Caitlin Clark, the standout shooting guard from Iowa who shattered NCAA scoring records and captivated audiences with her remarkable play, made history on Monday night by being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.
The 22-year-old native of West Des Moines, Iowa, known for her exceptional shooting range and playmaking skills, joins a Fever team looking to revitalize its performance after missing the postseason for the past seven seasons. Teaming up with 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, Clark aims to bring her electrifying talent to the professional stage.
Clark’s selection marks a significant moment not only for her but for women’s basketball as a whole, with other notable prospects such as LSU’s Angel Reese and Stanford’s Cameron Brink also making the leap to the professional ranks.
Having led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship game appearances and earning numerous accolades along the way, including the AP Player of the Year and Wooden Award, Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has sparked unprecedented excitement among fans and teams alike.
With anticipation building and venues selling out tickets in record time in anticipation of her debut, Clark’s transition to the professional league promises to be nothing short of sensational, setting the stage for a new era in women’s basketball.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This week brings a preview of the summer heat and humidity to come. When you pair temperatures climbing toward 90 with high humidity, Houston will definitely have that early-summer feel until a cool front arrives this weekend.
Temperatures Tuesday morning will again only dip into the low 70s for Houston with some outlying communities dropping into the upper 60s. We will again have a mostly cloudy sky, which is good enough for a 20% chance of a quick shower or sprinkle. High temperatures will manage to climb into the mid 80s, and when you factor in the humidity it will feel closer to 90 degrees.
When is our next chance for thunderstorms?
Our weekend cold front will bring the next opportunity for thunderstorms. Right now the timing for the front’s arrival with those thunderstorms is late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Could the storms this weekend turn severe?
We cannot rule out severe weather at this time, but it’s too early to make a call on that.
How cool will it get behind this front?
After the front’s passage, highs will drop into the upper 70s with lows in the upper 50s for a couple of days. More importantly, there will be a significant break in the humidity, and there aren’t many of those humidity breaks left before the real summer heat and humidity arrive.
Are we done with oak pollen season?
Not entirely, but we are well past the peak of oak pollen season. Oak usually still registers low to moderate counts through early May. Grass pollens and mold spores are now climbing as we journey deeper into spring.
In a surprising turn of events, Tesla employees in the Austin area, home to the automaker’s headquarters, found themselves affected by recent job cuts. Among those affected were a senior equipment engineer and a production supervisor, according to LinkedIn posts. The layoffs appeared to come suddenly, with some employees receiving notifications in the early hours of the morning.
One former employee in Austin described the layoff as a “surprise,” noting that there had been no indication of cutbacks given the ongoing ramp-up in production. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk attributed the decision to eliminate roles to the need for streamlining operations and reducing costs, as reported by Bloomberg News.
Despite the layoffs, some Tesla employees rushed to offer support to their affected colleagues, acknowledging the challenges they may face in finding new employment, especially for those with visa constraints.
The reduction in staff comes at a time when Tesla reported its first year-over-year decline in quarterly deliveries since 2020, amidst increasing competition in the electric vehicle market. Additionally, two Tesla executives, Senior Vice President Drew Baglino and Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development Rohan Patel, are also leaving the company.
This move marks Tesla’s latest round of layoffs since 2022 when CEO Elon Musk announced plans to cut 10 percent of salaried workers. Despite these challenges, Tesla remains active in hiring for certain entry-level positions in Austin and Houston.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A gunman was killed and an innocent bystander was injured in a dramatic shootout involving several members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a sergeant working traffic enforcement stopped a 47-year-old man for a broken tail light and expired registration just before 3 p.m. in the area of FM-1960 and Red Oak Drive.
Gonzalez said the man identified himself as a sovereign citizen and refused to comply with the sergeant’s commands, demanding that a supervisor be called.
Gonzalez said several supervisors and deputies arrived and attempted to continue to try to reason with the individual.
