TOP STORY
Most Dallas ICE Arrests In 2025 Had No Convictions
In 2025, Dallas ICE arrested many individuals, but a majority had no criminal convictions, a recent investigation reveals. One case involved Brian Ernesto Villalta-Ramos, who kept an ICE appointment despite family warnings, highlighting challenges faced by recent asylum seekers. Villalta-Ramos arrived from El Salvador in 2024 with his family and filed for asylum within the required timeframe.
If you or someone you know is involved with immigration in Dallas, this story shows how ICE actions may affect people without criminal histories. You might find increased appointments or arrests create uncertainty for families trying to navigate asylum processes. Understanding these realities can help you support loved ones and stay informed about how local immigration enforcement operates near you.
Source: Swok News
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 56.6700 | ▲ 0.43% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.5730 | ▲ 0.11% |
Cotton | 0.6476 / lb | ▼ 0.02% |
Cattle | 2.3462 / lb | ▲ 0.02% |
S&P 500 | 6921.53 | ▼ 0.11% |
Dow Jones | 48999.39 | ▼ 0.09% |
Nasdaq | 23586.47 | ▼ 0.13% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 81.3 | 61.5 |
Houston | 79.2 | 67.3 |
Austin | 83.5 | 64.2 |
San Antonio | 81.7 | 64.9 |
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
Dallas City Survey Needs Streamlining and Focus
Dallas city officials are reviewing their lengthy 162-question community survey, which aims to gauge resident satisfaction on city services. Critics suggest shortening it and adopting digital methods to better reflect residents’ roles as civic partners, not just customers. Focused questions on public safety, infrastructure, and budget priorities could yield clearer insights for city leaders.
When your time is stretched thin, a very long survey can feel like a chore rather than a chance to be heard. Simplifying Dallas’ community survey means your feedback is more likely to be meaningful and actually influence how city services improve. Being able to respond online fits with how many Texans live and work today, especially younger residents. Clearer questions on city budget choices and quality of life let you weigh in where it matters most and helps leaders make tough trade-offs that affect your daily life.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
A potential Supreme Court ruling weakening Voting Rights Act protections could trigger the largest-ever decline in Black congressional representation, reshaping political maps and minority influence.
The City of Nacogdoches will formally express interest in the Stone Fort Museum as SFASU plans its relocation, potentially preserving local heritage and tourism assets.
A new editorial cartoon urges readers to shift focus toward upcoming midterm election dynamics, highlighting voter fatigue, campaign intensity, and stakes for Texas political control.
Tech and Business
Austin Launches Spanish 3-1-1 App to Boost Access
Austin rolled out a Spanish-language mobile app for 3-1-1 services, making it easier for Spanish speakers to report city issues and get department info. Available on Android and iOS, users can switch to Spanish for seamless communication with city services.
If you or someone you know speaks Spanish, this app means no more language barriers when reporting potholes or community concerns in Austin. It simplifies how you connect with city services, track requests, and get clear updates. This upgrade also highlights Austin’s push to serve its diverse community more effectively, so more voices can be heard and helped every day.
Source: Hood Line
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Downtown Dallas Faces Uncertainty Over Neiman’s Future
Saks Global’s CEO resignation signals trouble for Neiman Marcus flagship downtown Dallas store. Although the store will stay open into 2026, its future remains unclear amid financial struggles and shifts in downtown business presence.
Knowing your favorite downtown Dallas shopping spot could close changes how you think about city life and local economy. It could affect foot traffic, jobs, and the vibrancy that draws visitors downtown. The city’s future growth depends on bold plans to renew these historic anchors so places like Neiman’s remain part of your community, not just memories.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
San Antonio will update crosswalk appearances starting January 12 to improve pedestrian safety and driver clarity after a statewide crackdown on confusing crosswalk designs.
Nvidia's $20 billion acquisition signals an industry shift from training-focused GPUs to faster inference hardware, reshaping how Texas data centers plan AI infrastructure deployments.
Sports
Spurs Beat Lakers Despite Doncic's Triple-Double
Keldon Johnson scored 27 points and Victor Wembanyama posted 16 points with 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 107-91, securing second place in the Western Conference. LeBron James sat out due to health issues, and despite Luka Doncic's 38-point triple-double, the Spurs held firm.
If you're following Texas basketball, this Spurs win shakes up the Western Conference standings and highlights rising star Victor Wembanyama’s impact right here in San Antonio. Whether you catch games at the arena or watch on TV, this victory shows the Spurs’ grit and potential heading into the playoffs. For Lakers fans in Texas, LeBron’s absence was felt, but the spotlight on Doncic’s performance kept the energy high. This game is a reminder how injuries and emerging talent can shift momentum in the league.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
The Houston Rockets seek redemption Friday in Portland after Avdija's 41-point game that produced a 103-102 result and highlighted late-game defensive issues.
Sam Houston looks to extend its winning streak Thursday as the Bearkats aim for a fifth straight home win against Delaware to build momentum in conference play.
Local professional volleyball returns Thursday as LOVB Houston begins its second season at the Berry Center, highlighting homegrown talent and growing fan interest.
Texas Cultural Insight
The Texas Longhorn isn’t just a symbol — it’s a distinct breed developed over centuries on the range. Descended from Spanish cattle brought to the Americas in the 1500s, these hardy, wide-horned cattle adapted to Texas heat, brush, and drought. Today, they’re recognized worldwide as a uniquely Texan breed and a living legacy of the state’s ranching roots.