SUMMARY: Pope Francis, who passed away recently, was known for his progressive reforms and critical stance on political issues. In 2016, he criticized Donald Trump for his focus on building walls instead of bridges, and later criticized both Trump and Biden. Francis’s removal of conservative Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland in 2019 marked a significant clash. Strickland had criticized Francis for his approach to Church reforms, including LGBTQ+ inclusion. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, with Texas ties, now leads the Church as camerlengo, overseeing Francis’s funeral and the papal conclave to select a new pope.

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SUMMARY: Patrick Wood Crusius, the El Paso Walmart shooter, pled guilty to multiple capital murder and aggravated assault charges, resulting in a life sentence without parole. Crusius, responsible for the deaths of 23 people and injuries to 22 in the 2019 attack, cited a manifesto fueled by anti-immigrant rhetoric. His defense lawyer argued Crusius suffers from mental illness, which influenced his actions. Despite this, the court focused on the victims’ resilience and community strength in the face of tragedy. The district attorney emphasized the shooter’s guilt and the need for healing, with survivors and families given an opportunity to speak.

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SUMMARY: Meteorologist Chita Craft is monitoring a Severe Thunderstorm Warning affecting eastern Harris County, western Chambers County, and southern Liberty County until 9:30 AM. Heavy rain with lightning is impacting areas from Mont Belvieu to Anowak, with significant rainfall also moving towards Friendswood, LePort, and Baytown. Although the heaviest rain occurred earlier this morning, storm activity is expected to shift southward, creating isolated thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. While rain chances may drop tomorrow, they could increase again on Wednesday. Areas like Jersey Village and Sugar Land are currently behind the storm front and should stay alert.

The warning is for parts of Harris, Liberty and Chambers County until 9:30 a.m.

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