He said they determined the 47-year-old man had a felony warrant out of Brazoria County for evading police. The deputies set out spike strips.
After more than an hour of discussion, the man drove off over the spike strips, sparking a brief chase, HCSO said. About a half mile away on FM-1960 near Ella Boulevard, the sheriff’s office spun his car out with a PIT maneuver.
Gonzalez said the man jumped out of the car and began shooting at deputies. ABC13 spoke with multiple witnesses who corroborated the story. Deputies shot back, eventually killing the man.
Multiple bullets struck a school bus operated by Judy Coward and her husband. Thankfully, no children were on board.
“It was very scary,” Coward said. “For all of our parents to see this.”
One of the bullets passed through the bus and struck a woman who was getting groceries. She was taken to the hospital for surgery and is expected to survive.
“We’re praying for her,” Coward said.
HCSO has yet to identify the suspect who was killed.
“Again, this could have gone a lot differently had he just complied,” Gonzalez said. “Many times, sovereign individuals, it does show that these situations do have a chance to turn violent. Under their belief, they are not under the authority of federal government or law enforcement. But we have a responsibility and our deputies do not have to allow anyone to violate the law.”
A judge in Texas is set to hear arguments Monday in rap star Travis Scott’s request to be dismissed from a lawsuit over the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival in Houston.
Scott headlined the concert during which 10 people were killed as authorities and festival organizers responded to a massive crowd surge and tried to shut down the show.
Last week, the judge dismissed lawsuits against hip-hop guest performer Drake along with several other individuals and companies involved in the show.
Attorneys for Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II and is also known as “Cactus Jack,” write in the motion to dismiss that he is a performer and had no role in providing security or crowd management for the festival.
“Performers are not expected to render special protection to the audience, nor to safeguard them from the rest of the crowd,” the motion said. “Performing artists, even those who engage in certain promotional activities, have no inherent expertise or specialized knowledge in concert safety measures.”
The motion said Scott followed instructions and ended the show after a performance by Drake by performing one final song because it was feared that an abrupt ending could have led to riots, panic and chaos in the crowd.
“Thus, due care also required taking the time to end the show properly, so that the crowd would feel satisfied and leave peacefully,” according to the document.
After an investigation by Houston police, no charges were filed against Scott and a grand jury declined to indict him and five other people on any criminal counts related to the deadly concert.
Those killed, who ranged in age from 9 to 27, died from compression asphyxia, which an expert likened to being crushed by a car.
The first trial from the lawsuits is scheduled for May 6.
Some of the lawsuits filed by the families of the 10 who died and hundreds who were injured have been settled, including those filed by the families of four of the dead.
In a significant development in the legal battles surrounding former President Donald Trump, the commencement of his trial for the so-called “hush money” case is scheduled for April 15th, marking a historic moment as the first time a former U.S. president will stand trial in a court of law.
The case, which revolves around allegations of falsifying business records to conceal payments aimed at silencing extramarital affair allegations during his 2016 presidential campaign, has garnered widespread attention. Trump is accused of orchestrating a scheme with his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stephanie Clifford, also known as “Stormy Daniels,” an adult film actor who alleged a past encounter with Trump.
Despite attempts by Trump’s legal team to defer proceedings until after the election, jury selection is set to commence in Manhattan, with Trump facing 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, alleges that Trump’s actions constituted an illegal attempt to sway the outcome of the 2016 election.
A key figure in the trial is expected to be Michael Cohen, who has pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the payments and is anticipated to testify regarding the origins and handling of the funds. The trial, expected to last several weeks, will not be televised, but PBS NewsHour correspondent William Brangham will provide coverage from the Manhattan courthouse.
As the trial unfolds, observers will closely monitor Trump’s demeanor and his response to the proceedings, given his history of vocal criticism directed at prosecutors and judges. Despite his assertions of innocence and claims of victimization by what he terms a “witch hunt,” the trial represents a pivotal moment in Trump’s legal battles as he navigates multiple legal challenges while continuing to engage in political activities.
