Texas Evening Briefing July 16

Good evening, Texas. We end the day with the most important information you need to know and your weather forecast.

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The scorching heat continues for another day in Texas.

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Top Texas Officials Skip Republican National Convention

Two prominent Texas leaders were absent from the Republican National Convention that began Monday in Milwaukee. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced he would not attend the convention at all this week, while Gov. Greg Abbott’s attendance is not yet known. Both based their decision on the needs of Texans in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

Abbott is one of several Texas Republicans scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention this week. After being on official business in Asia when Hurricane Beryl made landfall, Abbott told reporters in Houston that he would remain in Texas until Monday.

2. Dallas cop accused of writing ‘aim better’ after Trump assassination attempt under investigation

Dallas Police Department Sergeant Arturo Martinez is under investigation for allegedly writing “aim better” on social media following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump over the weekend.

On Saturday, the department received an internal complaint about a comment made by an officer on “a social media platform.” Martinez has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation, according to the department.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage during a campaign event in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

3. Senator Bob Menendez Corruption Trial Jury Returns Verdict

The corruption trial of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez ends after the jury’s decision. Menendez faces 16 federal charges, including bribery, obstruction, fraud and acting as a foreign agent.

Menendez, who previously served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before resigning after being indicted, is accused of accepting bribes in cash, gold and luxury cars from three businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. He has pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.

4. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, dies at 69

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died, his alma mater announced Tuesday.

Bryant, who spent eight seasons in the NBA with three different franchises, was 69. The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing La Salle coach Fran Dunphy, reported that Joe Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke.

Notes for tomorrow

In case you missed it

Los Angeles Dodgers National League player Teoscar Hernández poses for photos with the winner’s trophy after the MLB All-Star home run derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez wins Home Run Derby

Teoscar Hernández won the Home Run Derby by defeating local star Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals 14-13 in the final round Monday night.

Hernandez, 31, hit 49 homers in three innings for a total of 3.98 miles and became the first Dodgers player to win the derby among 11 who tried.