TOP STORY
East Texas Faces Long Power Outages After Storm
A severe winter storm left thousands in East Texas without power, with rural cooperatives struggling to restore electricity amid icy roads and dense forests. While much of Texas recovered quickly, East Texas faces ongoing challenges, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities during extreme weather events.
If you live in East Texas, your daily routine may still be disrupted by ongoing power outages. Cold indoor temperatures and limited access to fuel for generators are creating real hardships, especially in remote areas. This storm reveals how tough it can be to restore power in rural communities surrounded by dense woods and difficult terrain. Planning ahead for extended outages and supporting local electric cooperatives could help you better cope with similar storms in the future.
Source: Head Topics
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 62.2300 | ▲ 0.14% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.6230 | ▲ 0.36% |
Cotton | 0.6426 / lb | ▲ 0.14% |
Cattle | 2.3570 / lb | ▲ 0.03% |
S&P 500 | 6978.58 | ▼ 0.07% |
Dow Jones | 49004.05 | ▲ 0.07% |
Nasdaq | 23817.28 | ▼ 0.14% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 43.9 | 22.3 |
Houston | 56.7 | 31.5 |
Austin | 52.9 | 28.2 |
San Antonio | 59.9 | 29.5 |
Alerts
Dallas: A Freezing Fog Advisory is in effect until 11:00 AM CST on January 28, issued by NWS Fort Worth.
Houston: No active weather alerts at this time.
Austin: No active weather alerts at this time.
San Antonio: No active weather alerts at this time.
Politics and Economy
Texas Leads U.S. in Population Growth, Immigration Slows
Texas added 391,243 residents in 2025, reaching 31.7 million people and maintaining the fastest growth rate in the U.S. However, its growth slowed to 1.2%, the slowest since 2021, due largely to a 48% decline in immigration. Both domestic and international migration to Texas decreased amid national economic uncertainty.
If you’ve noticed fewer new neighbors moving in or changes around your community, that mirrors Texas' slower population growth this year. This means local services and infrastructure might catch up instead of constantly lagging behind. At the same time, job markets may see steadier competition as migration cools. Your economic outlook could feel these smoother growth shifts, especially in housing availability and public resources.
Source: Kvue
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What else is happening:
San Antonio voters and city officials will watch implications after a councilwoman avoids DWI, accepting deferred adjudication and nine months probation following an alleged drunk driving incident.
Dallas City Council faces a governance debate over Fair Park as commentators urge officials to resist Fair Park First and keep the parks department leading the planned community park project.
The editorial board's endorsement could sway voters in a contested primary where incumbent John Creuzot is challenged, shaping the next Democratic primary outcome for Dallas County district attorney.
Tech and Business
Fort Worth Teacher Rejects AI, Uses Analog Methods
Chanea Bond, a Fort Worth high school English teacher, uses handwriting and paper assignments to block AI from her classroom. She believes focusing on fundamental writing skills helps her students think critically and engage deeply with literature, despite the broader trend of educators adopting AI tools.
If you’re a student or parent, Bond’s approach shows how stepping away from screens can sharpen thinking and writing skills. In a world rushing to AI, this method might help you build a stronger foundation before using AI tools. For Texas classrooms balancing tradition and technology, her strategy raises questions about how to best prepare students for today's digital demands while nurturing genuine understanding.
Source: NPR
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Federal Reserve Likely Holding Interest Rates Steady
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged after three cuts last year, amid signs the economy is stabilizing. Inflation remains above target, and officials are split on whether to cut rates further, weighing pressures from the White House against economic indicators.
If you’re managing a family budget or planning a big purchase, steady interest rates mean borrowing costs could stay higher for a while. That might slow down loan approvals but also signals economy stabilization. For Texans juggling mortgages or business investments, understanding the Fed's cautious approach helps anticipate costs and plan financial moves in the coming months.
Source: The Boston Globe
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What else is happening:
A proposed mid‑June SpaceX IPO could value the rocket company near $1.5 trillion and reshape private aerospace investment and public markets.
In a blunt message to industry, Anthropic CEO warns that failing to distribute AI’s benefits equitably will provoke public backlash and tougher policy.
Sports
No. 4 Texas Visits Florida for Conference Matchup
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns face off against the Florida Gators Thursday in Gainesville for their first conference game this season. Texas holds a 5-2 SEC record and dominates in scoring, while Florida struggles at 1-6. Key players include Madison Booker for Texas and Liv McGill for Florida.
If you're a basketball fan, this game is a prime chance to see Texas, one of the top teams, continue its strong run. The matchup lets you gauge how the Longhorns stack up under pressure away from home. Watching stars like Booker and McGill shine might even inspire you to catch more women's college basketball action or attend local games.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Find Wednesday's TV/Radio listings with broadcast and streaming details for the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves and other regional matchups across local channels and streaming platforms.
In Fort Worth, Kansas visits No. 12 TCU following Jaliya Davis’ 22-point game, providing a Big 12 test that could reshape TCU’s conference momentum and ranking.
Cockrell leads Incarnate Word into a matchup with Texas A&M-CC as Madison Cockrell’s 21-point performance raises expectations for the Cardinals’ push toward conference seeding.
Texas History & Trade Fact
Before railroads dominated trade, Galveston was the busiest port in Texas and one of the most important ports in the entire United States. In the late 1800s, it handled more cotton exports than any other American port, making Texas a global agricultural powerhouse long before oil reshaped the economy.