TOP STORY
Houston ISD Votes Unanimously to Close 12 Schools
The Houston ISD Board of Managers voted 9-0 to close or consolidate 12 schools district-wide. During the meeting, a parent challenging the closures and changes in school quality was escorted out by police after exceeding her speaking time.
If you have children in Houston ISD, these closures affect where and how your kids attend school. Shifts like moving students to different campuses or consolidating schools can disrupt routines, impact community connections, and change educational resources. Staying informed helps you plan for transportation, involvement, and advocacy as these changes take effect.
Source: Head Topics
Read more
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 66.5200 | ▲ 0.12% |
Gas (Nat.) | 2.8460 | ▲ 0.14% |
Cotton | 0.6537 / lb | ▼ 0.27% |
Cattle | 2.3127 / lb | ▼ 2.40% |
S&P 500 | 6909.01 | ▲ 0.09% |
Dow Jones | 49497.79 | ▼ 0.01% |
Nasdaq | 22878.72 | ▲ 0.20% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 81.9 | 52.9 |
Houston | 85.8 | 64.8 |
Austin | 86.7 | 59.4 |
San Antonio | 87.1 | 63.1 |
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
Trump Visits Texas Amid Heated Senate Republican Primary
President Trump is visiting Texas to promote his energy and economic policies just days before a crucial Senate GOP primary. The race features incumbent Senator John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, all claiming ties to Trump despite his refusal to endorse any candidate. The primary vote is set for Tuesday, with a runoff possible in May.
If you're following Texas politics, this trip could influence which GOP candidate gets traction heading into the primary. With Trump staying neutral but all candidates underscore their connections to him, your vote could decide the direction of Texas representation in Washington. The outcome not only affects local political dynamics but also the national Republican landscape and policy priorities you might see impacting your community and economy.
Source: AP News
Read more
What else is happening:
Lawmakers say the U.S. military used a laser to down a CBP drone near El Paso, forcing FAA airspace closures and raising urgent border safety concerns.
Analysts warn Trump's influence is reshaping the Texas GOP primary, putting long-term incumbency norms at risk and intensifying national party power struggles.
A CNN data analyst says Republican leaders express strategic concerns about direction as the Texas Senate primary becomes a national proxy fight.
Tech and Business
Texas Leads Amazon’s AI Chip Innovation Push
Amazon is advancing its AI capabilities with custom Trainium chips designed and tested in Austin, Texas. These chips aim to reduce the cost and boost the speed of AI workloads, helping Amazon compete against major GPU players like Nvidia by offering high performance and reliability in its own cloud services.
If you use cloud-based AI tools, Texas’ role in developing Amazon’s Trainium chips could mean faster, more cost-effective AI services. These advancements might lower the expenses companies face when building AI models, potentially resulting in smarter applications and pricing benefits that reach you in everyday digital experiences.
Source: Killeen Daily Herald
Read more
Tariffs Increase Costs, Squeezing North Texas Small Businesses
Tariffs imposed on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China have pushed prices of parts and supplies up by as much as 44%, forcing small businesses in North Texas to either raise prices or reduce profits. The Supreme Court recently rejected the president’s tariff authority but the impact on local businesses continues.
For shoppers and small business customers in North Texas, tariff-driven cost increases mean higher prices or fewer service options as businesses tighten budgets. You might notice pricier repairs, meals, and home improvements because owners are forced to balance rising costs with customer spending limits.
Source: Dallas News
Read more
What else is happening:
Anthropic CEO says the company cannot accept Pentagon orders, limiting military use of its models and complicating defense AI collaborations.
The US Army is testing software to track ammo and supplies in contested zones, using AI to anticipate frontline needs and speed logistics.
Sports
Madison Booker leads Texas past Georgia 79-50
Madison Booker scored 18 points to help No. 4 Texas beat No. 23 Georgia 79-50, extending their home winning streak to 42 games. The Longhorns are tied for second in the SEC with one regular-season game left as they continue their strong form.
If you're following Texas basketball, this dominant win means the Longhorns are solidifying their place among SEC leaders just before the season closes. You can expect exciting matchups ahead, especially with their next game at No. 24 Alabama. This team’s energy could be a great reason to catch a game or rally behind the Longhorns as they push toward the tournament.
Source: AP News
Read more
Sports Spotlight:
Ranked conference rivalry intensifies as No. 16 Texas Tech visits No. 4 Iowa State, with Christian Anderson's scoring form potentially reshaping Big 12 standings and tournament seeding.
Kevin Durant's 40-point outburst gives the Rockets momentum as they travel to Miami for a high-stakes matchup that could affect late-season playoff positioning.
The Mavericks aim to break home losing streak after six straight home defeats, a stretch that puts pressure on the team's playoff aspirations and coaching decisions.
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.