Gov. Greg Abbott arrives in Hunt, Texas after deadly floods. Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Texas lawmakers race against the clock on flood recovery

Back in Austin for a special session, Texas lawmakers have just 30 days to tackle a growing list of urgent — and controversial — priorities, and flood recovery is front and center. The devastating July 4 floods across Central Texas have made it impossible to ignore the cracks in our emergency preparedness systems.

On the table:

  • New flood warning systems
  • Stronger emergency communication networks
  • Hill Country disaster relief funding
  • Streamlined natural disaster regulations

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants new sirens installed along the Guadalupe River, arguing that cell alerts aren’t cutting it in low-lying areas. But experts caution that good intentions don’t equal good policy — and that missteps in disaster planning can cost lives. The pressure’s on for lawmakers to act fast and get it right. 

As always, we’ll be watching.

How much was Breonna Taylor’s life worth? According to the DOJ, 1 day in jail

A photo of Breonna Taylor is seen among other photos of women who have lost their lives as a result of violence during the 2nd Annual Defend Black Women March in Black Lives Matter Plaza. Credit: Getty

One day. A $100 fine. 

That’s the punishment the U.S. Department of Justice recommends for Brett Hankison — the former Louisville police officer who fired blindly into Breonna Taylor’s apartment the night she was killed. The DOJ is arguing that Hankison’s stress from being prosecuted is punishment enough.

You read that right. The man who sprayed bullets through windows and walls — who helped lead a no-knock raid that stole a Black woman’s life — is being portrayed as a victim of trauma. Meanwhile, Breonna Taylor is still dead. Her family still buried her. And no courtroom memo can undo the violence done that night.

Thankfully, the judge was a LITTLE more empathetic, sentencing Hankison to 33 months in jail. But let’s call this for what it is: Another chapter in the long playbook of minimizing Black life while protecting blue lines.

Divine 9 Honorary Classes are on fire

Let’s talk Black excellence. In the past few weeks, three powerhouse Divine Nine organizations — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. — have inducted a fire list of honorary members into their ranks.

For those unfamiliar, honorary membership is the highest honor bestowed by these organizations on individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their fields and communities, even if they didn’t pledge as collegiate members.

And this year’s lists? STACKED.

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Kappa Alpha tapped Olympian Gabby Thomas; former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; CNN anchor and analyst Laura Coates; and model Beverly Johnson.
  • Delta Sigma Theta inducted award-winning actresses Queen Latifah and Danielle Brooks; business mavens Fawn Weaver, Janice Bryant Howroyd and Toni Townes-Whitley; political strategist/analyst Donna Brazile; and sports trailblazers Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Swintayla “Swin” Cash.
  • Phi Beta Sigma welcomed Dr. Howard Fuller, civil rights activist/education reform advocate; Edward K. Archer, hip-hop artist (Special Ed); Leon Robinson, acclaimed actor (The Temptations; The Five Heartbeats; How Stella Got Her Groove Back); Dr. George Koonce, former NFL player/university executive; Fred Hammond, Grammy-winning gospel musician; Dr. John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University; Dave Huie, fashion entrepreneur; and Dr. DeForest Soaries, former Secretary of State for New Jersey.

It’s more than celebrity — it’s legacy. These inductees reflect the mission, values, and cultural leadership our organizations continue to uphold and we love to see it!

More Southwest Airline changes

Southwest Airlines will seat assignments after changing to baggage charges in May. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Welp… Southwest Airlines is back with more changes. Free bags? A distant memory. $49 fares? A fairy tale. And now… assigned seats are on the way.

Here’s what’s new: Starting July 29, if you’re flying after Jan. 27, 2026, Southwest’s rolling out a new group-based boarding system, prioritizing seat location and elite status. (A-listers and Credit Card holders will get priority)

They’re also adding fare bundles — think extra legroom, preferred seating, etc. Wanna sit up front? You’ll have to pay up. The exit row (where I ALWAYS sit) is now an extra cost.

I fly Southwest because Hobby is closer to my house and I actually liked the perks. But now? There’s nothing that really sets them apart. They’re trying to attract new customers — but let’s be honest, folks who love lounges and first class aren’t switching to Southwest.

So… is this a smart move or nah? We’ll see. 

I’m a Houstonian (by way of Smackover, Arkansas). My most important job is being a wife to my amazing husband, mother to my three children, and daughter to my loving mother. I am the National Bestselling...