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

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Rain chances linger into Friday and the upcoming weekend, but coverage will be unimpressive. Most areas stay dry with a mix of clouds and sun and temperatures below normal. We'll flip the switch next week as we transition into a warmer and drier pattern. 

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Today's Big Stories

1. Uvalde school officer pleads not guilty to charges of failing to protect kids during attack

A former Uvalde, Texas, school police officer who was part of the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Thursday. 

Adrian Gonzales was one of the nearly 400 law enforcement personnel who responded to the scene but then waited more than 70 minutes to confront the shooter inside the school. Teary-eyed family members were in the courtroom in the small Texas town to watch as Gonzales was arraigned on charges of abandoning and failing to protect children who were killed and wounded.

2. Southwest breaks 50-year tradition, plans to start assigning seats

Southwest Airlines plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom.

The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.

Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue. 

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 lands at Manchester Boston Regional Airport, June 2, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

3. 'Bring it on': Harris says teachers 'shape the future of our nation' at union convention in Houston

During a fiery speech to members of the American Federation of Teachers, Vice President Kamala Harris encouraged the union to “bring it on” and fight for the country’s future and its freedoms.

Saying she is a “proud product of public education,” she credited her first grade teacher with laying the foundation for her to run for president of the United States.

During the annual AFT convention in Houston on Thursday, Harris drew a contrast between the Democrats’ future-focused vision for the United States and what she said was the GOP’s focus on the past.

4. NASA considers ‘back-up option’ to bring Starliner crew home safely

While NASA and Boeing are determined to bring home two astronauts on the International Space Station in the troubled Starliner spacecraft, a NASA official confirmed to Spectrum News that the space agency is considering a "back-up option."

During a teleconference on Thursday, NASA and Boeing officials said they are not ready to give a return date for Boeing’s Starliner as they share new updates on the maiden crew flight.

The mission was supposed to be a minimum of eight days, but it has entered day 50 as of Thursday.

Notes for Tomorrow

In Case You Missed It 

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb isn't reporting to Cowboys camp, AP source says

CeeDee Lamb is not reporting to training camp while he waits for a new contract, a person familiar with the All-Pro wide receiver's decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Lamb skipped the Cowboys' June minicamp, which started the day after Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson agreed to the richest non-quarterback contract in NFL history.