TOP STORY

Texas Voter Registrations Face Last-Minute Processing Backlog

Harris County officials revealed that a recent software update by the Secretary of State led to technical glitches, causing a significant backlog in processing voter registrations. This delay comes when early voting is about to start, potentially affecting thousands eager to participate in upcoming elections.

If you’re planning to vote early, this backlog could directly affect your ability to cast a ballot in time, especially if your registration hasn’t been fully processed yet. It throws uncertainty into the crucial moment when Texans want their voices heard and may cause frustration or confusion at polling stations. This situation highlights the very real challenges technology upgrades can create in election administration, impacting how smoothly democracy functions closer to home.

Source: Khou
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Markets

Oil (WTI)

57.1500

-0.5395%

Gas (Nat.)

3.0080

+0.8787%

Cotton

0.6429 / lb

+0.8731%

Cattle

2.4182 / lb

-1.5167%

S&P 500

6664.0098

+0.5271%

Dow Jones

46190.6094

+0.5187%

Nasdaq

22679.9707

+0.5205%

Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot

Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): No statewide outages reported today.

City

High (°F)

Low (°F)

Dallas

76.5

56.1

Houston

87.6

68.5

Austin

85.8

65.5

Alerts

  • Dallas — None reported.

  • Houston — None reported.

  • Austin — None reported.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening across each industry

Politics and Economy

Hinojosa Enters Governor's Race to Challenge Abbott

State Rep. Gina Hinojosa officially announced her bid for Texas governor, aiming to unseat Greg Abbott in the 2026 election. She brings a focus on public education, affordability, and healthcare while emphasizing her roots in the Rio Grande Valley and commitment to Texans’ needs. Hinojosa joins a growing field of Democrats determined to shift the state's political landscape.

This race could reshape Texas governance and policies that directly affect your daily life, especially in education and healthcare, two critical areas many Texans feel need urgent attention. When you hear candidates talk about prioritizing the average Texan over wealthy interests, it points to changes that might influence your access to affordable schools, medical care, and state resources. With new voices pushing for different priorities, the tone and direction of Texas leadership could shift toward addressing the challenges Texans face every day.

Source: Kxan
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What else is happening:

Tech and Business

Texas Faces Lawsuits Over App Store Age Verification

Texas has triggered two legal challenges against its upcoming app store age verification law set for January 2026. Tech giants like Apple and Google, along with student groups, argue that this mandate infringes on privacy rights, free speech, and creates heavy compliance burdens for all users and companies.

This law could change the way you download apps by requiring you to share more personal details just to prove your age—something that might feel invasive and risky. If upheld, this law could make apps less accessible or slow down innovation because companies must add broad age checks to every app, not just those with mature content. It raises the question of balancing child protection online with your everyday app experience and personal privacy in a digital world where security concerns are already high.

Source: Webpronews
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Texas Voters Set To Decide On Major Tax Amendments

Texans will vote on 17 constitutional amendments, including eight key tax measures, this November. These aim to reduce or restrict certain taxes, such as capital gains, estate transfers, and property tax exemptions, continuing Governor Abbott’s push to ease tax burdens statewide.

These changes could lighten the tax load on your property, inheritance, or small business, providing more financial breathing room in your daily life. Whether you are a homeowner, veteran family, elderly citizen, or business owner, these votes could shape how much money stays in your wallet versus going toward state taxes. The reforms aim to keep Texans’ finances more predictable and less burdensome, potentially empowering families and entrepreneurs across the state.

Source: Newsweek
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What else is happening:

Sports

Texas Triumphs in Overtime with Shipley’s 45-Yard Kick

Texas edged Kentucky 16-13 in overtime thanks to Mason Shipley’s clutch 45-yard field goal. Despite struggling offensively with just 179 total yards, the Longhorns leaned on big punt returns and a key goal-line stand to seal the win. It was a gritty road victory that showed Texas’ resilience in a tough SEC environment.

This win proves how Texas football thrives even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. For fans, this means every game remains thrilling, highlighting the grit and teamwork on display when the stakes are high. It’s a reminder that in college football, heart and defense can make all the difference when seasons are on the line, keeping supporters energized and hopeful for the playoff hunt.

Source: Apnews
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Sports Spotlight:

🌵 Texas Day Recap

Event of the Day: First Blockbuster Video-Rental Store Opens in Texas (Oct 19, 1985)

On October 19, 1985, the very first Blockbuster video-rental store opened in Dallas, marking the start of a cultural phenomenon in home entertainment. With 8,000 tapes on the shelves and a computerized checkout system, it revolutionized how Texans (and Americans) rented movies — laying the groundwork for an industry billion-dollar boom and decades of weekend rental traditions.

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