wheeler-crash-on-i-45-nb-before-cypresswood-hcso-says-all-lanes-reopened"},{"id":"9bqmt6","title":"Tomball head baseball coach shares 6A championship win with sons: 'We got to do it together\"","excerpt":"When Tomball High School won the 6A State Championship in baseball, it was a special moment for head coach Doug Rush and his sons.","content":"When Tomball High School won the 6A State Championship in baseball, it was a special moment for head coach Doug Rush and his sons.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/fathers-day-tomball-area-dad-son-share-special-bond-memories-off-diamond/19356370/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:11:16.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363244_062326-rush-family-JGL.jpg","slug":"tomball-head-baseball-coach-shares-6a-championship-win-with-sons-we-got-to-do-it-together"},{"id":"7lyt8g","title":"Angelina Picano, Denise Grottini, Janice Picano found dead in apparent double murder-suicide, Philadelphia police say","excerpt":"Investigators said a woman shot two others before turning the gun on herself.","content":"Investigators said a woman shot two others before turning the gun on herself.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/angelina-picano-denise-grottini-janice-found-dead-apparent-double-murder-suicide-philadelphia-police-say/19363402/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:05:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19362874_062326-wpiv-double-murder-suicide-victims-id-10am-vid.jpg","slug":"angelina-picano-denise-grottini-janice-picano-found-dead-in-apparent-double-murder-suicide-philadelp"},{"id":"a6i9ut","title":"Supreme Court rejects a push to require higher prices on tax foreclosure sales","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort to change tax foreclosure sales to let homeowners to keep more money when their property is sold to recoup unpaid taxes.The high court ruled against a sweeping argument from a Michigan family whose house was sold for less than half its open-market v...","content":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort to change tax foreclosure sales to let homeowners to keep more money when their property is sold to recoup unpaid taxes.The high court ruled against a sweeping argument from a Michigan family whose house was sold for less than half its open-market value to cover an unpaid tax bill of just over $2,000. They argued the foreclosure violated their rights because the house would have fetched a higher price of nearly $200,000 if sold through typical real-estate channels. The Supreme Court unanimously found that people aren't entitled to recoup a “hypothetical fair market value” of homes sold at auction to cover unpaid taxes. Auctions are designed to be a relatively quick way to collect unpaid taxes, and requiring local governments to get the higher fair-market value might make them unworkable, Justice Samuel Alito wrote. “The traditional rule, under which the taxpayer receives only the difference between the auction sale price and unpaid taxes, is ‘just,’” he wrote. The sale, though, must be conducted fairly, he wrote. The court sent the Pung family's case back to lower courts to reassess the process used by Isabella County. Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Neil Gorsuch, wrote separately to raise doubts about the constitutionality of the foreclosure process.“The case isn’t over,\" said Larry Salzman, vice president for litigation at the Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented the family. “The Pungs won the right to continue their fight in the lower courts.”The county maintained that auction sale prices are always lower than open real estate transactions, in part because they typically require full cash payment rather than a mortgage. Officials make “herculean efforts to help homeowners avoid foreclosure,\" said attorney Matthew Nelson, who represented the county. “But at the end of the day, foreclosure is a tool that needs to remain in their toolboxes.”He said the county's actions would withstand further scrutiny. “We are confident the process Isabella County followed in this case exceeded what the law required.\"The case comes about three years after another major foreclosure case where the justices ruled against local governments. The court found counties can’t keep tax sale proceeds beyond what the owner owes in unpaid taxes. That case centered on a 94-year-old Minnesota woman whose county government kept about $40,000 in proceeds from the sale of her condominium after she failed to pay about $2,300 in taxes.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/supreme-court-sides-with-michigan-county-in-a-tax-foreclosure-case/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:27:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FPELWSXOWDBD75DO5T6O2WV52TE.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-rejects-a-push-to-require-higher-prices-on-tax-foreclosure-sales"},{"id":"5hpbsz","title":"Netherlands soccer fans brave heat for glimpse of iconic Dutch Orange Bus ahead of World Cup match in Houston","excerpt":"The bus, which made a pit stop Thursday in Fort Bend County, will lead a pregame march from Rice University to NRG Stadium on Saturday morning for the group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden.","content":"The bus, which made a pit stop Thursday in Fort Bend County, will lead a pregame march from Rice University to NRG Stadium on Saturday morning for the group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/world-cup/2026/06/19/554982/world-cup-houston-netherlands-soccer-dutch-orange-bus-fan-walk/?utm_source=rss-world-cup-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Melissa Enaje","publishDate":"2026-06-19T14:14:20.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F18234106%2FDutch-Orange-Bus-Fulshear-450x297.jpg","slug":"netherlands-soccer-fans-brave-heat-for-glimpse-of-iconic-dutch-orange-bus-ahead-of-world-cup-match-i"},{"id":"upojsb","title":"They’re leaving Congress with nothing to lose, spelling potential trouble for Trump","excerpt":"A trio of Senate Republicans, including Texas' John Cornyn, are on their way out of Congress. Each has previously drawn President Trump's scorn and now each are seen as newly liberated to complicate his agenda if they choose.","content":"A trio of Senate Republicans, including Texas' John Cornyn, are on their way out of Congress. Each has previously drawn President Trump's scorn and now each are seen as newly liberated to complicate his agenda if they choose.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2026/06/19/555007/republicans-yolo-caucus-bill-cassidy-john-cornyn-thom-tillis/?utm_source=rss-politics-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Claudia Grisales, NPR","publishDate":"2026-06-19T13:25:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19082324%2FJohnCornynSenate-NPR-450x298.jpg","slug":"theyre-leaving-congress-with-nothing-to-lose-spelling-potential-trouble-for-trump"},{"id":"q9frkz","title":"New state-by-state ranking shows where Americans are most independent","excerpt":"As Americans gear up to celebrate Independence Day, a new study reveals the most independent states in the nation, ranking them on everything from financial stability to government dependence.","content":"As Americans gear up to celebrate Independence Day, a new study reveals the most independent states in the nation, ranking them on everything from financial stability to government dependence.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/states-where-americans-most-independent-data","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:07:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fman-american-flag-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"new-state-by-state-ranking-shows-where-americans-are-most-independent"},{"id":"rvgdic","title":"81-year-old Utah couple says 'I do' again at Taco Bell, earns free lunch for life","excerpt":"Mickey and Jo-Ann, who have been married for six decades and have eight children, chose their local Taco Bell as the venue for the special ceremony. The restaurant is where they share a lunch together every day for years.","content":"Mickey and Jo-Ann, who have been married for six decades and have eight children, chose their local Taco Bell as the venue for the special ceremony. The restaurant is where they share a lunch together every day for years.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/81-year-old-utah-couple-married-60-years-says-do-favorite-taco-bell-restaurant-earns-free-lunch-life/19362893/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABCNews","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:59:52.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19363222_062326-abcn-fast-food-love-img.jpg","slug":"81-year-old-utah-couple-says-i-do-again-at-taco-bell-earns-free-lunch-for-life"},{"id":"v423gj","title":"‘An important voice for the Latino community’: 2026 LULAC Convention highlights issues affecting Latinos","excerpt":"This year's League of United Latin American Citizens national convention is taking place in Texas.","content":"This year's League of United Latin American Citizens national convention is taking place in Texas.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2026/06/19/555002/an-important-voice-for-the-latino-community-2026-lulac-convention-highlights-issues-affecting-latinos/?utm_source=rss-texas-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Penelope Rivera, KERA","publishDate":"2026-06-19T13:19:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19081555%2Flulac-convention-450x338.webp","slug":"an-important-voice-for-the-latino-community-2026-lulac-convention-highlights-issues-affecting-latino"},{"id":"mowrfp","title":"US military seeks another $80B to cover costs of Iran conflict","excerpt":"The Department of Defense is preparing to seek an additional $80 billion to cover costs from the U.S. war against Iran, according to senators briefed on the matter.","content":"The Department of Defense is preparing to seek an additional $80 billion to cover costs from the U.S. war against Iran, according to senators briefed on the matter.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/us-military-seeks-80b-cover-costs-iran-conflict","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Jason.Gunn@fox.com (Jason Gunn)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:08:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2282164772-scaled.jpg","slug":"us-military-seeks-another-80b-to-cover-costs-of-iran-conflict"},{"id":"imb6ze","title":"Supreme Court OKs Exxon Mobil lawsuit over Cuban property seized by Fidel Castro's government","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Exxon Mobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in American courts over property on the island nation that was seized after Fidel Castro took power.","content":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Exxon Mobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in American courts over property on the island nation that was seized after Fidel Castro took power.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/supreme-court-oks-exxon-mobil-lawsuit-cuban-property-seized-fidel-castros-government/19363078/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:03:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19323109_061826-cc-ap-scotus-img.jpg%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"supreme-court-oks-exxon-mobil-lawsuit-over-cuban-property-seized-by-fidel-castros-government"},{"id":"sdtk5m","title":"Supreme Court sides with Trump administration on immigration case dealing with green card holders","excerpt":"The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration Tuesday in an immigration case dealing with the government’s power over green card holders accused of crimes. The 6-3 decision centers on an immigration officers’ 2012 decision to put lawful permanent resident Muk Choi Lau on immigration parol...","content":"The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration Tuesday in an immigration case dealing with the government’s power over green card holders accused of crimes. The 6-3 decision centers on an immigration officers’ 2012 decision to put lawful permanent resident Muk Choi Lau on immigration parole when he returned from a short trip to China because he had been accused of a counterfeiting crime.Lau argued that the officer overstepped their authority, and the decision wrongly allowed the Department of Homeland Security under then-President Barack Obama an easier path to removal after he pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit clothes in New Jersey.The high court disagreed. “Border officers did not have the burden to establish by clear and convincing evidence that Lau had committed a crime involving moral turpitude,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the opinion. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, writing that the decision to put Lau on immigration parole effectively sentenced him to “immigration limbo” before he’d been convicted of any crime. “I worry that the Court has now handed the Government a massive blank check,” she wrote in the dissent joined by her two liberal colleagues. The liberal group Alliance for Justice echoed that concern, saying the ruling could provide an expanded path for revoking green cards. But Advancing American Freedom, a group founded by former Republican Vice President Mike Pence, called it an important case to allow the removal of people who “abuse the privilege of being granted lawful permanent resident status.”The decision comes as the high court considers a series of immigration-related issues against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, though this case started before Trump took office. His administration argued that suspicion of a crime is enough to put a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green-card holder, on immigration parole. Federal attorneys urged the court to take an expansive view of executive authority over immigration.The court is also considering cases over Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship, potentially revive a restrictive asylum policy and end temporary legal protections for migrants fleeing war and natural disasters in their homelands.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/supreme-court-sides-with-trump-administration-on-immigration-case-dealing-with-green-card-holders/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:31:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FTHGJ555WIBFSXMCVSWWBF3LNEQ.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-sides-with-trump-administration-on-immigration-case-dealing-with-green-card-holders"},{"id":"bi06w9","title":"Top auto regulator opens special probe after a Tesla slams into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old","excerpt":"The top U.S. auto regulator opened an investigation Monday after a Tesla using an automated driving feature slammed into a Texas home at high speed and killed a 76-year-old woman standing inside.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it's opening a special investigation into the ...","content":"The top U.S. auto regulator opened an investigation Monday after a Tesla using an automated driving feature slammed into a Texas home at high speed and killed a 76-year-old woman standing inside.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it's opening a special investigation into the Tesla Model 3 crash on Friday near Houston, a significant probe because the car was using technology that Elon Musk considers key to the company's future. The Tesla CEO is rolling out robotaxis using automated software in several U.S. cities this year and plans to invite Tesla owners to put their cars into the fleet using the same system across the country.The driver told the Harris County Sheriff's Office that he was using the technology, according to a police report on the crash, but it's not clear what role, if any, it played in the incident.Tesla did not respond to a request for comment but the head of the company's artificial intelligence efforts suggested on social media later Monday that the self-driving feature was not to blame.“In this case, the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator all the way to 100% of the accel pedal in this residential area,” wrote Ashok Elluswamy on X, the platform that is now part of Musk's rocket company, SpaceX. “They reached a speed of 73 mph during the crash, and had the accelerator pressed even after the crash.”The police report noted that the driver was not drunk and is cooperating. It identified the woman killed as Martha Avila.Video obtained by KHOU-TV shows the car traveling at top speed over the front lawn of a brick home in Katy, then ramming into a front room. The next shot shows the car encased in the home amid piles of crumbling plaster, split beams and bits of furniture.The auto safety regulator, known as NHTSA, has launched several investigations into Tesla, including one late last year into 58 incidents in which Teslas reportedly violated traffic safety laws while using self-driving technology, leading to more than a dozen crashes and fires and nearly two dozen injuries. A few months earlier, the NHTSA opened an investigation into why Tesla apparently had not been reporting crashes promptly as required.As for special crash investigations, the NHTSA has opened 46 involving Teslas using self-driving or driver-assistance technology over the past decade, according to the agency's records. In more than a dozen of those crashes, at least one person — a driver, passenger or pedestrian — was killed.Tesla stock fell sharply early last year as car sales plunged amid a boycott of Musk after he waded into politics, leading President Donald Trump's budget-cutting Department of Government Efficiency initiative and embracing European extremist candidates. Musk has since shifted the Tesla story to one less about car sales and more about AI and robotaxis, and done so successfully. The stock is up 16% in the past year.