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‘Sacred Covenant’ – How the Paxton divorce rocks the bruising Republican Senate primary in Texas

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton came out strong Friday morning, announcing a “historic” $2.9 million fundraising haul over the past three months for his Republican Senate campaign.

Paxton, a MAGA champion and longtime ally of President Donald Trump – who has been battered over the past decade by multiple controversies – is primary challenging longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, in what is shaping up to be an expensive and bitterly brutal battle.

The fundraising announcement by Paxton came hours after a new development rocked the Lone Star State’s primary race.

Paxton’s wife, Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, a Republican, announced Thursday that she’s filed for divorce from her longtime husband.

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‘BIBLICAL GROUNDS’ – KEN PAXTON’S WIFE FILES FOR DIVORCE 

Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton (right), seen at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 with her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on Thursday announced that she had filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” the state senator wrote in a social media post.

“I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation,” she added. “But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.”

In his own statement, Ken Paxton said that “after facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives.”

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The attorney general added that “I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.”

TRUMP ALLY PAXTON LAUNCHES SENATE PRIMARY CHALLENGE IN TEXAS

Paxton, who first won election as Texas attorney general in 2014 and has been re-elected twice, was impeached a couple of years ago by the Texas House of Representatives on allegations of corruption, which included claims related to an extramarital affair. He was later acquitted by the state Senate.

A veteran Texas-based Republican strategist, when asked how the divorce bombshell will impact the Senate primary, said the key is whether there are more damaging revelations to come.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an event outside the Texas Statehouse, on Feb. 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas.  (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)

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“Most people I’m talking to are expecting a lot more details in this story that Republican primary voters aren’t going to be too happy about,” said the strategist, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely. “I think there is quite more to come and soon.”

Paxton, in his fundraising release, highlighted that he was “blown away by the support I’ve received since launching my campaign. The grassroots movement to fire John Cornyn continues to grow stronger every single day, and this is only just the beginning.” 

“Our voters have been excited to send John Cornyn packing for years, which is why he’s down over 20 points, and his campaign is getting more and more desperate,” Paxton said, as he pointed to a number of recent polls indicating his lead over the senator.

Thanks to his strong support among MAGA world, polling has never been Paxton’s’ problem in taking on Cornyn.

The more important issue was whether he could compete financially with a senator with a history of strong fundraising.

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Cornyn’s campaign has yet to announce its second quarter fundraising. But Texans for a Conservative Majority, a Cornyn-aligned super PAC, announced on July 1 that they had raked in $10.9 million over the past three months.

A separate GOP consultant in Texas, who also asked for anonymity, said Paxton needs to quickly answer questions to make sure supporters and donors don’t jump ship.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, seen at a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, on March 14, 2025, is running for re-election next year.  (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

“The people that are backing him with their public support, such as elected officials, or people who are backing him financially, are going to want answers very quickly, as in today, about what’s the damage. Is this true? Do you deny it? What other issues may come up if your spouse is looking to tell their version of the truth,” the consultant said.

And the consultant noted that what Paxton’s wife says going forward will be crucial.

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“State Sen. Angele Paxton had been by Ken’s side for the entire saga over the last decade and up close and personal with all the issues he’s been accused of. She’s been front and center for it all.”

While Cornyn’s campaign didn’t put out any statement regarding the divorce news, it did issue a release titled: “Ken Paxton’s TERRIBLE week.”

It included a social media post from Matt Schaeffer, a conservative former member of the state legislature who argued that “Paxton is morally unfit to hold office.”

While Trump has stayed neutral in the primary so far, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) are backing Cornyn.

GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas speaks during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 2024. Reuters/Mike Segar

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There’s a possibility another Republican could enter the Senate primary.

Three-term Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising MAGA star who represents a Houston-area district, has been mulling a Senate run. Sources confirmed to Fox News earlier this year that Hunt had made his case to President Donald Trump’s political team that he’s the only person who can win both a GOP primary and a general election.

