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TOP STORY
Texas Economy and Sales Reach New Heights
Texas collected $4.3 billion in sales tax revenue in December 2025, surpassing last year by over 5% and outpacing inflation. The state also hit record employment numbers with nearly 16 million in the labor force and gained over 145,000 jobs from 2024 to 2025, leading national job growth.
If you live or work in Texas, this economic momentum means more job opportunities and a robust market for your goods and services. With a growing workforce and record sales, local businesses may flourish, and communities can benefit from increased investments and programs. These trends underscore why Texas continues attracting newcomers seeking stable careers and better prospects.
Source: Lufkin Daily News
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 59.2200 | ▼ 0.13% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.1090 | ▼ 0.13% |
Cotton | 0.6460 / lb | ▼ 0.68% |
Cattle | 2.3207 / lb | ▼ 0.00% |
S&P 500 | 6939.46 | ▼ 0.09% |
Dow Jones | 49358.19 | ▼ 0.01% |
Nasdaq | 23514.42 | ▼ 0.12% |
One Habit You’ll Keep
By this time of the year, most New Year goals are already slipping. That’s why the habits that last are the simple ones.
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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 | 47.8 | 33.1 |
Houston | 58.3 | 43.9 |
Austin | 55.9 | 38.3 |
San Antonio | 59.5 | 41.4 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Austin: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from January 17 at 12:05 AM CST until January 17 at 8:00 PM CST, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
San Antonio: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from January 17 at 12:05 AM CST until January 17 at 8:00 PM CST, and a Freeze Warning is in effect from January 16 at 11:55 PM CST until January 18 at 9:00 AM CST, both issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Debate Ignites Over ICE Shooting of Renee Good
Renee Good's fatal shooting during Minneapolis protests against ICE has sparked sharp public disagreement about the incident. The discussion raises questions about protest dynamics, use of force by immigration officials, and policy failures that contribute to escalating tensions nationwide. Letters from Texans reflect differing views on accountability and political consequences.
You might find this debate hitting close to home if you follow immigration policies or local law enforcement actions. Such incidents can shape how communities view safety, civil rights, and federal authority. Whether you are a voter, activist, or neighbor, this event underscores the stakes in upcoming elections and the broader conversation about border enforcement and police conduct in Texas and beyond.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
A possible federal shutdown could halt SNAP benefits for 3.5 million Texans, jeopardizing food aid and straining local social services this winter.
An unincorporated Bexar County family faces eviction while limited support from county programs leaves residents scrambling for housing assistance outside city limits.
Letters to the editor cover Iran protests, voter lists, and climate concerns, highlighting the range of public debates influencing Texas civic conversations this week.
Tech and Business
Midsize Cities Reverse One-Way Streets for Safety
Cities like Indianapolis and Louisville are converting one-way streets back to two-way to reduce speeding and boost downtown business. These changes aim to improve pedestrian safety and revive economic activity that declined with one-way traffic designs dating back decades.
If you live or work downtown in a midsize city, these street conversions could make your daily walk or drive safer and more pleasant. Slower, two-way traffic reduces the risk of accidents and can bring more shops and restaurants back to life, enriching your local community. Over time, this shift might influence how you explore your city, encouraging more foot traffic and neighborhood gatherings.
Source: AP News
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Edgy's Pub Opens in Northwest Houston Shopping Center
Edgy's Pub, a new neighborhood bar and grill, opened at Copper Grove Shopping Center in Houston. The venue features indoor and outdoor seating, live music, pool tables, darts, and major sports games on TV, offering a fresh entertainment spot for locals.
If you’re looking for a new casual hangout in Northwest Houston, Edgy's Pub provides a lively option with plenty of ways to unwind after work or on weekends. Whether you prefer catching a game, enjoying live tunes, or playing pool outside on the patio, this local bar aims to become a neighborhood staple. Expect a fresh spot to meet friends or make new ones nearby.
Source: Community Impact
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What else is happening:
Security experts warn that harvested encrypted data could become vulnerable once quantum machines arrive, prompting urgent upgrades to protections across government and critical Texas infrastructure.
A mother sues an AI company over Grok deepfake images, alleging emotional harm and raising new questions about legal limits on synthetic content and platform responsibility.
Sports
5 Things to Watch in Patriots vs. Texans Playoff
The Patriots prepare to face the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round after beating the Chargers. Key matchups include the Patriots' offensive line facing Houston's elite pass rush and quarterback Drake Maye trying to avoid turnovers. The Texans are a tough defensive team, missing star receiver Nico Collins, and both teams have red zone struggles.
If you’re rooting for the Patriots, this game is a nail-biter that could come down to protecting the ball and capitalizing in the red zone. As a Texans fan, you know their defense can disrupt offenses and force turnovers, so watch how the Patriots handle that pressure. This contest will define playoff momentum and could set the stage for a Texas showdown in the AFC Championship.
Source: Mass Live
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Sports Spotlight:
Veteran forward Kevin Durant scored 39 points to lift the Houston Rockets to a narrow 110-105 win, highlighting his late-game leadership and clutch shooting.
San Antonio hosts Minnesota in a pivotal conference showdown that could reshape Western Conference seeding and reveal matchup advantages for both teams.
Dallas-area golfer Texas product Doug Ghim sits near the top at the Sony Open as the tournament moves to its decisive round, giving Texas fans an PGA storyline to follow.
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.