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TOP STORY
Texas Congressman Faces Scandal Over Staffer's Death
Rep. Tony Gonzales faces serious allegations after text messages suggest an affair with his late district director, who died by suicide in 2025. The director reportedly suffered ostracization following the relationship's exposure. Gonzales denies the claims but is accused of blackmail and shifting blame onto his primary rival.
This scandal doesn’t just shake Capitol Hill—it can affect how you view your local leadership and trust in elected officials. You might wonder how political controversies impact lawmaking, representation, or even election choices come voting season. The fallout could influence community conversations and the priorities that state lawmakers focus on in the months ahead.
Source: Head Topics
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 66.4900 | ▼ 0.09% | |
Gas (Nat.) | 2.9100 | ▼ 0.21% | |
Cotton | 0.6556 / lb | ▲ 0.74% | |
Cattle | 2.4468 / lb | ▲ 2.30% | |
S&P 500 | 6839.59 | ▲ 0.14% | |
Dow Jones | 48818.86 | ▲ 0.03% | |
Nasdaq | 22634.61 | ▲ 0.25% |
The Year-End Moves No One’s Watching
Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.
In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.
Elite Trade Club is your morning shortcut: a curated selection of the setups that still matter this year — the headlines that move stocks, catalysts on deck, and where smart money is positioning before New Year’s. One read. Five minutes. Actionable clarity.
If you want to start 2026 from a stronger spot, finish 2025 prepared. Join 200K+ traders who open our premarket briefing, place their plan, and let the open come to them.
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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 | 74.5 | 39.6 |
Houston | 71.6 | 41.5 |
Austin | 75.7 | 39.6 |
San Antonio | 76.3 | 40.6 |
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
Abbott Launches Surge Operation Over Cartel Violence
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a surge of Texas Department of Public Safety personnel to the border amid escalating violence tied to Mexican cartels. This move follows the killing of cartel leader El Mencho and aims to prevent criminal spillover into Texas.
If you live near the Texas-Mexico border, you might notice more law enforcement activity as the state ramps up security in response to rising cartel violence just south of the border. This means efforts to interrupt drug trafficking and keep local communities safer. Increased patrols and monitoring could also affect border crossings and daily transit times. Staying informed on advisories will help you plan and feel more secure.
Source: News Week
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What else is happening:
A Trump-appointed judge issued a civil contempt ruling after ICE released a Texas detainee without personal belongings, raising legal and procedural concerns.
More than 100 residents showed up to oppose renaming, prompting county officials to drop the plan to rename a portion of a highway after heated public testimony.
Dallas-area readers weigh in with strong views on faith, Ken Paxton and campaign ads in the latest Letters to the Editor, reflecting local political tensions.
Tech and Business
Austin Startup Launches App to Simplify Live Music Logistics
Soundcheck Live is an Austin-based platform designed to modernize the complex logistics behind live music tours. It centralizes scheduling, communication, and event details for musicians and their teams, replacing outdated spreadsheets and chaotic group chats with real-time coordination tools developed by industry professionals.
If you’re a touring musician or involved in live event production, this platform could save you hours otherwise spent juggling scattered emails and schedules. Streamlined operations mean more time focused on creativity and less stress over last-minute changes. Even independent artists can benefit, as the app helps maintain professionalism and smooth gig coordination, which venues and promoters appreciate.
Source: Hype Bot
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Data Center Startup Faces Corporate Limits as AI Utility
Fermi America positions itself as a next-gen utility powering AI data centers, but its Real Estate Investment Trust status restricts its revenue streams. Selling power risks breaching IRS rules for REITs, creating uncertainty for investors amid ambitious plans to build 11 gigawatts of electrical capacity in West Texas.
For investors eyeing the AI boom, Fermi’s unique corporate structure introduces a layer of risk that could affect stock value and dividend payouts. If the IRS challenges its REIT classification, that could mean higher taxes and shaken investor confidence. This tension highlights how financial models matter as much as technology when betting on the future of energy and AI infrastructure.
Source: Business Insider
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What else is happening:
Defense leaders plan to meet with Anthropic's CEO as debate intensifies over ethical limits on military AI, including surveillance and autonomous weapon concerns.
China’s booming humanoid robots industry dazzles audiences, but analysts warn the units showcased at festivals may overstate real capability and mask manufacturing limits.
Sports
Smith Leads Rockets Past Jazz with 31 Points
Jabari Smith Jr. scored 31 points along with nine rebounds as the Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 125-105, with Amen Thompson adding 20 points. The Rockets improved to 35-21, moving into third in the Western Conference, while the Jazz dropped to 18-40 amid a three-game losing streak.
If you follow the Rockets, this win means they’re strengthening their playoff position, which could boost your excitement as games become more critical. Smith and Thompson’s sharpshooting might encourage you to catch more Houston games to see rising stars in action. For fans attending home games, expect a high-energy atmosphere as the team builds momentum. This season’s performance could also impact ticket demand and local sports culture in Houston.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
No. 7 Florida travels to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns after Alex Condon’s 24-point game, creating a high-profile test for Texas’s defense against a top-10 opponent.
Kevin Durant says he’d like to be considered for the U.S. men's team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, signaling his intent to compete again despite nearing age 40.
The Dallas Stars bring a six-game win streak into their matchup with the Seattle Kraken, carrying momentum that could influence playoff positioning and team confidence.
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.