In a press release issued on April 4th, officials from the 99 Cents Only Stores discount chain, established in 1982, revealed the cessation of their business operations. Citing a multitude of factors, including hurdles within the retail landscape, evolving consumer preferences, the impact of COVID-19, and ongoing inflationary pressures, the decision to shutter operations was deemed necessary.
The closure encompasses all 371 stores spread across California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, with a notable concentration of 18 stores slated for closure in the Houston area.
In a strategic move to handle the aftermath of the closure, the 99 Cents Only Stores chain has partnered with Hilco Global to oversee the liquidation of all company-owned merchandise, along with the disposal of fixtures, furnishings, and other equipment. Sales proceedings under this agreement commenced on April 5th, marking the beginning of the end for the once-thriving discount retailer.
In a bold move aimed at further easing the burden on Texas homeowners, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has charged state senators with exploring the feasibility of completely eradicating property taxes. This directive follows the approval of $18 billion in property tax cuts by Texas lawmakers eight months ago, highlighting Patrick’s commitment to ongoing tax reform efforts.
With an eye on the upcoming legislative session in January, Patrick, who holds considerable influence over the Senate’s agenda, has outlined a comprehensive 57-item agenda for senators to address. Among the key priorities are housing affordability, healthcare accessibility, and increased oversight on Delta 8 and 9 hemp products.
According to Patrick, the Senate aims to hit the ground running in January 2025, with a focus on advancing the conservative agenda favored by the majority of Texans. This includes initiatives such as school choice, sustained property tax relief, and bolstering the state’s power grid resilience.
Key Points to Note
Patrick has tasked the Senate Finance Committee with evaluating strategies to further reduce property taxes, including exploring the potential costs associated with eliminating school maintenance and operations taxes, all school district property taxes, or all property taxes altogether.
Unlike many states, Texas does not levy property taxes directly; instead, homeowners are taxed by various local entities such as cities, counties, hospital districts, and school districts.
The lieutenant governor has urged senators to carefully consider the financial implications of such tax cuts, including identifying alternative revenue sources and assessing potential impacts on state emergency response capabilities.
Patrick has also instructed the Local Government Committee to explore avenues for increasing voter involvement in setting tax rates and to examine the dissolution of certain taxing entities, such as tax increase reinvestment zones.
Reflecting on Past Efforts
Last year’s efforts to reach consensus on property tax relief were marked by extensive debate between the House and Senate. Patrick advocated for increased property tax exemptions, while Gov. Greg Abbott championed reducing school district taxes through additional state funding—a compromise that ultimately prevailed.
Despite optimism from Abbott about the prospect of eliminating school property taxes, Patrick remains skeptical, citing the challenges of financing such a move without substantial increases in sales tax or utilization of existing sales tax revenue.
Looking Ahead
In addition to property tax reform, senators have been tasked with examining various policy areas, including standardized testing in K-12 education, the future of Texas’ electric grid, and the state’s regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
Committees are expected to deliver reports outlining their findings and policy recommendations by December 1, providing crucial insights for future legislative action.
Firefighters were called Saturday morning to put out a roof fire in a Spring area movie theater.
Spring Fire Department officials said they were on scene responding to a fire on the roof of a Cinemark theater on Kuykendahl Road.
INCIDENT ALERT ONGOING
Sat, April 13 2024 | 9:55 a.m. Cinemark Spring on Kuykendahl
Manager Paul of Cinemark smelled smoke as he was taking out the trash to begin their day. Went on roof to check it out and immediately knew to call the FD. #hounewspic.twitter.com/5FBg3evgnU
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials confirmed Israel’s announcement that Iran’s retaliatory strike has begun, ABC News reported.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier said that it launched extensive missile and drone operations against targets in Israel, according to Tasnim, the Iranian news-agency affiliated with the branch of Iran’s armed forces.
