In partnership with
TOP STORY
Texas braces for delays in child care funding
New federal anti-fraud regulations could cause funding delays for over 140,000 Texas children relying on subsidized child care. Advocates warn these changes may endanger thousands of centers that depend on government subsidies to operate.
If your family depends on subsidized child care, you might face disruptions as new federal rules slow funding. This could force some centers to cut hours or close altogether, making it harder to find reliable care. Planning ahead and exploring alternate options might become necessary while centers adjust to the new system. Communities and working parents could feel a ripple effect as these essential services strain under tighter controls.
Source: The Eagle
Read more
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 58.7800 | ▲ 0.02% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.1410 | ▲ 0.10% |
Cotton | 0.6444 / lb | ▲ 0.00% |
Cattle | 2.3377 / lb | ▼ 0.01% |
S&P 500 | 6965.99 | ▼ 0.14% |
Dow Jones | 49500.20 | ▼ 0.08% |
Nasdaq | 23668.04 | ▼ 0.16% |
Smart Investors Don’t Guess. They Read The Daily Upside.
Markets are moving faster than ever — but so is the noise. Between clickbait headlines, empty hot takes, and AI-fueled hype cycles, it’s harder than ever to separate what matters from what doesn’t.
That’s where The Daily Upside comes in. Written by former bankers and veteran journalists, it brings sharp, actionable insights on markets, business, and the economy — the stories that actually move money and shape decisions.
That’s why over 1 million readers, including CFOs, portfolio managers, and executives from Wall Street to Main Street, rely on The Daily Upside to cut through the noise.
No fluff. No filler. Just clarity that helps you stay ahead.
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 56.7 | 40.3 |
Houston | 71.4 | 49.3 |
Austin | 62.1 | 43.3 |
San Antonio | 65.3 | 46.0 |
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
San Antonio Advances Projects Amid Immigration Debate
San Antonio launches infrastructure upgrades and tackles police misconduct as immigration debate intensifies ahead of midterms. Senator John Cornyn stresses border security first, while addressing labor shortages caused by ICE enforcement. Funding for Texas border operations remains a key part of ongoing policy discussions.
You might notice roadwork or temporary closures like the Losoya Street project and San Antonio River maintenance soon, affecting daily commutes. The immigration debate also hits close to home, especially if you work in industries facing labor shortages like construction or restaurants. Funding for border security efforts could shape local resources and the city's approach to these challenges in the months ahead.
Source: Head Topics
Read more
What else is happening:
A Texas judge threatened to have Amazon workers fired after his son allegedly spat on two employees, sparking questions about judicial behavior and employer accountability in a public dispute.
Organizers warn rural turnout will shape local power in March primaries and urge voters to brush up and show up to influence county and state races.
A letter to the editor contends a U.S. strike on Venezuela would constitute grounds for impeachment for President Trump, intensifying debate over executive war powers and congressional oversight.
Tech and Business
Texas Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum in December
Texas moves ahead with major infrastructure upgrades including Austin's I-35 Central Express and San Antonio's U.S. 90 expansion. Projects span road widening, tunnel construction, and updates to drainage systems, aiming to enhance safety and traffic flow across several key regions.
If you commute or travel in Austin, San Antonio, or North Texas, these upgrades aim to reduce your travel time and improve road safety. The new tunnels and expanded lanes will ease congestion and help prevent flooding delays, making daily drives smoother and more predictable. Over the next few years, expect construction zones but also long-term benefits in mobility and infrastructure reliability.
Source: Hood Line
Read more
What else is happening:
Governor Abbott has appointed Amanda Crawford as commissioner, whose legal and information-resources expertise could shape insurance rules affecting Texas homeowners and businesses through 2027.
A new map highlights how institutional investors dominate single-family rentals in the Sun Belt, intensifying affordability pressure and shrinking supply in Texas neighborhoods.
Sports
No. 12 LSU Hosts No. 2 Texas After Oldacre's Big Game
Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 2, visit No. 12 LSU after Kyla Oldacre netted 23 points in a dominant 97-36 win over Auburn. Both teams prepare for their first conference showdown with Texas undefeated in SEC play and LSU facing a 1-2 conference record.
If you follow college basketball, this matchup is where you’ll catch intense SEC action unfolding. Watching Kyla Oldacre’s momentum after her 23-point performance, you can anticipate a fierce contest that might shake up conference standings. Whether you’re tuning in from Texas or Louisiana, this game offers a perfect excuse to gather friends or family and dive into some top-tier basketball that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Source: AP News
Read more
Sports Spotlight:
TCU faces a major challenge as No. 1 Arizona arrives after Brayden Burries' 28-point game, a matchup that tests the Horned Frogs' defense.
Baylor readies for a key conference clash as No. 7 Houston visits, pitting Kingston Flemings' scoring against Baylor's hopes to climb Big 12 standings.
Dallas's new pro women's team draws local interest as the Dallas Pulse debuts this weekend, expanding professional volleyball options and energizing regional fan support.
Texas History Insight
The town of Fredericksburg, Texas, was founded in 1846 by German immigrants, and to this day, German influence remains deeply woven into the city’s culture. From historic buildings and surnames to traditional festivals like Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg is one of the strongest surviving examples of German heritage in the American South.