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/22/top-auto-regulator-opens-special-probe-after-a-tesla-slams-into-a-texas-home-killing-a-76-year-old/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bernard Condon, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:20:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FF4FA6BBI7FE6NPJRNGDFGUGBMM.jpg","slug":"top-auto-regulator-opens-special-probe-after-a-tesla-slams-into-a-texas-home-killing-a-76-year-old"},{"id":"xd65ib","title":"Poll reveals how public support for Iran war compares to other US conflicts","excerpt":"A new Gallup poll found U.S. military action against Iran received lower public approval than most major military operations since the 1980s.","content":"A new Gallup poll found U.S. military action against Iran received lower public approval than most major military operations since the 1980s.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/poll-reveals-how-public-support-iran-war-compares-other-us-conflicts","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Catherine.Stoddard@fox.com (Catherine Stoddard)","publishDate":"2026-06-20T00:16:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fhormuz.jpg","slug":"poll-reveals-how-public-support-for-iran-war-compares-to-other-us-conflicts"},{"id":"ld01q1","title":"Houston woman connected to $100M health care fraud case added to FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List","excerpt":"A Houston woman has been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List after authorities accused her laboratory of generating more than $100 million in health care fraud.Emylee Thai, 41, is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud t...","content":"A Houston woman has been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List after authorities accused her laboratory of generating more than $100 million in health care fraud.Emylee Thai, 41, is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, destruction of records, and violation of pretrial conditions.New Most Wanted Fraudster:  Emylee Thai is #wanted by the #FBI for allegedly committing nearly $100 million in healthcare fraud through a medically unnecessary genetic testing and kickback scheme. She's likely in Vietnam.  A reward of up to $150,000 is offered for info leading to… pic.twitter.com/q3hspEYM2w&mdash; FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 23, 2026Investigators allege Thai participated in a scheme to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks connected to a federal health care program.According to investigators, in or around 2019, Thai, who owned a laboratory, contracted with marketers to refer signed doctors’ orders and beneficiary DNA samples to the lab in exchange for a percentage of Medicare reimbursements.The genetic testing — often reimbursed by Medicare for thousands of dollars per test — was allegedly medically unnecessary and not used in beneficiaries’ treatment plans.During that period, Thai’s laboratory billed Medicare approximately $142 million for genetic testing and received roughly $95 million in reimbursements, authorities said.Following her arrest, Thai was granted bond with several pretrial conditions, including wearing a GPS ankle monitor.On Dec. 8, 2022, Thai’s location monitor was removed, and authorities were unable to contact or locate her.A federal arrest warrant was issued the following day in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas after she was charged with tampering with her GPS monitoring device.Investigators later determined that Thai had fled the country aboard a private aircraft to Vietnam while using a false identity.On July 6, 2023, a separate federal arrest warrant was issued for Thai in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Thai’s arrest.Thai’s Link to Billion-Dollar Nationwide OperationThai has also been linked to a larger federal health care fraud crackdown.According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release, the nationwide operation includes 455 defendants — including 90 medical professionals — who face charges tied to approximately $6.5 billion in alleged fraud.The investigation spans 45 states and involves alleged wound care schemes, patient harm, Medicaid fraud, and illegal opioid distribution.DOJ officials said the operation “represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud.”Anyone with information about Thai’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/houston-woman-connected-to-100m-health-care-fraud-case-added-to-fbis-most-wanted-fraudsters-list/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Juliana Russell, Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:14:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FMQ2PVQHKCBDZZPOUILJAGA5YGY.png","slug":"houston-woman-connected-to-100m-health-care-fraud-case-added-to-fbis-most-wanted-fraudsters-list"},{"id":"vsvj0f","title":"Infantino says FIFA will analyze using hydration breaks at future World Cups","excerpt":"FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament.Gianni Infantino, the soccer body's president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said T...","content":"FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament.Gianni Infantino, the soccer body's president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.He said FIFA would analyze what it will do in future tournaments “based on this experience.” But after criticism that the breaks were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested the stoppages have been positive.“Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it’s good,” Infantino told SNTV. \"And we see as well the intensity of the games. We’ve never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity.“Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on,\" he continued. \"And maybe, maybe not, but maybe it’s also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do.”The World Cup has certainly delivered in terms of entertainment, with goals scored at a record pace and big performances from soccer greats like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. There have also been shocks provided by debutants Cape Verde and Curacao, despite fears the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams to 48 would dilute the quality.But the biggest criticism has been the introduction of hydration breaks for all matches regardless of venue or location.Loud jeers have greeted the stoppages, around 22 minutes into each half, especially at games played in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning, such as Atlanta.Infantino said it was necessary for sporting equity.“If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams,” he said. “Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it’s hot and in another match where it’s a bit less hot, he wouldn’t have this opportunity?”Infantino also insisted FIFA was making no extra money as a result of networks cutting to commercials because contracts had been signed before the decision to introduce hydration breaks.“Broadcasters maybe, they make, they generate more. I don’t know, that’s great for them,\" he said. \"But for us, we make zero additional revenues.”___James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/infantino-says-fifa-will-analyze-using-hydration-breaks-at-future-world-cups/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"James Robson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:09:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FCO5C7FSL4JEQJHFRXGOGSMULYE.jpg","slug":"infantino-says-fifa-will-analyze-using-hydration-breaks-at-future-world-cups"},{"id":"3emad5","title":"Katy crash: Tesla crashes into house on Rose Hollow Lane, elderly woman killed, NHTSA to investigate","excerpt":"Two people were taken to the hospital after a Tesla crashed into a home in Katy on Friday night, officials said.","content":"Two people were taken to the hospital after a Tesla crashed into a home in Katy on Friday night, officials said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-crash-tesla-crashes-house-rose-hollow-lane","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:57:05.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fvlcsnap-2026-06-19-22h02m14s262.png","slug":"katy-crash-tesla-crashes-into-house-on-rose-hollow-lane-elderly-woman-killed-nhtsa-to-investigate"},{"id":"m1uuvn","title":"Which Bible passages are in Texas’ proposed student reading list? Here’s what the selections reveal","excerpt":"The chosen readings, to be voted on soon by the State Board of Education, draw heavily from Christian perspectives.","content":"The chosen readings, to be voted on soon by the State Board of Education, draw heavily from Christian perspectives.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/06/19/554997/texas-religious-reading-list-sboe-bible-public-schools/?utm_source=rss-education-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune","publishDate":"2026-06-19T13:13:42.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19081213%2FBiblePassage-TT-450x299.jpg","slug":"which-bible-passages-are-in-texas-proposed-student-reading-list-heres-what-the-selections-reveal"},{"id":"qsf5i3","title":"‘Stop the bleeding’: Body camera footage shows moment deputy was shot during gunfight at Humble apartment complex","excerpt":"Editor’s note: The body camera footage attached to this article contains graphic scenes from an officer-involved shooting, including visible injuries, blood and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.Newly released body camera footage from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office sh...","content":"Editor’s note: The body camera footage attached to this article contains graphic scenes from an officer-involved shooting, including visible injuries, blood and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.Newly released body camera footage from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office shows the dramatic moments a deputy was shot and wounded during a gunfight with an armed suspect at a Humble-area apartment complex last week.The videos, released Tuesday by Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman, capture the chaotic exchange of gunfire that left two deputies injured after authorities say they were ambushed while responding to reports of a man firing a shotgun.The shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. on June 19 at the Pavilion at the Groves apartment complex in the 15900 block of Woodland Hills Drive.According to Precinct 4, multiple callers reported a man walking through the complex with a shotgun and firing it. When deputies arrived and located the suspect, authorities said he opened fire on them, striking two deputies.Following the shooting, investigators said the suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment, prompting a lengthy standoff. SWAT teams eventually breached the residence, used technology to locate the suspect and deployed CS gas before he surrendered.Authorities identified the suspect as Edgar Villegas, 38. He remains charged with aggravated assault on a public servant.What Happens in the VideosOne of the newly released videos shows several deputies positioned outside an apartment building near a stairwell with their weapons drawn and flashlights illuminated. Moments later, two gunshots ring out, followed by deputies shouting, “Shots fired!” before a barrage of additional gunfire erupts.A second body camera video, recorded from the perspective of injured Deputy Dante Zepeda, captures the moments leading up to the shooting.In the footage, deputies can be seen standing in an apartment breezeway while discussing the suspect’s location.“Is he at the window?” Zepeda asks.“He’s just in there at this time,” another deputy responds.Seconds later, shots ring out.After the first shot is fired, Zepeda appears to fall forward before quickly getting back to his feet and retreating. Blood can be seen on the pavement as he moves away from the line of fire.The deputy then turns back toward the direction of the shots with his handgun drawn and appears to return fire before seeking cover.As he reaches an area outside the building, blood is visible on his hands and arms.“I’m hit!” Zepeda says in the footage.“Where are you hit?” another deputy asks.“My wrist, my wrist, my wrist, my wrist. Stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding,” Zepeda responds.The video shows another deputy applying a pressure bandage to the wound while rendering aid.Officers InjuredOfficials later determined that Zepeda and a second deputy were struck by shotgun pellets or projectiles during the exchange.Officials later said Zepeda was also struck in the hip and upper arm, though in the immediate aftermath of the shooting he can be heard telling fellow deputies he had been hit in the wrist.He was initially transported by patrol vehicle to Houston Northeast Hospital before being transferred to Memorial Hermann’s surgical trauma center in downtown Houston.Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening, and the agency announced over the weekend that he had been released from the hospital following successful surgery.The second injured deputy remained on the perimeter until SWAT teams arrived and was later treated and released, according to officials.In social media posts accompanying the footage, Herman said deputies had worked to evacuate residents before the confrontation to keep civilians out of harm’s way.“The attached videos show the dangerous, split-second decisions law enforcement officers face while protecting our community,” Herman wrote. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by the men and women who put on the badge every day.”No residents or bystanders were injured during the incident.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/bodycam-footage-released-of-altercation-where-harris-county-pct-4-deputy-was-injured-in-shooting/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Michael Horton","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:17:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FLGAZIYV2MRCN3BQGMFKDGDSAFQ.png","slug":"stop-the-bleeding-body-camera-footage-shows-moment-deputy-was-shot-during-gunfight-at-humble-apartme"},{"id":"mjw8f1","title":"Recent rain gives Corpus Christi a 9-month reprieve on projected water crisis","excerpt":"Corpus Christi got welcome news Tuesday when the city’s projected water emergency was delayed to September 2027 after recent rains boosted some of the region’s reservoirs. The city was initially bracing for a Level 1 emergency — the point when water demand is projected to be six months from excee...","content":"Corpus Christi got welcome news Tuesday when the city’s projected water emergency was delayed to September 2027 after recent rains boosted some of the region’s reservoirs. The city was initially bracing for a Level 1 emergency — the point when water demand is projected to be six months from exceeding supply — to surface in December. Even better for residents and businesses, earlier this year — when levels at Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon, the city’s two main reservoirs, were at their lowest — the city was preparing for supply to run short this summer. The latest projection buys the city significantly more time to find new water sources, but city leaders warned that it’s not time to slow down. “This is not a point in time where we are to let up or to get comfortable,” Nick Winkelmann, chief operating officer of Corpus Christ’s water department, told the City Council on Tuesday. “We must continue to execute our plan to diversify the water supply.”The city is currently debating a seawater treatment plant and is expected to make a decision on the nearly billion-dollar project on Sept. 1. To meet water demand, the city earlier this year drilled dozens of wells in a field in Nueces County and is working on a project to recycle wastewater. Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said when she read the new projected date of a Level 1 emergency, she thought it was a typo. “This is such good news,” she said, adding: “While the recent rains have bought us some time, we have to stay focused on our long-term water supply. This is a huge, huge milestone.”Significant gains have been seen in Lake Corpus Christi, where capacity jumped from 9% in April to 30%. Rains, however, missed Choke Canyon, the city’s biggest reservoir, which has hovered around 8% capacity for the past few months. Despite its lower levels, Choke Canyon has about the same amount of water as Lake Corpus Christi.The third reservoir the city uses, Lake Texana, rebounded from nearly 50% capacity in April to 100% earlier this month, although it is known for filling up and depleting quickly. If a Level 1 emergency is declared, all customers of the city’s regional water system would be required to cut use by 25%.Residents’ monthly baseline use at 8,000 gallons per household, limiting them to 6,000 gallons if an emergency is triggered. Under a proposal before the council, every 1,000 gallons used after that would cost an additional $4. Beyond 8,000 gallons, every 1,000 gallons would cost another $8.Commercial customers, such as businesses and apartment complexes and industry, would have their baselines decided case-by-case based largely on average monthly usage from 2021-23.