TOP STORY
Sick ICE Detainee Airlifted from US Dies Weeks Later
Randal Alberto Gamboa-Esquivel was detained by U.S. immigration officials and diagnosed with psychosis before being airlifted to Costa Rica in critical condition. His family alleges overmedication led to brain damage. DHS says his death did not occur in custody and provides details on care protocols as Costa Rica demands more information.
If you or your loved ones interact with immigration detention systems, this case highlights how vital medical transparency and care procedures are. Communication breakdowns meant Gamboa-Esquivel's family feared for his wellbeing with limited updates, a reality that may affect many families. Watching the investigation unfold could influence how detainee health protocols improve or how immigrant rights are protected in Texas.
Source: News Week
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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 | 59.2 | 33.8 |
Houston | 59.9 | 64.4 |
Austin | 65.5 | 38.7 |
San Antonio | 67.1 | 41.7 |
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
Talarico Leads Crockett in Texas Senate Democratic Primary
A recent Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey shows Democrat James Talarico leading Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic Senate primary by 9 points, with Talarico at 47% and Crockett at 38%. The poll surveyed likely primary voters and noted 15% remain undecided as both candidates aim to succeed the incumbent senator.
If you plan to vote in the upcoming Texas Democratic Senate primary, this poll suggests Talarico currently has a notable lead over Crockett, which could influence local campaign events and debates you might attend or follow. Knowing the frontrunner helps you stay informed about who might represent your interests in the Senate. The high percentage of undecided voters means your choice could still have a big impact in shaping the primary outcome.
Source: The Hill
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What else is happening:
Local voices respond to transit, education, minimum wage, and immigration in a Dallas News Letters to the Editor highlighting everyday concerns shaping Texas politics.
With dozens of members over 80 and many seeking reelection, questions about leadership turnover and institutional experience are shaping discussions about Congress's oldest members.
Tech and Business
Waymo Robotaxis Continue Passing Austin School Buses
Austin ISD reports Waymo's driverless cars keep illegally passing stopped school buses despite a recent software recall meant to fix the issue. The school district has issued citations and urged Waymo to stop operating during school pickup hours while exploring legal options.
If you live in Austin and rely on school bus safety, this ongoing issue with Waymo’s robotaxis could affect your child's daily commute. These self-driving cars failing to stop puts safety at risk and creates tension around integrating new tech with existing school zones. You'll want to stay alert during pick-up and drop-off times and watch for updates on regulations that could change local traffic routines.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Texas Losing Edge as Insurance Costs Keep Rising
Texas is seeing rising insurance premiums that now outpace most states, driven by stalled lawsuit reforms. Unlike states like Florida and Georgia, Texas hasn't passed new laws to curb lawsuit abuse, leading to increased costs that strain family budgets and housing stability.
If you’re struggling with climbing insurance bills, you're part of a growing group paying more due to legal and regulatory gridlock. This trend impacts your monthly spending, whether for home, auto, or health coverage. Without reforms, expect premiums to keep rising, squeezing your budget and possibly influencing where you choose to live or work in Texas.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
NASA conducted its first medical evacuation, with a SpaceX capsule splashing down off California and disrupting ISS crew schedules and launch plans.
Enterprise spending on OpenAI models jumped to a record in December, signaling faster corporate AI adoption, shifting vendor dominance, and rising integration costs.
Sports
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Sprains Ankle in Loss
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg injured his left ankle in the first half against Denver and missed the entire second half, in a 118-109 defeat. Flagg, averaging 19.1 points and 6.4 rebounds, had hurt the same ankle two nights earlier but still led Dallas to a win over Brooklyn.
If you follow the Mavericks, Flagg’s injury changes the game plan and might affect Dallas’s playoff chances. His scoring and energy are key to the team, so missing him means others must step up. For fans, it’s a reminder just how fragile rookie seasons can be, and how injuries can quickly shift momentum in the season.
Source: Yankton Net
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Sports Spotlight:
Klay Thompson’s chase was spoiled as the injury-riddled Mavericks fell to the Nuggets, further complicating Dallas's season hopes.
Texas handed No. 10 Vanderbilt its first loss of the season in a dominant 80-64 win that boosts the Longhorns' national standing and tournament résumé.
Katie Ledecky posted the second-fastest time ever to win the US Pro Swim Series opener in Austin, underlining the meet's national prominence.
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.