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TOP STORY
Texas Music Icon Joe Ely Remembered After Passing
Joe Ely, a legendary Texas musician known for his influence from Amarillo to Austin, died at 78 due to complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and pneumonia. Ely's decades-long career shaped Texas music and inspired artists worldwide.
If you grew up with Texas music or have ever visited Austin's vibrant live scene, you’ve likely felt Joe Ely’s influence. His songs, blending country and rock, captured the spirit of Texas life with raw honesty. Ely’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music keeps the Texas story alive in your playlists and local stages. Remembering him is a way to stay connected to the state’s rich musical heritage.
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-journal
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 55.7500 | ▼ 0.16% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.9150 | ▲ 0.10% |
Cotton | 0.6383 / lb | ▲ 0.02% |
Cattle | 2.3057 / lb | ▲ 0.05% |
S&P 500 | 6816.34 | ▼ 0.05% |
Dow Jones | 48416.62 | ▼ 0.03% |
Nasdaq | 23056.44 | ▼ 0.09% |
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Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 61.0 | 40.6 |
Houston | 64.9 | 40.5 |
Austin | 62.6 | 41.9 |
San Antonio | 60.4 | 44.6 |
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
ICE Spends Millions on Recruitment Ads Nationwide
The Trump administration is investing heavily in ads to recruit 10,000 new ICE agents by year's end. These ads appear widely—on TV, social media, and streaming platforms—targeting cities including Dallas, Houston, and El Paso. Despite a government shutdown, spending continued, drawing criticism amid concerns over wrongful deportations and public backlash.
If you live in Texas, you’re likely seeing these ICE recruitment ads almost everywhere—from Spotify playlists to social feeds. This push signals a major expansion of immigration enforcement presence that could affect community dynamics and local law enforcement interactions. With ongoing debates and reports of wrongful deportations, these campaigns may directly impact your neighborhood’s sense of safety and the resources your community relies on.
Source: Fast Company
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What else is happening:
TxDOT has denied the City of San Antonio’s request to keep the pride district’s rainbow crosswalks following Governor Abbott’s directive to remove politically themed street markings.
Letters to the Editor discuss the implications of Dan Patrick’s tax proposals and key Dallas City Hall political matters, providing insight into local governance and tax debates in Dallas City Hall.
Concerns over antisemitism are addressed in a call to action following recent events at Bondi Beach, urging a united stance against hate which resonates with broader cultural and political dialogues.
Tech and Business
AI Infrastructure Stocks Face Investor Concerns Over Debt
Shares of AI infrastructure firms like Oracle, Broadcom, and CoreWeave dipped as investors grew wary of their rising debt used to fund expansion. Despite these losses, broader market indexes remained mostly stable, fueled by gains in other sectors like consumer discretionary. Experts note that demand for AI compute remains strong.
If you’re following the tech sector, this means companies building the backbone for AI services are juggling big expenses. While their stocks dropped, the appetite for AI-powered products is still high. That could mean these firms either tighten budgets or seek smarter investments to balance innovation with financial health, which might affect tech services you rely on later.
Source: CNBC
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Beloved Texas Biscuit Bar Restaurant Chain Closes Suddenly
All six Biscuit Bar locations in Texas shut down immediately after a planned sale fell through. Rising costs and supply chain challenges forced this tough decision, impacting over 100 employees. Fans are mourning the loss of their favorite local spots just before the holidays.
If you grew up enjoying some of the best biscuits in Texas or visited the Biscuit Bar for a casual meal, this sudden closure hits close to home. It’s also a reminder how rising operational costs and supply issues can affect local businesses you depend on. For workers and locals, it means fewer dining options and a community loss right before the festive season.
Source: The Sun
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What else is happening:
Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year, ‘slop,’ reflects concerns about deceptive digital posts fueled by generative artificial intelligence proliferation.
The word ‘slop’ highlights issues with fake and zany content online, as explored by Recently heard in a cultural review of digital language trends.
Sports
Jokic's 12th Triple-Double Guides Nuggets Past Rockets
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 12th triple-double this NBA season in a thrilling overtime 128-125 win against the Houston Rockets. Jamal Murray added 35 points, while Alperen Sengun had his first triple-double of the year for Houston.
If you follow the NBA or root for Texas teams, this game heightens the excitement as two Western Conference leaders clash. Jokic’s performance not only solidifies his dominance but also hints at the Nuggets’ potential playoff power. Watching stars like Jokic and Murray lighting up the court can make your next basketball night more thrilling. Plus, Rockets fans can look forward to watching young standout Sengun developing his triple-double skills.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted that a major coaching shake-up might be imminent after their recent loss, stirring speculation in the NFL community.
Arch Manning, Texas' star quarterback, confirmed his return for another Longhorns season, postponing entry into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made history as the youngest player to score 42 points in a game, despite the team's tough overtime loss.
Texas Natural Insight
Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits on part of a 260–270 million-year-old fossil reef, once submerged under a prehistoric sea. Today, the park preserves some of the oldest exposed reef formations in the world — and at its summit, Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft) is the highest natural point in all of Texas.