TOP STORY
Texas expands public virtual schooling in San Antonio
Texas is making it easier for school districts to offer virtual education after Senate Bill 569 passed. In San Antonio, Northside ISD plans to launch a fully virtual high school next year to attract students seeking flexible learning options. Virtual enrollment across the state has surged to around 62,000 students.
If you've been thinking about online schooling for yourself or your kids, this expansion means more public virtual options could soon be available locally. Whether you want more schedule flexibility or alternative learning environments, these new schools aim to fit what students need. It could also help families balance extracurriculars, work, and academics without missing out on public education resources.
Source: San Antonio Report
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 63.5500 | ▲ 0.13% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.4220 | ▲ 0.09% |
Cotton | 0.6341 / lb | ▼ 0.02% |
Cattle | 2.3725 / lb | ▼ 0.22% |
S&P 500 | 6930.27 | ▲ 0.15% |
Dow Jones | 50101.11 | ▲ 0.15% |
Nasdaq | 23028.59 | ▲ 0.19% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 80.6 | 51.8 |
Houston | 77.9 | 51.6 |
Austin | 81.3 | 50.0 |
San Antonio | 80.4 | 50.7 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts are currently in effect.
Houston: A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9:00 AM CST February 8, issued by NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts are currently in effect.
San Antonio: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts are currently in effect.
Politics and Economy
Racial Wealth Gap Widens With Texas Mid-Ranking
Recent data shows the wealth difference between white households and Black and Hispanic households is growing nationwide. Texas ranks 28th among states for racial wealth disparities, with white households holding significantly more wealth. This gap also relates to health and social issues, showing the broader impact of economic inequality.
You might feel the effects of widening racial wealth gaps in everyday community life, like differences in homeownership, access to resources, or healthcare outcomes. For many Texas families, this means fewer opportunities to build lasting financial security or improve health over time. Recognizing these disparities helps communities and policymakers focus on programs that promote equity and close these persistent gaps.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
The race for Texas Supreme Court chief justice features candidates Cory Carlyle and Maggie Ellis in a key Democratic primary contest with statewide impact.
Sid Miller and Nate Sheets compete in the race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in a heated Republican primary battle important to Texas farming policy.
Critical Democratic primaries across states including Texas are intensifying as the party aims to flip the Senate from GOP control in the upcoming midterm elections.
Tech and Business
Paul Thomasson Highlights AI's Impact in Senate Race
Paul Thomasson, running in Texas Senate District 5, focuses on AI’s sweeping changes and stresses the need for retraining displaced workers. His campaign addresses concerns like Medicaid expansion and low wages, aiming to secure better support for working Texans amid fast tech shifts.
If you work in industries prone to automation, Thomasson's stance signals upcoming challenges and opportunities for reskilling. His emphasis on AI reflects growing urgency to prepare Texas workers for a changing economy and safeguard access to healthcare and fair wages. This outlook might shape policies affecting jobs and community services in Williamson and Bastrop counties, where he's campaigning.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Houston Defies National Construction Labor Shortage Trends
While many regions feel the strain of a labor crunch in construction, Houston's pipeline remains robust. The city bucks the national labor shortage trend, maintaining strong project activity and workforce stability that supports ongoing growth.
If you live or work in Houston’s construction sector, these conditions mean steady jobs and fewer project delays. The city's resilience offers more predictable timelines for developments, which can boost local economies and housing availability. This contrasts with other areas where labor shortages could slow infrastructure or commercial projects.
Source: Chron
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What else is happening:
Ticket prices for Super Bowl 60 are dropping making the event more accessible for fans attending the Patriots vs. Seahawks game.
Sen. Ron Wyden highlights the economic importance of the Moda renovation as critical for Portland’s economy amid ownership concerns.
Sports
Texas A&M Basketball Struggles in SEC Loss to Florida
Texas A&M basketball had its toughest offensive game this season, shooting poorly and falling 86-67 to Florida. The Aggies made just one three-pointer in the first half and led for only 9 seconds, marking their second consecutive loss.
If you follow Texas A&M basketball, this game is a frustrating reminder that even strong teams have off nights. It shows how quickly fortunes can shift in college hoops and why shooting consistency is crucial. These struggles may impact upcoming games and the Aggies' chances of a top finish in the SEC, so brace yourself for a rollercoaster as they try to rebound.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
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Sports Spotlight:
New Orleans faces Texas A&M-CC after Jakevion Buckley's 25-point performance in a Southland Conference battle with clear college basketball stakes as seen in the preview.
Texas Southern visits Bethune-Cookman after Jakobi Heady's 30 points secured a SWAC win, making the upcoming game critical in conference play.
Houston Christian aims to break an eight-game road skid against McNeese, providing key Southland Conference insights before their matchup.
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.