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Around Texas
1. 3 contractors cited for violations in death of worker building major ICE detention camp
Federal regulators have cited three contractors, including one owned by a campaign donor to President Donald Trump, for safety violations stemming from the death of a worker helping build a major immigration detention center last year.
Violations deemed serious by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration were found in its investigation into the July 21, 2025, death of Hector Gonzalez, 38, who was crushed by falling materials in a construction accident as contractors raced to build Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas.
2. Texas schools earn designations for student leadership program
Teachers struggling to manage student behavior has been a growing issue since the pandemic. According to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey, nearly half of educators say students’ behavior was “a lot worse” last fall compared to pre-pandemic behavior. As districts and schools find ways to deal with student behavior, a couple of Texas schools have been participating in a program they say is helping.
Hutto Independent School District’s Howard Norman Elementary School is a “Leader in Me” Lighthouse School. Teaching leadership skills to students is deeply ingrained in practically everything the school does. Whether inside the classroom or adorned throughout its halls, students are constantly reminded about the importance of leadership.
3. Hunt Post Office begins rebuild after flood as longtime postmaster retires
For the last eight months, the foundation was all that remained of the Hunt Post Office. The former postmaster said she is excited to finally see progress on rebuilding.
Gaylynn Hierholzer has worked for the United States Postal Service for over 40 years. The last 30 years she has spent in Hunt, Texas. On July 4, 2025, when the Guadalupe River flooded Kerr County, and Hunt was at the epicenter of the devastation.
Around The Nation
1. Trump says U.S. military has blockaded Iranian ports to pressure Tehran
2. Gas prices expected to rise again this week, analyst says
3. Pope Leo says he does not fear Trump, citing Gospel as he pushes back in feud over Iran war
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Firefly Aerospace employees working on a two-part spacecraft designed to explore the far side of the moon. (Spectrum News 1/Andres Rendon)
Texas-based aerospace company will take on far side of the moon after Artemis II crew’s return
The Artemis II mission splashed down on Friday near San Diego. The four crew members achieved new records in space, all while capturing stunning views of our home planet.
One of the records was surpassing the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth during the crew’s orbit around the moon. Another feat: capturing glimpses of the far side of the moon.
However, one Texas-based company, Firefly Aerospace, is aiming to land on the dark region by the end of this year.