Good Morning! On this day in 1866, President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation of peace between the United States and Texas, officially ending the Civil War.
Texas drivers who renew their licenses will notice some changes. Check out the details here, and reply to let us know what you think about the update.
🎙️ In today’s Flyover podcast, host Ayla Brown digs into what’s happening with the all-you-can-eat hotel breakfast. Once a travel staple, the buffet isn’t quite what it used to be. Why the shift? That’s a podcast-exclusive story you won’t see in the email edition. Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.
Democrat Locked in House Chamber
State Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) refused a DPS escort after the Texas House adjourned Monday, choosing instead to remain locked in the chamber until the body reconvenes today.
She was the only quorum-breaking member who did not sign a permission slip to leave the House on the condition of being monitored by a state trooper to ensure her return.
“I refuse to sign away my dignity,” said Collier. Four women protesting her detention were arrested for trespassing on Capitol grounds Monday night.
Meanwhile, the House and Senate redistricting committees have advanced a new congressional map that could net the GOP five more seats in Congress. The House is expected to vote on the plan today.
North Texas Broadcaster to Become Local TV Giant
Irving-based Nexstar Media Group is acquiring rival Tegna in a $6.2 billion deal that will create the nation’s largest local television network. The merger is subject to approval by the FCC, which has recently indicated openness to industry consolidation.
Once the deal closes as planned next year, Nexstar would have 265 stations in 44 states, with a presence in nine of the top 10 media markets and the ability to reach nearly 80% of U.S. households.
Executives for both companies said the deal would expand advertising opportunities, blunt the challenges of “cord-cutting,” and enable them to “compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies.”
In July, the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals vacated a longstanding FCC rule that prohibits ownership of more than one of the top four stations in a single market.
DPS Rolls Out New Driver’s Licenses
The Texas Department of Public Safety introduced a new design for driver’s licenses on Monday, adding new security features and reorganizing information in an easy-to-read format.
The new cards are made of polycarbonate, which is difficult to reproduce. The REAL ID gold star is replaced with a laser-engraved black one. The red, white, and blue background contains images of the state seal and horses running along the bottom of the card.
“This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans’ identities from being stolen,” said DPS Driver License Division Chief Sheri Gipson.
The new design went into effect on Monday for all new and replacement cards. Previously issued licenses will remain active until they expire.
➤ Canyon: The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an injunction barring a student group from organizing a drag show at West Texas A&M University. Earlier this year, Texas A&M, the University of Texas, and the University of North Texas banned drag shows across all their campuses. (More)
➤ Lago Vista: A new bridge spanning Cow Creek on RM 1431 opened yesterday morning, a month ahead of schedule. The old bridge was washed away during last month’s flash floods. (Watch Video)
➤ Lubbock: The city council approved the lease of 20 acres in Bill McAlister Park to Lubbock Game Changers to build a $51 million, 140,000-square-foot youth sports facility. The group’s founder estimates the venue could attract up to 3,000 visitors to the city every week. (See Rendering)
➤ Austin: Sunday’s “Band Together Texas,” benefit concert featuring country singer Miranda Lambert and other performers, raised more than $8.5 million for organizations providing assistance to flood victims. (More)
➤ Harris County: Authorities are looking for 36-year-old Troy Dugas, an inmate who was mistakenly released from the county jail Sunday morning. (More)
➤ Rockwall ISD: Two Nazi flags were displayed on the wall of Rockwall-Heath High School over the weekend. Police are looking for suspects. (More)
➤ Houston: Food influencers Patrick Blackwood and Nina Santiago were filming a video at Cuvee’s Culinary Creations on Saturday when an SUV crashed into the side of the restaurant, nearly hitting them. “This could’ve been our last meal,” Santiago wrote on social media. (Watch Video)
Enjoy reading The Texas Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️
➤ Texas Tech running back Quinten Joyner tore his ACL in the team’s scrimmage last weekend, ending his 2025 campaign. (More)
➤ Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is expected to start the season on Injured Reserve after suffering a PCL sprain in preseason action last weekend. (More)
➤ The San Antonio Spurs hired former NBA All-Star Rashard Lewis as a player development specialist. (More)
➤ The American Legion’s League City chapter faced a Virginia-based chapter in the American Legion World Series last night. (See Score)
➤ Stop snoring instantly with the ready-to-use, FDA-cleared ZQuiet mouthpiece. Gently advances your jaw to open airways for quiet, comfortable sleep. Made in the USA, doctor-recommended—and now 50% off with a 60-night guarantee! Say goodbye to noisy nights and hello to restful mornings.
➤ Kendra Scott is back at the helm of her eponymous Austin-based jewelry company, reclaiming the role of CEO after stepping down in 2021. (More)
➤ Texas has the eighth-highest foreclosure rate in the nation, with one out of every 2,990 housing units in foreclosure last month. Its 3,977 foreclosure filings in July are more than 65% higher than the same period last year. (More)
➤ Varsity Spirit, the cheerleading division of Farmers Branch-based Varsity Brands, is forming a new professional cheerleading league. Teams from Atlanta, Miami, San Diego, and Dallas will compete in next year’s inaugural season. (More)
Flying together with our sponsor
➤ Unlock your home’s hidden value with Quicken’s flexible Home Equity Line of Credit. Tap into your equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or life’s big moments—only draw what you need, when you need it. Apply now for a fast, 100% online experience and take control of your financial future. (APPLY NOW)
➤ Astronomers led by a team from the University of Texas at Austin announced the discovery of the most distant black hole ever confirmed. Located in the CAPERS-LRD-z9 galaxy, it is estimated to be 300 million times more massive than our sun. (More)
➤ A TxDOT crew mapped Georgetown’s Inner Space Cavern near I-35 over 18 days last winter, providing precise coordinates that will inform construction plans along the busy corridor. “This is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime survey for us,” said project lead Gina Loftis-Franklin. (More)
➤ The recently released eight-part Netflix docuseries America’s Team: A Gambler and His Cowboys addresses several intriguing stories about Jerry Jones and his 36-year tenure as owner of the Dallas Cowboys. (More)
➤ Meanwhile, the streaming giant announced its show about the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders would be back for a third season next year. (More)
.png)
Democrat Locked in House Chamber
