TOP STORY
Texas Finalizes $1 Billion School Voucher Program Rules
Texas has finalized guidelines for its $1 billion school voucher program, opening applications on February 4, 2026. The program offers $10,300 per year for private tuition and includes special provisions for homeschooled and special needs students. Critics remain concerned about accountability and equitable access.
If you're a Texas parent considering private or homeschools, this program could provide significant financial help starting in 2026. Special needs families may have an easier path to support, but it’s important to watch how funds are distributed. This could affect your choices for preschool or private education and change how families across Texas plan their schooling budgets.
Source: Hood Line
Read more
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 58.3000 | ▼ 0.05% |
Gas (Nat.) | 4.6160 | ▼ 0.09% |
Cotton | 0.6461 / lb | ▼ 0.03% |
Cattle | 2.1305 / lb | ▲ 0.01% |
S&P 500 | 6811.76 | ▼ 0.22% |
Dow Jones | 47419.67 | ▼ 0.18% |
Nasdaq | 23211.97 | ▼ 0.22% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 60.4 | 40.6 |
Houston | 67.6 | 47.3 |
Austin | 67.3 | 48.6 |
San Antonio | 66.6 | 54.3 |
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
Debate Intensifies Over Ten Commandments in Schools
Texas is deeply divided over a new law requiring Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms. Some teachers resigned to avoid imposing religious views, while others see it as historic context. Courts have halted the requirement in over two dozen districts, and legal battles continue as the issue moves toward the Supreme Court.
If you have kids in Texas public schools, this law could directly affect their learning environment. Some teachers may feel pressured or choose to leave, while students encounter this religious content daily. The debate touches on constitutional rights and local school policies, possibly altering your child's classroom atmosphere and how history and religion are presented.
Source: Lufkin Daily News
Read more
What else is happening:
The crowded field of candidates in the District 31 congressional race signals a competitive political environment impacting Killeen and surrounding areas with close voter attention to the congressional race.
The city of San Antonio seeks public input through an online survey about the future development of the iconic River Walk to shape tourism and local planning.
President Trump’s vow to 'permanently pause' migration from poorer nations adds to the national immigration debate with potential widespread political and social ramifications for Texas communities.
Tech and Business
AutoML Market Set To Grow To $13 Billion By 2033
The North American Automated Machine Learning market is expected to soar from $1 billion in 2024 to $13 billion by 2033, fueled by AI adoption, cloud integration, and algorithm advances. This growth helps industries like healthcare and finance speed up decisions despite challenges in data privacy and complex integrations.
For you, this means smarter tech will soon make everyday tasks, from healthcare to banking, faster and more accurate. If your employer uses AutoML, expect quicker insights without waiting on specialized data scientists. It also hints at jobs shifting toward managing these tools. However, keep an eye on privacy concerns as companies adopt these systems more widely.
Source: MENA FN
Read more
Dallas Invests $2.5M To Upgrade Bahama Beach Waterpark
Dallas is investing $2.5 million to upgrade the aging water features at Bahama Beach Waterpark in southern Dallas, aiming to open expanded amenities by summer 2026. The park draws over 76,000 visitors annually and recovers 70% of its costs through fees and rentals, making it a cost-effective city asset.
If you live near Dallas or plan summer outings, the upgraded waterpark promises a bigger, more exciting experience with new slides and dozens of water features. The city’s focus on keeping this facility affordable while seeking corporate sponsors means more chances to enjoy family-friendly fun without breaking the bank. Plus, community programs like senior water aerobics highlight its broad appeal.
Source: Dallas News
Read more
What else is happening:
The hemp industry faces a significant challenge as the federal ban on THC products derived from hemp threatens a $24 billion market and many businesses nationwide.
Romano's Macaroni Grill, a longtime Olive Garden rival, has quietly closed most of its locations after filing for bankruptcy, affecting restaurant industry dynamics and local job markets in the U.S.
Sports
Cowboys Win Thanksgiving Thriller Over Chiefs
The Dallas Cowboys narrowly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 on Thanksgiving, boosting their NFC playoff chances. Dak Prescott led the charge with strong passes to CeeDee Lamb, countering impressive efforts from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The win pushes Dallas to 6-5-1 this season after beating two top conference teams.
If you’re following the Cowboys’ playoff hunt, this Thanksgiving classic means a lot. The win not only lifts team spirits but also keeps your playoff dreams alive if you’re a Dallas fan. Watching Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb light up the field might inspire you to rally with friends next game day and celebrate the comeback moments that turn seasons around.
Source: Head Topics
Read more
Sports Spotlight:
Texas women's basketball topped No. 2 South Carolina 66-64 on a last-second basket by Harmon, capturing the Players Era title and energizing local fans.
Texas A&M meets Florida State in Tampa, with both teams aiming to make a statement in this early college basketball season matchup.
Texas Geology Insight
Texas is home to one of the rarest minerals on Earth — blue topaz — and it’s found naturally in only one place in the entire United States: Mason County, Texas. This gemstone forms in ancient volcanic rocks and is so limited in supply that Texas designated blue topaz as its official state gem.