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Wildfires rage in Texas, Florida, forcing evacuations and road closures

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Wildfires rage in Texas, Florida, forcing evacuations and road closures


Wildfires driven by dry weather and strong winds spread across parts of the southern United States on Thursday, leading to evacuations in Texas and road closures in Florida amid peak spring break travel.

A helicopter drops a bucket to gather water to battle the Pauline Road wildfire Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Cleveland, Texas.(AP)

In Texas, a wildfire in Sam Houston National Forest, near Houston, forced around 900 households to evacuate and led to school closures. The National Weather Service issued heightened fire risk warnings in the region, including around Houston, the country’s fourth-largest city.

The fire, which ignited on Wednesday, had scorched roughly 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometers) by Thursday morning and was only 10 percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

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So far, no injuries or property damage have been reported. However, as a precaution, the Cleveland Independent School District, which serves around 12,000 students, suspended classes for the day.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough praised emergency responders for their efforts in preventing losses. “Firefighters and law enforcement did an incredible job yesterday protecting homes, animals, livestock, and people. It’s hard to believe we’ve lost basically nothing,” he said.

Despite containment efforts, officials remain on high alert. Keough warned that increasing wind gusts and falling humidity levels could worsen conditions. “We’re asking evacuees to remain away from their homes for now,” he said.

Florida Keys fire disrupts travel

A large brush fire that ignited on Tuesday in the Florida Keys led to intermittent closures of US 1, the main highway connecting the islands to the mainland. Authorities also shut down one of the two access roads as crews moved firefighting equipment.

The fire comes as Florida experiences peak spring break travel. US 1 remains a vital route for tourists and local workers commuting to hotels and restaurants in Key Largo and beyond.

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Arkansas battles dozens of fires

In Arkansas, firefighters responded to more than 50 wildfires on Wednesday, driven by strong winds. The fires forced road closures, including a section of Interstate 530 near Little Rock, due to heavy smoke.

Flames caused structural damage in multiple cities, including North Little Rock, where the roof of St. Joseph’s, a 115-year-old building that once served as an orphanage, collapsed. The building now houses a nonprofit focused on urban farming.

Drought and winds fuel the fires

Dry and cold weather, followed by gusting winds, has created conditions ripe for wildfires across the South.

In Texas, fire risks stretch from the northern Panhandle, where frozen vegetation has dried out, to the coastal regions. South Florida, which has seen little rain in recent weeks, is expected to experience another dry cold front on Thursday night, meteorologist Donal Harrigan of the National Weather Service in Miami said.

With AP inputs

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Trump says he hasn’t decided endorsement in Texas Senate race

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Trump says he hasn’t decided endorsement in Texas Senate race


President Trump is not ready to weigh in on the Republican Senate primary in Texas as early voting gets underway across the state.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late Monday that the GOP race had “a ways to go,” and signaled he was not yet ready to throw his support behind incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) or challengers Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas).

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“I just haven’t made a decision on that race yet. It’s got a ways to go, and I haven’t,” Trump said when asked about his potential endorsement plans.

“I like all three of them, actually. Those are the toughest races. They’ve all supported me. They’re all good. You’re supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens. But I support all three,” the president added.

Trump indicated earlier this month that he was “taking a serious look” at endorsing in the race, pledging a decision soon.  

“You know, my problem is I’m friendly with all of them. I like all of them, all three,” he said at the time. “But you’ll be seeing soon,” he added. “They say whoever I endorse wins. That’s probably right.” 

Trump also said aboard Air Force One in April that he would determine a potential endorsement in the GOP primary “at the right time.”

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Cornyn is seeking the nomination for a fifth term in Washington in a closely watched, bitter primary that has attracted millions of dollars.

Early voting starts Tuesday across the Lone Star State and runs through Feb. 27, with the election to be held on March 3. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to a May 26 runoff.

A runoff appears likely as recent polling suggests a tight three-way race. Paxton led with 31.9 percent of the vote as of Feb. 11, according to Decision Desk HQ’s polling averages, followed by Cornyn at 27.7 percent and Hunt at 19.3 percent.

A competitive primary also awaits on the Democratic side, where Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) is facing off against Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D).

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely Republican.

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Daring rescue after researcher hurt deep underground in Texas cave

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Daring rescue after researcher hurt deep underground in Texas cave


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Rescue crews in West Texas spent hours getting a researcher out of a cave, hundreds of feet below ground, after a rock hit her in the head. Teams had to navigate steep drops and squeeze through crevices to get her to safety. NBC News’ Ryan Chandler reports.

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Walk for Peace monks return to Texas, reflection event planned

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Walk for Peace monks return to Texas, reflection event planned


After an arduous 112-day journey spanning more than 2,300 miles, a group of Buddhist monks has officially completed their cross-country “Walk for Peace.” The trek, which began in October, reached its heartfelt conclusion over the weekend as the monks returned to their home temple in Texas.

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The mission of the walk was to foster a sense of national unity and global harmony. Upon their arrival, the monks were greeted by a dedicated community of volunteers and supporters eager to hear the spiritual lessons and insights gathered from their four-month journey across the American landscape. Local residents expressed a deep “obsession” with the mission, describing the peaceful demonstration as a vital movement for the country’s current social climate.

The homecoming also featured a special appearance by Aloka, the monks’ famous four-legged companion. The dog had been sidelined several weeks ago for surgery, but after a successful recovery, he was able to join the group for the final, celebratory moments of the walk. 

While the physical miles are behind them, the monks maintain that their work to bridge divides across the world is a continuous, lifelong commitment. Venerable Bhikku Pannakara, who led the walk, made a vow to the public during a homecoming speech on Saturday.

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“I promise you all that whenever it is, you will be able to walk on this path, I will walk with you all, and together we will walk on this path. If you don’t leave me, I will not leave you,” he told supporters who gathered in the pouring rain to welcome the monks home. 

The monks have invited volunteers and the public to join them for a reflection on their journey and a special announcement at 9 p.m. Monday at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. A New Year lunar celebration will follow.

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How to follow the monks

For those who are unable to attend any gatherings in person, the monks are very active on social media, livestreaming and posting multiple times per day.

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Their dog, Aloka, who is also making the journey with the monks also has his own social media accounts.

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