“God bless these rains,” said Council Member Sylvia Campos.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2026/06/23/recent-rain-gives-corpus-christi-a-9-month-reprieve-on-projected-water-crisis/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Texas Tribune, Colleen Deguzman","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:05:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FRJBWAOQGGJHJDCLZFIWBQBFZVM.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"recent-rain-gives-corpus-christi-a-9-month-reprieve-on-projected-water-crisis"},{"id":"jz0kru","title":"Deputy shot during gunfight at Humble apartment complex; suspect taken into custody","excerpt":"Editor’s note: The body camera footage attached to this article contains graphic scenes from an officer-involved shooting, including visible injuries, blood and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded shortly after 10 p.m. Friday to ...","content":"Editor’s note: The body camera footage attached to this article contains graphic scenes from an officer-involved shooting, including visible injuries, blood and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded shortly after 10 p.m. Friday to multiple calls reporting gunfire at an apartment complex in Humble.Callers reported a man walking through Pavilion at the Groves at 15951 Woodland Hills with a shotgun and firing it, Precinct 4 said. Deputies located the man and were ambushed when he opened fire, striking two deputies, according to an update from the agency. Deputies returned fire and the suspect retreated into an apartment.Precinct 4 identified the injured deputy as Deputy Dante Zepeda, a patrol deputy assigned to the Atascocita area who has been employed since July 21, 2025. Officials said it was later determined Zepeda and a second deputy were struck by shotgun pellets/projectiles. Precinct 4 said Zepeda was hit in the hip and upper arm and was taken in a patrol vehicle to Houston Northeast Hospital, then transferred to Memorial Hermann’s surgical trauma center in downtown Houston with non-life-threatening injuries. In an update on Saturday, Precinct 4 said Zepeda’s surgery was successful, and he on the road to a full recovery. Sunday night, Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman revealed that Zepeda had been released from the hospital.“Please continue to keep Deputy Zepeda, his family, and our law enforcement family in your prayers as he continues to heal,” Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said.The second deputy stayed on the perimeter until SWAT arrived, Precinct 4 said, and was later treated and released.SWAT responded after the suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment, officials said. Precinct 4 said SWAT breached the door, used technology to locate the suspect inside, and deployed CS gas. The suspect later exited the apartment and surrendered.Discovery Green closing early after last weekend’s teen takeoverAuthorities said the 38-year-old suspect has not yet been identified and is in custody at a local hospital for treatment of a police K-9 bite. The District Attorney’s Office has accepted a charge of aggravated assault on a police officer, pending the suspect’s release, officials said.No other residents or bystanders were reported injured. Residents were asked to avoid the area while investigators continued processing the scene.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/20/deputy-shot-during-gunfight-at-humble-apartment-complex-suspect-taken-into-custody/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"T.J. Parker, Xavier James, Christian Hudspeth","publishDate":"2026-06-20T11:37:38.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F519eb2d1-cb71-4b71-b1f3-35e26d47b618%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"deputy-shot-during-gunfight-at-humble-apartment-complex-suspect-taken-into-custody"},{"id":"o8qhuk","title":"Juneteenth: How news of the Emancipation Proclamation spread through the South","excerpt":"While some enslaved people did not know about Lincoln's order, many learned of it while the fighting was still ongoing through informal networks, rumors and sometimes from slaveholders themselves.","content":"While some enslaved people did not know about Lincoln's order, many learned of it while the fighting was still ongoing through informal networks, rumors and sometimes from slaveholders themselves.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/history/2026/06/19/554993/juneteenth-emancipation-proclamation-lincoln-slavery-civil-war/?utm_source=rss-history-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Scott Neuman, NPR","publishDate":"2026-06-19T12:44:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F19074117%2Fap25170658787857-450x300.webp","slug":"juneteenth-how-news-of-the-emancipation-proclamation-spread-through-the-south"},{"id":"ze5xj4","title":"Donors gave U.S. charities $617 billion in 2025, according to the new Giving USA report","excerpt":"In a year marked by economic uncertainty and political turbulence, philanthropic donations rose last year, according to an authoritative annual report on American giving. Donors gave U.S. charities $617 billion in 2025, an inflation-adjusted 3% increase over last year, according to “Giving USA 20...","content":"In a year marked by economic uncertainty and political turbulence, philanthropic donations rose last year, according to an authoritative annual report on American giving. Donors gave U.S. charities $617 billion in 2025, an inflation-adjusted 3% increase over last year, according to “Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025.” Bequests last year jumped by nearly 17%, the third year of the last four to clock double-digit increases in this form of giving. The trend could signal the beginning of the long predicted Great Wealth Transfer — in which baby boomers begin passing their enormous wealth to their children and charities. Overall, giving increased among all categories: corporations, living individuals, bequests, and foundations.Strong markets and big donors boost givingA strong stock market and economic growth contributed to the uptick, despite upheaval caused by federal cuts, says Wendy McGrady, chair of Giving USA. All donor types stepped up to give amid the turmoil, McGrady notes, because charities made their needs known. “Those that were effective in sharing their story saw their donors respond,” McGrady says. The robust giving was propelled by positive economic factors, says Jon Bergdoll, interim director of data and research partnerships at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which conducts the research for the report. “Whether you’re looking at the S&P 500 or the financial markets, they saw really, really robust growth,” Bergdoll says. “That has a pretty direct contribution to wealth and asset sizes of companies, foundations, the wealthy and helped drive a lot of that increase.”All types of donors increased their giving in 2025, and giving to most causes also rose. Education nonprofits saw an 8.9% uptick, organizations in the “public-society benefit” category had an 8.7% increase, and environment and animal nonprofits were up 8.2%. Smaller increases were seen for charities with missions involving arts, culture and humanities (4.7%); health (3.3%); human services (2.6%); and international (1. 4%). However, giving to religious groups was marginally lower, down 0.2% when adjusted for inflation.Several nonprofits the Chronicle spoke to noted that they raised more money last year and that success was reliant on big gifts, which in turn are buoyed by a strong stock market. “The market has become a larger and larger predictor of giving,” Bergdoll at IU says. “And I would anticipate that to continue. That growing reliance means that the unpredictability of the markets is going to start bleeding into an unpredictability in giving as well.”While Giving USA does not measure the number of donors who give, over the years, the share of dollars from individuals has decreased. In 1985, 80% of dollars came from individuals; now it is just 64%. Big donors loom large in one category, megagifts, which are defined as contributions that exceed 0.1% of total giving that year. In 2025 megagifts were those amounting to $600 million or more. There were $19.2 billion worth of megagifts, roughly 4% of all dollars given by individuals. MacKenzie Scott’s $6.65 billion in contributions represented a third of all mega-giving in 2025. Michael Bloomberg who donated $4.3 billion, Bill Gates, who gave away at $3.7 billion, and Paul Allen’s bequest of $3.1 billion all qualified as megadonors.Indications of Great Wealth Transfer startFor years, pundits have predicted a great transfer of wealth that would move $18 trillion from baby boomers and older donors to younger generations and possibly to charities. Three of the past four years have shown big growth in bequests, which may indicate that the great wealth transfer has begun.Bergdoll recognizes that people get excited over the prospect of this wealth moving to charities but says more data is needed to definitively declare that the transfer has started. Giving by bequests in the past 10 years “outpaced overall giving,” Bergdoll says, but the number of IRS estate reports from the past few years is still small. “It’s really tough — just from one or two years of data (to know if the great wealth transfer has begun),” he says. “We need a little bit more data to feel comfortable saying, ‘Oh, it has started. It’s off to the races.’” However, several nonprofits, including the Christian missionary group InterVarsity and the international charity CARE, are putting more resources into planned giving. “We know a big wealth transfer is happening so we have also been growing our planned giving program,” says Sarah Taylor Peace, CARE’s chief revenue officer. Taylor Peace says CARE has received multimillion-dollar bequests from donors who had given small gifts over decades.Patrick Schmitt, co-CEO of estate planning company FreeWill, notes that there are more than 70 million baby boomers, and it’s imperative to get on their radar. Many are already giving qualified charitable distributions from retirement accounts.Federal shifts drive givingThe federal government’s cuts to USAID and international aid programs deeply affected organizations like CARE, but donors responded generously when the organization asked for help.“We raised a lot of private (funds). We actually had our highest ever fiscal year,” Taylor Peace says, “mostly coming from individual givers responding to the fact that lots of the traditional funding wasn’t there and wanting to make sure we could continue to run our crisis humanitarian work.” When there’s a lot of bad news and negative noise in the world, donors want to “do something hopeful,” Taylor Peace says. Offering donors a positive way to contribute to making things better for others resonated with donors, she says.Donors also responded generously to fundraising appeals that focused on federal policy shifts. Mollie Marsh-Heine, chief development officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council, says donors at all giving levels responded well to appeals to help the environmental organization fight back against the current administration’s hostility toward environmental regulations. Donations to foundations dropThere was a sharp drop in giving to foundations, which fell nearly 18.3% in inflation-adjusted dollars. While this seems steep, Bergdoll notes that foundations had a near-record-high 2024, in which giving grew 32.6%. “In raw dollar terms, they still had a very strong” 2025, Bergdoll says.While news from “Giving USA” was mostly positive, there were some lackluster figures. Corporate giving was up only half a percent. According to Bergdoll, it’s “challenging” to get a good view of giving by businesses of all sizes.The Houston Humane Society said corporate giving remained strong in 2025. But Stark, with UnityPoint Health, noted that some corporate sponsors whose businesses were facing challenges did “back off” last year. Similarly, Susan G. Komen had some companies “reduce the amount they were giving” due to economic headwinds, says vice president Andi Hughes. _____Rasheeda Childress is a senior editor at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where you can read the full article. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/donors-gave-us-charities-617-billion-in-2025-according-to-the-new-giving-usa-report/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Rasheeda Childress Of The Chronicle Of Philanthropy, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:26:34.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F42AU3VOAP5BNVERKPFCZS6LDJA.jpg","slug":"donors-gave-us-charities-617-billion-in-2025-according-to-the-new-giving-usa-report"},{"id":"gr94b1","title":"Supreme Court rules Rastafari man can’t sue Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday barred a former Louisiana inmate from suing prison officials who cut off his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafari religious beliefs.The justices condemned what happened to the former inmate, Damon Landor. But they ruled that a federal law designed to protect the r...","content":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday barred a former Louisiana inmate from suing prison officials who cut off his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafari religious beliefs.The justices condemned what happened to the former inmate, Damon Landor. But they ruled that a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of inmates does not permit lawsuits for money damages against individuals even when rights are violated.The high court, in a 6-3 decision, agreed with lower courts that without exception had ruled that the law, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, can’t be used to hold those who violate inmates’ rights financially responsible.The justices refused to apply the rationale from their decision in 2020 that allowed Muslim men to sue over their inclusion on the FBI’s no-fly list under a sister statute, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.The Justice Department, which argued against the plaintiffs in the no-fly list case in President Donald Trump’s first Republican administration, had sided with Landor.Nothing in the law dealing with prisoners' religious rights authorizes lawsuits against individual officers, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court.In a dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote that state prison officials will have little incentive to abide by federal law. “It is not often that a real-life incident so clearly illustrates Congress’s reasons for adopting legislation, or the Constitution’s wisdom in enabling it,” Jackson wrote in an opinion that was joined by her two liberal colleagues.No one defended what happened to Landor during his five-month prison term in 2020. When he entered the prison system, he carried a copy of an appeals court ruling in another inmate’s case holding that cutting religious prisoners’ dreadlocks violated the federal law.At his first two stops, officials respected his beliefs. But things changed when he got to the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center in Cottonport, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Baton Rouge, for the final three weeks of his term.A prison guard took the copy of the ruling Landor carried and tossed it in the trash, according to court records. Then the warden ordered guards to cut his dreadlocks. While two guards restrained him, a third shaved his head to the scalp, the records show.Landor sued after his release, but lower courts dismissed the case. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lamented Landor’s treatment but said the law doesn’t allow him to hold prison officials liable for damages.Louisiana wrote that “the state has amended its prison grooming policy to ensure that nothing like petitioner’s alleged experience can occur.”The Rastafari faith is rooted in 1930s Jamaica, growing as a response by Black people to white colonial oppression. Its beliefs are a melding of Old Testament teachings and a desire to return to Africa. Its message was spread across the world in the 1970s by Jamaican music icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, two of the faith’s most famous exponents.___Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/supreme-court-rules-rastafari-man-cant-sue-louisiana-prison-officials-who-cut-his-dreadlocks/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:17:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4AWMXEW4HJBU3M5J4SPXH4KRNE.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-rules-rastafari-man-cant-sue-louisiana-prison-officials-who-cut-his-dreadlocks"},{"id":"v5ory8","title":"210 Freeway accident update: Dashcam video shows moments before big rig crash on 210 Freeway that killed 1, injured 32 in Irwindale, California","excerpt":"Dash camera video shows the moments leading up to a 210 Freeway crash involving a jackknifed semi-truck in Irwindale, CA.","content":"Dash camera video shows the moments leading up to a 210 Freeway crash involving a jackknifed semi-truck in Irwindale, CA.