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TOP STORY
Central Texas wildfire risk climbs with cold front
A strong, dry cold front will sweep across Central Texas this weekend, dropping temperatures sharply and bringing gusty north winds up to 35 mph. This combination of dry air and high winds has prompted a red flag warning due to elevated wildfire threats through Sunday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
If you live in Central Texas, this weekend’s weather means you’ll need to be extra careful with anything that could spark a wildfire. Gusty winds will dry out the landscape quickly, and with humidity dropping to around 10%, even a small flame could spread fast. It’s a good time to avoid outdoor burning and check local fire restrictions. The temperature drop and changing conditions also mean planning your weekend activities with safety in mind, especially if you’re in the Hill Country where frost is possible Sunday morning.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 66.31 | -0.0904% |
Gas (Nat.) | 2.984 | +0.0335% |
Cotton | 0.6562 / lb | +0.8607% |
Cattle | 2.42 / lb | -0.0207% |
S&P 500 | 6910.2202 | +0.1442% |
Dow Jones | 49628.1719 | +0.0927% |
Nasdaq | 22887.2598 | +0.2161% |
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.
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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 | 62.2 | 45.7 |
Houston | 78.8 | 58.1 |
Austin | 71.8 | 50.2 |
San Antonio | 75.6 | 54.3 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts are currently in effect.
Houston: A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9:00 AM CST February 21, issued by NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9:00 PM CST February 21, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
San Antonio: A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9:00 PM CST February 21, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Austin Teens Lead Walkout Against ICE Enforcement
About 100 Austin teenagers peacefully protested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to defend community safety and family rights. Local schools acknowledged the protests but warned of disruptions. The debate raises questions about students' right to protest versus maintaining school routines amid growing immigration tensions.
If you have kids or live near schools, you’ve likely noticed these protests shake up daily routines and spark tough conversations at home. These teenagers’ bold stands highlight the reality that ICE operations affect entire communities, not just immigrants. Whether you support or oppose immigration policies, this movement reminds you how civic engagement shapes the neighborhood and your family’s future security. As local schools juggle education and free speech, the balancing act affects your children’s classroom experience and ability to voice concerns.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Rep. Lauren Boebert mocked Rep. Jasmine Crockett and joked about an endorsement that could intentionally raise her profile in the heated Texas Senate race.
Residents, civic leaders and elected officials held an emergency meeting to oppose a proposed gas station they say would sit feet from homes and threaten neighborhood health and safety.
A national opinion piece examines how some Democrats view immigration and demographic shifts as electoral strategy, quoting a Texas lawmaker in the ongoing border security debate.
Tech and Business
NASA Targets March Launch for Artemis II Moon Mission
NASA plans to launch Artemis II in early March after resolving propellant leak issues during recent tests at Kennedy Space Center. Four astronauts will embark on a lunar fly-by mission set to break distance records since the Apollo era.
If you've ever dreamed of human space travel advancing beyond Earth's orbit, Artemis II brings that closer to reality. The mission will test the Orion spacecraft with three NASA astronauts and a Canadian astronaut on a 10-day lunar journey. Success here sets the stage for future Moon landings and could inspire new interest and investment in aerospace technologies, possibly leading to innovations impacting Texas aerospace industries.
Source: Decatur Daily
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Southwest Expands Austin Flights with Four New Routes
Southwest Airlines is adding four nonstop routes from Austin this October, including year-round flights to Memphis and seasonal services to Knoxville, Santa Rosa, and Destin. The expansion aligns with Southwest's new crew base plans at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Austin travelers will find more flight options and destinations next fall as Southwest broadens its reach, which means more convenient trips for both business and leisure. The addition of nearly 2,000 jobs through the new crew base could boost the local economy and create fresh opportunities. Plus, Southwest’s new gates at the airport hint at long-term growth that will keep Austin connected nationally.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
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What else is happening:
Chinese researchers unveiled a water battery breakthrough that can exceed 120,000 cycles, offering safer, longer-lasting storage with potential to reshape Texas renewable grid economics.
Security experts warn that facial recognition can expose users to forced unlocks and law-enforcement access, prompting Texans to reconsider biometrics and favor passcodes for sensitive data.
Leander’s long-awaited Northline project advances with updated timelines, construction progress and commercial plans that will shape growth and transit-oriented development in Leander's downtown.
Sports
No. 4 Texas Hosts Mississippi State This Sunday
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns face Mississippi State on Sunday, marking their first meeting this season. Texas boasts a strong 16-0 record at home and a solid SEC performance, while Mississippi State looks to improve their 5-8 conference record after a recent loss to Florida.
If you’re following college basketball, this game is a big deal. Watching Texas defend their perfect home record could shape the SEC standings and influence postseason hopes. Whether you're cheering courtside or catching highlights, it’s a chance to see top talent like Madison Booker and Madison Francis in action, highlighting the intensity and skill of women’s basketball in Texas.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
The Mavericks look to break their 10-game losing streak against Indiana, a result that could reshape Dallas's playoff hopes and team morale.
San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama is drawing national attention as the Spurs surge, raising expectations for the franchise's playoff and market impact across Texas.
Texas A&M leans on Ny'Ceara Pryor's hot scoring following her 22-point game as it hosts Arkansas in a matchup that tests the Aggies' SEC consistency.
Texas Heritage Insight
The iconic phrase “Six Flags over Texas” doesn’t just refer to amusement parks: it references the six nations that have governed parts of Texas — Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.