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TOP STORY
Texas Man To Plead Guilty In Child Sextortion Cases
Alexis Aldair Chavez is set to plead guilty to multiple federal charges linked to his role in an online criminal group that exploited minors through social media. Prosecutors say the group groomed and coerced victims into sharing abusive and graphic content, using threats and manipulation over nearly two years.
This case hits close to home for families across Texas. With predators using social platforms to target kids, it's a stark reminder to watch online activity and have open conversations about internet safety. Authorities urge anyone aware of such crimes to report them quickly to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation and manipulation.
Source: KSAT
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 55.9600 | ▲ 0.25% |
Gas (Nat.) | 4.0880 | ▼ 0.10% |
Cotton | 0.6352 / lb | ▲ 0.17% |
Cattle | 2.2952 / lb | ▼ 0.03% |
S&P 500 | 6722.22 | ▼ 0.17% |
Dow Jones | 47889.61 | ▼ 0.10% |
Nasdaq | 22695.49 | ▼ 0.27% |
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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 | 68.4 | 47.3 |
Houston | 75.6 | 55.8 |
Austin | 75.6 | 52.7 |
San Antonio | 77.7 | 56.1 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 17 at 8:24 PM CST and remains in effect until December 18 at 9:00 AM, according to NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 17 at 8:46 PM CST and remains in effect until December 18 at 9:00 AM, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
San Antonio Considers Moving Elections to November
San Antonio’s city council and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones plan to vote on shifting the city’s mayoral and council elections from May to November in odd-numbered years. This change, enabled by new state law, could save the city up to $1 million and potentially increase voter turnout.
If approved, this election shift could mean you cast your ballot alongside statewide and national races, making voting more convenient and possibly boosting turnout in local races that impact your neighborhood. The savings could free up city funds for other community priorities. Keep an eye on election dates to stay informed and ready to participate in local decision-making.
Source: KSAT
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What else is happening:
The University of Texas faces criticism over faculty quality concerns, highlighting challenges for recruiting top professors in the current academic climate.
Texas election officials flagged voters as potential noncitizens without initially checking state records, raising questions about election integrity.
A former ambassador argues that Texas is positioned to lead drone technology development alongside Ukraine, emphasizing strategic partnership potential.
Tech and Business
Congress Should Lead AI Governance, Not States
States like California and New York are passing AI regulations affecting the whole country, but this may conflict with the Constitution. Experts argue that AI rules should be set by Congress to uphold individual liberty and avoid unaccountable state overreach.
If you're concerned about how AI influences everything from your privacy to job markets, know that the laws shaping these technologies need broad representation. When states create conflicting AI rules, it creates confusion that affects innovation and your daily digital experience. Centralizing decisions in Congress means regulations reflect the interests of all Americans, not just a few states acting alone.
Source: Dallas News
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Lennar Cuts Home Prices 10% Amid Market Slowdown
America’s second-largest homebuilder Lennar dropped average home prices by 10% in Q4 2025 to counter shrinking demand. While deliveries increased slightly, total revenue fell as housing affordability challenges slow the market nationwide.
If you've been holding off on buying a new home in Texas or elsewhere, lower prices might finally give you an opening. More homes are staying on the market longer, giving you leverage to negotiate a better deal. But the extra savings come amid uncertainty in the housing economy, so timing and financial planning remain key.
Source: News Week
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What else is happening:
Investor concerns over the tech sector's AI spending caused most Asian markets to track Wall St lower, reflecting global market volatility.
Amid fears of AI-related expenses, Asian markets also declined as financial instability spread, shown in the widespread market sell-off.
Sports
Kevin Durant Opens Austin Sports Club Restaurant Downtown
Kevin Durant, the NBA star and Texas Longhorn legend, is launching Austin Sports Club, a new upscale sports bar and restaurant in downtown Austin. Scheduled to open in spring 2026 near 205 E. Third St., this marks Durant's first restaurant venture, combining his passion for Austin with partners from Boardroom Hospitality and Lobos Hospitality.
If you love Austin's vibrant downtown or follow Texas basketball, Kevin Durant's new restaurant could become your next go-to spot. It’s designed as a sleek hangout for athletes and local tastemakers alike. His lasting ties to Austin, including a $3 million donation to UT’s practice facility, show how this project is about community as much as food. Expect a lively new addition near the Vince Young Steakhouse, where you can soak up Longhorn pride and NBA history.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
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Sports Spotlight:
Sam Houston rides a four-game winning streak into their first season meeting against SMU, as the home team's undefeated record adds tension to the upcoming matchup.
Tarleton State meets Buffalo in Abilene, with both teams looking to improve home and road records respectively in this first game of the season, stirring interest in the women's college basketball clash.
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.