In partnership with
TOP STORY
Texas Grid Strengthened but Vulnerabilities Remain After Freeze
Texas faced a serious freeze this weekend, and while localized outages occurred, the statewide power grid remained intact, marking progress since the 2021 storm. Growth in renewables and battery storage helped stabilize the system, but challenges like weatherizing gas infrastructure and rising electricity demand still threaten reliability.
If you live in Texas, this freeze meant fewer blackouts and less disruption compared to past storms, thanks to increased wind, solar, and battery use in your power supply. However, when cold snaps hit, gas production drops and system risks remain. Rising electricity use from homes and data centers could push the grid to its limits unless energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements keep pace. Staying aware of these factors helps you prepare for winter energy needs and bills.
Source: Dallas News
Read more
Markets
Oil (WTI) | 60.6500 | ▲ 0.02% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.7130 | ▲ 0.24% |
Cotton | 0.6304 / lb | ▼ 1.04% |
Cattle | 2.3602 / lb | ▼ 0.02% |
S&P 500 | 6950.15 | ▼ 0.13% |
Dow Jones | 49406.62 | ▼ 0.08% |
Nasdaq | 23601.71 | ▼ 0.15% |
Join 400,000+ executives and professionals who trust The AI Report for daily, practical AI updates.
Built for business—not engineers—this newsletter delivers expert prompts, real-world use cases, and decision-ready insights.
No hype. No jargon. Just results.
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 39.4 | 13.5 |
Houston | 50.4 | 24.0 |
Austin | 49.3 | 19.6 |
San Antonio | 51.4 | 20.5 |
Alerts
Dallas: An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from early morning until 9:00 AM CST on January 27, issued by NWS Fort Worth.
Houston: An Extreme Cold Warning remains active through midday on January 27, issued by NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect until 9:00 AM CST on January 27, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
San Antonio: An Extreme Cold Warning is active until 9:00 AM CST on January 27, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
New Texas Law Could Reshape Box 20 Polling Site
A new Texas election law may impact the future of the Box 20 polling location in North Lufkin by requiring early voting sites to also operate on Election Day. County officials say the Brandon Community Center site will remain open for now, but final implementation rules by 2027 could bring changes that affect voter access.
If you rely on the Box 20 polling site in North Lufkin, upcoming changes could affect where you cast your vote in future elections. The law may force polling locations to consolidate or move, potentially making it harder for voters with limited transportation. Staying informed about any official updates will help you plan your trip to the polls and avoid surprises on Election Day.
Source: Lufkin Daily News
Read more
What else is happening:
Congressman Marc Veasey argues that a suspected fascist returns to work in the Trump administration in Dallas is unacceptable and endangers democratic norms and community trust.
Pam Bondi’s push for Minnesota to hand over sensitive voter registration records spotlights nationwide legal fights over privacy, federal data demands, and state resistance.
President Trump’s more conciliatory approach in Minnesota after Pretti’s death reflects rapid policy shifts that complicate federal-local immigration enforcement coordination.
Tech and Business
MindWalk Unveils HYFT Technology for AI Drug Risks
MindWalk Holdings, based in Austin, introduced HYFT technology to detect functional adjacency—where different molecules achieve the same therapeutic effect—in AI-designed drugs. This tool aims to identify competitive and legal risks in pharmaceutical R&D often missed by traditional sequence analysis, improving portfolio risk evaluation in drug discovery.
If you follow biotech innovations, MindWalk’s HYFT technology could soon affect how new medicines are developed and protected. By spotting when unrelated protein sequences actually work the same, the tool helps companies avoid costly patent disputes and better assess drug competition. This means smarter investments in pharmaceuticals and potentially faster delivery of safer, broadly effective treatments to patients.
Source: Rutland Herald
Read more
ProPetro Prices Upsized Stock Offering at $10 Per Share
Midland-based oilfield services company ProPetro announced an upsized public offering of 15 million common shares at $10 each, exceeding initial plans. The proceeds will support corporate growth and power generation investments, with the offering expected to close January 28th.
If you live or work in the energy sector, ProPetro’s capital raise signals ongoing investment in equipment that powers oil and gas operations. This move could strengthen the company’s ability to deliver services and support employment in Midland and beyond, affecting the local economy and energy supply chains.
Source: Rutland Herald
Read more
What else is happening:
A landmark jury trial in Los Angeles will test claims platforms deliberately addict teens, a case that could reshape moderation and legal liability nationwide.
DeepMind's COO outlines approaches for building powerful AI with ethical safeguards, underscoring tensions between rapid innovation and long-term societal impact.
Sports
Houston aims for fifth straight home win Wednesday
Houston Rockets prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs seeking a fifth consecutive home victory. The Rockets previously won the season's earlier matchup, standing 5-4 within their division, while the Spurs hold a 7-3 record against divisional opponents.
If you’re a Rockets fan, Wednesday’s game could be your chance to keep the home streak alive and boost the team’s standing. With stars like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun stepping up, the energy at the arena will be electric. Even if you only catch the highlights, this rivalry adds excitement to your basketball conversations and weekend plans.
Source: AP News
Read more
Sports Spotlight:
The Mavericks host the Timberwolves as Minnesota plays Dallas, with Minnesota trying to halt a three-game road slide and Dallas seeking stability.
Luka Doncic’s recent 46-point outburst propels the Lakers into Cleveland for a matchup that could shift conference momentum as Doncic leads Los Angeles on the road.
Rudy Gobert’s 15 points and 17 rebounds helped the Timberwolves beat the Warriors 108-83, snapping a five-game skid and easing growing playoff concerns.
Texas Natural Insight
Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits on part of a 260–270 million-year-old fossil reef, once submerged under a prehistoric sea. Today, the park preserves some of the oldest exposed reef formations in the world — and at its summit, Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft) is the highest natural point in all of Texas.