Good evening, Texas. We're wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

The threat for flooding and severe weather continues tonight and into Friday morning for deep south Texas. For Austin, San Antonio and DFW, rounds of rain will continue to move in overnight and during the Friday morning commute. Severe weather is not expected, but some minor flooding is possible. Rain moves out by Friday evening. The weekend will be notably warmer, with low-end chances for rain. 

Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas

Introducing Spectrum News+
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.

---

Today's Big Stories

1. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman, grilled over Signal chat

Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, previously a congressman from Texas, has been scrutinized for a significant security breach. The controversy emerged after it was discovered that top defense and intelligence officials, including Ratcliffe, used the encrypted messaging app Signal to share sensitive information about a military strike in Yemen.

Despite facing criticism from fellow lawmakers for this unconventional use of communication, Ratcliffe defended his actions during a congressional hearing, claiming no classified information was shared and emphasizing the success of the mission. However, concerns were raised about the security of using such apps for sensitive discussions, with experts and Texas senators acknowledging the incident as a misstep, albeit with an ultimately successful outcome.

2. N.Y. county clerk refuses to file Texas' fine for doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills

A county clerk in New York refused Thursday to file a more than $100,000 judgment from Texas against a doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas, setting up a potential challenge to laws designed to shield abortion providers who serve patients in states with abortion bans.

A Texas judge last month ordered Dr. Margaret Carpenter, who practices north of New York City, to pay the penalty for allegedly breaking that state's law by prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine. 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton makes a statement at his office, May 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

3. Department of Health and Human Services will cut nearly 25% of staff

The Department of Health and Human Services will reduce its staff by about 25%, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a video message on X on Thursday morning.

Kennedy said the staff reductions are intended to make the agency more efficient and effective as it strives to improve the nation’s health.

4. Europe lashes out over Trump auto tariffs, says it will hurt consumers on both continents

The new 25% import tax announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday "will hurt global automakers and US manufacturing at the same time," the European Automobile Manufacturers' association said in a statement.

The head of Germany's auto industry association, VDA, said the tariffs would weigh on car makers and every company in the deeply interwoven global supply chain "with negative consequences above all for consumers, including in North America."

Notes for Tomorrow

In Case You Missed It

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Frito-Lay recalls Tostitos chips in 13 states because they may contain undeclared milk

Frito-Lay said Wednesday that the recall includes less than 1,300 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. The bags could contain nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips, which are made with milk.