Latest news with #Texas
Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gavin Newsom eyes redraw of California congressional districts
The update comes after President Donald Trump earlier this week urged Republican state lawmakers in Texas to help the party pick up five seats in that state.
Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Native Simone Biles Gives Emotional Tribute to Flood Victims as She Wins ESPY for Best Championship Performance
NEED TO KNOW Simone Biles paid tribute to the victims of the recent flooding in Texas Biles, 28, told the flood victims that 'words can't replace the pain, but our hearts are with you in this tragic time" The U.S. gymnast received the 2025 ESPY Award for Best Championship Performance on July 16Simone Biles used her ESPY Awards speech Wednesday night to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Texas floods. Biles, 28, gave a nod to the victims of the floods while receiving the 2025 ESPY award for Best Championship Performance on Wednesday, July 16.'Before I get into it, I first want to offer my sincere condolences to all those impacted by the devastating flash flooding on July 4th in Central Texas,' Biles said at the top of her speech. 'Words can't replace the pain, but our hearts are with you in this tragic time.' The flash flooding in Central Texas earlier this month left an estimated 132 people dead, while another 160 people are missing in Kerr County, according to The Associated Press. Camp Mystic, in Hunt, Texas, became a major site of the devastation, where dozens of its campers and counselors are believed to have died in the flooding. Biles, who grew up in Spring, Texas, was nominated for the Best Championship Performance award in a category that also included Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, golfer Rory McIlroy and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. The U.S. gymnast won three gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris last year.'That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,' Biles quipped after receiving the award, drawing laughs and applause from the audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'I'm honored to receive this award,' Biles added. 'The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey — my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way. I wouldn't be standing here without all of you.'Biles also said she will 'proudly share this award with my team of supporters.''Having a strong support system that understands your dreams, who are willing to show up for you, not just when you're winning, but when you're struggling, too, is really important,' Biles said. 'My sincere gratitude, appreciation and love to all of you who have stood with me on this magical journey, all the highs, lows, twists and turns along the way.' The ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC. Read the original article on People
New York Times
3 minutes ago
- Health
- New York Times
Trump Says Coca-Cola Agreed to Use Cane Sugar in Coke Made in U.S.
President Trump said on Wednesday that he had spoken to the Coca-Cola Company about using 'REAL cane sugar in Coke' in the United States and that the company had agreed to begin adding it. A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola would not comment on whether it had agreed to do so. 'We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand,' the spokeswoman, Michelle Agnew, said in a statement. 'More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.' Mr. Trump's announcement on social media did not mention corn syrup, which Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has blamed in part for the obesity epidemic. Ms. Agnew did not respond to questions about whether Coca-Cola had agreed to use sugar exclusively instead of corn syrup, which the company began using in Coke in 1980, blending it with sugar to help defray the cost of rising sugar prices. Coca-Cola already makes a soft drink sweetened by cane sugar known as Mexican Coke, or MexiCoke. Backed by a cultlike following, the drink once entered the United States from Mexico through unauthorized independent dealers. But in 2005 Coca-Cola began importing Mexican Coke to Texas, gradually expanding its distribution across the country, and it can now be found in supermarkets and bodegas in neighborhoods with large Hispanic populations. Coca-Cola also makes a Kosher-for-Passover version of Coke, which is made with sugar instead of corn syrup for observant Jews who avoid corn (and other grains) and which can be found in bottles with yellow caps. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Car and Driver
18 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Nissan Frontier Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Nissan Frontier takes an old-school, no-nonsense approach to mid-size trucking. It's simple, capable, affordable, and highly configurable. While most mid-size pickups offer limited customizability these days, the Nissan Frontier still lets you mix and match: configurations include either rear- or four-wheel drive, an extended cab or a crew cab, a five- or six-foot bed, and the choice of five distinct trim levels. The Frontier only comes with one engine, though, a smooth and responsive 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 paired to a nine-speed automatic. The Frontier was last redesigned for 2022, and it is beginning to lose its edge next to recently refreshed models such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. But its solid value proposition and rugged simplicity make the Frontier a solid choice in its segment. Expert Tip: While the Frontier's 7150-pound maximum towing capacity isn't bad, other mid-size options such as the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are better picks for heavy hauling. What's New for 2026? Other than a refresh last year that brought revised exterior styling, a larger optional infotainment touchscreen, and new connectivity features, the Frontier has remained largely untouched since it entered its third generation in 2022. We don't expect any major changes for 2026, either. