Paleontologists from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Montana State University unearthed fossil bones of a tenontosaurus sp. This early Cretaceous ornithopod dinosaur from North America inhabited the Yucca Formation located in the far west of Texas, USA. Notably, this southernmost finding of Tenontosaurus in the interior West is around 400 km east of the Arizona record and about 900 km southwest of the north-central Texas record.
Tenontosaurus is a genus of iguanodont ornithopod dinosaur that roamed North America around 115 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period.
This genus includes two known species: Tenontosaurus tilletti and Tenontosaurus dossi.
Both species possessed particularly long and broad tails, which were strengthened by a framework of bony tendons, similar to their backs.
The recent fossils were retrieved from the Upper Yucca Formation of the Indio Mountains, situated approximately 35 km southwest of Van Horn in West Texas.
“I wasn’t specifically searching for fossils that day,” stated Dr. Jason Ricketts, a paleontologist at the University of Texas at El Paso.
“While examining rocks in the area, we spotted debris weathered from the soft shale.”
“There was no need for excavation; I simply collected them. It was a surprising and thrilling discovery. My family joined me to help gather the pieces.”
“Fossils of dinosaurs are uncommon in West Texas, and finding fossilized bones instead of just footprints is especially rare.”
“The fossils were found as separate fragments, with the largest confirmed to be a part of a femoral leg bone.”
“Despite their imperfect state, these fossils hold significant scientific value,” he remarked.
“Before this discovery, similar fossils were only found in other regions of Montana, Idaho, Arizona, and Texas.”
This new finding extends the known range of Tenontosaurus further southwest than previously documented.
“Until now, fossils of this kind were mostly located in northern and eastern states, such as Utah and Wyoming,” Ricketts noted.
“This discovery… indicates that Tenontosaurus lived as far south as West Texas.”
While research on the fossil fragments continues, the authors hope this discovery will encourage additional exploration in West Texas, where dinosaur fossils are largely uncharted.
“This finding demonstrates that there is still a wealth of knowledge to acquire about our region’s prehistoric history,” said Dr. Ricketts.
“It’s a privilege to contribute, even if only in a small way, to that larger narrative.”
Spencer G. Lucas et al. 2025. An ornithopod dinosaur that lived in the early Cretaceous of West Texas. Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 101:291-294
Small towns in South Texas are urgently seeking alternative drinking water sources as persistent droughts threaten to deplete their main supply.
Mattis City typically relies on Lake Corpus Christi for its drinking water; however, the intensifying drought is projected to drop levels too low for safe extraction, according to Cedric Davis from the city.
“It’s not about completely running out of water,” said Davis. “It’s just challenging to access clean water from the lake, as the extraction process brings up sediment.”
That sediment can harm urban filtration and treatment systems, he noted. According to 2020 data from the US Census Bureau, Mattis has a population of approximately 4,300.
The situation in Texas underscores the escalating challenges faced in drought-affected areas nationwide, as climate change alters rainfall patterns and reduces the availability of safe drinking water.
In 2023, New Orleans experienced a drinking water emergency when saltwater infiltrated upstream due to unusually low levels in the drought-impacted Mississippi River.
Last year, ongoing drought and years of low precipitation led to alarmingly low reservoir levels in Mexico City, resulting in significant water shortages for North America’s most populous urban areas.
South Texas has a long history of dry spells, with much of the region categorized as facing “moderate” or “severe” drought conditions. The US Drought Monitor publishes updated color-coded maps weekly to illustrate the extent and severity of droughts nationwide.
Extreme dryness has resulted in falling water levels in Lake Corpus Christi.
“There isn’t enough rain to restore the lakes and reservoirs in South Texas,” said Davis, indicating that several municipal and small community areas will need to seek emergency solutions.
Davis mentioned that projections indicate lake levels may become critically low by late December. Thus, the city is initiating the drilling of two emergency wells to ensure a continued supply of drinking water.
Although the project is still in the planning stages, Davis expressed hope that the permitting process and lease agreement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife division could be expedited. If all goes well, excavation may commence by the end of October.
“If everything goes as planned and we can install the wells by late December, we should be fine,” stated Davis.
Nonetheless, city officials are exploring additional contingency options, including potentially expensive desalination plants and wastewater treatment and reuse systems.
Hybridization among these species is notable within vertebrate groups. Such occurrences typically take place between recently diverged populations, with the most recent common ancestors of the Blue (Cyanocitta cristata) and Green (Cyanocorax yncas) Jays estimated to have existed at least 7 million years ago.
A hybrid of a man with a green Jay’s mother and a blue Jay’s father. Image credit: Brian R. Stokes.
“We’ve been working hard to engage with the community,” stated Brian Stokes, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin.
“While historical instances of vertebrate hybrids have often been linked to human influences—like the introduction of invasive species and recent range expansions—this particular case seems to have emerged due to climate shifts prompting the overlap of both parent species.”
During the 1950s, Green Jays, a tropical bird native to Central America, were limited to areas from Mexico to southern Texas, while Blue Jays, a temperate species found in the eastern U.S., extended westward to Houston, with minimal interaction between them.
However, their ranges have since converged around San Antonio as Green Jays migrated north and Blue Jays spread westward.
Stokes, who is focused on researching Green Jays in Texas as part of his PhD, actively monitors various social media platforms where birdwatchers share photos of sightings. This was one of several methods he utilized to capture birds, take genetic blood samples, and then release them back into their natural habitats.
One day, he spotted a rough image of an unusual blue bird featuring a black mask and white chest shared by a woman in the suburbs northeast of San Antonio. Although resembling a Blue Jay, it was distinctly different. The backyard birder welcomed Stokes for an in-person sighting.
“On our first attempt to capture it, the bird was quite elusive,” Stokes recounted.
“But the second day proved to be much more fortunate.”
Using a mist net—a long rectangular mesh of black nylon thread stretched between two poles, almost invisible to birds in flight—Stokes was able to successfully catch the bird on the second day after previously capturing and releasing dozens of others.
He quickly took a blood sample from this peculiar bird, allowing him to facilitate future research.
Interestingly, the bird vanished for several years, reappearing in the woman’s garden in June 2025. The reason for its return remains a mystery.
“I can’t explain it, but it felt like pure chance,” Stokes commented.
“Had it been two houses down, it likely wouldn’t have been reported at all.”
Investigations revealed that the bird is a hybrid descendant of a male Green Jay and a female Blue Jay.
It closely resembles other hybrids produced through researcher crossbreeding of Green and Blue Jays in the 1970s.
“Hybridization is likely far more prevalent in nature than researchers recognize, as we often miss these events happening,” Stokes expressed.
“Furthermore, in many species, physical barriers may prevent interactions that could lead to mating because we’re not actively observing.”
The team’s publication appears in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
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Brian R. Stokes and Timothy H. Keat. 2025. Intergenerational hybrids between historically isolated temperate and tropical Jays after recent expansion of the scope. Ecology and Evolution 15(9): E72148; doi: 10.1002/ECE3.72148
Nearly two months following the devastating July 4 flood in Texas, which claimed over 130 lives, D-Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett continues to seek clarity on fundamental issues related to the federal response.
What emergency personnel were deployed by the National Weather Service on the night of the flood? How effectively did the agency prepare for the storm? And how did vacancies in critical local National Weather Service positions, like warning adjustment meteorologists, impact the situation?
In four letters sent to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with a fifth from the Commerce Department, Rep. Doggett requested records that could shed light on the events of July 4th.
“I have yet to receive any written response,” Doggett expressed, accusing the agency of evasion.
This push for transparency highlights the lack of public accountability regarding that day’s events. Shortly after the flood, an internal meteorologist indicated that the National Weather Service provided a timely warning, citing the constraints of their forecasting technology during flash flooding.
However, it remains unclear how effectively the agency communicated with emergency managers and other ground stakeholders when risks became evident. A former NWS meteorologist commented on the difficulties faced when their forecasts are compromised by staff shortages or overwhelming workloads.
Lloyd Doggett at the U.S. Capitol in 2024. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images File
“If there’s nothing to conceal, and if Trump’s budget cuts haven’t impacted weather services, then they need to create logs,” Doggett remarked regarding the records he seeks. “Drawing public attention to this issue may be the only way to prompt a response from the administration.”
Neither NOAA nor the Commerce Department has responded to requests for comment.
Doggett wrote his initial letter to NOAA on May 20, prior to the flood, raising concerns about staffing levels in the Austin/San Antonio weather office. This office is responsible for forecasts and communications in areas that faced significant impacts from the July storm.
“The 22% vacancy rate in the local NWS jeopardizes the timeliness of forecasts and alerts that communities depend on,” Doggett stated, inquiring about how the agency would address staff shortages and fulfill their operational roles.
Following the flood disaster, Doggett subsequently contacted NOAA on July 8 with 15 more questions about their responses. He reported having a video conference with agency director Ken Graham on July 11.
In a letter sent after their July 11 meeting and a follow-up on July 24, Doggett requested call logs, chat logs, radar archives, and shift logs from the agency.
“He mentioned that providing these was straightforward,” Doggett noted, recalling Graham’s remarks during the Zoom call. “I’ve been following up since then, but there’s been no satisfactory explanation.”
The agency is permitted to respond at its discretion to queries from Congress members overseeing it. Interpretation of the Department of Justice Law. Nonetheless, agencies often voluntarily address congressional inquiries.
Doggett has persistently contacted NOAA via phone and text, and in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Luttonick on August 27, he accused the Secretary of suppressing responses that he believes NOAA was ready to provide.
“I recommend that responses to my inquiries be prepared, but these have been withheld by your office,” Doggett wrote. “There’s no documentation demonstrating NWS’s preparation, communication, or response—perhaps indicating that some aspects of this tragedy are being concealed.”
