Good Morning! On this day in 1886, Arthur “Dooley” Wilson was born in Tyler. Wilson was best known for his role as Sam in the 1942 film Casablancaand for bringing the song As Time Goes By to life on screen.
From a $61 million FIFA World Cup boost in North Texas to river otters making a splashy return across Central Texas, today’s lineup offers a little bit of everything. Find these stories and more in The Roundup.
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North Texas Receives $61M for World Cup
North Texas has secured more than $61 million in federal funding to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with most allocated to security and the rest to boost regional transit systems. Officials say the investment will support one of the largest global sporting events ever hosted in North America.
Leaders are coordinating a regional transportation plan to move fans between Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington, where AT&T Stadium will host nine matches, including a semifinal. Rail lines, charter buses, and other expanded services are expected to handle heavy demand.
Organizers are also working with airports, local agencies, and private providers to streamline travel across the region, as millions of international visitors are expected to arrive during the tournament.
State to Launch Psychedelic Study
Texas leaders will move forward with a state-run study of ibogaine after failing to secure a pharmaceutical partner, using $50 million in previously approved funding. Officials say no company met the requirements needed to begin clinical trials under the state program.
The psychoactive compound, derived from an African plant, has shown promise in early research for treating PTSD, addiction, and traumatic brain injuries. Despite growing interest, ibogaine remains illegal in the U.S. and classified as a Schedule I drug.
Lawmakers say Texas will partner with in-state universities and medical researchers to lead the effort, aiming to develop a treatment that could eventually gain federal approval. Some experts note the project carries high regulatory and financial risks without private-sector backing.
River Otters Return to Central Texas
River otters are making a comeback across Central Texas, with increasing sightings along the San Marcos and San Antonio rivers after decades of absence. Experts say their return signals improving water quality and stronger ecosystems.
Biologists note the semi-aquatic predators depend on clean water and abundant food, including fish and crayfish. Their growing presence suggests that conservation efforts and habitat restoration are helping rivers remain resilient despite ongoing drought.
Officials say sightings have expanded from San Marcos to areas near San Antonio and even Waco, as otters reclaim parts of their historic range. Researchers encourage residents to observe from a distance and help protect river habitats.
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⤠Austin: Thunderstorms brought much-needed rain to Central Texas on Thursday, ending a nearly three-week dry spell with up to 2 inches reported in parts of the Hill Country. (More)
⤠Bryan: A longtime Girl Scout camp is shifting from overnight stays to evening “twilight” sessions this summer after new Texas safety laws made traditional operations no longer feasible. (More)
⤠Tyler: The city issued a voluntary watering schedule asking residents to limit outdoor use to twice weekly, aiming to conserve water and maintain pressure amid warmer weather and lower rainfall. (More)
⤠Abilene: The city council approved an emergency ordinance to maintain firefighter pay and benefits through September 2026, ensuring no lapse in compensation while negotiations continue on a long-term agreement. (More)
⤠Amarillo: The Amarillo Public Library partnered with PressReader to give cardholders access to more than 7,000 digital newspapers and magazines as demand for online content continues to grow. (More)
⤠Midland: A semi-truck collided with a train at Highway 80, leaving one person trapped in the vehicle. He was later rescued with minor injuries, according to emergency crews. (More)
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⤠Texas women’s basketball takes on UCLA tonight in the Women’s Final Four in Phoenix. The last time they played, the Longhorns dealt the Bruins their only loss of the season. (More)
⤠Sweden and Czechia will use North Texas as their home base during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with Sweden training in Frisco and Czechia setting up in Mansfield. (More)
⤠North CrowleyHigh School quarterback Hayes Cloutier, a top-ranked college prospect who threw for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, transferred to California powerhouse JSerra Catholic High School. (More)
⤠The Valero Texas Open is underway at TPC San Antonio. The winner earns a spot at the Masters next weekend. (See Leaderboard)
â¤Â A New Detox Tea Is Generating Buzz… See Why. What if your daily tea could do more than just warm you up? The Akemi Detox Tea is getting attention for its simple approach to supporting digestion, reducing bloating, and helping people feel lighter throughout the day. See what the buzz is about.
⤠A newTexans Credit Union survey found most North Texas homebuyers feel unprepared for the market, with 80% lacking knowledge of the homebuying process and 58% unsure they could qualify for a mortgage. (More)
⤠Round Rock expanded its facade improvement grant program to Mays Street and Round Rock Avenue, offering 50-50 matching funds up to $100,000 to boost redevelopment and commercial investment. (More)
⤠A new study ranked Austin as the No. 1 U.S. metro for women entrepreneurs, with women owning about 25.6% of businesses. The city received high scores for job opportunities and workforce strength. (More)
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⤠A wooden owl stolen from the Kilgore Public Library in 1975 has been returned after 50 years, fulfilling a family member’s dying wish and reclaiming its place as the library’s “Owl of Wisdom.” (More)
⤠Texarkana’s third annual Mrs. Roper Romp, a celebration of a character from the 1970’s TV show Three’s Company, drew crowds in bright caftans over the weekend—and even landed a spotlight on Good Morning America. (See Video)
⤠The 81st Annual Four States Fair opens today in Texarkana, bringing 10 days of rides, food, rodeo events, and a newly updated midway operated by North American Midway Entertainment. (More)
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⤠A recent report warns that men in certain U.S. areas may be at higher risk of urinary issues linked to toxic mineral buildup, including enlarged or inflamed prostate. Thousands have already reported severe symptoms. New data suggests a geographic link—check the map now to see if your area could be affected.
North Texas Receives $61M for World Cup