And on Friday, a Texas-based conservative strategist who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, told Fox News he believes “Hunt is still the only candidate in Texas that can win the primary and the general election.”

A different consultant noted that “the possibility that Ken will exit the race changes the dynamics dramatically,” and that “it absolutely does give Hunt something to think about.”

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Hunt, along with Cornyn and GOP Sen. Ted Cruz joined the president on Friday on a flight from the nation’s capital to Texas on board Air Force One, as Trump traveled to the state to survey damage from horrific flooding that grabbed national headlines this week.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Water main break floods West Hollywood streets, traps cars

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Water main break floods West Hollywood streets, traps cars

A broken water main sent water gushing from an apartment building and turned nearby streets into rivers in West Hollywood early Thursday morning. The break was reported around 3 a.m. near Holloway Drive and Sunset Boulevard. “It’s a rupture of one of the significant mains that goes through here. West Hollywood, as it turns out, […]

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Los Angeles, Ca

Remains of murder victim identified as missing Southern California millionaire 

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Remains of murder victim identified as missing Southern California millionaire 

After more than four decades, the remains of a woman who was found buried in the mountains of Riverside County were identified as a multi-millionaire who went missing in 1981.

The body of Thelma Gaston was discovered by a person gathering firewood in a mountainous area near Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Pinyon Crest community on Nov. 28, 1981.

After experiencing a series of heartbreaking life events, including the death of her husband and her 32-year-old son in the same year in 1957, Gaston continued forging ahead, focusing on her business of buying repossessed properties and selling them. 

By 1980, she had amassed a fortune estimated to be over $20 million, SFGATE reported.

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On June 28, 1981, a note was left on the front door of her home near Century City, saying she was out searching for her cat. However, she never returned home and her loved ones did not hear from her.

By then, Gaston was 80 years old. As Los Angeles Police Department detectives investigated her disappearance, they discovered a younger man, Lawrence Remsen, then 39, had recently entered her life and was the woman’s romantic companion, SFGATE reported.

At one point, the woman’s friends said Gaston had wondered about Remsen’s motives in being with her.

Police eventually found letters and documents reportedly signed by Gaston that gave Remsen power of attorney. Another letter allegedly written by the woman claimed she had run away “to have some fun in life.” However, her friends said the move was completely out of character.

Detectives later confirmed the letters were certified with a stolen notary stamp and her signatures were believed to be forged. 

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Remsen had tried selling some of Gaston’s properties and attempted to withdraw more than $100,000 from her bank accounts. Remsen eventually fled the Southern California area.

A few months later, he was arrested by border agents when he tried to enter the U.S. from Mexico. He was charged with Gaston’s murder even though the woman’s body had not been found.

During a trial hearing, Remsen later claimed he found the woman dead of natural causes in her home and, attempting to take her fortune, had disposed of her body in the ocean.

The judge disagreed and later ruled that Remsen had killed the woman “intentionally and with malice.” He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Gaston’s body was later discovered buried in a shallow grave in the mountains. However, due to the poor condition of the remains, investigators were unable to narrow down an identity.

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A breakthrough occurred in 2022 when the Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau received new funding to reexamine long-standing unidentified cases. 

“Combined with significant advances in forensic science, this funding opened new avenues for identification,” the sheriff’s office said.

In May 2026, utilizing investigative genetic genealogy and dental records, the remains were positively identified as Gaston’s.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to everyone whose dedication, expertise, and perseverance made this identification possible,” officials said in a statement. “Together, these efforts have ensured that Ms. Gaston has her name—and her story—returned to her.”

Remsen, who is now 83 years old, continues serving his life sentence at the California Institution for Men in Chino.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

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Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.

“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.

An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.

“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

Southern California will be under an extreme heat warning from July 14-16, 2026. (National Weather Service)

Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.

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The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.

A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.

Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.

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