Doggett mentioned that four children from Austin lost their lives in the floods and has called for an investigation similar to those conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board after significant disasters.
“If 27 children perish in a plane crash, the NTSB conducts a thorough investigation of all involved parties at state, federal, and local levels,” Doggett remarked.
NBC News has submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to NOAA seeking records from NWS. Some of these requests might yield records that address Doggett’s inquiries, but thus far, there has been no response.
According to the Commerce Department’s Public Records website, one of the requested chat logs and communications between forecasters is currently “assigned for processing.” The agency indicated that information regarding staff cuts and recruitment will be managed in batches alongside other similar requests related to the Texas flood.
“We aim to provide a provisional release by early September, with additional releases occurring periodically through the end of the year,” wrote Julia Swanson, FOIA Coordinator, in an August 18 status update. “To effectively allocate limited staff resources, all other FOIA requests are temporarily set aside to prioritize addressing flood-related inquiries in Texas.”
The catastrophic flood in Texas, claiming nearly 120 lives, marked the first major crisis encountered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the current Trump administration. Despite the tragic loss of life, both former and current FEMA officials have expressed to NBC News that the effects on smaller geographic regions don’t adequately challenge the capabilities of the agency, especially as staffing has been reduced significantly.
They argue that the true tests may arise later this summer, when the threat of hurricanes looms over several states.
As discussions about the agency’s future unfold—with President Donald Trump hinting at the possibility of “dismantling it”—Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem, who oversees FEMA, has tightened her control.
Current and former officials have mentioned that Noem now mandates that all agents personally authorize expenditures exceeding $100,000. To expedite the approval process, FEMA established a task force on Monday aimed at streamlining Noem’s approval, according to sources familiar with the initiative.
While Noem has taken a more direct approach to managing the agency, many FEMA leadership positions remain unfilled due to voluntary departures. In May, the agency disclosed in an internal email that 16 senior officials had left, collectively bringing over 200 years of disaster response experience with them.
“DHS and its components are fully engaged in addressing recovery efforts in Carville,” a spokesperson from DHS remarked in a statement to NBC News.
“Under Chief Noem and Deputy Manager David Richardson, FEMA has transformed from an unwieldy DC-centric organization into a streamlined disaster response force that empowers local entities to assist their residents. Outdated processes have been replaced due to their failure to serve Americans effectively in real emergencies… Secretary Noem ensures accountability to U.S. taxpayers, a concern often overlooked by Washington for decades.”
Civilians assist with recovery efforts near the Guadalupe River on Sunday.Giulio Cortez / AP
On Wednesday afternoon, the FEMA Review Council convened for its second meeting, set up to outline the agency’s future direction. “Our goal is to pivot FEMA’s responsibilities to the state level,” Trump told the press in early June.
At this moment, FEMA continues to manage over 700 active disaster situations, as stated by Chris Currie, who monitors governmental accountability.
“They’re operating no differently. They’re merely doing more with fewer personnel,” he noted in an interview.
While some advocates push for a more proactive role for the agency, certain Republicans in Congress emphasize the need to preserve FEMA in response to the significant flooding.
“FEMA plays a crucial role,” said Senator Ted Cruz of Texas during a Capitol Hill briefing this week. “There’s a consensus on enhancing FEMA’s efficiency and responsiveness to disasters. These reforms can be advantageous, but the agency’s core functions remain vital, regardless of any structural adjustments.”
Bureaucratic Hurdles
A key discussion point in the first FEMA Review Council meeting was how the federal government can alleviate financial constraints. However, current and former FEMA officials argue that Noem’s insistence on personal approvals for expenditures introduces bureaucratic layers that could hinder timely assistance during the Texas crisis and potential future hurricanes.
Current officials voiced that the new requirements contradict the aim of reducing expenses. “They’re adding bureaucracy…and increasing costs,” one official commented.
A former senior FEMA official remarked that agents need to procure supplies and services within disaster zones, routinely requiring their authorization for contracts over $100,000 to facilitate these actions.
“FEMA rarely makes expenditures below that threshold,” disclosed an unnamed former employee currently involved in the industry to NBC News.
In addition to the stipulation that Noem must approve certain expenditures, current and former staff members revealed confusion regarding who holds authority—Noem or Richardson, who has been acting as administrator since early May. One former official noted a cultural shift within the agency from proactive measures to a more cautious stance, as employees fear job loss.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin referred to questions regarding who is in charge as “absurd.”
Further changes are underway. Last week, agents officially ceased their practice of sending personnel into disaster areas to engage with victims about available services. This decision followed complaints regarding interactions that had been criticized last fall. Acting managers previously labeled this conduct by FEMA staff as “unacceptable.” Distancing from the scrutiny, the dismissed personnel claimed to have acted under their supervisor’s instructions to avoid “unpleasant encounters.”
Although many individuals access FEMA services through various channels like the agency’s website and hotline, two former officials emphasized that in-person outreach remains essential for connecting disaster victims with available resources. It remains uncertain if the agency plans to send personnel into Texas for door-to-door outreach.
This week, Democratic senators expressed frustration that Noem has yet to present the 2025 hurricane plans she mentioned in May, after they were promised to be shared.
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, leading Democrat on the Disaster Management Subcommittee, plans to send another letter to Noem on Wednesday to solicit these plans.
“The delay in FEMA’s 2025 hurricane season plan report at the start of hurricane season highlights the ongoing slowness of DHS in providing essential information to this committee,” Kim asserted in his letter.
FEMA’s Future
Critical questions remain regarding FEMA’s role in disaster recovery: What responsibilities will it retain, and which will be delegated to states to manage independently?
Experts consulting with NBC News concur that while federal agencies should maintain responsibility for large-scale disasters, the question persists as to whether states could be empowered to handle smaller ones rather than deferring to federal assistance.
“Disaster prevention is paramount,” remarked Jeff Schlegermilch, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Response.
Natalie Simpson, a disaster response expert at the University of Buffalo, added that larger states could assume greater risk during disasters.
“I believe we could establish a local FEMA due to economies of scale in larger states like California, New York, and Florida, but I doubt their efficacy in smaller states,” she stated during an interview.
Current and former FEMA officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have criticized FEMA as “inefficient and slow,” asserting the need for a more responsive approach. They highlighted that the governor called for a FEMA disaster declaration within days of the flood.
On Sunday, the president sidestepped inquiries about potential agency restructuring, stating:
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt commented that ongoing discussions are taking place regarding the agency’s broader objectives. “The President aims to ensure that American citizens have the resources they need, whether that assistance is provided at the state or federal level; it’s a matter of continuous policy discourse,” Leavitt remarked.
Members of the genus Metatherian Swaindelphys were previously identified in the Swain Quarry in southern Wyoming and the Nasimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, and are now also found in the Black Peaks Formation in West Texas.
Reconstructing the life of Swaindelphys. Image credit: Kristen Tietjen.
The newly identified species thrived in Texas during the Ale-Nocene period, around 60 million years ago.
It has been designated Swaindelphys Solastella; these animals were significantly larger than related species, yet still about the size of a modern hedgehog.
It belonged to Metatherian, a group encompassing living marsupials and their extinct relatives.
“We’ve dedicated a lot of effort to uncovering this world,” remarked Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas.
Fossil remains of Swaindelphys Solastella were uncovered in the Black Peak Formation within Big Bend National Park, West Texas.
“The earliest fossil mammals from the Big Bend during the Ale Holocene epoch were initially documented decades ago,” stated Professor Chris Beard of the University of Kansas.
“However, our mission is to uncover some of the smaller, more elusive fossil mammals that inhabited Big Bend during that era.”
“The new fossil we are describing holds significance as it represents the largest marsupial ever identified from the Ale Holocene in North America, in terms of body size.”
“This isn’t surprising considering that everything tends to be larger in Texas.”
The distribution patterns of Swaindelphys may provide insights into the natural features and barriers that limited the geographical spread of species during this time, including early primates.
“During the Ale New Century, the climate would have been warmer, likely leaning towards tropical,” Miller explained.
“Instead of the desert landscape seen today, there would have been more vegetation, possibly alongside numerous rivers and streams.”
“These fossils are found in what are referred to as river sediments, stemming from ancient river systems.”
The discovery of Swaindelphys Solastella is detailed in a paper released this month in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Kristen Miller et al. Implications of biogeographical and biostratigraphic novel species. Swaindelphys (Mammals, Metatheria) from the Black Peaks Formation, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on June 17th, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2500501
In Paterson, New Jersey, over 100 individuals required medical attention during two outdoor graduation ceremonies on Monday, as the heat index soared to 107 degrees. That evening, Mayor Andre Seig declared a state of emergency, leading to the cancellation of all recreational activities due to the extreme heat.
Monday saw record high temperatures exceeding 60 degrees nationwide, with predictions extending from the southeast up to New England throughout the week.
Preliminary daily records were established on Tuesday in New York City (99 degrees), Philadelphia (for the first time since 2012), and Raleigh, North Carolina (100 degrees).
New monthly records for June were set in Boston (101 degrees) and Providence, Rhode Island (100 degrees), while Newark recorded a staggering June high of 103 degrees.
The National Weather Service indicates that the oppressive heat conditions are likely to persist through the evening.
These elevated temperatures are attributed to high-pressure ridges, which are currently parked over the eastern United States. Known as thermal domes, these systems effectively trap heat in the region, leading to prolonged periods of elevated temperatures.
While some relief may arrive towards the weekend, heat and humidity levels are expected to remain elevated over the coming days.
“The most severe cumulative heat impacts are expected on Friday across the eastern Ohio valleys stretching from the Mid-Atlantic to Thursday, resulting in multi-day oppressive heat,” stated the Weather Service.