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/210-freeway-accident-update-dashcam-video-shows-moments-before-big-rig-crash-killed-1-injured-32-irwindale-california/19357904/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:43:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19344342_062026-kabc-11pm-irwindale-jackknifed-semi-vid.jpg","slug":"210-freeway-accident-update-dashcam-video-shows-moments-before-big-rig-crash-on-210-freeway-that-kil"},{"id":"x9pw0v","title":"Harris County shooting: 4 people detained after a minor was shot near Bush Intercontinental Airport","excerpt":"4 people are in custody following a shooting near Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday afternoon, officials said.","content":"4 people are in custody following a shooting near Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday afternoon, officials said.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-shooting-4-people-detained-after-minor-was-shot-near-bush-intercontinental-airport","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Ronnie.Marley@fox.com (Ronnie Marley)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:36:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ffm-1960-bypass-road-shootin.jpg","slug":"harris-county-shooting-4-people-detained-after-a-minor-was-shot-near-bush-intercontinental-airport"},{"id":"fyr78y","title":"A tale of two tours: PGA Tour approves two-tiered system in 2028 with expanded fields","excerpt":"Tiger Woods said the objective was to create the best version of the PGA Tour. The answer Tuesday was a major shakeup to its model that effectively creates two tours, expanding the field for the elite tier and cutting in half prize money for the secondary tier.The new system is to start in 2028, ...","content":"Tiger Woods said the objective was to create the best version of the PGA Tour. The answer Tuesday was a major shakeup to its model that effectively creates two tours, expanding the field for the elite tier and cutting in half prize money for the secondary tier.The new system is to start in 2028, and the Future Competition Committee that Woods leads still has work left on key details. Chief among them is which of the roughly 15 tournaments will be part of the “Championship Series,” and the 20 events on the lesser “Challenger Series.”Other details involve bringing a form of match play to the postseason and creating a rotation of prestigious courses instead of going to East Lake in Atlanta every year.“This work was never about any one player or person,” Woods said in his first public appearance since his arrest on a DUI charges on March 27. “It was about bringing together different perspectives, having honest, hard conversations, and thinking boldly about what is best for the game that we all love.”The PGA Tour boards on Monday afternoon approved the recommendations. Woods jumped back into his role as chairman the last several weeks upon his return from seeking treatment out of the country since his arrest.“It's great to see him back,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said. “Tiger has been involved throughout the process. He's contributed meaningfully. It's awesome to see him back and in great form.”Rolapp preached “scarcity, simplicity and parity” when he took over last summer, and those pillars have become more clear. The season will be shorter — approximately February through August with some scheduled weeks off — without taking away playing opportunities. The $20 million signature events for 72 players now will be part of the Championship Series and expanded to 120 players on average. Players are not required to play them all and those tournaments will not have sponsor invitations or an alternate list. There will be a 36-hole cut.“When fans tune into the PGA Tour Championship Series, they know they will see the best players in the world competing head-to-head,” Rolapp said. He said it was important to credibility not to have sponsor exemptions because sponsors in other sports don't determine who plays.The Challenger Series will be a path for players to earn their way to the top level. Those fields will be about 144 players, and Rolapp said purses would be at least $4 million. This year, all but three regular non-signature events had prize funds of at least $9 million.Except for about seven times during the season, the Championship and Challenger Series tournaments will be held the same week. Rolapp said on the occasion of a week off for the elite circuit, the Challenger Series event would be elevated.Rory McIlroy last week referred to the secondary tier as a “glorified Korn Ferry event,” referring to the tour's developmental circuit. “I just think there's going to be certain events that might lose their status if a sponsor doesn't pony up $30 million,” McIlroy said.Rolapp said he spoke to McIlroy on Tuesday — the Masters champion is skipping the Travelers Championship, the third signature event he has missed this year — and said the new model will serve the same player and offer a similar number of tournaments. Korn Ferry purses are $1 million.“We've just organized the same tour into a much more interesting and competitive system,\" Rolapp said. “If you look at the Challenger Series events, they’ll be at venues you recognize. They’ll be for healthy purses. They’ll include a subset of the same 200 and change players that we have today. That is much different than what the Korn Ferry Tour is today.”Each tour will have a separate points standings and there is no plan for players to move up to the Championship Series during the season unless they were to win twice.The Championship Series eligibility would be determined by the top 90 players from the previous year, the top 20 players from the Challenger Series and other exemption categories for tournament winners, injuries or career milestones.Missing from the announcement was any mention of the FedEx Corp., the financial muscle behind the PGA Tour's postseason since it began in 2007. The most recent FedEx deal ends in 2027.“Our hope is to create more value for FedEx and everybody else. We’re in an existing contract, and we’re going to honor that,” Rolapp said.As for the fall, the PGA Tour is moving toward a separate series of four to six tournaments in which top performers can earn their way back to the Championship Series. The tour said it still has plans for the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Americas and the PGA Tour University ranking system that creates places for top college players. Finishing in August would give the elite players time to consider playing overseas, such as premier European tour events or the Australian Open. The PGA Tour recently became partners with Golf Australia without co-sanctioning the century-old event.___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/a-tale-of-two-tours-pga-tour-approves-two-tiered-system-in-2028-with-expanded-fields/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Doug Ferguson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T12:58:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FWWJBWDBUYRHABNGJ5BV4LE2H6U.jpg","slug":"a-tale-of-two-tours-pga-tour-approves-two-tiered-system-in-2028-with-expanded-fields"},{"id":"s9iphq","title":"New World screwworm in Texas: New cases detected","excerpt":"The first case of New World screwworm in the United States was reported on June 3, 2026. Since then, the country has recorded 16 total cases across two states, all found in domestic animals rather than wildlife.","content":"The first case of New World screwworm in the United States was reported on June 3, 2026. Since then, the country has recorded 16 total cases across two states, all found in domestic animals rather than wildlife.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/new-world-screwworm-texas-june-22-update","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Amber.Kite@fox.com (Amber Kite)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T12:10:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F20250609_screwworm_mm_332.jpg","slug":"new-world-screwworm-in-texas-new-cases-detected"},{"id":"dz4yp3","title":"California sneaker waves: Bae Cadotte lives to tell story after surviving Pacifica, California sneaker wave south of Pacifica Pier","excerpt":"Bae Cadotte is speaking out after surviving a sneaker wave in California south of the Pacifica Pier.","content":"Bae Cadotte is speaking out after surviving a sneaker wave in California south of the Pacifica Pier.","url":"https://abc13.com/story/california-sneaker-waves-bae-cadotte-lives-tell-story-surviving-pacifica-wave-south-pier/19358074/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:42:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19340595_061926-kgo-sneaker-waves-Bae-Cadotte-split-img.jpg","slug":"california-sneaker-waves-bae-cadotte-lives-to-tell-story-after-surviving-pacifica-california-sneaker"},{"id":"cdc94o","title":"Owner of burning recycling facility tied to COVID-era fraud scheme, records say","excerpt":"Residents watched a massive fire burn for hours Tuesday at a metal recycling facility, raising concerns about air quality as thick black smoke billowed over the neighborhood.","content":"Residents watched a massive fire burn for hours Tuesday at a metal recycling facility, raising concerns about air quality as thick black smoke billowed over the neighborhood.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/owner-burning-recycling-facility-tied-covid-era-fraud-scheme-records-say/19358781/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Jessica Willey","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:27:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19358786_062226-ktrk-fire-kellogg-img.png","slug":"owner-of-burning-recycling-facility-tied-to-covid-era-fraud-scheme-records-say"},{"id":"1zj4w0","title":"Carlos Mencia pleads not guilty to 12 felony charges of failure to pay taxes","excerpt":"Comedian Carlos Mencia has pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges alleging he failed to report or pay taxes on over $8 million in earnings. Here's what to know.","content":"Comedian Carlos Mencia has pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges alleging he failed to report or pay taxes on over $8 million in earnings. Here's what to know.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/carlos-mencia-pleads-not-guilty-12-felony-charges-failure-pay-taxes","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:34:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fcarlos-mencia-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"carlos-mencia-pleads-not-guilty-to-12-felony-charges-of-failure-to-pay-taxes"},{"id":"xmvr5g","title":"TCEQ report shows five air contaminants released during Texas City plant fire","excerpt":"While officials said air monitoring showed no chemicals during the fire, residents in Texas City said these events have become a familiar part of life.","content":"While officials said air monitoring showed no chemicals during the fire, residents in Texas City said these events have become a familiar part of life.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/tceq-report-shows-air-contaminants-released-during-texas-city-plant-fire/19356885/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Sarah Al-Shaikh","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:33:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19357558_texas-city-marathon-refinery-img.png%3Fw%3D1600","slug":"tceq-report-shows-five-air-contaminants-released-during-texas-city-plant-fire"},{"id":"565i0q","title":"Disney debuts new 'Moana' featurette breaking down Lin-Manuel Miranda's new song 'Along The Way'","excerpt":"Go behind the scenes of the new live-action \"Moana\" song! Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda bring Catherine Laga'aia, Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson into the studio to create \"Along The Way.\" \"Moana\" premieres in theaters July 10.","content":"Go behind the scenes of the new live-action \"Moana\" song! Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda bring Catherine Laga'aia, Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson into the studio to create \"Along The Way.\" \"Moana\" premieres in theaters July 10.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/go-behind-scenes-disneys-live-action-moana-see-how-lin-manuel-mirandas-new-song-was-made/19357874/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"OTRC","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:28:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19357947_062226-otrc-moanafeaturettealongtheway-vid.jpg","slug":"disney-debuts-new-moana-featurette-breaking-down-lin-manuel-mirandas-new-song-along-the-way"},{"id":"9mm8wd","title":"Judge blocks Trump administration’s database to check citizenship, personal information","excerpt":"A federal judge has ruled that a revamped federal tool that state election officials have used in their efforts to identify illegally registered noncitizen voters is unlawful and cannot be used.","content":"A federal judge has ruled that a revamped federal tool that state election officials have used in their efforts to identify illegally registered noncitizen voters is unlawful and cannot be used.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/judge-blocks-trump-administration-database-check-citizenship-personal-information","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Stephanie.Weaver@fox.com (Stephanie Weaver)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:22:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.livenowfox.com%2Fwww.livenowfox.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Ftrump-oval-office-getty-scaled.jpg","slug":"judge-blocks-trump-administrations-database-to-check-citizenship-personal-information"},{"id":"emsnqs","title":"From renter to owner, Sharpton locks in National Action Network's Harlem foothold for the long haul","excerpt":"The Rev. Al Sharpton’s staff and advisers stood around him just outside the doors of a cozy theater, where some of his most fervent supporters waited to greet him in the newly renovated headquarters of the National Action Network.When doors flung open, Sharpton entered to a standing ovation that ...","content":"The Rev. Al Sharpton’s staff and advisers stood around him just outside the doors of a cozy theater, where some of his most fervent supporters waited to greet him in the newly renovated headquarters of the National Action Network.When doors flung open, Sharpton entered to a standing ovation that continued until he was perched behind a lectern, on a stage decorated with a floor-to-ceiling video screen.The audience was not anticipating a call for justice. Instead, the rabble-rousing youth minister turned go-to national advocate was there to declare his organization was officially an owner, no longer a renter, in the historically Black Harlem neighborhood it has called home for more than two decades.“I want to make something permanent,” Sharpton said recently to the gathered crowd of NAN board members, local clergy and other allies. “When people see that you’ve bought a building, they say, ‘Wait a minute, they’re not going nowhere.’”NAN’s new permanent home is the former Faison Firehouse Theater on Hancock Place, near the intersection of 124th Street and Manhattan Avenue. George Faison, a Tony Award-winning choreographer known for his work in the original 1970s Broadway staging of “The Wiz,” had bought the firehouse in 1999 and converted it into a community theater.When Faison had a choice between selling the former firehouse in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood to a large developer or selling it to NAN, he chose the latter, according to Sharpton.“I’m 71 years old — if I was just trying to do it as an Al Sharpton personal fan club, I could just keep renting,” Sharpton told The Associated Press during an interview in his new private office, with large windows overlooking central Harlem.“I’m buying it to show I want this to be an institution. I want it to last beyond me.”Although the renovation is structurally complete and its rooms are functional, Sharpton said he expects his weekly Saturday rallies to resume in the new headquarters this summer.From renting to owningFounded in 1991, NAN began meeting at P.S. 175, a Manhattan elementary school, during the tenure of the late David Dinkins, New York City’s first Black mayor. Next, NAN rented a space at 125th Street and Madison Avenue. In 2006, Sharpton moved NAN into a rented space at 145th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, where it operated until January.NAN's headquarters had been named the “House of Justice” by his late mentor, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.Often organizing from his Harlem headquarters, Sharpton became known staging direct-action protests on behalf of Black men killed, brutalized or persecuted by police in New York City: Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo, the exonerated men formerly known as the Central Park Five, and Eric Garner, among others.“Harlem means home,” Sharpton told the AP.The new NAN headquarters now carries the name “House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Workshop,” following the multimillion dollar purchase and renovation of its five floors. Sharpton said he will invite artists to hold salons, poetry readings and jazz nights, as a callback to the Black cultural and intellectual movement of the Harlem Renaissance.Looking out at his supporters during the invite-only reception for the new space, Sharpton reflected not just on the NAN’s past, but on the current cultural and political environment.