Plane Crash & Tech Loss: Austin startup accelerator Capital Factory confirmed co-founder and CEO Joshua Baer was killed in a fiery small-jet crash in Laredo, with bystanders and first responders racing to free survivors as investigators probe mechanical issues. Energy & Grid Politics: The Texas Public Utility Commission temporarily paused approval steps for a major new transmission line project tied to the Permian Basin, as ranchers and landowners push back over route impacts and potential $33B-plus costs. Patent & Courts: Amazon asked the Federal Circuit to halt a Texas patent infringement case involving Headwater Research patents while a related dispute plays out. Voting Rules Watch: A new look at how states count late ballots highlights the stakes of a potential Supreme Court decision on whether post–Election Day arrivals can be accepted. Data Centers vs. Texans: Gov. Abbott urged protections so data centers pay for grid upgrades instead of shifting costs to residential customers, as regulators weigh how to handle rapid buildouts. Local Cost Relief: Houston expanded its W.A.T.E.R. utility assistance program to cover the city’s new residential trash fee starting July 1. Crime Crackdown: Texas authorities arrested five suspects in a diesel theft scheme using pump skimmers, alleging near-$10M in prevented fraud losses. World Cup Heat Debate: FIFA’s new hydration-break rule is drawing criticism over game flow and whether it truly helps in extreme Texas heat.