All individuals are at risk for heat-related illnesses and fatalities, but the excessive heat and humidity—especially over several days—pose a particular risk to children, those with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, and outdoor workers. These health concerns are increasingly pressing as climate change leads to more frequent, intense, and lasting heat events.
While the eastern U.S. battles the heat dome, a severe storm system could impact parts of Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Additionally, heavy rainfall and flooding are likely for much of New Mexico and southwestern Texas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a Texas woman died from an infection linked to an amoeba after using tap water for sinus irrigation, which ultimately led to brain damage Case report.
The 71-year-old woman, who was otherwise healthy, experienced severe neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental status, four days after using tap water from the RV’s water system to fill her nasal irrigation device at a Texas campground.
She received treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba.” Despite medical intervention, she suffered a seizure and succumbed to the infection eight days post-symptom onset, according to the CDC.
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the amoeba in the woman’s cerebrospinal fluid.
The CDC noted that while infections commonly occur after recreational water use, using undistilled water for sinus irrigation is also a significant risk factor for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
A survey conducted by the agency revealed that although the woman had not been recently exposed to freshwater, she had used non-boiled water from the RV’s drinking water tap for nasal irrigation multiple times prior to her illness.
According to the survey findings, the RV’s drinking water tanks were filled and potentially contained contaminated water before the RV was purchased three months earlier. The investigation concluded that contamination could have originated from local government water systems linked to the drinking water systems and bypassing the tanks.
The agency underscores the importance of using distilled, sterilized, or previously boiled and cooled tap water for nasal irrigation to lower the risk of infection or illness.
Some areas in Texas will experience temperatures hotter than the Sahara desert this Thursday. Intense heat domes are driving temperatures sharply up to triple digits.
In the central and southern regions of Texas, the combined measurement of temperature and humidity is expected to reach “feel-like” temperatures between 105 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday. These temperatures are hotter than parts of the Sahara Desert, where several cities in Morocco are forecasted to hit the high ’90s F.
Cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Austin in Texas have a chance of breaking daily temperature records on Thursday, with minimal relief anticipated from the Heat Dome in the coming days.
The oppressive heat and humidity are projected to persist through the weekend and into next week, as noted by the National Weather Service.
While Texans are accustomed to high heat and humidity, the current conditions are more typical of summer rather than May.
Heat advisories are in effect for Atascosa, Bexar, Frio, Medina, Uvalde, and Wilson counties until 8 PM local time. The National Weather Service warns that high temperatures combined with humidity “can lead to heat-related illnesses.”
As reported earlier this week on X, the weather authorities stated that people “will not adapt to this level of heat within a year, increasing the risk of heat-related health issues.”
This early heatwave has already set multiple records, with new daily highs reported in Austin and Del Rio, San Antonio, on Wednesday. Austin Bergstrom International Airport hit a record high of 100 F, surpassing the previous May 14 record of 96 F set in 2003. San Antonio recorded 102 F, breaking its previous record of 97 F from 2022.
Although it’s challenging to link specific extreme weather events to climate change, research indicates that global warming is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves globally. Every decade since 1850 has seen its hottest years within the last ten years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with the last two years setting new global temperature records.
The extreme heat is expected to continue affecting parts of Texas and the southern and central regions through Friday and the weekend. The National Weather Service predicts that heat index values in Texas will range from 100 F to 110 F over Saturday and Sunday.
“Whatever way you look at it, this weekend is set to be extremely hot in southern Texas,” according to the long-term forecast.
This week, the country is bracing for early seasonal heat waves, with record or near-record high temperatures anticipated across the Northern and Southern Plains, Southwest, and vast regions of central and southern Texas.
On Monday, temperatures climbed into the 90s in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, with some areas likely reaching triple-digit highs.
Beginning Tuesday, Texas will experience its hottest conditions, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit becoming commonplace throughout the state, according to the agency.
In a series of posts on X, the San Antonio Weather Service office cautioned that many people may struggle to adapt to such extreme temperatures, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
“Temperatures are slated to soar above 100 on Tuesday, with some locations potentially hitting 110 mid-week. Ensure you have access to cooling and ample hydration before the heat arrives,” the office advised. I shared this on X.
As the week continues, the heat will intensify in the central and southern plains, eventually spreading to the southeastern U.S. and Florida.
Cities likely to set new daily temperature records this week include Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston in Texas, as well as Oklahoma City; Shreveport, Louisiana; Charleston, South Carolina; and Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando in Florida.
The unseasonably high temperatures are attributed to strong high-pressure ridges situated over much of the country, particularly in Texas. These “thermal domes” effectively trap heat in the region, leading to elevated temperatures for several days.
Southern California recorded historic highs over the weekend, peaking at 103 in downtown Los Angeles, surpassing the previous record of 99 set in 1988. According toreports, this significant increase has raised concerns.
During the Los Angeles heat wave, individuals took a moment to hydrate on Sunday. Carlin Steele/Los Angeles Times Getty Images
Research indicates that climate change is intensifying the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves globally. Scientists predict yet another hot summer following two consecutive years of record-breaking global temperatures (2023 and 2024).
These ongoing record temperatures are part of alarming warming trends long anticipated by climate change models. The hottest years on record since 1850 have all occurred within the last decade. According tothe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Trump administration has taken steps to revoke federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a vibrant grouse unfortunate enough to inhabit the southern and central grasslands, which have long been targeted for agricultural and energy development.
In a court filing on Wednesday, officials stated that the Fish and Wildlife Service mistakenly made a decision during the Biden era to classify these birds as endangered.
This move exemplifies the ongoing efforts of the White House to dilute or eliminate environmental regulations that hinder Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda.
Furthermore, it marks yet another development in the ongoing struggle for the species, a battle that has persisted for 30 years.
Known for their unique courtship rituals of stomping, tail feather flicking, and “flapping,” the lesser prairie chicken’s population has plummeted from hundreds of thousands, if not millions, to only about 30,000 due primarily to habitat loss.
“President Trump will always advocate for the elimination of burdensome regulations affecting the American agriculture sector, particularly as numerous ranchers voluntarily engage in protecting lesser prairie chicken habitats,” stated White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
The filing, submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, aims to reevaluate the bird’s status by November 30, 2026.
While the species currently lacks protection under the Endangered Species Act, the filing asserted that “there are at least 16 different conservation initiatives and programs administered by state, federal, and private entities.”
Despite this, conservationists foresaw that the service would be under no obligation to reevaluate the species on its own timeline and would likely need to take legal action to prompt a review.
“The Trump administration is once again yielding to the fossil fuel industry, ignoring sound science and common sense while jeopardizing at-risk species,” stated Jason Rylander, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.
“A political decision to remove protections for endangered species is one that would not hold up in court,” he added, noting his group’s involvement in the issue.
Back in 1998, federal wildlife officials acknowledged that fewer grassland chickens warranted conservation efforts but initially prioritized other species. This led to the bird being tangled in a legal battle, fluctuating in and out of protected status.
In 2022, protections for the lesser prairie chicken were reinstated under President Biden, which split the species into two distinct populations: the southern population (encompassing eastern New Mexico and eastern Texas) and the northern population (covering central Kansas, western Oklahoma, central Texas, and the northeastern Panhandle).
The oil and ranch sectors faced lawsuits in 2023, similar to those filed in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Currently, the Trump administration contends that the Fish and Wildlife Service mischaracterized the species as a cohesive group and is “precisely contaminating” the validity of this assessment.
The major global authority on species, the United Nations List for Nature Conservation, classifies the lesser prairie chicken as vulnerable, similar to the U.S. endangered list.
Rylander from the Center for Biological Diversity stated his intention to challenge federal motions in the days ahead. The struggle over the lesser prairie chicken continues as scientists warn about unprecedented levels of biodiversity loss in human history.
Temperate grasslands are recognized as among the most endangered ecosystems globally.
Not many individuals are eager to publicize their disputes with neighbors, and Elon Musk is no exception.
In March, Musk’s team engaged with officials from the upscale city of Westlake Hills, Texas, while keeping details about his mansion and security measures under wraps.
In emails, employees from Tech Bylionaire requested Westlake Hills officials to release their private information in April. They pointed out Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration as grounds for considering his property records and communications with the city exempt from state and federal public records regulations, according to the email.
One of Musk’s employees mentioned in a March 3 email that homeowners should be exempt from public disclosure as they are “federal civil servants,” and that “federal clearance documents can be provided if required.”
At age 53, Musk aimed to shield his neighbors from tensions surrounding the construction of a 16-foot chain-link fence and a metal gate equipped with cameras near his apartment complex. He modified the property without the necessary permits, violating six city ordinances, and sought to address the matter retroactively.
However, Musk’s attempt to safeguard his privacy was unsuccessful. City lawyers in Westlake Hills opposed the closure meeting, as shown by emails. Recently, at a Zoning and Planning Committee meeting, Musk’s appeal to keep the fence and gate on his property was denied. This matter will be discussed in a city council meeting originally set for May 14 but postponed to June 11 at the request of the applicant.
Fletcher declined to comment on the city’s records, and Musk’s team did not respond to requests for comment.
The 6,900-square-foot mansion in Westlake Hills is one of three properties Musk has acquired in recent years for his children and mother. This apartment complex, located at the end of a street lined with four homes, served as Musk’s base during his stays in Austin and became central to his expanding security business. He acquired the property in 2022 through a limited liability company.
Following the installation of the 16-foot fence and separate gates, neighbors raised concerns regarding traffic and the structure’s impact on the neighborhood. Consequently, officials in Westlake Hills initiated an investigation.
By March, Musk’s staff expressed concern that documents they had submitted to the city might be disclosed, according to the email. Tisha Litta, a licensing officer working for Musk’s limited liability company, reached out to the city requesting a hearing to discuss keeping the property issues private.
