SUMMARY: James Lovell, NASA astronaut and Apollo 13 commander, died at 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Lovell flew four missions, including Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13. Apollo 8 was the first mission to orbit the moon, delivering iconic Earth photography and comforting a tumultuous 1968 America. Apollo 13’s oxygen tank explosion transformed the mission into a harrowing survival story, showcasing NASA’s crisis management and Lovell’s calm leadership. Though never walking on the moon, Lovell’s role cemented his legacy. Portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film “Apollo 13,” he remained a symbol of courage, ingenuity, and perseverance in space exploration.

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SUMMARY: Game wardens recently relocated a 10.5-foot, nearly 300-pound alligator from Eagle Mountain Lake in North Texas. The giant reptile, nicknamed “Big Dude,” had been spotted near neighborhoods and posed a safety concern. Wildlife experts quickly responded after neighbors reported the animal close by, setting traps and using boats to capture him. After a challenging effort involving a tug-of-war, they finally secured Big Dude by placing a bag over his head. The alligator is native to the area and has been relocated to a nature reserve, tagged, and incorporated into an ongoing research project with the state’s Parks and Wildlife Division.

A 10-foot alligator has been safely relocated after being removed from Eagle Mountain Lake Thursday.

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SUMMARY: Cesium Astro, a Texas-based telecommunications equipment company, is building “the most advanced satellite spacecraft factory” in western Travis County, backed by a $10 million state grant promoted by Governor Greg Abbott. The new factory will produce Element, a next-generation telecommunications satellite designed to provide secure, high-speed internet to remote areas, airborne platforms, and military operations. The Texas Space Commission (TSC), established in 2023, oversees $300 million in grants for space industry growth. Cesium Astro’s expansion exemplifies Texas’s push to become a major player in the space economy, projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2035, with Element’s launch planned for summer 2026.

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