TOP STORY

Dallas ISD Proposes $6.2 Billion School Modernization Bond

Dallas ISD plans to place a $6.2 billion bond on the May 2 ballot to modernize campuses, enhance safety, replace old facilities, and expand classroom space. The proposal includes building 26 new schools and removing 700 portables used by nearly 10,000 students, with a modest tax increase for higher-value homes.

If you live in Dallas and own a home valued over $500,000, you could see your property tax rise by around $30 annually to fund this overhaul. But this investment aims to upgrade classrooms, buses, technology, and safety measures that affect thousands of students daily. Over time, these improvements could mean better learning environments and increased property values, while keeping tax rates low compared to other major North Texas districts.

Source: WFAA
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Markets

Oil (WTI)

63.0100

▼ 0.14%

Gas (Nat.)

3.1540

▲ 0.19%

Cotton

0.6417 / lb

▼ 0.19%

Cattle

2.4265 / lb

▲ 0.80%

S&P 500

6833.54

▼ 0.27%

Dow Jones

49455.29

▼ 0.39%

Nasdaq

22600.85

▼ 0.06%

Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot

Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.

City

High (°F)

Low (°F)

Dallas

79.7

54.9

Houston

77.2

63.3

Austin

82.2

61.3

San Antonio

80.6

61.3

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 13, issued by NWS Houston/Galveston.

  • Austin: A Special Weather Statement is in effect through 3:00 PM CST February 13, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.

  • San Antonio: A Special Weather Statement is in effect through 3:00 PM CST February 13, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.

Politics and Economy

Democrats Eye Attorney General Seat in 2026 Primary

With Ken Paxton running for U.S. Senate, three Democrats compete for Texas attorney general: Tony Box, Joe Jaworski, and Nathan Johnson. The Dallas Morning News endorses Johnson for his legislative experience, consumer protections, and balanced approach, highlighting his efforts to modernize the office and combat abuses under Paxton.

This race matters if you follow consumer rights, state transparency, and how Texas enforces laws affecting daily life. Johnson's work on fraud penalties and data privacy could shape protections that impact your finances and digital security. Plus, a new attorney general could influence how child support is collected and how the state responds to political legal battles. Your vote helps decide whether the office leans pragmatic reform or political showmanship.

Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:

  • Voters in the 33rd District face a crowded Republican primary for 33rd, a race that could reshape local representation and affect the congressional balance.

  • At a Fort Worth forum, Tarrant County Democrats debated immigration and redistricting, highlighting voter priorities that may drive primary turnout and local policy focus.

  • Investigative reporting finds the voter citizenship tool still makes errors, creating risks of wrongful challenges and confusion for eligible Texas voters ahead of primaries.

Tech and Business

OpenAI Unveils Faster GPT-5.3 Coding Model

OpenAI launched GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark, a distilled coding AI that generates code 15 times faster using Cerebras’s custom chip. Available to Pro subscribers, it focuses on real-time interaction rather than slow batch processing, promising developers quicker responses and smoother coding sessions.

If you’re a developer, this update could change how quickly you get AI help writing or debugging code. Instead of waiting several seconds for suggestions, your coding assistant may operate more like autocomplete, keeping your workflow smooth and responsive. This means less downtime and faster iterations on projects, potentially saving hours weekly. And beyond just coding, it signals a shift toward specialized hardware powering AI, which could lead to more powerful tools integrated into everyday software.

Source: Web Pro News
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Florida’s Decline Opens Doors for Alabama Growth

Migration to Florida and Texas slowed as housing markets stalled, while Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina gained popularity. Rising costs and insurance hikes dampened Florida and Texas’s appeal, benefiting midsized southeastern states that offer affordability and growth opportunities.

If you’re considering a move or watching real estate trends, this shift matters. Alabama and neighboring states are becoming attractive for families and retirees seeking more affordable living without sacrificing quality of life. For Texans and Floridians, this slowdown might signal a pause in economic growth and job creation. Builders and investors are taking note too, potentially redirecting projects toward these midsized markets where demand is climbing.

Source: Dailygazette.com
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What else is happening:

  • Iranian authorities restore limited online services while using digital surveillance tools to identify and track protest attendees, heightening global privacy and human-rights concerns.

  • Market anxiety over AI-driven disruption sends real estate, trucking and logistics stocks tumbling, signaling broader investor fears about automation's impact on jobs and property values.

Sports

Cade Cunningham Buys Stake in Texas Rangers

Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham has acquired a minority ownership stake in the Texas Rangers, his hometown MLB team. The 24-year-old Arlington native joined Sportsology Capital Partners in investing in the team. Cunningham is also gearing up to represent the Pistons at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

If you follow Texas sports, Cade Cunningham’s new role will connect the hardwood and the diamond right at home. This move shows how rising stars invest back into their communities, giving you a fresh way to root for local teams. Whether you’re at Globe Life Field or catching the Pistons on TV, you can feel the hometown pride growing stronger.

Source: Click On Detroit
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Sports Spotlight:

  • The nationally ranked No. 3 Houston Cougars host a struggling Kansas State team as the Cougars seek to defend Big 12 positioning and protect their home-court momentum after recent wins.

  • Missouri plays Texas in a matchup that tests the Longhorns’ conference consistency after a narrow road victory, with potential postseason seeding implications for both programs.

  • Baylor squares off in Fort Worth against No. 24 Louisville at Dickies Arena, offering local fans a major nonconference test and neutral-site exposure for the Bears.

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.

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