TOP STORY
Austin Judge Set to Exonerate Yogurt Shop Murder Suspects

A Travis County judge is expected to formally exonerate four men falsely accused of a 1991 Austin yogurt shop killing. New DNA evidence points to a different suspect, bringing closure to one of the city’s darkest cold cases. The event marks an official acknowledgment of wrongful conviction after years of legal limbo.
If you’ve ever worried about justice missed or lives upended by wrongful convictions, this is a powerful example. These four men spent years branded criminals for a crime they didn’t commit, their families carrying that burden too. Seeing the court declare their innocence not only restores their names but highlights how flawed police methods can destroy lives. This moment could also change how law enforcement approaches confessions and rebuild trust in the system.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 63.0400 | ▲ 0.13% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.0180 | ▼ 0.13% |
Cotton | 0.6396 / lb | ▲ 0.14% |
Cattle | 2.4620 / lb | ▲ 1.40% |
S&P 500 | 6846.03 | ▼ 0.01% |
Dow Jones | 49548.30 | ▼ 0.02% |
Nasdaq | 22586.32 | ▲ 0.00% |
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 | 79.5 | 57.6 |
Houston | 79.0 | 64.4 |
Austin | 84.9 | 63.1 |
San Antonio | 84.2 | 63.0 |
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
Democrats Seize Texas Seat With Taylor Rehmet Victory

Taylor Rehmet's unexpected win in a Texas State Senate special election signals a potential shift for Democrats in a traditionally Republican district. Rehmet's 14-point win flipped a seat Trump had carried by 17 points. This victory highlights growing Democratic momentum amid shifting demographics and a challenging environment for Republicans.
If you’re following Texas politics, this election shows how changing voter attitudes might affect your local and state leadership soon. A Democrat winning where Republicans long dominated suggests your community could see different priorities and policies in areas like education, healthcare, and public safety. It also means political campaigns might ramp up, with more resources flowing here to influence the November elections. Keeping an eye on these shifts could help you better understand how your vote shapes Texas's political future.
Source: The New York Times
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What else is happening:
As early voting begins in Texas, Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled James Talarico interview(, fueling debate over equal-time rules and candidate exposure.
National Democrats are investing in targeted campaigns to flip Bexar County seats as they target state legislative races, testing redistricting consequences ahead of November.
Texas' U.S. Senate primaries are emerging as a barometer for party strength and messaging, with implications for voter turnout and electability and enthusiasm.
Tech and Business
New Electrolytes Could Revolutionize Energy Storage

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed innovative, safer electrolytes for flow batteries that could transform large-scale energy storage. These new electrolytes allow protons to move efficiently while being less volatile and safer than traditional ones, opening doors for more durable and eco-friendly grid storage solutions.
If you’ve ever worried about electricity reliability or want cleaner energy options, this research could eventually mean more stable power from renewable sources. These safer batteries could store energy for days or weeks, helping to smooth out power fluctuations and reduce blackouts. While still in development, this breakthrough promises to make energy storage more affordable and secure, which impacts your bills and the environment.
Source: News Wise
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Austin Startup Raises $30M to Combat Manufacturing Shortages

Circuit Inc., co-founded by former Silicon Labs CEO Tyson Tuttle, secured a $30 million angel investment to develop AI software easing manufacturing labor shortages. The AI helps junior workers rapidly gain expertise from veteran employees, addressing a looming talent gap projected to leave 1.9 million manufacturing jobs vacant by 2033.
If you work in or rely on manufacturing sectors, this AI technology could help fill critical labor gaps and maintain steady production by training new employees faster. It means local factories might stay competitive and jobs more secure despite retirements slowing workforce growth. The startup’s growth in Austin also brings new tech opportunities right to Texas’ doorstep.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
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What else is happening:
Several major firms are replacing human employees with AI tools, heightening concerns about job displacement, retraining needs, and workforce shifts in Texas.
As AI reshapes learning, states vary in helping high schools scrambling to update curricula, teacher training, and equitable student access to technology.
Sports
No. 4 Texas Seeks 25th Win Versus Arkansas

Texas, ranked No. 4, aims for its 25th win this season when it faces Arkansas Thursday. Texas holds a strong 10-3 SEC record while Arkansas struggles at 0-12 in conference play. This is their first meeting this season, with Texas averaging 85.4 points per game compared to Arkansas’ 72.4.
If you're following Texas basketball, this game could highlight the Longhorns’ push toward a standout season win count. Watching players like Madison Booker and Jordan Lee perform may give you a glimpse of the team’s championship potential. For Arkansas fans, it’s a chance to rally behind their Razorbacks hoping to snap a tough SEC losing streak.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Texas Tech's season momentum was halted as JT Toppin goes down with a leg injury during an upset loss to Arizona State, creating immediate lineup and postseason concerns.
The San Antonio Spurs aim for a seventh straight win when San Antonio faces Phoenix, a matchup that could shift late-season playoff seeding for the Texas franchise.
The Houston Rockets try to extend a four-game road win streak when Houston takes on Charlotte, which would bolster their playoff push and test road resilience.
Texas Infrastructure Fact
Texas has more miles of railroads than any other U.S. state — over 10,000 miles still in operation. Built to move cattle, oil, cotton, and military supplies, Texas rail lines quietly power ports, energy exports, and interstate trade today. While highways get the spotlight, rail remains one of the state’s most critical economic backbones.

