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Around Texas 

1. Some GOP candidates propose acts of war against Mexico to stop fentanyl. Experts say that won't work

Many of the GOP presidential candidates say they would carry out potential acts of war against Mexico in response to the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. More than 75,000 people in the U.S. died last year from overdoses of synthetic opioids, an annual figure more than 20 times higher than a decade ago.

Ron DeSantis wants suspected drug smugglers at the U.S.-Mexico border to be shot dead. Nikki Haley promises to send American special forces into Mexico. Vivek Ramaswamy has accused Mexico's leader of treating drug cartels as his “sugar daddy” and says that if he is elected president, “there will be a new daddy in town.”

2. Inmate captured after escape from prison in Greater Houston

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice caught a prison escapee in the Greater Houston area Saturday.

Cadarion Avery, 20, slipped away from authorities late Friday evening. He was imprisoned at the Clemens Unit for theft, serving a five-year sentence.

According to TDCJ, “Avery walked away from the trusty camp, a housing location outside the main prison for inmates serving non-violent sentences.”

3. Oklahoma and Texas could bid farewell to Big 12 with Red River rivalry rematch in title game

Oklahoma and Texas might not be done just yet playing each other in the Big 12 before going to the Southeastern Conference.

Midway through the farewell season for the Big 12’s only remaining members with national championships, the fifth-ranked Sooners and No. 9 Longhorns again have established themselves as the league’s top two teams.

Texas defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) reacts to giving up the winning touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Around the Nation

1. Israeli and Palestinian supporters rally across U.S. as Israel declares war after Hamas attack

2. Biden faces more criticism about the U.S.-Mexico border, one of his biggest problems heading into 2024

3. New restrictions could make sex education for LGBTQ students worse

Don't Miss This

Deep in the Heart of Texas 

A general view of the stage is pictured at the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. This year's CMT Music Awards will be a merging of country, rock and blues straight from the heart of Texas. The show will be hosted by Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini and fan-favorite Lainey Wilson is the leading nominee with four nominations. The CMT Music Awards airs live Sunday on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

CMT Awards returning to Austin in 2024

With everything being bigger in Texas, in 2023, the CMT Music Awards scored the biggest audience in awards-show history. It seems that the networks are hoping for a repeat in 2024. 

Returning for a second year in a row, on April 7, fans will be welcome to enjoy the show from a seat at the Moody Center in Austin. The show starts at 7 p.m. Fans can expect the show to start at 7 p.m. CT and last until 10 p.m. CT.