TOP STORY
Infectious Diseases Are Making a Comeback in Texas
Texas is facing a troubling rise in preventable infectious diseases. Whooping cough cases more than doubled from 2024 to 2025, and a significant measles outbreak in West Texas resulted in hospitalizations and deaths. Declining vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation and public distrust, have left communities vulnerable once again.
If you have kids in school or care for vulnerable family members, this surge could directly affect your health routines and safety. Lower vaccination rates increase risk of catching or spreading serious diseases, meaning you might see more school absences or health visits. Staying informed about immunizations and addressing misinformation in your circles can protect your loved ones in the months ahead.
Source: Dallas News
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 59.1200 | ▲ 0.60% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.1690 | ▲ 0.99% |
Cotton | 0.6444 / lb | ▲ 0.00% |
Cattle | 2.3373 / lb | ▼ 0.00% |
S&P 500 | 6965.99 | ▼ 0.14% |
Dow Jones | 49500.20 | ▼ 0.08% |
Nasdaq | 23668.04 | ▼ 0.16% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 59.9 | 35.6 |
Houston | 62.8 | 41.7 |
Austin | 63.9 | 38.3 |
San Antonio | 63.9 | 38.7 |
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
Court Rejects Paxton’s Attempt to Control Texas Prosecutors
Texas’ newest appellate court unanimously blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton’s effort to impose strict reporting rules on district attorneys in populous counties. The court found no legal basis for Paxton’s authority, preserving local prosecutors’ independence and halting costly compliance burdens that drained county resources.
You might notice how leadership battles at the state level ripple down to affect local law enforcement and public resources. Paxton’s push added thousands of work hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs for counties like Dallas and El Paso. This power struggle shows how contested authority can delay justice and strain your community’s budget, reminding you that local officials’ independence matters for effective public safety.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
Party strategists outline a national recovery plan aimed at winning back Black and Hispanic voters, reshaping competitive maps and resource allocation for the 2026 cycle.
Protests over ICE actions spread to multiple cities as activists demand accountability and reforms, signaling rising national pressure on immigration enforcement policies and local officials.
Maduro’s capture has left U.S. Venezuelan communities weighing return or exile, affecting local economies, family safety concerns, and immigration choices within diasporas.
Tech and Business
China Accelerates AI Military Use To Challenge U.S.
China is pushing hard to integrate artificial intelligence into its military, aiming to enhance battlefield decisions and gain an edge over the U.S. by 2027, especially around Taiwan. Despite U.S. chip export restrictions, Beijing is investing in domestic semiconductor production and expanding AI contracts beyond state firms to universities and private companies.
If you follow national security or tech trends, China’s rapid AI military growth could shift the balance in global power. This means future conflicts might see smarter weapons and faster decisions on the battlefield, potentially affecting U.S. military effectiveness and regional stability. The push for chip self-reliance also signals that international tech supply chains may become less dependable, impacting industries relying on advanced semiconductors.
Source: News Week
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Texas Poll Shows GOP Approval Slump But Economic Hope
A recent Texas Politics Project poll reveals low approval ratings for Republican leaders and President Trump in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms. However, modest improvements in economic confidence offer a small silver lining amid concerns over healthcare costs and political divides across the state.
If you’re a Texan paying attention to politics, this poll shows your state’s GOP leaders face real challenges in voter approval, especially on healthcare affordability. Still, improving sentiment about the economy might influence voter choices this fall. Whether you plan to vote or just follow political shifts, these trends could affect local policies and how future elections unfold in Texas.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
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What else is happening:
New York lawmakers move to ban A.I.-generated images of political candidates after campaign deepfakes raised concerns about deceptive election ads.
A nonprofit uses VR headsets to give California inmates job-interview practice and virtual travel, aiming to ease reentry and improve employment readiness.
Sports
Wembanyama Leads Spurs Past Celtics in Close Game
Victor Wembanyama scored 21 points, mostly in the second half, helping the Spurs secure a 100-95 win over the Boston Celtics. Coming off the bench as he recovers from a knee injury, Wembanyama's clutch shots late in the game showcased the team's resilience against tough East-West competition.
If you follow the Spurs, Wembanyama’s recent performance signals he’s regaining his form, offering hope for stronger games ahead. His late-game heroics demonstrate the team’s fighting spirit, a detail that can energize your game-day experience and local conversations around San Antonio basketball. This victory kicks off a crucial road trip that could reshape the Spurs’ season momentum.
Source: The Mercury
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Sports Spotlight:
How Texas A&M basketball's defense has pushed the Aggies to 3-0 in SEC play, underscoring their readiness for tougher conference tests.
Comprehensive transfer portal updates track moves affecting Texas programs including Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, SMU and Baylor as teams rebuild ahead of spring.
The Kings head to Dallas after a 4-3 shootout victory, and the Dallas Stars will aim to contain Los Angeles' top scorers to protect home ice.
Texas Science & Space Fact
Texas is home to NASA’s primary human spaceflight operations center. Since 1965, Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston has guided every U.S. crewed space mission — from Apollo moon landings to today’s International Space Station operations. When astronauts speak to Earth, Texas is usually the first voice they hear.