TOP STORY
Federal Shutdown Will Stop November SNAP Benefits
In Texas, 3.5 million people—including 1.7 million kids—depend on SNAP each month for food assistance. A federal shutdown means these benefits will pause starting November, leaving many families scrambling to fill the gap.
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, this halt could mean missed meals and added financial stress just as the holidays approach. For working parents, students, and elderly Texans, this pause may force tough choices—prioritizing essentials like rent or groceries. Community food banks could see more demand, and the broader impact highlights how federal decisions immediately touch everyday life in neighborhoods across Texas.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Read more →
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 60.4100 | -1.4679% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.2900 | -4.4160% |
Cotton | 0.6456 / lb | +0.5266% |
Cattle | 2.2702 / lb | -2.8791% |
S&P 500 | 6875.6899 | +1.2290% |
Dow Jones | 47207.1211 | +0.7149% |
Nasdaq | 23204.8691 | +1.8642% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 74.8 | 56.1 |
Houston | 88.0 | 65.8 |
Austin | 86.4 | 63.9 |
Alerts
Dallas — Dallas is under a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, in effect from October 28 at 12:26 AM CDT until October 29 at 6:00 PM CDT.
Houston — None reported.
Austin — A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Austin by the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio, in effect from October 28 at 1:18 AM CDT until October 29 at 7:00 PM CDT.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening across each industry
Politics and Economy
Tarrant County Leads in Youth Prison Commitments
More kids from Tarrant County are being sent to Texas youth prisons than from any other county, pushing the state's youth prison waitlist close to a record high. This rise highlights growing concerns about how juvenile cases are handled locally.
If you live in or around Tarrant County, this means local youths are increasingly facing harsh juvenile justice measures that can reshape their futures dramatically. The longer waitlists and rising commitments indicate systemic pressures that affect families and communities, raising questions about rehabilitation versus punishment. This shifts the community focus toward advocating for better alternatives and supports that could keep young people out of locked facilities and on paths to success.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Read more →
What else is happening:
Democrats condemn Trump’s rollback of the gun export rule warning it could empower criminal networks.
Several red states brace for possible end of the Voting Rights Act with major implications for congressional boundaries.
House Minority Leader’s support for Mamdani sparks debate over the Democratic future and party direction nationwide.
Tech and Business
Big Tech Partners With Teachers Unions For AI Training
Teachers unions are joining forces with Microsoft, OpenAI, and others to train educators on AI tools. This collaboration aims to equip teachers with skills to incorporate AI in classrooms, with plans to train hundreds of thousands across the country in the coming years.
This means your kids’ teachers will soon be more comfortable using AI to help personalize lessons and save time on grading, which could make learning more engaging and tailored. For you, this could translate to faster feedback on homework and more dynamic classroom experiences, as schools adopt AI-powered tools responsibly designed with teacher input. It's an early step toward blending cutting-edge tech into everyday education.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Read more →
Boerne Scales Back Buc-ee's Project Amid Community Concerns
Following years of resident protests, Boerne has limited the size and signage of a new Buc-ee's store. The updated agreement reduces the building footprint, fuel pumps, and requires lighting that respects the city’s dark sky rules.
If you live nearby, this means less visual clutter and reduced light pollution, preserving Boerne’s small-town charm you appreciate. For travelers, Buc-ee's will continue to offer many services, but now with a balance that fits community preferences and local environment. This shows how local voices can shape big business developments near home.
Source: Kvue
Read more →
What else is happening:
Investigation reveals why billions in federal broadband funding failed to reach rural Texas communities.
OpenAI seeks federal backing to expand its data center network requiring vast power and skilled labor.
A new hybrid energy facility launches to transform grid reliability and benefit Texas cities.
Sports
Toronto Raptors Aim to End Three-Game Losing Streak Tonight
Toronto Raptors look to turn things around when they face the Houston Rockets Wednesday night. Both teams have struggled early this season, with Toronto winless at home and Houston yet to win on the road.
If you follow basketball, this game is a chance to see how teams rebound after tough starts. Toronto is fighting to recapture last season’s sparks, while Houston is working through key injuries. For Texas sports fans, it’s a reminder how quickly fortunes can change and how health and home court can shift momentum. This matchup offers early clues about which teams might stabilize and who’s still searching for their rhythm.
Source: Apnews
Read more →
Sports Spotlight:
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg suffers a shoulder injury during his first back-to-back NBA games, per detailed report.
Austin FC faces Los Angeles FC in a tense Texas soccer showdown as MLS playoffs kick off.
San Antonio Spurs, OKC Thunder, Bulls, and 76ers remain undefeated in the NBA after strong early season triumphs.
Texas Heritage Spotlight
Event of the Day: Fort Griffin Living History Days (2025)
The historic Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas — founded in 1909 — is the oldest independent brewery in the state, still operating today and producing the iconic Shiner Bock beer. German and Czech immigrants established the brewery, blending European tradition with the Texas spirit of independence.