Inna Kaplun, identified as a lawyer representing a “real estate owner,” also contacted the city asserting that owners should be exempt from hearings due to the presence of numerous security personnel on-site, including former federal agents. Citing Texas law, the lawyers contended that agencies are not required to hold public meetings to deliberate on matters involving “security officers or devices.”
Musk’s team and city officials convened at least once in March to discuss the property, per the email. In mid-March, the Westlake Hills city attorney challenged Musk’s request for a private hearing, referencing the Texas Open Meeting Act in an email.
During a meeting of the Public Zoning and Planning Committee last month, city employees recommended that Musk be allowed to keep the fences and gates that were erected without permission, although minor adjustments were deemed necessary. Meeting records indicate that several committee members inquired about the proposal.
Ultimately, the committee voted in favor of recommending that the city council deny Musk’s exception for his project.
At first, residents of an upscale cul-de-sac in Westlake Hills, Texas, were unaware of who occupied the 6,900-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion next door.
This changed when construction crews arrived, erecting a 16-foot chain-link fence around the $6 million property. Positioned among four homes on a lush green street, the complex also featured an outward-facing camera. Soon after, a fleet of vehicles, many Tesla models, began to clutter the streets. Security personnel began shifting in and out three times daily. On one occasion, a driver shouted in the middle of the night about seeking a party at “E’s House.”
Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the keypad-controlled gates that frequently opened and closed, causing traffic congestion from workers and vehicles. Even after word spread that their new neighbor was Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, many continued to voice complaints regarding his mansion to the city of Westlake Hills.
The discontent escalated, invoking city ordinances, permits, and exceptions. Musk’s housing dilemma was discussed during a contentious zoning and planning committee meeting last month, with further discussions set for the Westlake Hills City Council session on May 14th.
“We need to stop shuttling service workers to other residences, parking cars on quiet streets, and washing vehicles at other homes,” wrote neighbor and primary complainant Paul Hemmer to the Zoning and Planning Commission. His letter was co-signed by residents from two additional homes on the street.
Over recent months, Musk, 53, has disrupted long-standing conventions while criticizing what he views as unnecessary federal bureaucracy. Yet, in his own backyard near Austin, he faces challenges posed by local regulations and intricate red tape, revealing that no one is immune to neighborhood disputes.
Prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg have experienced similar issues, where disagreements over luxurious properties have tested their wealth and influence. Musk, however, has found himself at odds with local government as he failed to secure permits for the metal gates and fences around his property, which exceeded legal height limits by 10 feet, prompting violations of six city ordinances. Musk’s team later sought retroactive approval following community discontent.
Jim Pledger, one of six commissioners on the Westlake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, mentioned that he and his colleagues unanimously recommended homeowners refrain from voicing complaints against Musk. “If an exception is made,” Pledger warned, “we’d be inadvertently encouraging rule-breaking.”
Unless the city council votes against this resolution, Musk may face requirements to dismantle the fences and gates and alter them to align with municipal regulations.
Musk did not respond to request for comments, while property managers associated with him refrained from making statements.
Musk’s Texas ventures started relatively recently, moving the operations of several companies from California to the state around 2021. He has established factories for the electric car manufacturer Tesla, the aerospace firm SpaceX, and a tunneling enterprise in Austin and nearby Bastrop.
Additionally, Musk relocated to Austin, initially planning to construct a home for himself and his children on hundreds of acres (he owns at least 13). Afterward, he explored other properties.
In 2022, Musk acquired a Westlake Hills residence through a limited liability company. The home is nestled in a residential area, positioned at the bottom of a sloping two-acre lot adjacent to a narrow public road, complicating security efforts.
“Shouldn’t a castle be on a hill?” remarked Anne Yekel, a longtime Westlake Hills resident living nearby. “These buyers were sophisticated, and if security is the primary concern, this isn’t the right property.”
Musk and his team did not introduce themselves to local residents, and few have encountered him. However, the news of his presence spread quickly within the 3,400-member community.
“It’s common knowledge here,” Yekel noted.
The mansion is one of three properties Musk has purchased in the area over the last three years, forming compounds for his children and their mothers. At one point, Claire Boucher, known as Grimes, resided in the home with Musk and his three children, while his child Shivon Zilis lives about a 10-minute walk away. Musk reportedly purchased another Tuscan-style mansion around a year ago.
Neighbors quickly grew tired of the continuous activity around Musk’s residence, noticing security personnel carrying firearms and an increase in Musk’s heightened security measures. While Texas law permits gun ownership, this level of activity was unexpected.
“I refer to it as Fort Knox,” quipped Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and president of the Neighborhood Homeowners Association, who lives across the street.
The house was tranquil on days when Musk was out of town, and locals noted his frequent absences, especially in recent months, as he advised President Trump. Now, residents are left anticipating Musk’s return, which might mean reduced activities in the capital.
Some neighbors voiced particular frustration about the towering fence at the front and the large metal gates presumably serving as an entrance for staff.
Hemmer, a long-time Tesla owner, grew increasingly frustrated with Musk’s activities and began using drones to monitor the property for any city violations. He formally complained to Westlake Hills officials about various issues, including the fence and the perceived traffic generated by Musk’s security team.
Musk’s security team also contacted the Westlake Hills Police Department regarding Hemmer, as documented in city records. One incident involved a security officer claiming Hemmer was found naked in the street last year.
Hemmer refuted this allegation, stating he was merely wearing black underwear on his property. On another occasion, he explained how he was out walking his dog when he needed to urinate, causing Musk’s camera to capture him in the act.
“The camera caught me,” Hemmer shared. “It’s unsettling to think they’re watching my every move.”
Following Hemmer’s multiple complaints, Westlake Hills officials confirmed that Musk had violated city ordinances regarding the fence and gates. The issue was discussed in the recent planning and zoning committee meeting, focusing on the potential for project diversification.
Before the meeting, Tisha Litta, a licensing expert for Musk’s limited liability company, submitted a letter to the Planning Committee seeking relief from the city’s regulations.
“As high-profile individuals, homeowners face ongoing security threats, making enhanced safety measures crucial,” she wrote. Litta did not return requests for comments.
Hemmer and other residents also wrote to the Planning Commission, cautioning against encouraging “poor behavior” in their otherwise peaceful neighborhood.
For a time, it seemed Musk was on track to triumph in his local disputes. Planning and Zoning officials suggested granting “variances” for his property, which would allow him to keep the fences and make minor modifications. However, at the planning meeting, the commissioners opted against granting Musk any exceptions, questioning Litta about the lack of prior permission for construction.
“I just met the property owners last year, and unfortunately, they were under the guidance of a property manager,” she stated, according to meeting records.
Hemmer also mentioned that he suspected the homeowner might be misleading when he spoke during the meeting.
“If you follow the news, he consistently gets called out for starting projects and only later asking for permission,” he remarked.
One unidentified commissioner expressed disbelief that Westlake Hills staff were advocating for exceptions based on who was making the request.
“It’s astonishing that staff are presenting various recommendations based on who is asking,” she remarked.
Decisions made by the Planning Commission do not finalize the process. Upcoming discussions at the Westlake Hills City Council meeting will determine whether to adhere to the committee’s recommendations regarding Musk’s residence.
Should the city council vote against Musk, he may resort to legal action against the town. If that fails, considering his history with campaigns, there will always be subsequent local elections to anticipate.
Citizens of the South Texas region, long associated with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company, voted on Saturday to officially create a new city named Starbase, achieving one of Musk’s enduring aspirations.
When voting ended at 7 PM, 173 out of 177 votes were effectively in favor of incorporating the city of Starbase, according to Cameron County, which oversaw the election.
Election manager Remi Garza noted that there are 283 eligible voters, and while around 40 votes were counted, the early voting turnout exceeded expectations.
The locality, commonly referred to as Boca Chica by residents, spans approximately 1.5 square miles and extends to the Mexican border.
SpaceX broke ground in the area back in 2014, and it has since become the central hub and launch site for the company, with numerous employees residing there.
On his platform X, Musk has referred to the area as Starbase numerous times over the past four years.
“I literally live in a ~$20,000 home at Bocachica/Starbase that I rent from SpaceX,” Musk stated in a tweet from June 2021. “That’s pretty awesome.”
Residents surrounding the company’s offices and launch sites submitted a petition in December to formally establish Starbase, Texas, seeking official recognition.
The petition outlined a community comprising approximately 500 residents, including at least 219 adults and over 100 children. Most of the residents are tenants and work at SpaceX, according to the petition.
Local governments have the authority to create their own police and fire departments and establish ordinances, though they are not mandated to do so.
“Cities are not legally required to do much,” remarked Austin attorney Alain Bojörquez, who assists Texans in the municipal incorporation process.
One of the key issues is road maintenance, which will no longer fall under county jurisdiction. However, as a municipality, Starbase will be eligible for state and federal grants, enjoy certain legal protections, and potentially have the authority to condemn property, Bojorquez noted.
Brownsville, Texas – A new city has emerged in Texas, named Starbase.
On Saturday, voters approved a measure to create a new city in South Texas, focusing on Elon Musk’s SpaceX operations. The initiative secured significant backing, facilitating the establishment of a city composed primarily of SpaceX employees and affiliates.
The initial tally showed 173 votes in favor of the establishment, with only four against. The measure required a minimum of 143 votes to succeed.
“It is officially statistically impossible for this measure to fail,” stated Cameron County election manager Remi Garza on Saturday evening. “Cameron County has a new city.”
Following the vote, the county commissioner will review the results within two weeks, according to Garza. A judge will officially declare the election result and the establishment of the new city.