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Nissan Frontier is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $44,000 depending on the trim and options. S $34,000 (est) SV $36,000 (est) PRO-X $40,000 (est) PRO-4X $44,000 (est) SL $44,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k We think the SV trim level has the best mix of standard features and value. Our ideal version starts with the crew cab—the larger of the two available cab sizes—and four-wheel drive. A 12.3-inch touchscreen (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard, but we'd upgrade our truck with the Convenience and Technology packages. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic 9-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive The Frontier is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. Our driving impressions revealed that the Frontier's V-6 provides adequate thrust and smooth operation. We drove the off-road-oriented PRO-4X model that's ready and willing to tackle rugged terrain, even if it's not as capable as the Jeep Gladiator or other rivals with off-road packages such as the Ford Ranger Raptor. We also appreciated the Nissan's new quicker and more direct steering and the other chassis enhancements that help the truck feel more composed and refined. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 7.3 seconds In Comparison: The Frontier PRO-4X's 7.3-second 60-mph sprint was a little slower than the time we recorded with a Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, which managed a 6.8-second 60-mph run. View Exterior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity The maximum towing capacity for the Nissan Frontier is 7150 pounds. That means it falls just short of rivals such as the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon, and the Jeep Gladiator, all of which can pull at least 7650 pounds. The Nissan's maximum payload is 1610 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 20 mpg (PRO-4X) 20 mpg (PRO-4X) EPA City Ratings: 16-19 mpg 16-19 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 20-24 mpg The EPA hasn't released fuel economy for the 2026 Frontier yet, but last year's rear-wheel-drive model was rated at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel drive, those figures dropped to 17 mpg city and 21 highway. Without any significant changes, we expect the 2026 Frontier to achieve similar results. During our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X managed 20 mpg. For more information about the Frontier's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The Frontier's interior design and materials are far from low rent, but they aren't quite as fancy as what you'll find in newer rivals such as the Colorado or Tacoma. The cabin is dressed in snazzy-looking trim pieces, soft-touch surfaces, and contemporary features, but some hard plastic persists on the door panels and lower dash. The gauge cluster includes both analog gauges and a 7.0-inch color display. Second Row: The Frontier is available in either two-door or four-door configurations. The four-door crew cab is the one to pick if rear-seat comfort is a priority. But even with the crew cab's additional 7.0 inches of rear legroom, it is a tight fit for adults back there. Cargo Capacity: The Frontier offers two bed lengths. The short bed measures just under five feet, and the long bed extends just over six feet. In addition to the flat storage out back, the Frontier has some in-cab storage solutions, including a bin on top of the dashboard and a place to store items under the back seat. View Interior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional) 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional) Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 4-speaker audio system (S), 6-speaker audio system (SV, PRO-X, PRO-4X), 10-speaker Fender audio system (optional) The Frontier's infotainment system operates through a standard 8.0-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. A pair of physical knobs for adjusting the stereo's volume and tuning settings is present and located below the screen. The most desirable standard connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and several charging outlets, including a USB-C port. The Frontier can also be had with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. The sound system can also be upgraded to a nine-speaker Fender unit for an additional cost. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Frontier offers an assortment of driver-assistance technology as part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 system, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection is standard, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control For information about the Frontier's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Nissan offers competitive limited and powertrain warranties compared with other mid-size pickup trucks. However, almost every competitor—apart from the Honda Ridgeline—also includes some type of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $43,280/$50,245 ENGINE DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement: 232 in3, 3799 cm3 Power: 310 hp @ 6400 rpm Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm TRANSMISSION 9-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Brakes, F/R: 11.7-in vented disc/11.3-in vented disc Tires: Hankook Dynapro AT2 265/70R-17 1155 M+S 3PMSF DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 139.8 in Length: 224.1 in Width: 74.7 in Height: 72.9 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/43 ft3 Curb Weight: 4852 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 89 mph 100 mph: 21.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 113 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.76 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 15 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/20 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Daily Mail
