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TOP STORY
Dallas Eyes Drone-First 911 Response After Arlington Success
Arlington’s police drones arrive on scenes faster than patrol cars, streaming live video to help officers. Dallas plans a similar program to cut emergency response times, using drones mainly for lower-priority calls to free officers for urgent cases. Privacy advocates urge strong oversight to prevent constant surveillance.
When your emergency call could be met first by a drone, you might get help faster while keeping police safer. Dallas hopes drones can zoom to quiet down minor issues swiftly, freeing officers for serious crimes. But if drones start buzzing overhead routinely, privacy concerns rise, making public rules and transparency vital to keep trust intact.
Source: Daily Gazette
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 58.4500 | ▲ 0.02% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.9430 | ▲ 0.54% |
Cotton | 0.6380 / lb | ▲ 0.03% |
Cattle | 2.2980 / lb | ▼ 0.06% |
S&P 500 | 6909.02 | ▲ 0.03% |
Dow Jones | 48439.34 | ▲ 0.00% |
Nasdaq | 23558.04 | ▲ 0.02% |
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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 | 79.7 | 61.0 |
Houston | 77.9 | 66.6 |
Austin | 79.2 | 63.9 |
San Antonio | 78.8 | 64.8 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 24 at 12:12 AM CST and remains in effect until December 24 at 10:00 AM, according to NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 23 at 11:30 PM CST and remains in effect until December 24 at 9:00 AM, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Nineteen States Sue HHS Over Youth Gender Care Rules
Nineteen states plus D.C. filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over a declaration threatening access to gender-affirming care for young people. The suit challenges new government measures seen as complicating healthcare options for LGBTQ youth nationwide.
If you or someone you know relies on gender-affirming care, this lawsuit could directly affect treatment accessibility. Changes in federal policy may limit or delay access to important healthcare services, impacting families and young Texans exploring gender identity options. Staying informed can help you navigate potential changes and advocate for care that supports well-being.
Source: Head Topics
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What else is happening:
A single father who sought a special visa was deported by ICE despite being sole caregiver to six U.S.-citizen children, prompting concerns about enforcement discretion and family separations.
The Supreme Court refused a bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois, a decision that narrows executive authority and leaves federal-state deployment questions unresolved.
On this date in history Britain granted a posthumous pardon to code-breaker Alan Turing, renewing conversations about historical injustices and legal clemency.
Tech and Business
U.S. Judge Blocks Texas App Store Age Verification Law
A federal judge in Austin, Texas, has issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of the state’s new App Store Accountability Act, which would have required age verification and parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases. The ruling found the law likely violates free-speech protections, marking a significant legal setback for Texas’s efforts to regulate digital platforms. Texas plans to appeal the decision.
This ruling halts a high-profile tech policy before it takes effect, preserving current app store operations and safeguarding developer practices while raising questions about the future of state-level internet regulation. The outcome could influence similar legal challenges nationwide and affects how Texas approaches digital safety laws going forward.
Source: New York Post
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Barnes & Noble Plans 60 New Stores in 2026
Barnes & Noble announced plans to open 60 new stores in 2026 across states including Texas, California, and Florida. This expansion follows strong sales and marks a reversal after years of store closures, fueled by empowering local booksellers to run each location.
If you love browsing physical bookstores or grabbing a coffee alongside your favorite read, Barnes & Noble’s growth means more local spots to enjoy soon. This expansion could create jobs and boost local economies where new stores open. Plus, with stiff competition from online giants, seeing a big retailer invest in neighborhoods shows that some shopping experiences aren’t going digital anytime soon.
Source: New York Post
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What else is happening:
Global tensions pushed crude higher, boosting producer margins and potentially affecting Texas oilfield revenues as WTI touched a two-week high.
Experts predict most 2026 housing construction will remain concentrated in historically high-growth states, shaping regional affordability pressures and migration patterns relevant to Texas market.
Sports
Spurs beat Thunder again, winning streak at seven
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 130-110, marking their seventh consecutive win and their second victory over the Thunder in 10 days. Victor Wembanyama returned from injury, contributing 12 points despite ending his block streak. This win lifts the Spurs into second place in the Western Conference.
If you're following the Spurs this season, this win is a big confidence boost as they’re building a solid playoff push. Having Wembanyama back adds firepower and gives you more exciting games to watch. The victory also shakes up the Western Conference race, making every Spurs game a must-see event as the season heads into its final stretch.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Houston’s Rockets face a marquee holiday test when the Lakers host the Rockets on Christmas, their first meeting this season with playoff positioning on the line.
The Western Conference rivalry intensifies as the Warriors meet the Mavericks on Christmas, a first-season showdown that could reshape seeding and spotlight Luka’s health.
Kawhi Leonard’s performance is a headline after Leonard's 41-point game lifted the Clippers past the Rockets, underscoring Houston’s defensive concerns and veteran scoring threats.
Texas Nature Insight
The Texas horned lizard, often called the “horned toad,” isn’t a toad at all — it’s a lizard that can shoot blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism against predators, especially when threatened by dogs or coyotes. This bizarre trait helps it survive in Texas’s harsh deserts and scrublands.