Sunday, April 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1993, the federal government’s 51-day siege of the Branch Davidians’ Mount Carmel Center near Waco came to a fiery end after FBI agents launched tear gas into the compound. The initial raid and following siege resulted in the deaths of four ATF agents and more than 80 cult members.

Trump tapped a Texas health official for a top CDC role, and a forgotten Taylor Swift–signed guitar turned into a $16,000 surprise. Catch both stories in the Roundup.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown unpacked a new report that suggested Joe Biden's first choice for Vice President in 2020 was not Kamala Harris. Who was it, and what ultimately drove the Kamala Harris selection? Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, the knēNest Pillow, is designed to relieve nighttime pain and improve sleep by keeping your body properly aligned for deeper, more restorative rest.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Trump Taps Texas Health Leader for CDC Role

President Trump selected Dr. Jennifer Shuford, head of the Texas Department of State Health Services, to serve as chief medical officer and deputy director at the CDC.

Shuford, an infectious disease physician, has led Texas’ public health agency since 2022 and previously served as the state’s chief epidemiologist, guiding the COVID-19 response and other health initiatives. She also oversaw the state’s response to a major measles outbreak in West Texas in 2025.

The CDC roles don't require Senate confirmation for Shuford, and a timeline for her transition has not been announced. State officials will be responsible for selecting her replacement once she leaves the Texas post.

Athlete Dies During IRONMAN Texas

A participant in the IRONMAN Texas triathlon died during the swim portion Saturday morning in The Woodlands, organizers said. First responders assisted at the scene.

Emergency crews responded to reports of a missing swimmer around 6 a.m., and the body was recovered later that morning after search efforts were complicated by low visibility in the water. Authorities from multiple local agencies are investigating the incident.

The athlete hasn't been publicly identified, and officials have released few details about the circumstances surrounding the death. Race organizers said they're supporting the individual’s family and declined to comment further.

Signed Taylor Swift Guitar Sells for $16K

A Taylor Swift-signed guitar discovered in a North Texas radio station’s prize closet sold for $16,000 at auction, featuring her 2008 autograph alongside signatures from other celebrities.

Staff at 96.3 KSCS said they discovered the guitar while sorting through storage and decided to auction it for charity. The online auction concluded Friday morning after drawing strong interest from bidders.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit a local children’s hospital. Station officials said the unexpected find turned into a significant fundraising opportunity.

Flying together with our sponsor

Tired of waking up with aching hips, sore knees, or lower back pain? The knēNest knee pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers, using a unique cradle shape to keep your knees properly aligned all night. By preventing bone-on-bone pressure and keeping your spine in a natural position, it helps your body finally relax into deeper, more restorative sleep.

Made with premium memory foam and built-in airflow for cool, all-night comfort, knēNest stays in place while you move—so you’re not constantly readjusting. The result: less stiffness, better sleep quality, and mornings where you actually feel rested and pain-free.

LEARN MORE

➤ Austin: Police arrested a 30-year-old man accused of vandalizing a southeast Austin restaurant, causing an estimated $57,000 in damage and leading to a felony terroristic threat charge. (More)

➤ Hutto: A developer withdrew its request to rezone land for a proposed data center ahead of a scheduled vote, canceling the meeting after city staff recommended against the plan. (More)

➤Abilene: A suspected hydrogen sulfide release at an oilfield services facility sent two people to the hospital and prompted an investigation, though officials reported no hazardous gas levels detected. (More)

➤ Lubbock: Officials opened a four-mile stretch of Loop 88, completing the project’s first segment and advancing a long-term plan to support growth and improve regional connectivity. (More)

➤ Beaumont: An SUV driver suffered minor injuries after a semi-truck lost two 10-ton weights at an intersection, striking the vehicle and leading to a citation for an unsecured load. (More)

➤ Brownwood: The sheriff’s office launched “Operation Spring Clean,” identifying dozens of properties with health code violations and uncovering a felony-level illegal dumping site. (More)

Enjoy reading The Texas Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

➤ San Antonio Spurs open their NBA playoff run against the seventh-seeded Portland Trail Blazers at 8 p.m. local time today. (More)

➤ Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning says his foot is “100%” after offseason surgery, though the injury limited his playing time during spring workouts. (More)

➤ Arlington City Council will vote next Tuesday on a $273 million contribution to the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and a proposed 15-year lease agreement. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Thirty Years of Work Shouldn’t Be Left Fully Exposed. Thirty years of saving. One unexpected shift can change everything. Many Americans are starting to question how protected their retirement really is. Augusta helps you understand options like physical gold in your IRA, clearly and without pressure. Get the free Gold IRA guide and explore your options. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Wake up without aches with the knēNest Knee Pillow—designed for side sleepers seeking better alignment and deeper sleep. Its unique cradle design supports your knees, hips, and spine while reducing pressure and discomfort. Stay cool, sleep comfortably, and feel the difference in just one night. Experience smarter, more restful sleep tonight. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Bulverde, a fast-growing Hill Country community, attracts new residents with steady population growth, an expanding business scene, and easy access to major metro areas. (More)

➤ AlleyKatz, a new outdoor patio and live music venue at ShyKatZ in Galveston, opens today, expanding the longtime restaurant with free music, family-friendly space, and a festive debut weekend. (More)

➤ Waco Moms Night Out returns to Central Texas with shopping, cocktails, and entertainment, giving local mothers a chance to connect while growing a supportive community network. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The real reason your hands and feet tingle (It’s not what you think). That numbness or tingling many dismiss as aging may actually be linked to a hidden vitamin deficiency. Your body could be signaling something deeper—unrelated to circulation or arthritis. Discover what might be causing these symptoms and why it matters. (Learn more)