Over 100 drones were fired at Israel by Iran, in addition to more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran, the Israel Defense Forces said in a press conference Saturday.
The U.S. helped “Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles,” President Joe Biden said in a statement late Saturday evening.
The president also detailed his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attacks, where Biden said he reaffirmed America’s “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.” He also said that his team would stay in “close touch” with Israel’s leaders.
Biden said his team will engage with the G7 leaders on Sunday to coordinate a “united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”
He noted that though American forces were not impacted, forces will continue to monitor and “will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.”
WABC Josh Einiger is reporting in Israel amid Iran’s retaliatory attack.
Before the attack was announced, a FlyDubai flight from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, turned around as it was over Saudi Arabia, flight-tracking data showed. United Airlines also canceled a Saturday flight from Newark to Tel Aviv and the return flight.
“We are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.
The IDF said it has told Israeli residents in the occupied Golan Heights region to stay close to their safe rooms.
“In accordance with the situational assessment, residents of the northern Golan Heights, the area of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat are required to stay near protective spaces until further notice,” the IDF said in a statement.
“Upon the activation of sirens, it is required to enter into a protected space. If there is no protected space, it is required to find the most protected area possible. In any case, it is required to wait ten minutes, and no less,” the statement said.
“The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli airspace. The IDF is monitoring all targets,” the IDF said in a statement.
“We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter,” the statement added.
Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.
Iranian state television announced that Tehran had launched an attack toward Israel.
“The evil regime will be punished,” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on X.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it has launched extensive missile and drone operations against targets in the occupied territories, according to Tasnim, the Iranian news-agency affiliated with the branch of Iran’s armed forces.
An Israeli source also confirmed to ABC News that Iran fired cruise missiles from Iraq as well.
In a post on X, the Iranian Foreign Minister said “necessary warning has been given to America.”
A U.S. official has also confirmed Israel’s announcement that Iran’s retaliatory strike has begun.
A senior U.S. official told ABC News they now think there will be anywhere from 400 to 500 drones and missiles launched at Israel from Iraq, Syria, southern Lebanon and the Houthis but that the bulk will be launched form Iran. The drones are the same kind used in Ukraine.
President Joe Biden will meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss events in the Middle East Saturday afternoon. The meeting will take place in the White House Situation Room, the White House confirmed.
“Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel. President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team,” the White House said in a statement.
“This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours. President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” it added.
The U.S. will try to help Israel intercept everything possible — not just those that pass over U.S. ships — despite Iran informing the U.S. that they should stay out of it, a senior U.S. official confirmed to ABC News.
Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations says its attack on Israel was conducted as a “legitimate defense” in response to Israel’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
“Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!” Iran’s permanent mission to the U.N. said in a statement.
In the coming hours, the U.S. expects missile launches from Iran and southern Lebanon — and maybe even the Houthis — as well as drones, which take longer to reach target. The Iranians are trying to overwhelm the Israeli air defenses with drones and missiles coming in at different altitudes, speeds and directions — but hitting targets at the same time, according to the official.
While the U.S. expects that most of these will be intercepted — upwards of 85% — the fear is that if any Israeli lives are lost, the Israeli response will be much bigger.
The target is believed to be three military bases, especially one where F-35s are kept. While these bases are relatively remote, there are towns nearby and these Iranian weapons are not completely accurate.
The U.S. has no doubt Israel will respond whether lives are lost or not. And that Iran itself will be targeted.
Sources at the White House say there’s deep concern that an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel — and the possible Israeli response — will widen this war.
Biden cut his weekend vacation short to consult with his national security team in preparation for this. They’ve been on high alert and knew this attack was imminent.
U.S. officials said the military is prepared to provide assistance to defend Israel against attacks if needed.
The U.S. is already moving military assets to the region to deter Iran and help protect U.S. forces. Officials say they have been urging Iran against further escalation or attacks on U.S. forces. They’ve been stressing that the U.S. was not involved in the Damascus, Syria, strike earlier this month.