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
America's harshest death row grants killer inmates incredible new perk
A prison program is granting Texas ' most hardened criminals 'recreational time' for limited time periods each day. Death row inmates are being offered a rare set of privileges, allowing a select group of well-behaved prisoners to spend several hours a day outside their cells. The program's allowances includes communal meals, TV time, prayer circles and - for the first time in decades - direct human contact. The change marks a sharp departure from decades of extreme isolation that made Texas' death row one of the harshest in the nation. Rodolfo 'Rudy' Alvarez Medrano was one of about a dozen men allowed out of solitary confinement. For the first time in 20 years, he was allowed to step out of his death row cell at the the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in West Livingston without handcuffs. Before the 'life-altering' new program, Medrano, 45, had lived in isolation at least 22 hours a day, he told the Houston Chronicle. 'All of these changes have given guys hope,' he revealed. The program, offered at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in West Livingston, provides a rare set of privileges including communal meals, TV time, prayer circles and - for the first time in decades - direct human contact The 'all-day isolation' has been the norm in the Lone Star State ever since a daring death row escape in 1998 prompted prison officials to move death row to a newer prison in Livingston. Following the attempted escape, restraints were tightened and inmates were thrown into solitary, lost their prison jobs and their access to rehabilitative programs was eliminated. Then just 26 years old, Medrano was sentenced to death in 2005 under the state's controversial 'law of parties' - a controversial Texas law that holds everyone involved in a crime equally responsible for its outcome - for supplying weapons used in a deadly robbery. Following his sentence - like the roughly 150 other men on death row at Polunsky - he lived alone in a small cell with no physical contact and little opportunity for rehabilitation. 'I would rather be in a barn with farm animals than the way it was here,' Medrano said. 'It was just dark.' The pilot recreation program was launched under former warden Daniel Dickerson, who believed offering basic privileges to well-behaved inmates could improve conditions for both prisoners and staff. 'It's definitely helped give them something to look forward to,' Dickerson said. 'All it takes is one bad event, and that could shut it down for a long time. And they understand that.' In the 18 months since the program began, officials say there have been no fights, no drug seizures, and no incidents requiring disciplinary action - an impressive record in a prison system struggling elsewhere with contraband and violence. Since its rollout staff have also reported fewer mental health breakdowns and better working conditions. 'Would you rather work with people who are treating you with respect, or who are yelling and screaming at you every time you walk in?' Amanda Hernandez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, said. 'It's a no-brainer.' Prisoners in the program can now spend time in a shared dayroom without shackles, talk face-to-face instead of through vents, and even join hands for daily prayer. On Sundays the small group even joins together for church services, while some play board games and others clean the common area or watch TV together. For many, it's their first experience of social interaction in decades. The shift follows a broader national trend away from automatic solitary confinement for death row inmates. Over the past decade, states including Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and South Carolina have loosened death row restrictions. California is also reportedly dismantling death row entirely, integrating prisoners into the general population. Meanwhile, in Texas, lawsuits and mounting public pressure are forcing state officials to revisit the long-standing isolation regime. A federal lawsuit filed in early 2023 by four Texas death row inmates alleges unconstitutional conditions, citing mold, insect infestation and decades of isolation. Attorneys argue that long-term solitary confinement exacerbates mental illness and violates international human rights standards. 'There's a reason that even short periods of solitary confinement are considered torture under international human rights conventions,' Catherine Bratic, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, told the Houston Chronicle. Research shows long-term isolation increases the risks of paranoia, memory loss, and psychosis, the Chronicle reported. One study cited by University of California psychology professor Craig Haney found that inmates held in extreme isolation have a higher risk of suicide and premature death. Now, inmates say the new privileges have had a visible impact on mental health. 'It made me feel a little bit human again after all these years,' death row inmate Robert Roberson, said. But the program's future is uncertain. A second group recreation pod opened briefly earlier this year, only to be shut down without explanation. The department confirmed it intends to move forward, but gave no timeline. For now, Medrano remains one of the few prisoners experiencing a version of community inside one of the country's most isolated prison systems. These days, when he steps out of his cell, his hands are usually full - carrying a Bible, hymn sheets, or snacks for the group. 'It's definitely helped give them something to look forward to,' Dickerson said. 'All it takes is one bad event, and that could shut it down for a long time. And they understand that because they've been behind those doors for so long - they know what they have to lose probably more than anybody else.'
