Court Sides with SpaceX on Beach Closures

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday unanimously rejected a challenge to the closing of Boca Chica Beach during SpaceX launches, ruling the groups that sued had no right to bring the case.

SaveRGV, the Sierra Club, and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas sued in 2021, saying the closures violate a 2009 constitutional amendment, backed by 77% of voters, that guarantees public beach access.

The justices said the same amendment bars private suits to enforce beach access, affirming the trial court’s dismissal. They sided with SpaceX and the General Land Office, which rely on a 2013 state law allowing the closures for launch safety.

Marisa Perales, the lawyer for the groups, said the decision elevates SpaceX’s interests over Texans’ rights and leaves the public unable to enforce the guarantee. The court noted the tribe could still sue separately over claims the closures disrupt its religious practices.

San Antonio Weighs Taxes vs. Cuts

San Antonio is weighing its first property-tax-rate increase in 33 years to help close a budget gap of nearly $158 million.

City staff want to raise the rate as high as state law allows without a public vote, which would cost the average homestead about $81 a year and bring in roughly $125 million over two years. City Manager Erik Walsh said even that won’t be enough, and spending cuts are coming.

If the council rejects the full increase, the city’s backup plan leans on cuts, including eliminating 209 positions, 132 of them currently filled.

Councilman Marc Whyte, who opposes a higher rate, called it a temporary fix that wouldn’t solve the long-term shortfall, while Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez warned the job cuts would leave 132 families uncertain about their future. The council is set to adopt a final budget in September.

Driver in Fatal Katy Crash: Tesla on Autopilot

A 76-year-old woman was killed Friday night when a Tesla crashed through the front of a home in Katy, west of Houston.

Deputies said the car failed to make a right turn and was speeding when it plowed into the front room where the woman was. She was flown to Memorial Hermann hospital but later died of her injuries.

The driver, a 44-year-old man, told deputies the Tesla was on Autopilot at the time. He was hospitalized and has been cooperating with investigators.

Harris County investigators have not confirmed the driver’s account and are still working to determine the cause, including how fast the car was going and whether its Autopilot system played any role.

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➤ Windcrest: The former Rackspace headquarters, converted to the Windcrest International Business Park, is now ready for new tenants, with space for up to 18 businesses and 1,200 projected jobs. (More) 

➤ El Paso: UTEP has launched a study to support cancer survivors through an exercise program. Researchers behind the project are looking for participants for the 10-week program. (More) 

➤ Austin: Police are searching for 28-year-old Ghadah Alharbi, who was last seen June 16. Alharbi’s family says her disappearance doesn’t align with her normal behavior. (More) 

➤ Amarillo: The Hemmings Great Race rolls into Amarillo this week on its Route 66 tour with 520 participants and 140 cars. (More)

➤ San Antonio: The city opened 23 free outdoor pools on Saturday, with the summer swimming season running through mid-August for most pools. (More)

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➤ The Netherlands’ attack overwhelmed Sweden in Saturday’s World Cup action, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scoring two goals apiece in a 5-1 Group F victory at NRG Stadium in Houston. (More)

➤ Five-star 2027 cornerback John Meredith from North Crowley High School, the nation’s No. 1 cornerback, committed to Texas, choosing the Longhorns over Texas A&M and Alabama. (More)

➤ Allen High School standout outside hitter Maya Ogbogu, the nation’s No. 1 volleyball recruit in the 2028 class, committed to Texas A&M. (More)

➤ Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. faced live batters in practice Friday for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list in May with a shoulder injury. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | College World Series | U.S. Open | WNBA

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➤ Spring dentist Dr. Parthiv Mehta and a team of 46 doctors and staff provided free dental care on Saturday with the goal of totaling $100,000 worth of care. (More)

➤ Viva! El Paso returns to McKelligon Canyon for its 49th season this summer. The musical documents the history of the El Paso-Juarez region and runs through Aug. 1. (More)

➤ The State Fair of Texas has unveiled its 2026 Chevrolet Main Stage concert lineup, featuring multiple award-winning artists with regional ties. (See Lineup)

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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, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ JD Vance revealed the wardrobe expectations inside President Trump’s White House. (Hear More)

➤ Washington launched a new UFO task force and promised more answers. (Listen Now)

➤  A strong market helped retirement savers reach a major milestone. (Podcast Available)

How are you celebrating Father’s Day?

1. Backyard cookout
2. Out to a restaurant
3. Fishing or the lake
4. Golf or a ballgame
5. Keeping it low-key
6. Still figuring it out

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you like your Texas peaches?

1. Fresh off the stand: 32%
2. In a cobbler: 28%
3. Peach ice cream: 16%
4. Other: 13%
5. Jam or preserves: 11%

Which West Texas city became the boyhood home of the 43rd president after his family settled there in the early 1950s?

Show me the answer