TOP STORY
Texas Hill Country RV Park Closes After Deadly Flood
Blue Oak RV Park near the Guadalupe River closed for good after July 4 flooding killed four guests and caused over $2 million in damage. The family owners faced denied disaster loans and emotional strain. New state safety laws aim to prevent future tragedies at camps and parks in flood-prone areas.
If you enjoy weekend getaways or own small businesses near Texas waterways, this story hits close to home. The permanent closure of Blue Oak RV Park shows how floods can disrupt local economies and livelihoods. Relief funds haven't reached all impacted businesses yet, highlighting the challenges of recovery. New safety laws could help protect families and communities at risk from future floods.
Source: Austin American-statesman
Read more
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 64.4000 | ▲ 0.09% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.1080 | ▼ 0.16% |
Cotton | 0.6419 / lb | ▲ 0.09% |
Cattle | 2.3910 / lb | ▼ 0.08% |
S&P 500 | 6963.17 | ▼ 0.06% |
Dow Jones | 50128.26 | ▼ 0.02% |
Nasdaq | 23232.70 | ▼ 0.04% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 77.9 | 58.3 |
Houston | 76.6 | 62.2 |
Austin | 76.5 | 60.8 |
San Antonio | 75.7 | 58.5 |
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
Texas GOP Targets Islam Amid Quiet Border Concerns
Texas Republicans are shifting their focus from border fears to anti-Muslim rhetoric, aiming to energize voters after border issues lost momentum. Prominent GOP figures have launched campaigns and legislation against Islam, echoing post-9/11 sentiments. This pivot signals new priorities as immigration fears recede under current policies.
If you’re following Texas politics, this change means the usual border debates are cooling, replaced by sharper language against Muslim communities. These moves could affect social dynamics and security tactics around you, especially with lawmakers pushing anti-Sharia laws and investigations into Muslim-linked developments. It’s a shift that might reshape community conversations and local policies in your area.
Source: The New York Times
Read more
What else is happening:
The administration’s deportation push produced over 18,000 challenges, with the Texas court district leading the surge and local judges facing major legal and resource strains.
State education agency guidance threatens to punish student activism, raising concerns about academic freedom, curriculum censorship, and broad implications for district governance and teacher protections.
Legal experts outline Texans’ rights during ICE home entries, advising when to speak, what ID to show, and steps to protect family members and documents.
Tech and Business
Medicare’s AI Pilot Changes How Claims Are Reviewed
Medicare has launched a six-year pilot requiring prior authorization for 14 health services in six states, including Texas. AI software will assess treatment requests to reduce waste but may delay care. The program aims to cut costs while balancing patient health, with close oversight planned.
If you or a family member rely on traditional Medicare in Texas, this pilot could affect how quickly needed treatments are approved. You might face delays or additional paperwork if your doctor must seek prior authorization for certain procedures. While the program aims to save taxpayer money by reducing unnecessary treatments, it’s important to watch that essential care doesn’t get denied. Healthcare providers will navigate more administrative work, which could impact visit timing and provider availability.
Source: Fast Company
Read more
Data Centers Power AI Growth with Natural Gas in Texas
As AI demands surge, many data centers in Texas turn to natural gas for reliable power, using engines and turbines. This build-out supports huge computing needs but boosts fossil fuel emissions. Texas leads new gas capacity development, raising concerns about climate impact amid rapid tech expansion.
If you live near Texas data centers, you’re witnessing a tech boom powered largely by natural gas. While this keeps AI services humming and jobs coming, it also locks in fossil fuel use that affects local air quality and contributes to climate challenges. Texas communities gain economic benefits but also face growing energy infrastructure and environmental trade-offs. Your power bills and the statewide energy mix might reflect these shifts in the years ahead.
Source: Yahoo! News
Read more
What else is happening:
San Antonio's transit agency won commission approval for modified Green Line stops, advancing rapid-bus infrastructure that will reshape downtown and airport connections for daily commuters in San Antonio.
Several high-level executives recently left Sam Altman's eye-scanning startup Tools for Humanity, deepening questions about leadership stability and the commercial future of its privacy-sensitive Orb technology.
Sports
Castle Leads Spurs Against Lakers After 40-Point Night
The San Antonio Spurs head to Los Angeles for a key matchup against the Lakers after Stephon Castle poured in 40 points in their recent win over Dallas. This will be the teams' fourth clash this season, as both remain strong contenders in the Western Conference.
If you’re following the Spurs or Lakers, this game is a must-watch. Castle’s recent scoring spree could signal a turning point, and with stars like LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama in the mix, expect an intense, high-scoring battle. Whether you’re at a watch party or streaming from home, this matchup shapes playoff narratives and local bragging rights.
Source: AP News
Read more
Sports Spotlight:
The Houston Cougars aim to end a Big 12 slump when they host Colorado after Jade Masogayo's 23-point outing in their first meeting.
Amarillo High's Alec Purdy qualified for the UIL state meet in Austin, joining several Panhandle swimmers chasing individual state titles at the Feb. 20-21 state meet.
Texas A&M returns to Reed Arena to face Missouri in an SEC test that could affect tournament positioning, and here are three things to know plus a prediction.
Texas Heritage Insight
The first drive-in theater in the United States opened in Grand Prairie, Texas on June 6, 1931. Inventor Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. created it so families could watch movies from the comfort of their cars — a revolutionary idea that sparked a nationwide cultural phenomenon.