The area designated as Starbase spans approximately 1½ square miles at the southernmost part of Texas, situated along the coast and bordered by Mexico. This is where SpaceX’s headquarters is located, responsible for the production of boosters, engines, and large spacecraft during test launches.
This vote outcome was a crucial win for Musk, who has faced significant criticism in recent months due to his connections with former President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk held the position of head of the Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), managing widespread layoffs and budget cuts across federal agencies.
In response to his actions, protests erupted nationwide, coinciding with a decline in profits for his electric car company, Tesla.
Saturday’s election also marked the appointment of Starbase’s first mayor, Bobby Pedden, alongside two additional mayors, Jordan Bass and Jenna Petruzelka. All three candidates ran unopposed and are SpaceX employees.
County election records revealed that 283 residents were eligible to vote in the Cameron County special election on Saturday. Eligibility was determined based on whether the residents’ homes fell within the designated boundaries of the new city.
While neither SpaceX nor Musk has disclosed the intent behind incorporating the city into their operations, speculation suggests that it could streamline local government processes, potentially reducing bureaucracy and regulations surrounding SpaceX’s testing and rocket launches.
Currently, SpaceX must acquire permission from Cameron County authorities to close roads and limit public access to Bocachica Beach and Bocachica State Parks for safety during rocket launches.
Ongoing highway closures have led to legal challenges against SpaceX, inciting protests from local residents and advocacy groups, including the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe in Texas, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and Border Workers United. As reported by CNBC.
A sign posted outside the SpaceX “Hub.” Marissa Parra / NBC News
With SpaceX now operating within the newly formed Starbase, future developments might occur, although resistance could be expected.
“Now, that authority resides solely in Cameron County and my office, and we consider ourselves a strong collaborator and partner with SpaceX, as demonstrated by our efforts to ensure public access to Bocachica Beach,” Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino explained to NBC News.
Trevino asserted that there’s no need for changes to current procedures.
“If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it,” he noted.
Dennis Chou
Denise Chow is a science and space reporter for NBC News.
Marissa Para
Marissa Para is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.
Another child has tragically lost their life to the West Texas measles crisis, marking the second death in an outbreak that has devastated the area and affected numerous residents along the border.
The 8-year-old girl passed away early Thursday morning due to “measles and lung disorder,” as per records obtained by the New York Times. This marks the second confirmed measles-related death in the United States in the past decade.
The first death was that of an unvaccinated child in West Texas in February. Another unvaccinated individual in New Mexico has also died after testing positive for measles, though authorities have yet to confirm measles as the cause of death.
Officials from the Trump administration stated on Saturday night that the cause of the girl’s death is still under investigation.
Since the outbreak began in late January, West Texas has reported a total of 480 measles cases and 56 hospitalizations. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring states, with 54 cases in New Mexico and 10 in Oklahoma.
If the virus continues to spread at its current pace, the country risks losing its measles elimination status, a hard-fought victory achieved in 2000. Officials in West Texas anticipate that the outbreak could persist for a year.
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy has come under heavy criticism for his management of the outbreak. A vocal vaccine skeptic, he has advocated for alternative treatments for measles, such as cod liver oil, which are unproven.
Kennedy’s promotion of alternative remedies has hindered critical care efforts and led patients to consume dangerous levels of vitamin A, according to a doctor in Texas.
Experts are concerned that dismantling international public health protections and withdrawing funding from the local health sector, as decided by the Trump administration, increases the likelihood of a widespread, multi-stage pandemic.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear within a week or two of exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
While most cases resolve within a few weeks, measles can lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in children, making breathing difficult. In rare instances, the virus can cause brain swelling, resulting in permanent issues such as blindness, deafness, and cognitive impairment.
For every 1,000 children infected with measles, one to two may die, and the virus compromises the body’s immune system, leaving individuals susceptible to other infections.
Approximately 6,500 years ago, hunting kits included spear throwers, boomerang fragments, wood and stone tipped darts. These were discovered in a cave in West Texas near remnants of a small fire and a well-preserved pile of human waste, suggesting past human habitation.
Recently, archaeologists from Surros State University and Kansas University uncovered one of the oldest almost complete wooden and stone hunting weapons in North America. The findings are still being studied, but initial assessments indicate that one weapon may be around 7,000 years old.
Brion Schroeder, director of the Big Bend Research Center, expressed surprise at the discoveries, highlighting the unique insights into ancient hunting methods and tool maintenance.
Recent discoveries in a cave near Malfa, Texas have revealed hunting kits containing weapons and antelope skins likely used for clothing. The excavation, funded by the University of Kansas, aims to uncover ancient human artifacts in North America.
Dr. Schroeder and his team faced challenges from looters but persisted in their search for ancient artifacts. The depths of the cave yielded valuable insights into the hunting practices of early humans.
During the excavation, researchers unearthed parts of a hunting kit, suggesting the cave was used by hunters to store and repair their weapons. This sheds light on how ancient hunters maintained their tools and equipment.
The discovery of various tools and their arrangement indicates a systematic approach to hunting and tool maintenance by the ancient inhabitants of the cave.
Among the artifacts found is an atlatl, or spear thrower, considered one of the oldest in North America. The well-preserved wooden components of the atlatl provide valuable insights into ancient hunting techniques.
In addition to the atlatl, researchers discovered fragments of boomerangs, wooden darts, and stone tips, indicating a sophisticated approach to hunting and tool usage by ancient humans.
The discoveries offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives and hunting practices of ancient people, showcasing their advanced technology and strategic planning.
The age and completeness of the artifacts suggest a well-maintained weapon kit used by ancient hunters, providing valuable insights into their behavior and technology.
The discoveries shed light on the skills and foresight of ancient hunters, highlighting their ability to adapt to their environment and plan for their hunting expeditions.
Anthropology experts emphasize the rarity of finding well-preserved organic materials in ancient tools, showcasing the complexity of ancient hunting equipment beyond stone tools.
Ongoing analyses of the artifacts aim to uncover not only insights into ancient human diet and DNA but also the advanced weaponry used by early hunters. Collaboration with Indigenous groups ensures respectful research practices and eventual public sharing of findings.
The discoveries challenge preconceived notions of ancient hunting methods and highlight the intelligence and adaptability of early human societies.
Archaeologists and researchers emphasize the importance of these findings in understanding the behavior and technology of ancient hunting communities.
The city of Fort Worth, Texas, has ended its contract with Cinagro, a Goldman Sachs-backed provider of fertilizers made from sewage sludge over concerns that the “eternal chemicals” of fertilizer are polluting local farmland and groundwater.
This month, Fort Worth also sued several manufacturers of chemicals, also known as palfluoroalkyl substances or PFAs, alleging they contaminated the city’s water supply.
The New York Times reported last year about a group of ranchers in Johnson County, just south of Fort Worth.
The sewage sludge fertilizer comes from Chinagro. Cinagro had a contract to take the sewage from the Fort Worth sewage treatment plant, further treat it and distribute it to farmers as fertilizer. Johnson County then launched a criminal investigation into Cinagro.
An ever-growing number of research has shown that sewage sludge, which is often used as fertilizer, can be contaminated with PFA. PFA is a synthetic chemical widely used in everyday items such as non-stick cooking utensils and dirt-resistant carpets.
Chemicals Links to various diseases Do not break in the environment, including increased risk of cancer. Contaminated sludge can contaminate soil, groundwater, crops and livestock when used as fertilizer in farmland.
In January, the Environmental Protection Agency warned for the first time that PFA, which is present in sewage fertilizers, also known as biosolids, could pose a human health risk. Maine, the only state to systematically begin testing PFA farmlands, has detected chemicals on dozens of dairy farms. However, it has rarely been tested on farms in other states.
Fort Worth City Council I voted unanimously To cancel the 10-year contract signed with Synagro in 2019, the contract ended April 1, with city water utility staff working on a new contract for the biosolid business, according to council records.
The city did not cite any reason to terminate the contract. However, in a recent lawsuit filed by Fort Worth against the manufacturer of PFAS chemicals, the city cited the presence of PFA in the city’s drinking water sources and wastewater infrastructure.
Synagro said in a statement that the company and the city of Fort Worth “have mutually agreed to resolve all claims following ongoing differences in opinion regarding contract requirements.” He said the termination has nothing to do with PFA. The city’s water department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Synagro, owned by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, challenges claims that its biosolids contaminated Texas farmland. This month, the company filed an motion to dismiss the claims of a Johnson County rancher. It cited an independent study that concluded that sludge fertilizer was not the source of the high PFA levels found in rancher livestock.
Synagro also said it tested much lower levels of PFA in the soil than ranchers argue. The company has not published the investigation.
The attorney representing the ranch could not be contacted for comment. The rancher stops sending their cows to the market while continuing to care for them, saying they are facing economic ruin.
Dana Ames, the environmental investigator who leads the investigation into Chinagro in Johnson County, said the “intensive investigation” discovered high levels of PFA on the rancher’s property. “We eliminated all other sources of contamination, and we also tested the biosolids and discovered contamination,” she said.
At a council meeting, Luan Langley, a resident of Grandview, Texas, blamed the standing city while Cinagro “dumped biosolids on unsuspecting landowners and farmers.” She said cancelling the contract is not enough. “How does that help families whose lives have been destroyed?” she said.
Last week, the measles cases in Kansas more than doubled to 20, with another outbreak in Ohio involving 10 people, as reported by local public health officials on Wednesday.
There have been several significant outbreaks in the US this year, including a large outbreak in West Texas with more than 320 cases and 40 hospitalizations. Health officials are concerned about the spread of the Texas outbreak to other areas.
More than 40 cases of measles have been reported in New Mexico, with seven identified in Oklahoma. Officials in both states have linked the infections to the Texas outbreak.
