- Meta announces $1.5B AI data center in El Paso
Meta Platforms unveiled plans for a $1.5 billion data center campus in El Paso, designed to support artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud computing. The project will run entirely on renewable energy and is expected to employ about 100 full-time staff and 1,800 construction workers at peak. City officials say it marks one of the largest tech investments in West Texas history. - Austin Rep. Gina Hinojosa enters governor’s race
Democratic State Rep. Gina Hinojosa formally launched her campaign for governor, challenging incumbent Greg Abbott in what’s expected to be a high-profile 2026 race. Hinojosa emphasized healthcare expansion, public school funding, and reproductive rights as key issues, while Abbott’s team responded that Texas voters support his leadership on economic growth and border security. - Texas adds 1,400 orphaned oil wells amid cleanup lag
The Texas Railroad Commission reported that 1,400 new orphaned oil and gas wells were added to the state’s inventory this year, bringing the total to over 10,000. Environmental advocates warn that methane leaks and groundwater contamination risks are growing, while regulators say new state funding and federal grants will help speed up plugging operations. -
Two officers shot on San Antonio’s West Side; suspect killed
According to the San Antonio Police Department, two officers were shot around 8:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 90 by a man who declared, “I’m not going back to prison; I’m not going back to jail.” The officers were wounded, the suspect was killed in the exchange, and a cadet at the scene was unharmed. -
Man dies after shooting ex-girlfriend at Katy Freeway gas station
In Harris County, a 42-year-old man is reported to have shot his ex-girlfriend on Mason Road then later shot himself at a gas station off the Katy Freeway. The woman was airlifted to a hospital; the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
