Good Morning! On this day in 1911, Babe Didrikson Zaharias was born in Port Arthur. She won three Olympic medals, took up golf, helped found the LPGA, and was voted the greatest woman athlete of the half-century.
In today’s Poll question below, we ask if you have purchased any World Cup-branded merchandise. Hit reply to let us know if you’ve been rocking a jersey for a favorite national team or player or if you were able to attend any of the matches so far.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel helpless watching tragedy unfold from afar. But together, we can make a real difference. Today, we’re partnering with Convoy of Hope to support families devastated by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. If you’re able, please consider joining us in providing urgently needed relief to those who have lost so much.
Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing a Texas-linked network of generating $3.7 billion in false Medicare claims, among the largest health care fraud cases ever prosecuted.
Alleged leader Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi, arrested in Northern Cyprus, was returned to the United States last week. He and his co-conspirators allegedly took over shell companies, billed Medicare and private insurers for medical equipment that was never ordered or delivered, and then wired the proceeds overseas.
Investigators traced the operation to Centurion Superior Medical, an Austin supplier that billed Medicare for 78,663 items, mostly urinary catheters, in just over a month. Co-conspirator Nika Machutadze was arrested in January in Austin. The case is part of a nationwide crackdown that has charged over 450 defendants.
Texas Faces $826M SNAP Cost Shift
The USDA’s payment-error figures, released Wednesday, lock Texas into paying roughly $826 million a year toward SNAP starting in 2027.
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act now requires states to share food-benefit costs when their payment error rate exceeds 6%. Texas came in at 9.34%, below the 10% line that would have meant a bigger bill.
Of the $826 million, about $709 million covers benefits, and $117 million covers administrative costs the state now shoulders. SNAP feeds roughly 3.1 million Texans, including about 1.5 million children.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the figures “further proof that state accountability is severely lacking in SNAP.” The nonprofit Feeding Texas counters that the rate measures accuracy, not fraud, noting that intentional fraud accounts for less than 0.1% of Texas households.
The benefit penalty starts in October 2027, after the Legislature writes its next budget, leaving budget writers to set aside money in advance.
Buda Limestone Runs Low on Oil
The U.S. Geological Survey released a new assessment Wednesday estimating the Buda Limestone formation beneath South and East Texas holds 12 million barrels of undiscovered, recoverable oil and 184 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
The formation has already produced about 204 million barrels of oil since 1930, and USGS Director Ned Mamula said it has “little remaining undiscovered oil or gas, indicating a need for new resources.”
The estimate is dwarfed by the Permian Basin, where a January USGS assessment projected 1.6 billion barrels of oil and 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Flying together with our sponsor
Rush critical aid to survivors in Venezuela
You’ve seen the reports. The devastating death toll and massive destruction after earthquakes in Venezuela. More than 180 people are dead, 1,500 are injured, and numbers are sure to rise. You can be part of the urgent response.
Convoy of Hope is on the ground in the disaster zone, providing emergency food, clean water, and critical supplies to those who need them most. More support is needed.
Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 collapsed buildings and trapped people in the rubble. Families with missing loved ones cling to hope as rescue teams work around the clock. Urgent needs include food, water, and other essentials.
Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has served more than 350 million people affected by disasters, hunger, and crises. They are ranked by Forbes among America’s Top Charities. You can give with confidence.
The Flyover will match every dollar of the first $4,000 donated. Your compassionate gift will bring hope and help to families who have lost everything.