In Kansas, the virus is predominantly affecting vaccinated children in the southwest corner of the state. State health officials informed The New York Times on Wednesday that the genetic sequence suggests a connection to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Fourteen other states reported quarantined measles cases in 2025, often linked to international travel. In Ohio, nine out of 10 cases were traced back to unvaccinated individuals who had recently traveled abroad.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the director of Ohio’s Department of Health, stated, “While we are disheartened by the measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and other states, we are not surprised to see some cases here in Ohio.”
Experts are concerned that low vaccination rates across the country have made it susceptible to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.
Less than 93% of kindergarteners received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine between 2023 and 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Experts recommend a vaccination rate of at least 95% in the community to prevent outbreaks.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through coughing and sneezing when an infected person breathes.
Infected individuals can develop symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes within weeks of exposure. A telltale rash typically appears within a few days.
While most cases resolve within a few weeks, the virus can cause complications like pneumonia, especially in children, leading to difficulty breathing. Infection can also result in brain swelling, leading to permanent damage like blindness, hearing loss, and intellectual disability. According to the CDC, for every 1,000 children with measles, one or two may die.
One child died in the Texas outbreak, marking the first measles-related death in the US in a decade. Another suspected measles-related death was reported in New Mexico.
The New York County Clerk recently prevented Texas doctors from taking legal action against New York doctors to provide abortion pills to Texas women.
This groundbreaking decision escalates the interstate abortion conflict to a new level, setting the stage for a legal showdown between states with differing views on abortion rights.
The dispute is expected to reach the Supreme Court, pitting Texas against New York. Texas has almost completely banned abortion. New York, on the other hand, has a Shield Law in place to protect abortion providers who supply medications to patients in other states.
Since the Supreme Court overturned the national abortion right in 2022, eight states, including New York, have implemented the Telehealth Abortion Shield Act. This law prohibits authorities from surrendering abortion providers to other states or complying with legal actions such as subpoenas.
The New York County Clerk’s action marks the first use of the Abortion Shield Act to oppose out-of-state judgments.
Dr. Margaret Daly Carpenter, based in New Paltz, New York, is involved in this case. She collaborates with telehealth abortion organizations to provide abortion medications nationally. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Dr. Carpenter in December for allegedly sending abortion pills to Texan women in violation of the state’s ban.
Dr. Carpenter and her legal team did not appear at a Texas court hearing last month. Consequently, Collin County District Court Judge Brian Gant issued a default ruling, imposing a $113,000 fine on Dr. Carpenter and mandating the sending of abortion pills to Texas.
Citing the New York Shield Act, Ulster County’s Deputy Clerk Taylor Brook refused to process Texas’ motion for enforcing the Collin County order. He also declined to file a subpoena demanding payment of the penalty and compliance with the Texas ruling.
“In accordance with the New York State Shield Act, I reject this submission and any similar future submissions,” Brooke stated in a release. “This decision may lead to additional legal action, and we must refrain from discussing specific case details at this time.”
Texas Attorney General Paxton has vowed to continue his efforts. He criticized New York for not cooperating in enforcing civil judgments against abortion providers who allegedly cross state lines with dangerous drugs.
Legal experts anticipate that Texas may challenge the Shield Act in New York state or federal courts next.
New York Attorney General Letitia James previously issued guidance to courts and officials statewide on adhering to the Shield Act’s requirements and restrictions.
“I commend the Ulster County Clerk for upholding the law,” James declared. “The New York Shield Act safeguards patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on reproductive rights. We must not allow anyone to hinder healthcare professionals from delivering essential care to patients. My office will always stand with New York healthcare providers and the individuals they serve.”
Texas became the first state to take legal action against abortion providers from other states using Shield laws. In a separate case, Louisiana also filed criminal charges against a Shield Act abortion provider earlier this year.
In the recent past, Louisiana officials requested Dr. Carpenter’s extradition, a request that New York Governor Kathy Hochul promptly rejected.
“We will not authorize the extradition request from the Louisiana governor,” affirmed Hochul.
Dr. Carpenter and her legal team have refrained from commenting on the Texas and Louisiana cases. The Abortion Alliance for Telemedicine, an organization co-founded by Dr. Carpenter, issued a statement expressing support for the Shield Act. “The Shield Act is crucial in ensuring access to abortion care regardless of location or financial status,” the coalition emphasized. “It upholds the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare for all individuals.”
The Telemedicine Abortion Shield Act has become a vital tool for advocates of abortion rights. Health providers in states where abortion is legal send over 10,000 abortion medications each month to patients in states with restrictive laws.
The Texas lawsuit against Dr. Carpenter accuses her of providing a 20-year-old woman with mifepristone and misoprostol, standard abortion medications used up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks necessary pregnancy hormones, while misoprostol induces contractions akin to a miscarriage 24-48 hours later.
According to a complaint from the Texas Attorney General’s office, a woman nine weeks pregnant sought emergency care in July due to bleeding. The woman’s partner suspected that the miscarriage was induced by the woman’s mother and found abortion medications provided by Carpenter at their home.
During a court session in Colin County, Ernest C. Garcia from the Texas Attorney General’s Office revealed that the woman’s partner had lodged a complaint.
As containment efforts weaken, Texas health officials say the outbreak of measles in West Texas is likely to last a year, possibly even retreating the country’s fierce battle against the virus.
As of Friday, more than 300 outbreaks have become ill in Texas since January. 40 people are hospitalized. One child died of illness, and this was his first death in 10 years. Related cases have been reported in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Chihuahuas in Mexico.
“This is going to be a big outbreak,” said Katherine Wells, director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, in a recent news briefing. “And we’re still on the side that’s increasing the number of cases.”
“I really think this will be a year,” she added.
Some doctors in West Texas said in an interview that they had given up hope that vaccination campaigns could end the outbreak.
Dr. Ron Cook, who is also a state health official in Lubbock, said he resigned to the fact that the outbreak could infect more children and kill more children again.
“You just have to burn the community,’ Dr. Cook said. “That’s where we are.”
So far, cases have been concentrated in the large Mennonite community in Gaines County, which has historically had low vaccination rates. But experts fear that the longer the outbreak will last, the more likely it will spread to other unvaccinated communities around the country.
In New Mexico, authorities have reported 42 cases and one death. In Oklahoma, there were four cases of measles.
There is a particular concern that potentially infected children in West Texas will begin traveling for spring break, according to Dr. Phil Fan, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services.
Measles has been considered “excluded” in the United States since 2000. Cases are generally linked to international travel, and if the virus attacks unvaccinated communities, the outbreak cannot last for more than a year.
The US almost lost its exclusion status in 2019, when a major outbreak spread across parts of New York for nearly 12 months. It was essentially useful as mostly due to aggressive vaccine orders. Increased vaccination rates in childhood In the community.
In Texas, where the obligation is deeply unpopular, vaccination efforts are “fighting,” Wells said. Public health officials have set up vaccination clinics in the area and are encouraging attendance in flyers and signs. It’s hardly succeeded.
In Seminole, Texas, it is the epicenter of the outbreak, with about 230 residents receiving shots at vaccination clinics.
“They’ve given out some vaccines in their community, but certainly not many,” Dr. Cook said.
“It doesn’t help that HHS secretaries aren’t actually continuing to intensify their vaccinations,” he added.
Local efforts to encourage shots were bumped into by a confused message from the country’s top health authorities, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In his first official statement on the outbreak, Kennedy faced a fierce backlash to minimize the threat, saying the outbreak was not “unusual” and falsely claimed that many hospitalized people were there “mainly due to quarantine.”
He later changed his approach, offering calm recommendations for vaccines to Western Texas, while also raising horrific concerns about vaccine safety.
To the frustration of local doctors and health officials, he also promoted unproven treatments such as cod liver oil and vitamins, and promoted a “nearly miraculous and instantaneous” recovery with steroids or antibiotics.
There is no treatment for measles, only medications that help manage symptoms. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.
Texas health officials say measles patients rely on these unproven treatments and are worried that they will delay serious medical care as a result.
President-elect Donald Trump, who once criticized Elon Musk’s SpaceX for launching “rocket ships to nowhere,” visited the Texas coast on Tuesday to witness the latest tests of the massive Starship rocket. SpaceX received a warm welcome.
Trump, sporting a red MAGA hat, observed the launch from under a tent alongside Musk as the large rocket soared into the sky near Brownsville. The rocket is a crucial component of Musk’s plan to establish a colony on Mars.
This appearance further illustrates Trump’s evolving relationship with Musk, one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Musk has been serving as a general advisor to Trump following his assistance in securing a second term in the White House two weeks prior.
President Trump has expressed his support for the Mars exploration initiative. He announced his visit via X, a social media platform owned by Musk.
“I’m traveling to Texas to witness the launch of the largest object ever lifted from the ground, not just to reach space. @ElonMusk and all the amazing patriots who contributed to this incredible project, good luck!” he stated.
The event was attended by several guests, including Donald Trump Jr., Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Linda McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive supporting Trump’s transition. During the event, Musk enthusiastically conversed with Trump, while Trump observed the rocket launch mostly stoically. The rocket lifted off around 5 p.m. ET, and the booster seemed to land safely in the Gulf of Mexico shortly afterward.
Following the launch, Musk guided Trump on a tour of his nearby office, and Trump interacted with guests outside. They did not address the public immediately as the Starship’s upper stage continued on its trajectory towards the Indian Ocean.
Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, stated on X that Trump expressed his honor in attending the event.
Company X, owned by Elon Musk, has recently updated its terms of service. These changes redirect disputes from users of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter to federal court in Texas. Federal judges in Texas have a reputation for favoring conservative litigants in political cases.
