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TOP STORY
Apple to Build Mac Mini Computers in Houston
Apple announced it will begin manufacturing its Mac mini desktop computers in Houston later this year. This move highlights the company's strategy to increase onshore production within the U.S., aiming to boost local jobs and reduce overseas dependence.
If you’re in Houston or nearby, this means new manufacturing jobs could be coming to your community soon. Increased local production can strengthen the economy right here at home and potentially speed up access to Apple's products. For tech enthusiasts and workers alike, this signals growth in Texas’s role in the tech supply chain.
Source: NWA Online
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 65.8600 | ▲ 0.35% |
Gas (Nat.) | 2.8280 | ▲ 0.18% |
Cotton | 0.6636 / lb | ▲ 0.38% |
Cattle | 2.4500 / lb | ▲ 2.46% |
S&P 500 | 6891.04 | ▲ 0.14% |
Dow Jones | 49185.98 | ▲ 0.08% |
Nasdaq | 22863.79 | ▲ 0.14% |
The Year-End Moves No One’s Watching
Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.
In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.
Elite Trade Club is your morning shortcut: a curated selection of the setups that still matter this year — the headlines that move stocks, catalysts on deck, and where smart money is positioning before New Year’s. One read. Five minutes. Actionable clarity.
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Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 84.9 | 55.2 |
Houston | 79.9 | 60.6 |
Austin | 89.8 | 56.3 |
San Antonio | 90.3 | 53.6 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Politics and Economy
UT President Davis Declines Media Interviews, Raising Transparency Concerns
Jim Davis, UT Austin’s first non-academic president in over a century, has reshaped campus operations but declined all interview requests in his first year. His refusal to engage with media contrasts with past presidents and follows the loss of faculty senate forums due to state legislation, raising alarms over decreased transparency at Texas’ flagship university.
As a UT student, employee, or Texas resident, Davis's silence affects your ability to understand campus decisions directly impacting education quality and university culture. Without media access or faculty input, the community loses key voices and oversight on changes like course consolidations and safety measures. This new communication style signals a shift in public accountability that could influence trust in one of Texas’ largest educational institutions.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Voting rights groups sued after Tarrant County limited public input and approved a disputed redistricting map, setting up legal fights over representation and council transparency.
A second city joined Plano in canceling their May election to leave DART while three other municipalities kept the vote, highlighting regional transit and local governance tensions.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales resisted calls to resign after reports of an affair with a former staffer who later died, intensifying scrutiny of his conduct and office ethics.
Tech and Business
Waymo expands robotaxi service to Texas and Florida
Waymo is launching its self-driving robotaxis in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, expanding its fleet to 10 major U.S. cities. This move boosts access to autonomous ride services in key Texas markets and Florida, aiming to transform urban transportation.
You might start seeing Waymo’s robotaxis cruising Texas streets soon, changing how you get around in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. This expansion could make rides cheaper and more convenient, especially if you’re tired of traffic or parking hassles. It’s a glimpse at how self-driving cars could reshape daily commutes and local transit options across Texas and beyond.
Source: The Frederick News-post
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Austin court weighs CrowdStrike trade secrets lawsuit
Austin’s business court debated if it can hear GoSecure’s intellectual property lawsuit against CrowdStrike, which claims trade secrets were stolen to build its Falcon platform. CrowdStrike contests Austin as its home, citing a California headquarters, while GoSecure says Austin has deep business ties.
If you’re working tech or cybersecurity in Austin, this lawsuit could affect the local business climate for major players like CrowdStrike. The case’s venue might influence how companies protect their innovations and choose where to base operations. Plus, it highlights growing pains as Texas attracts tech giants competing for talent and market share.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
San Antonio transit leaders rejected a proposal for a free bus ride pilot, citing budget shortfalls, safety concerns, and impacts on planned expansion projects.
Microsoft’s chief scientist urged stronger AI governance to address long-term societal effects and guide future policy decisions around powerful artificial intelligence systems.
Sports
No. 4 Texas Hosts No. 23 Georgia Lady Bulldogs
Texas, ranked fourth, faces No. 23 Georgia in their first meeting this season after Madison Booker scored 23 points in Texas' dominant 92-42 win over Mississippi State. Texas boasts a perfect 17-0 home record and excels in games decided by double digits, while Georgia holds a balanced 7-7 conference record.
If you're a fan of women's college basketball, Texas' strong home streak means you can expect an exciting, high-energy game when Georgia visits. Madison Booker's recent performance shows Texas is firing on all cylinders, which could affect local sports bars and community watch parties. Whether rooting for the Longhorns or Lady Bulldogs, this matchup highlights the growing competitiveness in SEC women's basketball and offers a glimpse of postseason potential.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
San Antonio looks to extend its nine-game win streak against Toronto, a run that has boosted the Spurs’ confidence and improved their Western Conference standing late in the season.
Robinson and Edmonds led TCU in a 90-78 victory over Arizona State, a result that bolsters the Horned Frogs’ NCAA tournament resume with momentum heading into March play.
Texas Southern hosts Alcorn State after Taliyah Logwood’s 33-point performance, a matchup that could affect SWAC seeding as the conference schedule winds down.
Texas Geological Insight
Texas is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on 1.1-billion-year-old Precambrian rock, exposed at the Llano Uplift in Central Texas. These rocks are some of the oldest on the North American continent, created long before dinosaurs, mountains, or even modern continents existed.