“We are in trouble,” he said in reference to redistricting fights set off by a recent Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act and the rolling back of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.“We don’t have, in my opinion, the luxury of not nailing down and working together,” Sharpton said.Building on decades of local and national activismOver the years, the NAN headquarters has become a “can’t skip” campaign stop for Democratic candidates seeking everything from the presidency and Congress to state and local offices. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the House of Justice is typically standing room only for the dignitaries who show up.After the death of his childhood hero James Brown in 2006, the horse drawn carriage carrying the Godfather of Soul’s golden casket stopped outside NAN’s 145th Street headquarters.The organization’s weekly Saturday rallies have also been a venue for families grieving loss through police violence, or for celebrities to speak out and unfairness in the entertainment industry.Ashley Sharpton, the youngest of the reverend’s two daughters, grew up around the House of Justice. She and her older sister, Dominique Sharpton-Bright, were there on the day the late pop icon Michael Jackson visited and spoke at the invitation of their dad.“The magic was palpable,” Ashley recalled.Now, as founder and director of NAN’s youth initiatives, Ashley feels deeper stake in the organization’s future.“It’s time for us to step in and take ownership, literally, of what is needed to maintain the legacy, and to continue the fight,” she told the AP.___Morrison is AP’s race and ethnicity news editor.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/from-renter-to-owner-sharpton-locks-in-national-action-networks-harlem-foothold-for-the-long-haul/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Aaron Morrison, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:43:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FJMFLAYHUXBD2LLERHQO2R7TX74.jpg","slug":"from-renter-to-owner-sharpton-locks-in-national-action-networks-harlem-foothold-for-the-long-haul"},{"id":"37k4pw","title":"Afghan Taliban hold first, closed-door talks with EU on deportations","excerpt":"A delegation from the Afghan Taliban met Tuesday with European Union staff in Brussels for closed-door talks that focused on diplomatic services and the “dignified returns” of Afghans to the isolated and war-ravaged nation, a Taliban official said.Afghans make up one of the largest groups of migr...","content":"A delegation from the Afghan Taliban met Tuesday with European Union staff in Brussels for closed-door talks that focused on diplomatic services and the “dignified returns” of Afghans to the isolated and war-ravaged nation, a Taliban official said.Afghans make up one of the largest groups of migrants seeking asylum in the EU, but a growing number of governments in the 27-nation bloc want to speed up and increase deportations for those whose claims are rejected or who commit crimes in their host countries.Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the visit “historic,\" noting it was the first time a delegation from the Islamic Emirate held talks with the EU and EU nations in Brussels.Balkhi, who led the delegation of five, said talks focused on “trust-building measures,\" the Taliban's diplomatic presence in the EU and a \"dignified return process.\"The meeting was held in an undisclosed location in the Belgian capital, where both the EU and NATO are headquartered.The Commission said it co-chaired the meeting with Sweden and that representatives from 15 of the EU's 27 nations participated in discussions focused on easing deportations of criminals and security threats. Rights groups say meeting could endanger Afghans in and out of EuropeAfghan authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on rights, particularly for women and girls, since the Taliban seized power in the country in 2021 in the wake of the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Rights groups said Tuesday's meeting undercuts the EU’s human rights obligations and could endanger people in Europe and Afghanistan.“Any engagement with the Taliban needs to prioritize protecting human rights and accountability — not deporting people to danger there,” said Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. “EU countries are undermining their credibility by condemning Taliban abuses and pursuing accountability on one hand, while cooperating with the Taliban to forcibly return Afghans on the other.” With not a single EU nation recognizing the Taliban, the meeting in Brussels symbolizes a small crack in the group’s diplomatic isolation since seizing power five years ago. Most nations around the world — including the entire EU — cut off diplomatic relations at the time. The Taliban has been quietly expanding its access to diplomatic missions in Europe ever since.Afghan activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai said Monday that she was “deeply shaken” that the EU was talking with the Taliban.“Europe must not legitimise a regime responsible for one of the worst human rights crises in the world. Any engagement with the Taliban must begin and end with the rights of Afghan women and girls,” she wrote on X.Members of the Taliban delegation were issued visas after security screening with limited territorial validity, giving them 24 hours in Belgium and no access to other countries in the Schengen border-free travel zone. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said Belgium complied with EU requests to grant the Taliban delegates visas.“Making a meeting possible in the framework of our host-state policy does not amount to recognition, does not amount to legitimacy, and does not constitute an invitation by the Belgian government,” Prévot said in a statement.Since neither Belgium nor the EU officially recognizes the Taliban government, the meeting did not take place at official sites belonging to either. The drive to increase deportations from EU grows stronger A spokesperson for the European Commission said the meeting was a response to pressure from a clear majority of the 27 EU member states — 20 of whom signed a letter in October calling for stronger migration policies, including a ramp-up of deportations.Spokesperson Markus Lammert said the Commission had been asked to coordinate “technical talks” on returns.“This does not mean recognition,\" he said. While it was the first meeting of the Taliban in the EU, the first meeting between the two sides was held in Afghanistan in January when the Commission sent a mission to Kabul. It also maintains staff there.The October letter was drafted in part by Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt, who said then that “we can no longer afford a standstill. It is high time for a firm and joint approach, so that Europe can regain control over migration and security.” Bossuyt said that across the EU, only 2% of the 22,870 Afghans told to return had done so.Afghanistan faces an increasingly dire situation Afghanistan has been dealing with the return of about 3 million Afghans from Pakistan and Iran in the past year alone, all of whom have pretty much been forcibly repatriated from those two countries. That has exacerbated a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan, which is already reeling from food and economic crises, including biting sanctions.Afghan Taliban authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education beyond primary school and on working in all but very few professions, as well as strict regulations on what women are allowed to wear in public.“The desperate scenes of people — including EU staff — fleeing Afghanistan are a recent memory. It is unconscionable that the EU would now try and deport people to Afghanistan, which has only become more dangerous in the meantime,” said Eve Geddie, Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office.Facing political pressure to toughen migration policies across the 27-nation bloc, the EU has recently passed deep reforms to its collective rules aiming to ramp up deportations — including allowing the setting up of so-called “return hubs,” increased domestic surveillance capabilities, tighter border controls, and engagement with the Taliban government.With Afghanistan facing food shortages and economic collapse, the Taliban government is in need of humanitarian aid and hopes to lessen its international economic and political isolation.___Afghan reported from Kabul. Associated Press writers Victoria Eastwood in Cairo, Suzan Fraser in Ankara, and Sylvain Plazy in Brussels contributed to this report.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/afghan-taliban-to-hold-rare-closed-door-talks-with-eu-officials-on-deportations/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T09:01:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FKHE2LGC4UJCRXKIZSISSTTJ6PU.jpg","slug":"afghan-taliban-hold-first-closed-door-talks-with-eu-on-deportations"},{"id":"ascepu","title":"Andy Burnham prepares for a UK Labour leadership contest that may be a coronation","excerpt":"Newly elected British lawmaker Andy Burnham met the man he hopes to replace, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Tuesday as he prepares for a leadership contest in which he may be the only contender.Burnham is the strong front-runner to succeed Starmer, who announced Monday that he would step down wi...","content":"Newly elected British lawmaker Andy Burnham met the man he hopes to replace, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Tuesday as he prepares for a leadership contest in which he may be the only contender.Burnham is the strong front-runner to succeed Starmer, who announced Monday that he would step down within weeks after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.Burnham, a former Cabinet minister who served since 2017 as mayor of Greater Manchester, won a special election last week for a seat in Parliament with the express aim of challenging Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party and the country.Burnham’s chances got a big boost on Monday when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was considered his main rival, announced his support.Starmer and Burnham met Tuesday for the first time since last week's special election. Neither side released details of what was discussed. Burnham was also meeting Labour lawmakers as he seeks to build momentum for his bid.The U.K. parliamentary system allows governing parties to change leaders — and thus prime ministers — without the need for a national election. The next general election doesn't have to be held until 2029.Nominations for the Labour leadership will open on July 9 and close a week later. If Burnham is the only contender, he could be prime minister by July 17. If there is a contest, the winner should be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on Sept. 1.Starmer told the weekly meeting of his Cabinet on Tuesday that he will try to make the transition to his successor as easy as possible. He told ministers that he wants an “orderly transition” and for whoever replaces him to succeed, his office said.He is also keeping up a busy schedule, trying not to look like a lame duck during his final days in office. But while Starmer wants to carry on with business as usual, he’s not allowed to make new major policy announcements or spending commitments during what remains of his time in office.The European Union says a key U.K.-EU summit scheduled for July 22 will be postponed because of the uncertainty in Britain.The British government is still expected to publish a long-awaited defense investment plan — which sparked the resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey on June 11 — before a NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8 that Starmer is likely to attend.Burnham's economic plans aren't yet knownBurnham was a popular mayor of Greater Manchester, overseeing a period of rapid regeneration for the city in northern England where the Industrial Revolution was forged. He has pledged to repeat his signature brand of “Manchesterism” on a national scale.Many Labour members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do. But Burnham's policies in many areas are unknown and untested. Some Labour lawmakers want to see a party election contest where he would face public debate and scrutiny.Burnham is expected to make a speech next week outlining some of his economic plans.Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who quit this month to protest what he saw as inadequate defense spending, said that “we need to have a clear and concise discussion about what this country wants to be.”He has suggested that he might run for the leadership, but told broadcaster ITV that “I’m not ready to make a decision on this in any way, shape or form.”Others have suggested Darren Jones, a senior Cabinet minister and Starmer ally, should run, though he has yet to comment.Potential candidates need the support of at least 81 Labour lawmakers, a fifth of the parliamentary party, to run.Many argue that a leadership contest will only focus attention on the party’s internal divisions and extend a period of political uncertainty.Starmer won a landslide but stumbled in officeStarmer resigned on Monday after a weekend considering his future, acknowledging that the Labour Party no longer thinks “I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.”He was the sixth prime minister in a decade to stand outside No. 10 Downing St. and announce a departure. It comes as Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its vote to leave the European Union, a decision that still roils the country’s economy and politics.After weeks of insisting that he would fight to keep his job, Starmer conceded to growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try and revive the government’s flagging fortunes. He led Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024, but his popularity and that of the party have plummeted since then. Starmer has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living. He has been hamstrung by repeated missteps, including his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as U.K. ambassador to the United States.Labour is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party and facing a rising Reform UK, the Nigel Farage -led anti-immigration party that consistently leads in nationwide opinion polls.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/andy-burnham-prepares-for-a-uk-labour-leadership-contest-that-may-be-a-coronation/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jill Lawless, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:36:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F6DKTAN5T7NGATENB27O3FWUBAY.jpg","slug":"andy-burnham-prepares-for-a-uk-labour-leadership-contest-that-may-be-a-coronation"},{"id":"q3kilv","title":"Has controversial home demolitions stopped illegal dumping?","excerpt":"Mayor Whitmire claimed it was a fair use of the money because the buildings were attracting illegal dumping and clogging ditches, but critics worried it could set the city up for legal repercussions.","content":"Mayor Whitmire claimed it was a fair use of the money because the buildings were attracting illegal dumping and clogging ditches, but critics worried it could set the city up for legal repercussions.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/has-controversial-home-demolitions-stopped-illegal-dumping/19357295/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Lileana Pearson","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:21:17.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19357456_062226-ktrk-demolition-img.png","slug":"has-controversial-home-demolitions-stopped-illegal-dumping"},{"id":"gaolo","title":"The first Juneteenth celebrations (June 19, 2026)","excerpt":"On Friday's show: While Juneteenth had its origins in Galveston, a local researcher has uncovered evidence that the first celebrations of the occasion took place in Houston. And a new book celebrates the stories and legacy of Houston’s former Negro hospital.","content":"On Friday's show: While Juneteenth had its origins in Galveston, a local researcher has uncovered evidence that the first celebrations of the occasion took place in Houston. And a new book celebrates the stories and legacy of Houston’s former Negro hospital.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2026/06/19/554562/the-first-juneteenth-celebrations-june-19-2026/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Michael Hagerty","publishDate":"2026-06-19T11:00:58.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F09105018%2FHMCC-Featured-Image-Dark-Blue-2025-450x253.jpg","slug":"the-first-juneteenth-celebrations-june-19-2026"},{"id":"ygk1u9","title":"The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1590: The Great Wall of China","excerpt":"Episode: 1590 The Great Wall of China — a long and checquered history. Today, a 2300-year-old wall.","content":"Episode: 1590 The Great Wall of China — a long and checquered history. Today, a 2300-year-old wall.