The updated terms state that any legal action against Company X must be filed exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas or the state court in Tarrant County, Texas. This venue clause is a common practice for companies, but it is notable that Company X is located in Bastrop, Texas, which falls under the Western District of Texas.
It is speculated that this choice of venue is related to the political leanings of judges in the Northern District of Texas, which has fewer Republican-appointed judges compared to the Western District. This district is known for conservative activism and has become a preferred destination for lawsuits challenging Joe Biden’s policies, leading some to criticize the tactic as “judge shopping.”
Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, suggested that the new language in the terms of service may be connected to Company X’s recent legal strategy. Elon Musk, known as the world’s richest man, has shown support for conservative causes and was a significant financial backer of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Company X has already filed two lawsuits in the Northern District of Texas, including one against Media Matters for allegedly defaming the platform. Additionally, an antitrust lawsuit has been filed against multiple advertisers for conspiring to boycott and causing revenue loss. These cases are assigned to U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, known for controversial rulings on healthcare and gun control.
Despite concerns over potential conflicts of interest, Judge O’Connor has refused to recuse himself from the cases involving Company X. The federal court in Fort Worth, where the cases are being heard, has only two active judges, with the other judge, Mark Pittman, appointed by President Trump.
Texas environmental officials notified the company last week that Elon Musk’s SpaceX had discharged pollutants into or near Texas waters, violating environmental regulations.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality report came five months after the Environmental Protection Agency notified SpaceX that it had violated the Clean Water Act.
The breach could threaten SpaceX’s ambitions to increase StartShip launches from its StarBase facility.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has repeatedly discharged pollutants into or near Texas waters, violating environmental regulations, state officials said in a notice of violation that focused on the water discharge system at the company’s StarBase launch facility.
The notice from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) last week came five months after the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6, which oversees Texas and surrounding states, also notified SpaceX that it was violating the Clean Water Act through similar activities.
The notice and related investigative records obtained by CNBC have not been previously reported.
TCEQ said its office in the South Texas city of Harlingen, near Boca Chica Starbase, received a complaint on Aug. 6, 2023, alleging that SpaceX was “discharging floodwaters without TCEQ authorization.”
“The Harlingen area received a total of 14 complaints alleging environmental impacts from the facility’s water discharge system,” regulators said in a written statement.
Aerospace companies, including SpaceX, generally comply with state and federal laws. Federal Aviation Administration SpaceX had been seeking permission to conduct up to 25 launches and landings per year of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket at the Boca Chica facility. The notice of violation could delay those approvals and lead to civil fines, further investigations and criminal charges against SpaceX.
in Long post about XAfter this article was published, SpaceX said regulators told it it could continue launch operations despite the violation notice.
“Through ongoing coordination with TCEQ and EPA, we have specifically asked whether we should cease operations of the Deluge system and have been informed that operations can continue,” SpaceX wrote to EPA.
Neither regulator responded to CNBC’s questions about SpaceX’s statements.
SpaceX’s Starship in Brownsville, Texas on June 5. Brandon Bell/Getty Images file
Rushing to rebuild
On July 25, 2024, TCEQ environmental investigators “conducted an internal compliance records review” to determine SpaceX’s compliance with wastewater regulations. The investigation found that SpaceX had discharged industrial wastewater without a permit four times between March and July of this year.
A water system with flame deflectors would dissipate heat, sound and energy generated during orbital test flights and rocket launches, but SpaceX didn’t have one installed at its Boca Chica launch pad before it began test flights of Starship, the biggest rocket ever made.
The FAA did not give a reason for the delay and said a new date would be announced in the future.
Two days after Hurricane Beryl struck Texas, Janet and Pamela Jarrett’s Houston home was still without power and a heat watch was in effect.
They spent the evening playing Pamela’s favorite game, Connect 4. All seemed well.
But early the next morning, Janet found Pamela, 64, who is disabled and in a wheelchair, struggling to breathe.
“I could hear her gasping for air and breathing heavily,” Janet said. “It’s something you never forget. It never goes away. I can hear it even when I’m lying down to sleep. It feels like I’m going through it all over again.”
Pamela Jarrett died on July 11 from hyperthermia due to environmental heat exposure. Courtesy of Janet Jarrett
Pamela died on the way to the hospital on July 11. The official cause of death was: Environmental Heat Exposure.
Of the 21 confirmed deaths in Texas from Hurricane Beryl, one-third died the same way: not from typical storm threats like flooding or downed trees, but as a result of extreme heat caused by widespread power outages during and after the storm. Heat indexes, or “feels like” temperatures, rose into triple digits in the days following the storm.
These tragedies highlight how ill-prepared Texas (and much of the rest of the country) is for the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change, especially when multiple hazards overlap. The death toll also shows how easily the line can become blurred between one type of deadly environmental hazard and another.
The death toll from Beryl in Texas is expected to continue to rise, and the increase in deaths from heatstroke has led to increased scrutiny of local power company CenterPoint Energy and the state government.
“She didn’t have to die like that,” Janet said of her sister. “I’m angry that I didn’t get a response. I couldn’t call anyone. I’m angry that CenterPoint didn’t do a better job. I’m just angry about the whole thing.”
More than 2 million homes and businesses were affected by power outages caused by Category 1 Hurricane Beryl. CenterPoint said in a statement to NBC News that it would be conducting a “thorough review” of its response to the storm.
“Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Beryl,” the power company said.
CenterPoint officials insist the company mobilized crews as quickly as possible and did everything in its power to resolve the outage.
Janet Jarrett was forced to go without electricity for a total of nine days, during which indoor temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit at night. She spent a week in that heat after her sister died.
Pamela Jarrett sits with her family. Courtesy of Janet Jarrett
Janet said she did her best to keep Pamela cool, using cold rags and taking her outside in her wheelchair when it was windy, but as with most patients with heatstroke, by the time the symptoms became apparent it was too late.
“I didn’t know there was anything really wrong with her,” Jarrett said. “She was talking, she was reacting to everything, she was just normal, so I didn’t realize anything was wrong.”
Jesus Rodriguez, 52, of Houston, also had no idea that anything was wrong with his 78-year-old father, Oscar. On July 10, the third day of the blackout, Jesus went to check on Oscar in the morning, grabbing some water and a cold diet coke from the cooler.
When Jess got home that afternoon, her dad “was lying on his back, almost like he was asleep, but he was breathing heavily,” Jess said. “I didn’t think anything of it, but I tried to wake him up, but he wouldn’t wake up. That’s when I called 911.”
Oscar died that day at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital in Houston. Jess described her father as a healthy man for his age and a devoted family man.
There have been power outages during previous storms, but never for more than two days.
“This was definitely the worst,” Jesus said. “It took almost a week and a half to get the electricity restored.”
He blamed CentrePoint for being slow to respond and for not communicating well enough.
“If they had said, ‘We can’t get to your house in a week and a half,’ I might have been able to send my father somewhere else,” Jesus said.
Three Houston-area hospitals reported a significant increase in emergency room visits due to the post-storm heat.
Dr. Ben Saldana, associate medical director at Houston Methodist Hospital, said the hospital has seen its highest number of emergency room visits since the 2021 Texas cold snap.
“On the day of the storm, our emergency department saw almost double the normal volume of patients,” Saldana said, adding, “We’re not back to normal yet.”
Doctors at the hospital said they have linked health issues in 525 patients to the effects of heat since the Fourth of July.
Even those whose lives were not in danger from the heat described the harsh conditions caused by the power outages.
Deja McClendon of Humble, Texas, was without power for six days and had been shuttling between her apartment, her boyfriend’s mother’s apartment, and a hotel to escape the heat. She said the chaos had forced her to take time off work.
“Texas is something else when it comes to the heat,” McClendon said, adding, “It was very stressful having to move around so much.”
Talulah Christie, who is five months pregnant, was without power for five days in Conroe, Texas, which is served by Entergy Texas. She said the outages after Beryl were the worst she could remember.
“I tried to endure [the heat] “After the first two days, and then the second night, I knew this was becoming a medical issue. I couldn’t stay here,” she said. But she and her husband couldn’t find an affordable hotel room nearby, so they stayed.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into CenterPoint’s response after the hurricane, but he has himself faced criticism for being on an economic development trip to Asia when the storm made landfall.
The utility has also been blamed by Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas, whose district saw several heatstroke deaths after Hurricane Beryl.
“The extreme heat exacerbated the public health crisis because CenterPoint failed to quickly restore power,” she said in a statement to NBC News.
Janet Jarrett said she hopes preventative measures are taken to prevent others from suffering preventable losses.
“This should never have happened. We had so many plans and they took it all away from her,” Jarrett said. “And now I’m burying her.”
The largest producer of raw eggs in the nation has announced a temporary halt in production at its Texas factory on Tuesday due to avian influenza. The virus has been found in chickens, and authorities have reported cases at a poultry facility in Michigan as well.
Calmaine Foods, headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has euthanized about 1.6 million hens and 337,000 hens, or roughly 3.6% of its flock, after avian influenza cases were discovered at its Palmer facility in Texas. The company stated that it has been sanctioned in Texas County.
The plant is situated on the Texas-New Mexico border in the Texas Panhandle, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southwest of Amarillo and 370 miles (595 kilometers) northwest of Dallas. CalMaine reported that most of its eggs are sold in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
The statement from the company mentioned, “We are collaborating closely with federal, state, and local authorities, as well as key industry organizations, to minimize the risk of further outbreaks and manage the response effectively.”
“Calmaine Foods is taking steps to ensure production from other facilities to mitigate any disruptions for customers,” the statement added.
The company clarified that there is no identified risk of avian influenza associated with eggs currently in the market, and no recalls have been issued for eggs.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, properly processed and cooked eggs are safe for consumption. The department confirmed.
