Good morning, Texas. Here's what you need to know today. 

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Today’s highs are pushing even hotter than yesterday as we break into the 90s across Central Texas. Expect sunny skies and a light southerly breeze. But the real challenge comes Friday, with critical fire weather conditions as temperatures skyrocket into the 90s and winds pick up out of the southwest, gusting to over 25 mph. The good news? A much-needed cool down is on the way this weekend as temperatures fall back to near-normal in the upper 70s, offering a brief break from the heat.

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Around Texas 

1. Sen. Ted Cruz threatens subpoenas as he probes GOP targets on DEI, migrants and tech

As he wields his new chairmanship of the Senate Commerce Committee, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has secured several victories by threatening to subpoena targets of his oversight investigations and pledged more will come if companies and organizations don’t comply with his inquiries.

In recent weeks, Cruz threatened a tech company he accused of “deplatforming” conservative organizations, a consulting firm that conducts diversity training for federal workers and Massport, the Massachusetts Port Authority, with subpoenas.

2. Trump administration cuts ties, ends suit against company alleging abuse at child migrant shelters

The Trump administration moved to drop a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the largest provider of housing for migrant children over allegations of sexual abuse and harassment of unaccompanied minors, saying it also would no longer be using that company's services.

The complaint alleged a litany of offenses between 2015 and 2023 as Southwest Key Programs, which operates migrant shelters in Texas, Arizona and California, amassed nearly $3 billion in contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services.

3. Where’s the beef? New York restaurant owner takes on Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over 'Texas strip' comments

Todd Shapiro, owner of the War Room Tavern in Albany, New York, is entering a legal battle with Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over Patrick's comments proposing the New York strip steak be called the Texas strip steak. 

Shapiro told the New York Times that his lawyers have sent a cease-and-desist letter to Patrick to begin the process of bringing forward a lawsuit, which alleges that changing the name of the cut of meat would bring economic harm to restaurateurs.

In this Tuesday, June 15, 2021 photograph, beef is displayed in the meat department at Lambert's Rainbow Market, in Westwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Around The Nation

1. Schumer says Senate Republicans don't have votes to break filibuster on spending bill

2. EPA head says he'll roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including rules on climate change

3. Harvey Weinstein's looming #MeToo retrial takes shape as judge rules on what jury will hear

Don't Miss This

Deep in the Heart of Texas  
The premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King.” (Spectrum News 1/Kelsey Leffingwell)

A standing ovation followed the captivating South by Southwest showing of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’

At the South by Southwest premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King,” the audience, captivated by the film, rose to their feet in a standing ovation, with a roar of approval echoing through the venue.