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2026/06/19/554086/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1590-the-great-wall-of-china/?utm_source=rss-engines-podcast-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Dr. John Lienhard","publishDate":"2026-06-19T05:01:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1500382017468-9049fed747ef%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-1590-the-great-wall-of-china"},{"id":"tyqfh2","title":"Supreme Court OKs Exxon Mobil lawsuit over Cuban property seized by Fidel Castro's government","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Exxon Mobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in American courts over property on the island nation that was seized after Fidel Castro took power.The 6-3 decision was the second in as many months in favor of U.S. owners of Cuban property that was confisca...","content":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Exxon Mobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in American courts over property on the island nation that was seized after Fidel Castro took power.The 6-3 decision was the second in as many months in favor of U.S. owners of Cuban property that was confiscated by the Communist government more than 65 years ago.The outcome in the two cases could be an additional lever for the Trump administration to exert pressure on Cuba, which is already being squeezed by a U.S. oil embargo.At issue was whether the 1996 law known as Helms-Burton removes the shield from lawsuits in U.S. courts that typically cover foreign countries and state-owned businesses. The justices reversed a lower-court ruling that found that the Cuban state-owned companies are immune from lawsuits in U.S. courts.Exxon Mobil is seeking compensation for the confiscation of assets owned by subsidiaries of Standard Oil, Exxon Mobil’s predecessor, including more than 100 service stations and an oil refinery.Last month, the court ruled in another case involving confiscated property in Cuba, reviving claims by the U.S. company that operated docks in Havana against four cruise lines that brought tourists to Cuba during the brief thaw in relations during the Obama administration. That case turned on the same section of Helms-Burton allowing lawsuits over seized property. Congress passed the law in response to the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles.Title III of the law allows Americans to sue almost any company that engages in commercial activity or benefits from property confiscated by Cuba’s government.Before the first Trump administration, every president had suspended the provision because of objections from U.S. allies doing business in Cuba and the effect on future negotiated settlements between the U.S. and Cuba.But Trump lifted the suspension in 2019, and Exxon Mobil filed its lawsuit the same day.Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the conservative majority that it “would make little sense” if the law allowed the president to decide whether suits can proceed against Cuban interests while also protecting them. Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a dissent for the three liberals that the 1996 law simply contains no provision eliminating the sovereign immunity shield.The U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, an arm of the Justice Department, said in 1969 that the value of Exxon Mobil's property in Cuba is $71.6 million, plus 6% annual interest beginning in 1960. That would be worth more than $1 billion today, Kavanaugh wrote.In addition, the commission found that nearly 6,000 individuals and businesses held claims worth $1.9 billion, before adding in interest or damages.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/supreme-court-oks-exxonmobil-lawsuit-over-cuban-property-seized-by-fidel-castros-government/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:20:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F5RVZA6GQ7RFERJSNTQG7H3YMAU.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-oks-exxon-mobil-lawsuit-over-cuban-property-seized-by-fidel-castros-government"},{"id":"txo5rv","title":"Supreme Court kills suit claiming Cisco’s technology helped China persecute Falun Gong members","excerpt":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted tech giant Cisco’s bid to shut down a lawsuit claiming that the company’s technology was used to persecute members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement in China.The justices ruled that American courts are the wrong forum for the suits, rejecting arguments made...","content":"The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted tech giant Cisco’s bid to shut down a lawsuit claiming that the company’s technology was used to persecute members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement in China.The justices ruled that American courts are the wrong forum for the suits, rejecting arguments made by the plaintiffs that the suits should go forward under the 18th-century Alien Tort Statute (ATS) and the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA), first enacted in 1991.The decision was the latest to rule against plaintiffs seeking to use U.S. courts as a venue to seek justice over the acts of foreign governments, especially those that took place abroad. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in her majority opinion that the justices “close the door” that the court slightly opened in 2004 when it suggested that some human-rights claims might be viable under the ATS. “In truth, this class is a null set,” Barrett wrote, while acknowledging such cases “frequently involve heinous and inhumane acts.”Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent that the court “closes the courthouse doors not just to respondents, but to virtually every future litigant seeking redress for a violation of international law under the ATS.”Falun Gong members had sought to overcome the court's skepticism by arguing that a substantial portion of Cisco’s activities involving China took place in the United States.An Associated Press investigation last year showed that American tech companies, to a large degree, designed and built China’s surveillance state, encouraged by both Republican and Democratic administrations, even as activists warned such tools were being used to quash dissent, persecute religious groups and target minorities. Last month, AP won the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting for its stories. In 2008, documents leaked to the press showed Cisco saw the “Golden Shield,” China’s internet censorship effort, as a sales opportunity. The company quoted a Chinese official calling the Falun Gong an “evil cult.” A Cisco presentation reviewed by the AP from the same year said its products could identify over 90% of Falun Gong material on the web.Other presentations reviewed by the AP show that Cisco represented Falun Gong material as a “threat” and built out a national information system to track Falun Gong believers. In 2011, Falun Gong members sued Cisco, alleging the company tailored technology for Beijing that it knew would be used to track, detain and torture believers.At arguments in April, Sotomayor said Cisco “knew that those people will be tortured.” A lawyer for the company said, “Cisco vigorously disputes those allegations.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/business/2026/06/23/supreme-court-kills-suit-claiming-ciscos-technology-helped-china-persecute-falun-gong-members/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Mark Sherman, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:10:50.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F7IGVFZHGOBFBTLNHP4CZJPLOMQ.jpg","slug":"supreme-court-kills-suit-claiming-ciscos-technology-helped-china-persecute-falun-gong-members"},{"id":"pq0x39","title":"Texas to spend $8 million to fix errors in controversial Bluebonnet curriculum in school","excerpt":"Texas is spending over $8 million in taxpayer dollars to fix thousands of text and image errors in its controversial, state-published \"Bluebonnet\" school curriculum.","content":"Texas is spending over $8 million in taxpayer dollars to fix thousands of text and image errors in its controversial, state-published \"Bluebonnet\" school curriculum.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-spend-8-million-fix-errors-controversial-bluebonnet-school-curriculum","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T02:58:20.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox4news.com%2Fwww.fox4news.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fp-david-bluebonnet-curriculum-fix-costs-9p_00.00.32.06.jpg","slug":"texas-to-spend-8-million-to-fix-errors-in-controversial-bluebonnet-curriculum-in-school"},{"id":"rbfb8o","title":"Tesla says driver overrode auto-pilot in crash that killed a grandmother","excerpt":"The head of Tesla's auto-pilot division is pushing back against what the driver of a Tesla allegedly told investigators after he crashed into a house on Friday, killing a beloved grandmother.","content":"The head of Tesla's auto-pilot division is pushing back against what the driver of a Tesla allegedly told investigators after he crashed into a house on Friday, killing a beloved grandmother.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/katy-family-mourning-grandmother-killed-tesla-crashes-home/19357092/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Miya Shay","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:19:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19357360_062226-ktrk-grandma-killed-img.png","slug":"tesla-says-driver-overrode-auto-pilot-in-crash-that-killed-a-grandmother"},{"id":"jioxnk","title":"Public Utility Commission of Texas finalizes new data center standards","excerpt":"The state's grid operators are trying to sort through a backlog of data centers and other large energy consumers looking to connect to the grid.","content":"The state's grid operators are trying to sort through a backlog of data centers and other large energy consumers looking to connect to the grid.","url":"https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/06/18/554972/public-utility-commission-of-texas-finalizes-new-data-center-standards/?utm_source=rss-energy-environment-article&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link","source":"Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)","author":"Natalie Weber","publishDate":"2026-06-18T21:48:14.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.houstonpublicmedia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F05%2F08080936%2F20260326-taccdatacenter-19-450x300.webp","slug":"public-utility-commission-of-texas-finalizes-new-data-center-standards"},{"id":"o69ec3","title":"Amazon Prime Day begins: Here’s how shoppers can find the best deals","excerpt":"Amazon Prime Day is back, and this year’s event is bigger than ever.The annual sales event officially kicks off on Tuesday and runs for four days, giving shoppers access to more than a million discounted products across dozens of categories.What started in 2015 as a single annual sales event has ...","content":"Amazon Prime Day is back, and this year’s event is bigger than ever.The annual sales event officially kicks off on Tuesday and runs for four days, giving shoppers access to more than a million discounted products across dozens of categories.What started in 2015 as a single annual sales event has expanded significantly over the years.How to claim your Amazon Prime settlement refund“Amazon Prime Days has become Amazon’s big vehicle for sales throughout the year,” said consumer reporter Bill Spencer. “It used to be that we had one of these as kind of a counter to Black Friday. Now there are four of these.”The sale is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, though shoppers can sign up for a free 30-day trial to take advantage of the deals.Products on sale range from electronics and smart home devices to household essentials, cleaning supplies and groceries.Before diving into the sale, experts recommend creating a shopping list and sticking to it.“Make a list of the items you want to buy so you don’t go off track,” Spencer said.Experts also suggest researching prices before purchasing to ensure a discount is actually a good deal.KPRC producer and shopping expert Andrea Slaydon recommends using price-tracking websites such as CamelCamelCamel, Keepa and Google Shopping to compare historical prices.Amazon ends a program that lets Prime members share free shipping perk with users outside household“You’re going to want to make sure you’re getting a good deal,” Slaydon said. “You may see something that’s on sale, but how do you know it’s the best deal? These websites can show you what people have paid for that item over the past year so you can see whether you’re really getting a bargain.”Even shoppers without an Amazon Prime membership may still find discounts elsewhere.Major retailers including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Lowe’s are offering competing sales this week as they try to match or beat Amazon’s prices.Experts recommend comparing deals across multiple retailers before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best value.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/23/amazon-prime-day-begins-heres-how-shoppers-can-find-the-best-deals/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Bill Spencer, Ninfa Saavedra","publishDate":"2026-06-23T14:08:29.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fvideo%2Fkprc%2F776ce489-525c-4ffc-bb81-c06d4b828d3c%2Fimage.jpg","slug":"amazon-prime-day-begins-heres-how-shoppers-can-find-the-best-deals"},{"id":"f96cq9","title":"How Brexit broke British politics","excerpt":"Brexit fractured the European Union, and broke British politics.The U.K. is about to get its seventh prime minister since June 23, 2016, a decade ago Tuesday, when the country voted 52%-48% to leave the EU after more than four decades of membership. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, who ...","content":"Brexit fractured the European Union, and broke British politics.The U.K. is about to get its seventh prime minister since June 23, 2016, a decade ago Tuesday, when the country voted 52%-48% to leave the EU after more than four decades of membership. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the referendum but campaigned for the U.K. to stay in the bloc, quit the next day.His successors have all grappled, largely unsuccessfully, with the consequences of that rupture. The latest is Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced Monday that he was stepping down after two years of a sluggish economy, malfunctioning government and a divided and jaded electorate — all legacies, at least in part, of Brexit.Though the decision has faded from headlines, “the subterranean trace of Brexit” still runs through Britain’s increasingly unruly politics, said Chris Grey, an academic who has studied the fallout from Britain’s EU departure.The Brexit campaign channeled discontentCampaigners for Brexit promised that leaving the then-28 member political and economic bloc would let the U.K. “take back control” of its laws, economy and borders.While the “remain” campaign focused largely on the economic downsides of exiting, the “leave” side was emotive.“We can see the sunlit meadows beyond. I believe we would be mad not to take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk through that door,” Boris Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner who later became prime minister, said a few weeks before the referendum.Margaret MacMillan, emeritus professor of history at the University of Toronto, said Brexit was fueled by a bundle of motives including nostalgia “for an imagined past.” “It was against what people saw as unrestricted immigration. It was against what they saw as EU regulations. And then there was this mix of nostalgia — ‘We fought alone in the Second World War.’ Which was of course not true.“It was never clearly explained what Brexit might entail.”Trying to make Brexit work made everyone unhappyHard reality soon collided with Brexiteers’ bold promises of immigration controls, trade deals, more money for public services and an end to complex regulations emanating from Brussels.Acrimonious divorce talks dragged on for years. The U.K. formally left the bloc on Jan. 31, 2020, followed by an 11-month transition period until the final split.Prime Minister Theresa May, Cameron’s successor, quit in 2019 after failing to find exit terms acceptable to a divided Parliament.Johnson succeeded May and promised to “get Brexit done,” and managed to secure a bare-bones trade deal after negotiations that left U.K.-EU relations in the deep freeze.He was ousted by the Conservative Party in mid-2022 after mounting financial and ethical scandals. His replacement, Liz Truss, lasted just 49 days in office. Her successor, Rishi Sunak, thawed the frosty EU relationship without making major changes.Starmer promised a “reset, ” but refused to consider rejoining the bloc’s frictionless single market, which was free of tariffs and other trade barriers.As he hands over power, Brexit remains unfinished business.Political parties have fracturedHistorian Anthony Seldon said Cameron called the referendum hoping it would end arguments about relations with Europe that had riven the Conservative Party. It didn’t.