The Virts Campaign
I guess we will find out in the coming days, weeks, or months if today’s hard copy Chron headline is a bit overdramatic. See the featured photo.
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Terry Virts is an astronaut who has spent 213 days in space. He recently tweeted that he is a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senator from Texas. See his tweet:
I’m launching a campaign for U.S. Senate. I’m seeking to serve Texas because I love my country—I believe in its ideals and values. I’m an Air Force Colonel and an astronaut, but really, I’m an American first, a Texan second, and a common-sense Democrat 3rd. It’s time for change.
Here is from his campaign website:
I’ve orbited Earth 3,400 times wearing an American flag on my flight suit. I’ve seen Texas from space — from the rocky and dusty expanse of the Permian Basin to the turquoise pastels of the Gulf coast. A great land that is home to ranchers in Bandera, roughnecks in Midland, teachers in Houston, nurses in El Paso, line cooks in Dallas and millions of other Texans in one view. It strikes you from up there just how connected we are and how special Texas is.
But Texas is in trouble. This administration has brought constant chaos to Washington. The corruption is unprecedented. Our constitution is under attack. The crisis is real and it’s hurting ordinary Texans.
Attacking problems head on is what I do. At 17, I joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. I’ve flown combat missions over Iraq, tested the world’s fastest jets and commanded the International Space Station. But that’s not the most important thing about who I really am—most of all I’m a dad, a grandfather, a Christian, and a Texan. I want a better future for my kids and grandkids, and I believe with all my heart that’s possible.
But it demands a course-correction for our politicians. Honesty, courage, and a clean break from the past. But unbelievably, Washington Democratic leaders are still clinging to the same old ideas and tired playbooks that got us in the mess to begin with. So unless we want Corrupt Ken Paxton as the next senator from Texas, we need a common-sense Democrat willing to call out the BS—just as I’ve been doing my whole life.
America is the greatest country on Earth and Texas is the greatest state in the union. I’m running for U.S. Senate because too much damage has already been done and D.C. Democrats have been unable to stop it. And I am making a simple promise to ordinary Texans: I’m on your side. I will fight for you, I will tell you the truth, and I won’t claim to have a magic wand that will make all your problems go away. When it comes time to vote I will choose YOU over billionaires and multi-national corporations. I’m launching this mission with gratitude, faith, and purpose. I’m an American first, a Texan second, and a common-sense Democrat third. I’m running because it’s time for change.
Here is his website: HOME | Terry Virts for Texas.
We will see how his campaign is received by Democrats across Texas. Let’s see if he can raise the dough. Good luck.
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Commentary is a Kroger guy. I have three nearby. One on N. Shepherd and 11th. Another on Studemont near I-10. And the other on Yale and 20th. I saw this on the “Today” website:
Kroger, the retail and pharmacy operator of supermarkets and department stores, says it will close approximately 60 of its stores nationwide over the next 18 months.
The grocery giant, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, disclosed the news in its first quarter 2025 earnings report released on June 20. Alongside positive financial results and updates, including a 15% increase in eCommerce sales, Kroger disclosed a $100 million impairment charge tied to the upcoming closures.
The closures come as the company strategizes streamlining operations and reinvesting in areas that show stronger growth.
Kroger did not immediately respond to TODAY.com’s request for a statement regarding the closures.
The company’s earnings report says nearly 410,000 employees work to serve its over 11 million customers. Read on for what we know about who will be affected.
Kroger’s earnings report indicates the closures are part of a broader effort to reduce costs and enhance growth.
Kroger’s report of the 60 store closures does not include a list of specific locations. It does suggest that it will base its decision on long-term financial performance, store overlap and customer behavior.
For years, there have been rumors that the store on Yale and 20th would be shut down. I would hope not. It is a smaller store but it attracts a steady flow of shoppers. It is convenient for a quick stop and shop. Stay tuned!
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I recevied a letter from CenterPoint on Friday informing me that they will be conducting infrastructure improvements in my neighborhood this Friday and that power will be shut off for approximately six hours beginning at 8 am. Drats. Well, at least we are getting a heads up.
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The Astros are playing good baseball. We are in first place in the AL West. We have not reached the halfway point of the baseball season, so there are plenty of games to play. We do have a a tough homie that gets underway tomorrow. The NL East first place Phillies are in for three followed by the NL Central first place Cubbies for a weekend series.