➤ Statewide: The average Texas homeowner’s premium has climbed 79% in six years, from under $2,000 in 2020 to over $3,500, Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford told a state Senate panel Wednesday, pointing to rising home values and severe weather. Lawmakers pressed whether insurers use AI to set prices. (See Details)
➤ Dallas: A Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus hit a large hole left by a shifted metal plate on Harry Hines Boulevard on Thursday morning, sending 15 passengers to area hospitals. (See Details)
➤ Hitchcock: The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office seized more than $700,000 from this Gulf Coast city’s general fund, alleging it profited from illegal gambling through game-room fees. The move follows a February raid that netted 749 machines and 33 arrests, including the mayor. The city says it will fight the seizure. (See Details)
➤ Lake Meredith: Texas Parks and Wildlife has classified the reservoir near Amarillo as “fully infested” with invasive zebra mussels, confirming an established, reproducing population in the popular Panhandle recreation spot. (See Details)
➤ El Paso: Three local nonprofits won grants from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to expand healthcare, nutrition, and preventive services across the border region. (More)
➤ Panhandle: State utility regulators rejected Xcel Energy’s request to update its distribution costs for customers across the Texas Panhandle. (See Details)
➤ Fort Worth: Both city animal shelter campuses are overflowing. The Silcox site is at 253% cat capacity, with 165 cats in about 65 enclosures, while its dog kennels sit at 137%, holding 442 dogs. Animal Care & Control is pleading for adopters and fosters. (More)
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➤ Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and the team aren’t close on a long-term contract extension, setting up a prove-it season for the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. If he plays well, his extension could command up to $60 million per year. (More)
➤ The Dallas Stars sent their first-round pick to Carolina last year in the Mikko Rantanen trade, so their first selection in this weekend’s NHL Draft comes tomorrow at No. 59 in the second round. (More)
➤ Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is close to returning from the concussion-injured list, according to manager Skip Schumaker. It’s been two weeks since a home-plate collision left him with lingering symptoms. (More)
➤ Baylor men’s basketball added former player Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua to Scott Drew’s coaching staff, bringing back a member of the 2021 national title team who was the Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. (More)
➤ Foot, knee, and back discomfort can make every step feel harder than it should. Akusoli Insoles are designed to provide all-day cushioning and targeted support, helping distribute pressure more evenly while you walk. Lightweight and easy to fit into most shoes, they offer a simple way to add comfort and support to your daily routine. (LEARN MORE)
➤ Pennsylvania-based Quantum Global Technologies will receive a $3 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant for an Austin facility servicing chipmaking equipment, including tools used to build 2-nanometer chips. The project is expected to create 287 jobs and more than $43 million in investment. (More)
➤ Field Fastener is investing $2.875 million to expand its Tyler operation, a project the Tyler Economic Development Council says will retain 26 jobs and add 10 full-time positions. (See Details)
➤ El Paso sporting goods shops are seeing a sales boom during the ongoing World Cup, with VI Sports in downtown reporting Mexico and USA jerseys as its top sellers among Borderland fans. (More)
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➤ Are you taking one of these 9 “memory erasing” prescriptions? You may think your memory loss is just a sign of getting older, but one of these 9 drugs could actually be damaging your brain… If you’re over the age of 60, your brain could be at risk. (More)
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Double Your Impact. Earthquake Recovery.
Earthquake survivors in Venezuela need your help. Two powerful earthquakes have devastated communities across the country. Buildings have collapsed, families have been displaced, and lives have been upended. More than 180 people are dead, and 1,500 are injured, with numbers sure to rise.
➤ Seven young women are vying to be crowned queen of the 89th East Texas Yamboree, the Gilmer sweet-potato festival that has run since 1935. After 12 days of fundraising in the Queen’s Race, the winner is set to be announced tonight. (Read Story)
➤ Wet ‘N’ Wild Water World near El Paso hosted the 17th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, a global event teaching families basic water safety as summer pool season ramps up. (More)
➤ The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is offering free pet microchipping to all Gregg County residents ahead of July 4, when fireworks send many frightened pets running from home. (More)
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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:
➤ The world’s first trillionaire held the title for less than two weeks. What knocked him back down to mere billionaire? (Press Play)
➤ A federal judge just blocked a major piece of the President’s mail-in voting overhaul, and it comes down to one constitutional question. (Hear the Ruling)
➤ It nearly went extinct, until one Missouri farmer admitted she’d been quietly growing it all along. Meet summer’s most star-studded fruit. (Take a Bite)
Have you purchased any World Cup-related gear, merchandise, or promotional items?
Did you ever carry change in case you needed to make a call on a public payphone?
Yes: 71%
No: 24%
What?: 5%
What Texas-based minor league baseball association, founded in 1888, continues today with franchises affiliated with the Rangers, Astros, Diamondbacks, Athletics, and Padres?
Texas Medicare Fraud Bust