“The people who obsessed about it still obsess about it. Britain’s problems have continued,” Seldon told Times Radio.During the divorce negotiations, Conservatives who wanted a softer Brexit and closer ties with the EU were pushed out of the party by the triumphant Brexiteer faction.Labour, though much more pro-EU, also has an internal division between those who want to get closer to the bloc or even rejoin, and senior leaders like Starmer who want to avoid reopening old wounds.A decade on, millions of voters have deserted the two big parties for alternatives including the left-leaning Green Party and the hard-right Reform UK led by Nigel Farage. Farage has arguably been the biggest political winner from Brexit. He campaigned for the divorce then complained it had been betrayed. His anti-immigration message has shifted from focusing on Polish plumbers to asylum seekers in dinghies. His party consistently leads opinion polls.Cynicism and political violence have grownThe economy has struggled in the past decade, with businesses facing new barriers to trade with Britain's closest neighbors, though Brexit is not the only cause of low growth. The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran war also played a part.Through it all, “we just haven’t had politicians who’ve been upfront with the public about the fact that when they get into power, they won’t be able to have no increases in taxes, no increases in debt, and better public services all in the same breath,” said Hannah White, director of the Institute for Government think tank.“And so people are disappointed.”Brexit failed to ease debate about immigration, which has only become more heightened, regardless of the numbers. Net migration rose after Brexit to more than 900,000 in 2023 before falling to 171,000 last year.Cynicism has grown and trust in politicians has plunged. In recent years, agitators have fueled anti-immigration street violence following crimes committed by, or falsely reported to have been committed by, immigrants.In the past, Britain had a firm barrier “between the conventional dominant politics of talk and argument, and what was seen as beyond the pale: violence on the streets,” Grey said. “I think that boundary is being eroded. And I think that did to some large extent begin with Brexit.”Regrets? The UK has had a fewPolls suggest a degree of “Bregret” about Britain's choice a decade ago, with a recent Ipsos survey finding 52% of people in the U.K. would like to rejoin the EU while 33% oppose it.Hundreds of people, many waving blue and yellow EU flags, marched through London on Saturday on a “rejoin” march. It was a much smaller turnout than the mass protests on both sides at the height of the Brexit drama. Many people just want to move on.But Brexit remains a minefield that politicians fear to enter. Even if Britain wanted to rejoin, it would be a long road back to a wary EU.Grey said that until politicians are willing to face the legacy of Brexit, Britain faces an “undertow of low-grade crisis.”He likened the U.K. to a person with a nagging illness that saps their energy.“A chronic thing, in this case perhaps not incurable,” he said. “But it’s just that they don’t fancy going to the doctor because they know it’s not going to be very nice.”","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/06/23/britain-left-the-eu-10-years-ago-its-politics-has-been-an-unruly-mess-ever-since/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Jill Lawless, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T04:04:06.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4P4NVJICZVERXNPTU2E3A6BF6I.jpg","slug":"how-brexit-broke-british-politics"},{"id":"puzzs9","title":"Gov. Abbott orders Texas agencies to expand trade and workforce training","excerpt":"Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate expansion of workforce training and trade programs across four Texas agencies to help connect more residents with high-demand, skilled jobs.","content":"Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate expansion of workforce training and trade programs across four Texas agencies to help connect more residents with high-demand, skilled jobs.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/gov-abbott-texas-workforce-training-trade-programs-expansion","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe)","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:27:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox7austin.com%2Fwww.fox7austin.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F8i6a2034-scaled.jpg","slug":"gov-abbott-orders-texas-agencies-to-expand-trade-and-workforce-training"},{"id":"s9l7mn","title":"13 Investigates ties cases to officer in racist rant, DA files notices","excerpt":"After 13 Investigates shared a list of cases linked to the former Houston police officer who posted racist videos on social media, the DA's Office is now issuing Brady notices in those cases.","content":"After 13 Investigates shared a list of cases linked to the former Houston police officer who posted racist videos on social media, the DA's Office is now issuing Brady notices in those cases.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/13-investigates-ties-cases-officer-racist-rant-da-files-notices/19356655/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"Mycah Hatfield","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:55:50.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19284153_06122026-ktrk-hpd-officer-fired-over-social-media-rant.jpg","slug":"13-investigates-ties-cases-to-officer-in-racist-rant-da-files-notices"},{"id":"qtm2wx","title":"Get up to 70% off summer comfort essentials with ABC Secret Savings","excerpt":"Shop great deals on summer comfort items from compression wear and eye masks to skincare with ABC Secret Savings.","content":"Shop great deals on summer comfort items from compression wear and eye masks to skincare with ABC Secret Savings.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/find-great-deals-summer-comfort-essentials-abc-secret-savings/19340504/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:34:16.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19356187_pillow2.jpg","slug":"get-up-to-70-off-summer-comfort-essentials-with-abc-secret-savings"},{"id":"1pj76q","title":"Investigation underway after 2 teens shot in west Harris County, sheriff says","excerpt":"An investigation is underway after two teenagers were shot in west Harris County on Monday afternoon, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.","content":"An investigation is underway after two teenagers were shot in west Harris County on Monday afternoon, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.","url":"https://abc13.com/post/2-teens-shot-pavillion-point-west-harris-county-sheriff-says/19356591/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"KTRK","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:27:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"investigation-underway-after-2-teens-shot-in-west-harris-county-sheriff-says"},{"id":"98iq3j","title":"The Strait of Hormuz's future is unsettled even as more ships venture through","excerpt":"Ship traffic has picked up in the Strait of Hormuz since Iran and the U.S. signed an interim deal to end a war that constricted global oil supplies and fueled inflation, but questions surrounding control of the vital waterway and whether vessels will be charged tolls to cross it could interfere w...","content":"Ship traffic has picked up in the Strait of Hormuz since Iran and the U.S. signed an interim deal to end a war that constricted global oil supplies and fueled inflation, but questions surrounding control of the vital waterway and whether vessels will be charged tolls to cross it could interfere with negotiations to forge a lasting peace. Tehran and Washington clashed over the Strait of Hormuz again this past weekend. Citing Israel's latest attacks on Lebanon, Iran declared that it reclosed the strait. The U.S. was quick to contest that. Maritime tracking data showed that dozens of ships passed through on Saturday and Sunday, though far fewer than the daily average before the war. President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. might impose its own tolls on strait crossings if a final deal with Iran was not reached during the countries’ 60-day negotiating period. Passage was free before the war, but Iran last month established a new governmental authority to collect money from ships and has said it still expects vessels to register with the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.No one country owns the Strait of Hormuz, which borders both Iran and Oman. Last week's memorandum of understanding allowed Iran to manage the strait for now while holding discussions with Oman and six other Gulf states “to define the future administration and maritime services” of the waterway. Iran agreed not to charge transiting vessels tolls for 60 days.Legal experts and maritime associations have repeatedly stressed that a toll regime would upend decades of international trade precedent involving the world's waters. If the U.S. and Iran cement a final deal, analysts say it could take months for the flow of oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other commodities to return to prewar levels.Here's a closer look at the status of the Strait of Hormuz: Ships are moving but not at the prewar paceData and analytics company Kpler said its tracking confirmed 131 ships traveled through the strait between Friday and Monday, including 39 crossings on Monday. In contrast, about 100 to 130 vessels a day made the journey before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, and Tehran responded with its own attacks and effective closure of the waterway.As part of the provisional Iran-U.S. framework, Iran said it would conduct demining work within 30 days and remove “technical and military obstacles” to shipping. Iran's lead negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, told Iranian state media Monday that his country would manage the strait in accordance with international maritime law.The main central route of the Strait of Hormuz is still mined and remains closed. Ships have been using the smaller northern route, which goes through Iranian waters, and the southern route, which goes through Omani waters. But “caution is still clear” in the many vessels either sticking to Iran's prescribed route or trying to conceal their positions and identities by keeping their transponders off, Kpler said. Both Iran and US have threatened tollsEarly in the war, Iran threatened to attack ships that tried to use the Strait of Hormuz without its approval and began vetting vessels in a pay-to-pass scheme that shipping analysts dubbed the “tollbooth.” Iran also demanded in early April the right to collect tolls as a precondition for relinquishing its chokehold on the strait. Although the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority late last month to oppose what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as Tehran's attempt to extort global maritime trade, the president on Saturday suggested the U.S. could impose its own tolls for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.”The administration has not provided details on how the U.S. would apply any charges on ships if talks with Iran do not yield a completed agreement. Shipping analysts have expressed surprise at how much control over the strait the inital agreement gave Iran.“Almost all the power goes into Iran to determine the arrangements going forward in the future. This is what we really need clarity on,” said Philip Belcher, marine director of Intertanko, a trade group for independent tanker owners, said Thursday. Experts say tolls would violate maritime lawCollecting tolls in the strait could violate an enduring principle of international maritime trade: freedom of peaceful navigation. The concept was codified by the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea, which took effect in 1994.The treaty provides ships the right of unimpeded “transit passage” through more than 100 straits worldwide, including the Strait of Hormuz. It only applies to natural waterways, so authorities can charge fees for ships to traverse man-made waterways such as the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.Oman is among the more than 170 countries that have ratified the U.N. convention, but the U.S. and Iran are not. Maritime associations have argued that all nations remain subject to the treaty's provisions.James Kraska, a U.S. Naval War College professor of international maritime law, notes that the U.S. and Iran are both members of the International Maritime Organization, the U.N. agency that oversees safety and security measures in international shipping. Both countries also are parties to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, a treaty that governs standards for building and operating ships. In straits like Hormuz, fees can only be applied at established ports of entry or for services specifically requested by a ship, such as specialized navigation aid through hazardous areas, according to Kraska, who is also a visiting professor at Harvard Law School.. “If Iran wants to apply those to everybody, then it has to adjust the traffic separation scheme rules, and that can only be done through the member states of the International Maritime Organization,” he said. “You can't impose fees for a ship exercising its right of transit passage,” Kraska added. “So the bottom line is, no — fees in this context are just not lawful.”Countries sometimes have joined forces to share the costs of maintaining of a strait, he noted. For example, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore worked with the International Maritime Organization and later other countries to develop such an agreement for the Strait of Malacca, but it involved negotiated contributions from the states using the passage, not fees on individual ships. Disruptions could continue for months aheadConditions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated or deteriorated quickly over the course of the war. While the outlook for shipping has improved since the U.S. and Iran pledged to extend their ceasefire, “there is a degree of nervousness around the situation,” said Marcus Baker, the global head of marine, cargo and logistics at insurance brokerage and risk management company Marsh.“As far as the insurance position is concerned, there’s a good deal of support for ship owners that are trying to move out” during this period, but the interim deal between Iran and the U.S. does not include language for keeping the strait toll-free beyond the negotiating window, Baker said. “We’ll see what the next six weeks brings us,” he said.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/06/23/the-strait-of-hormuzs-future-is-unsettled-even-as-more-ships-venture-through/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Wyatte Grantham-Philips And Mae Anderson, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:02:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FOG5252YU2ZCAXIXQGIXRNKKJ7A.jpg","slug":"the-strait-of-hormuzs-future-is-unsettled-even-as-more-ships-venture-through"},{"id":"39u22h","title":"Judge says roommate of Charlie Kirk murder suspect won't testify in person at preliminary hearing","excerpt":"The Utah judge in the murder case of Charlie Kirk's killing has denied a defense request to force Tyler Robinson's former roommate to testify in person during the preliminary hearing, saying that the credibility of any testimony can be challenged later if the case goes to trial.","content":"The Utah judge in the murder case of Charlie Kirk's killing has denied a defense request to force Tyler Robinson's former roommate to testify in person during the preliminary hearing, saying that the credibility of any testimony can be challenged later if the case goes to trial.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/judge-charlie-kirk-killing-case-decide-prosecutors-could-punished-comments-media/19355270/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:22:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abcotvs.com%2Fdip%2Fimages%2F19284370_061226-wls-tyler-robinson-hearing-430pvo-vid.jpg","slug":"judge-says-roommate-of-charlie-kirk-murder-suspect-wont-testify-in-person-at-preliminary-hearing"},{"id":"gqaz5p","title":"As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored","excerpt":"Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...","content":"Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition is wrapping up in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday. To date, the nonprofit’s historians have collected video testimony from more than 360 Indigenous survivors in 19 states — stories set to be preserved in the Library of Congress for years to come. Iona Mad Plume, who is Blackfeet and grew up on her tribe’s reservation in Montana, said she “can’t emphasize enough” how healing her experience was. She testified in front of a video camera last month in Billings about her time in the Pierre Indian School in South Dakota, where she was sent at age 14.Mad Plume, now 74, said since her interview she’s been more grounded and has been able to let go of some of the haunting memories: a dusty blue Greyhound bus driving her away from her parents’ red pickup truck. School staff beating her with a wooden dowel as she cowered on a bunk bed in her dorm room. Eating corn meal or cereal littered with weevil bugs.