A day after the announcement by Cal-Maine, state health officials revealed that one person had been diagnosed with bird flu after potential exposure to an infected cow, but the risk to the public remains low. Federal health officials stated that the human case in Texas is the first documented instance globally of someone contracting this strain of bird flu from a mammal.
In Michigan, avian influenza was detected at a commercial poultry facility in Ionia County by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, as reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ionia County is approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.
The department confirmed the disease on Monday following laboratory tests, marking the fourth instance since 2022 that the illness was identified at a commercial site in Michigan.
Department spokesperson Jennifer Holton stated on Tuesday that state regulations prohibit the disclosure of poultry types at the facilities. The facility is under quarantine, but no disruptions to the state’s supply chain are anticipated, according to Holton.
Dairy cows in Texas and Kansas reported Federal agriculture officials subsequently confirmed the infection in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently acquired cattle from Texas. An Idaho dairy herd was also added to the list after federal agriculture officials confirmed the presence of avian influenza, according to a USDA press release on Tuesday.
SpaceX’s next-generation mega-rocket launched Thursday morning, roaring into orbit on an important test flight to demonstrate new technologies and techniques that will be important for future missions to the moon and beyond.
SpaceX said the flight was the rocket’s third and most ambitious test. The event was closely watched because the 400-foot-tall booster, known as Starship, is expected to play a key role in NASA’s plans to return to the moon.
The rocket lifted off at 9:25 a.m. ET from SpaceX’s Starbase Test Range in Boca Chica, Texas.
Approximately three minutes into the flight, the first stage booster, known as the Super Heavy, successfully separated from the Starship spacecraft above.
SpaceX plans to eventually make Starship a fully reusable vehicle, but that’s not the case with this test flight. Super Heavy is expected to fall to Earth and splash down in the Gulf of Mexico.
With this flight, SpaceX hopes to demonstrate that Starship can make a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere before splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Before its finale, the test also includes several different objectives from the rocket’s previous two flights. SpaceX will attempt to ignite one of Starship’s Raptor engines while in space, open and close the vehicle’s payload door, and transfer propellant between Starship’s two tanks in orbit.
Many of these technologies could help SpaceX run future missions to deploy satellites or prepare for lunar missions as part of NASA’s Artemis program.
Starship was selected by NASA to carry astronauts to the moon’s surface on the Artemis III mission, scheduled to launch in 2026.
Starship’s debut flight last April was a destructive one, ending with the rocket exploding minutes after liftoff. The second Starship launch in November achieved several milestones, including the separation of the first stage booster and upper spacecraft, but the company ultimately lost contact with the spacecraft.
Unusually warm temperatures, dry grass, and a sudden strong wind cold front combined to create the conditions for the devastating wildfires that raged through parts of Texas this week.
The winds that sparked wildfires in the Texas Panhandle came at the perfect time for destruction, “like a hurricane hitting land at high tide,” said Texas climatologist John Nielson Gammon. Ta. He added that hot, dry temperatures, which may be promoted by climate change, helped create the conditions for these fires to start.
On Monday, temperatures reached the mid-80s in some parts of the state's arid region and several wildfires began burning.
The next day, arctic air swept in from the north on a severe cold front. Winds on either side of that front could exceed 50 miles per hour, causing flames to roar through the dormant grass, Nielsen-Gammon said. The cold front arrived in the late afternoon when wind speeds were highest and changed direction as it passed, maximizing the rate of fire spread.
It is not clear how the fire started.
Firefighters work at the scene of the Smokehouse Creek Fire near Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday. Hanazuka Fire Department
“The timing of the weather during the day was probably the worst,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “If wildfires were to occur, these weather patterns would occur.”
The fire spread through the area so quickly that firefighters had little chance to extinguish it.
“Those fires were, all things considered, very fast-moving for a wildfire. We've seen speeds in the 5 to 10 mph range,” said National Weather Service meteorologist in Amarillo. Christian Rangel said. “The strong winds really helped push them around and get them out of control.”
The region's topography also plays a role, with open land facilitating fire establishment and rapid spread, while making firefighting difficult.
Although the area is mostly flat, it is characterized by “broken terrain” with sand and grass that makes it difficult to access, said Luke Canclairs, chief of forecasting services for the Texas A&M Forest Service. It can be difficult to do so. As a result, once a fire hit the plains, it was difficult to extinguish it quickly.
“A fire moving at about 8 miles per hour may not sound that fast, but when you have a large fire front and you're trying to contain a large area, it can far outpace the firefighting effort,” Kankleerts said. .
The Texas Panhandle is used to in-the-face winds and roller-coaster temperatures. But the fires would not have been as likely to occur if it weren't for unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions made more likely by climate change.
“This particular event would not have been as devastating had it happened at the same time several decades ago,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “These high temperatures can occur early in the season and usually occur when the grass is dormant, so there is a lot of dry fuel available.”
John Abatzoglou, a climatologist at the University of California, Merced, said wind was the biggest factor in the size of the nearly 1 million-acre fire, according to the federal government's wildfire tracking website Inchweb.
“This is primarily a wind-driven fire,” Abatzoglou said, adding that the role of climate change is “more subtle than we generally think.”
Abatzoglou said winds initially blew from the west, spreading the fire in the shape of an oval on the map, but then turned about 90 degrees and began pushing that line southward.
Abatzoglou said there is little hard evidence about how climate change is changing wind speeds.
Temperatures in the Borger area near where the fire started reached 85 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, the news agency said. National Weather Service data.
Rangel said the Amarillo forecast area “has set records at many weather stations,” with relative humidity readings below 20 percent in many parts of the state and the landscape on the verge of flaming. added.
SpaceX, the rocket company, has relocated its corporate headquarters from Delaware to Texas, as announced by CEO Elon Musk.
Musk stated, “SpaceX has moved its state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas. If your company is still incorporated in Delaware, we recommend moving to another state as soon as possible.” This announcement was made on the platform.
This move comes after a Delaware judge ruled in favor of Tesla investors in a lawsuit alleging that Musk’s $56 billion compensation was excessive. Musk, who also serves as Tesla’s CEO, recently announced plans for a shareholder vote to move Tesla’s corporate domicile to Texas as well.
Musk also mentioned, “The people’s vote is unequivocally in favor of Texas! Tesla intends to immediately conduct a shareholder vote to move its incorporated state to Texas.” This statement was made earlier this month after a public opinion poll indicated support for the incorporation change.
In January, a Delaware judge nullified Musk’s compensation package, citing improper actions by the electric car maker’s board of directors.
This decision follows a lawsuit filed five years ago by Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta, accusing Musk of improperly directing negotiations over his compensation package and the board of directors of lacking independence.
Musk’s compensation deal with Tesla is the largest ever for an executive, contributing significantly to his fortune, which ranks among the largest in the world. Musk testified at his compensation trial in November 2022 that the money would be used to fund interplanetary travel.
Neuralink, Musk’s brain chip implantation company, also moved its location from Delaware to Nevada last week.
A new genus and species of a large wind dragon that lived about 218 million years ago has been described from a large portion of its carapace discovered in Texas, USA.
Aerosaurus life restoration chest typothorax. Image credit: Smokeybjb.
Aitosaurus is an extinct quadrupedal heavily armored reptile aetosaurs.
Their name means “eagle lizard” and comes from the fact that their skull resembles that of a bird.
These creatures could reach lengths of up to 6 m (20 ft) and were geographically widespread during the Late Triassic.
“Aetosaurs are a group of quadrupedal armored reptiles whose terrestrial ecology is inferred to include both herbivory and omnivory,” said a paleontologist at the University of Texas at Austin. William Reyes and his colleagues.
“They have achieved a nearly global geographic distribution, but are stratigraphically restricted to the Late Triassic.”
“Most species of wind dragons reach a total length of 2 to 6 meters (6.6 to 20 feet).”
dubbing Garsapelta Murerithe newly identified species grew up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) long.
This extinct animal lived in what is now the United States during the Middle Triassic period, about 218 million years ago.
Hypothetical reconstruction of Garsapelta Mureri: (a) Carapace seen from the back, and (bf) cross-sectional view of the carapace seen from the back. Cross-sectional views of (b) posterior neck and anterior trunk, (c) mid-trunk, (d) posterior trunk and sacrum, (e) anterior caudal region, and (f) mid-caudal region. Arrows indicate anatomical direction. A – Anterior, D – Dorsal, L – Lateral, M – Medial. Image credit: Jeffrey Martz / Reyes other., doi: 10.1002/ar.25379.
Its fossilized skeleton was discovered. Cooper canyon formation Located in Garza County, Texas.
It was recovered with an associated carapace containing elements of both the left and right sides of the body.
The discovery of Garsapelta Mureri “This provides new insights into interspecific variation in the carapace of etosaurs,” the paleontologists said.
“It is clear that the morphology of the lateral osteoderm determines the final topological position of the bone. Garsapelta Murerirecover it as a sister taxon of . Desmatostini”
“The similarities between the two are Garsapelta Mureri, Rioaribascus chamensisand the paratipothrasin The discoveries from Colorado's Eagle Basin indicate a biostratigraphic range that we believe is probably limited to Revuelto's putative holochronozone (215 to 207 million years ago), but It suggests that we are working on the emergence of a new group of wind dragons that may be just as old. The latest Adamanian. ”
William A. Reyes other. Garsapelta Mureri generation. Such. In November, a new species of wind dragon (archosaur: pseudosaur) was discovered in the middle Cooper Canyon Formation of the late Triassic (middle Norian) in the Dokum Group, Texas, USA, and the morphological characteristics of the wind dragon's carapace. its impact on our understanding of difference; anatomical records, published online on January 11, 2024. doi: 10.1002/ar.25379
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