“I got a lot out of that, pretty much a lot of closure,” she said. “It was after almost a lifetime of carrying around questions and different things in my mind — so I don’t have to carry that around anymore.”Another boarding school survivor who contributed to the project in Michigan in 2024 recounted a similar experience. Gene Bozicic, of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, attended the Catholic-run Holy Childhood School of Jesus in Harbor Springs, Michigan, beginning at age 11. “As we further went along, I started to feel more confident in what I could do and what I have accomplished, almost like more pride to be Native,” Bozicic, now 81, said about her video interview. “I hate to see it coming to an end, because they have given me my backbone back.”Survivors endured systemic abuseThe oral history project, which began in March 2024, is a collaboration between the Minnesota-based National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The intent is to document and share with the public the systemic abuse endured by boarding school survivors under the government’s attempts at forced assimilation — policies that began in the 1800s and lasted for over a century.Two years earlier, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland — a Laguna Pueblo member and a descendant of boarding school survivors — led the historic Road to Healing listening tour with Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community. Haaland’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative also included in-depth reports on the schools’ multigenerational impacts. Nearly 1,000 Native children were buried at 65 different school sites, the federal government reported. Atrocities occurring within school walls ranged from physical and sexual abuse to failed attempts at cultural genocide, the report found.In the more than two years since the boarding school coalition’s oral history work began, the process of collecting these in-person testimonies in 19 states evolved, said Lacey Kinnart, the coalition’s oral history program co-director.Initially, the “quiet room” where survivors decompress with a fellow elder after their interview was optional. But staff soon changed that policy so entering the room was automatic, and added a second “quiet room.” They also began matching survivors with a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in boarding school trauma and a licensed social worker.“Our elders don’t want to be a burden,” said Kinnart, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. “But they really do need that extra support.”Kinnart said staff also noticed survivors feeling nervous around the Indigenous photographer. That shyness showed in the photos. So they built in an extra half-hour into the schedule so each survivor could get to know the person who took their portraits.Stories affect generationsThe Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Department of the Interior are still assessing how to present the video interviews to the world. Survivors, however, will retain full ownership of their interviews and they alone decide whether their stories are made public.The videos will be housed in a permanent oral history collection at the Library of Congress, and the project’s end date is June 2027.The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition will continue other oral history projects independently. Staff said their next project will likely be more costly — potentially as much as $13 million — compared to the $6.2 million they received from Interior and the Mellon Foundation for the initial oral history project. And while the upcoming venture would take longer, it would be even more inclusive.“We’re just scratching the surface with these stories,” said the coalition’s Oral History Program Co-director Charlee Brissette, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie of Chippewa Indians. “We want to get a more robust picture of the boarding school experience because it does have that intergenerational effect.”Indigenous people excluded from this first iteration of the oral history project may get another opportunity in the coming years. It’s an effort welcomed by survivors and descendants alike.“I’d be interested in doing that, because the whole story needs to be taught,” said Desiray Emerton, 56, a Seminole woman and a descendant of two generations of boarding school survivors. Her relatives attended Goodland Academy and Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma. She said she’s seen the generational impacts: Because of her boarding school experiences, Emerton’s mother struggled to be affectionate toward her as a child. And her grandmother died long before the oral history project’s existence.“I know time’s running out for those who did go through that personally,” Emerton said, “but I always tell my kids I’m walking on the prayers of our ancestors, and I’m running out of time.”___This story is published through the Global Indigenous Reporting Network at The Associated Press.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/2026/06/23/as-native-american-boarding-schools-project-ends-survivors-describe-feeling-honored-and-restored/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T12:05:16.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2F4I3TAW2XKZEBBAQP4EC5EGULLA.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"as-native-american-boarding-schools-project-ends-survivors-describe-feeling-honored-and-restored"},{"id":"bmw0d4","title":"Turkey detains 209 in raids in the capital ahead of July's NATO summit","excerpt":"Security forces in the Turkish capital carried out sweeping raids on Tuesday ahead of next month’s NATO summit, and detained more than 200 people with suspected links to extremist groups, including the Islamic State group, officials said.Some media outlets, however, reported that some of those de...","content":"Security forces in the Turkish capital carried out sweeping raids on Tuesday ahead of next month’s NATO summit, and detained more than 200 people with suspected links to extremist groups, including the Islamic State group, officials said.Some media outlets, however, reported that some of those detained were politicians or activists, leading to allegations of arbitrary detentions.U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to join other leaders of the 32‑member alliance in Ankara for the July 7–8 summit. Turkey is planning strict security measures for the summit, including banning demonstrations and restricting access to roads leading to airports, as well as sealing off areas around the summit venue and hotels hosting delegations.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has prioritized security and authorities regularly carry out security raids. Last month, security forces detained 324 people suspected of links to the Islamic State group in a nationwide sweep.Early on Tuesday, Turkish prosecutors issued detention orders for 241 suspects, and 209 of them were subsequently taken into custody in police and gendarmerie raids around Ankara, according to a statement from the chief prosecutor’s office. The raids were still underway later Tuesday to take in the rest of the suspects.Among those detained were 56 alleged Islamic State militants and 35 members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front, a far‑left group known for armed attacks and assassinations in Turkey, the statement said.Birgun, an independent left-leaning newspaper, and other media reported that a politician, an LGBTQ activist and at least three lawyers allegedly close to left-wing groups were also among the detained. That lead to concerns that the government could be using security as a pretext to silence critics and prevent possible anti-NATO demonstrations during the summit.“This arbitrary wave of detentions and arrests targeting leftist and socialist institutions once again reveals the state the country has reached,” the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, DEM, said. “Turning Ankara into a giant prison with bans imposed for the NATO Summit is unacceptable.”The Islamic State group has also carried out numerous deadly attacks in Turkey, including the 2017 New Year’s shooting at an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people.","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/news/2026/06/23/turkey-detains-209-in-raids-in-the-capital-ahead-of-julys-nato-summit/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T07:34:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FR2W2V2UW3FDRDO7LNUZOBCBCJQ.jpg","slug":"turkey-detains-209-in-raids-in-the-capital-ahead-of-julys-nato-summit"},{"id":"ijo4pd","title":"Erling Haaland scores 2 more goals and Norway beats Senegal 3-2 to reach World Cup round of 32","excerpt":"Erling Haaland and Norway rowed their way into the World Cup's round of 32.Haaland scored twice to raise his World Cup goals total to four, and the Vikings clinched advancement to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a slog than a sail.“It’s my specialt...","content":"Erling Haaland and Norway rowed their way into the World Cup's round of 32.Haaland scored twice to raise his World Cup goals total to four, and the Vikings clinched advancement to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a slog than a sail.“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”After the final whistle, Norway's players and staff gathered tightly in a 10-row formation just inside the penalty area at MetLife Stadium's north end, facing their red-shirted supporters, Haaland sitting in front as teammate Martin Ødegaard banged on a bongo drum. They alternated with the fans performing the Viking Row — chanting “Ro!” while mimicking oarsmen.“We’ve all seen it online and it’s been going completely viral, so Martin told me before the game, `What do you think? Should we join in?'\" Haaland recalled. “`If we win, let’s do it. So why not? Let’s go for it,'\" Haaland said he responded. \"So it was a perfect moment I think to do that.\"Back in Norway, parliamentarians did the Viking Row last week in a show of support.“It was fun,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We will not be rowing after the World Cup but this can be a gimmick during the tournament.”Marcus Pederson put the Vikings ahead in the 43rd minute after replacing an injured teammate, and Haaland kept up his incredible goals streak in the 48th and 58th minutes to build a 3-1 lead.“He's very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.Haaland ran onto Ødegaard's pass and put a left-footed shot past the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, capping an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead.For his second goal, Haaland tunneled through the defense and 8 yards out lifted his weaker right foot to volley in Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised a hand to an ear to inspire the Norway supporters.Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international games — scoring at least once in every match — and 59 goals in 52 international appearances. The 25-year-old striker joined England's Harry Kane in 2018 as the only players in the last 50 years with two-goal games in both of their first two World Cup appearances.Haaland is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and tied with France's Kylian Mbappé. Haaland nearly got another in first-half stoppage time, hitting a post after Mendy lost control of the ball.“He did miss an open goal. He could have scored even four,” Solbakken said. “He is the best striker — he is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”Ismaïla Sarr got both goals for the Lions of Teranga, in the 53rd minute and in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.“If we had just played slightly worse, then we would be in trouble,” Solbakken said.Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway (2-0) is assured of advancing from Group I along with France. Because they allowed Senegal's stoppage-time goal, the Vikings need to beat Les Bleus on Friday for first place and what would appear to be an easier path in the knockout bracket.Senegal is 0-2 in a World Cup for the first time and needs a win over Iraq (0-2) to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.“We've got everything left to play for,” Thaw said.Pederson entered in the 13th minute for his World Cup debut after Julian Ryerson couldn't play through what Solbakken said was a nagging injury, and Pederson put the Vikings ahead with the help of mistakes by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Mendy.Ødegaard made a centering pass that Koulibaly cleared straight to Pedersen at the top of the arc. Pederson took two touches and sent a savable shot inside the near post that glanced off Mendy’s left hand and into the goal.Mendy left in the 63rd minute because of an injury.While there had been storm warnings, a downpour stopped more than 3 1/2 hours before kickoff. The skies opened again after the final whistle, causing announcements for fans to leave the stadium bowl for sheltered space.“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every single Norwegian on the planet today.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup","url":"https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/06/23/erling-haaland-scores-2-more-goals-and-norway-beats-senegal-3-2-to-reach-world-cup-round-of-32/","source":"KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)","author":"Ronald Blum, Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-23T02:04:57.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fgraham-media-group%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fc_thumb%2Cw_700%2Fv1%2Fmedia%2Fgmg%2FDEOVJVPURNF5TD5N4U3MLXQCCM.jpg","slug":"erling-haaland-scores-2-more-goals-and-norway-beats-senegal-3-2-to-reach-world-cup-round-of-32"},{"id":"iib1q9","title":"Millions of honeybees escape into rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer crash","excerpt":"Millions of honeybees escaped into a rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer carrying about 400 hives tipped over, officials said.","content":"Millions of honeybees escaped into a rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer carrying about 400 hives tipped over, officials said.","url":"https://abc7.com/post/millions-honeybees-escape-rural-texas-neighborhood-semitrailer-crash/19357397/","source":"ABC13 Houston (KTRK)","author":"AP","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:14:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1518780664697-55e3ad937233%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"millions-of-honeybees-escape-into-rural-texas-neighborhood-after-a-semitrailer-crash"},{"id":"8udi9f","title":"2 more suspects charged in multi-state White House UFC attack plot: Justice Department","excerpt":"Federal prosecutors have charged two more individuals as co-conspirators in a thwarted multi-state plot to launch an alleged mass-casualty drone and sniper assault at the White House UFC event.","content":"Federal prosecutors have charged two more individuals as co-conspirators in a thwarted multi-state plot to launch an alleged mass-casualty drone and sniper assault at the White House UFC event.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/6th-suspect-charged-multi-state-white-house-ufc-attack-plot","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Isabel.Soisson@fox.com (Isabel Soisson)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:09:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox5dc.com%2Fwww.fox5dc.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fgettyimages-2281030342.jpg","slug":"2-more-suspects-charged-in-multi-state-white-house-ufc-attack-plot-justice-department"},{"id":"rrczs3","title":"Cypress mother accused of leaving 4-year-old in hot car while shopping at Costco","excerpt":"A mother has been charged after allegedly leaving her 4-year-old child in a hot car while she shopped at Costco, authorities say.","content":"A mother has been charged after allegedly leaving her 4-year-old child in a hot car while she shopped at Costco, authorities say.","url":"https://www.fox26houston.com/news/cypress-mother-accused-leaving-4-year-old-hot-car-while-shopping-costco","source":"FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News","author":"Barbi.Barbee@fox.com (Barbi Barbee)","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:56:56.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://thepineypoint.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.fox26houston.com%2Fwww.fox26houston.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2F730153360_1271101404869204_1056409659052456457_n.jpg","slug":"cypress-mother-accused-of-leaving-4-year-old-in-hot-car-while-shopping-at-costco"}],"events":{"items":[{"title":"Memorial Villages Farmers Market","date":"2026-07-04","dateLabel":"Saturday, July 4, 2026","time":"9:00 AM","location":"First Congregational Church of Houston, 10840 Beinhorn Rd, Houston, TX 77024","category":"Market","description":"A year-round Saturday farmers market serving the Memorial Villages community with local produce, food vendors and family activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.","url":"/calendar"},{"title":"Villages Independence Day Parade & Festival","date":"2026-07-04","dateLabel":"Saturday, July 4, 2026","time":"10:00 AM","location":"Piney Point Road / Memorial Church of Christ to Ecclesia Church","category":"Community","description":"The Memorial Villages' annual Fourth of July celebration features a morning fun run and bike ride followed by a community parade that travels south along Piney Point Road.","url":"/calendar"},{"title":"Independence Day","date":"2026-07-04","dateLabel":"Saturday, July 4, 2026","time":"All day","location":"United States","category":"Holiday","description":"Independence Day — a U.S. federal observance. 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