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TOP STORY
Texas' Newest State Park Opens on New Year's Day
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park will begin welcoming guests on New Year's Day, providing nearly 5,000 acres of green space just two hours from Dallas. Featuring hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and stunning vistas, it’s North Texas’ first new state park in 25 years and a vital urban refuge amid rapid growth.
If you’re craving a break from city life, this park invites you to explore trails, paddle on Tucker Lake, or camp under stars with your family. As North Texas sees booming population growth, having this natural retreat nearby means you don’t have to travel far for fresh air and outdoor adventure. Expect to see more Texans making memories here as it fully opens in 2026.
Source: Dallas News
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 57.9600 | ▲ 0.63% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.8290 | ▼ 0.03% |
Cotton | 0.6442 / lb | ▲ 1.00% |
Cattle | 2.2965 / lb | ▲ 0.02% |
S&P 500 | 6930.52 | ▲ 0.01% |
Dow Jones | 48715.76 | ▲ 0.08% |
Nasdaq | 23592.79 | ▼ 0.09% |
Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached
If you spend a good amount on Amazon, this card could easily be worth $100s in cash back every year. And — even better — you could get approved extremely fast. If approved, you’ll receive an insanely valuable welcome bonus deposited straight into your Amazon account, ready to use immediately.
You also don’t have to jump through any hoops to get this bonus. No extra work or special spending requirements. Get approved, and it’s yours.
This might be one of the most powerful cash back cards available, especially considering how much most people spend on Amazon each month. It gives you the chance to earn cash back on the purchases you’re already making, turning your routine shopping into something that actually pays you back.
If you shop at Amazon or Whole Foods, this card could help you earn meaningful cash back on every purchase you make. But this offer won’t last forever — and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, this card is as close to a no-brainer as it gets.
Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 46.9 | 33.1 |
Houston | 64.0 | 45.9 |
Austin | 54.7 | 40.6 |
San Antonio | 61.9 | 45.1 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: A Wind Advisory was issued on December 29 at 3:15 AM CST and remains in effect until December 29 at 6:00 PM, according to NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: A Wind Advisory was issued on December 28 at 11:56 AM CST and remains in effect until December 29 at 12:00 PM, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
San Antonio: A Wind Advisory was issued on December 28 at 11:56 AM CST and remains in effect until December 29 at 12:00 PM, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Federal Judge Blocks Texas App Age-Verification Law
A federal judge has blocked Texas' new app store age-verification law before it could take effect on January 1. The state’s Attorney General Ken Paxton has already appealed the ruling, aiming to reinstate the measure intended to regulate app access by age.
This legal setback could delay your ability to rely on the new app age-verification rules designed to protect younger users. If you’re a parent or guardian, you might face challenges ensuring age-appropriate digital access in the near term. The ongoing legal battle means uncertainty about when, or if, the enforcement will begin, affecting how you manage children's device use and app permissions.
Source: Khou
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What else is happening:
New property rights law set to take effect Jan. 1 will change eviction and tenant protections, potentially shifting legal burdens for many Texas renters under SB 38.
Dallas‑area readers weigh in on topics from graduation age rules to housing affordability, revealing local priorities and public sentiment.
Political strategists warn control of Congress could turn on several competitive contests, with national outcomes likely to influence Texas policy and election dynamics.
Tech and Business
Texas Law Pushes Back on Trump’s AI Ban
President Trump signed an executive order barring states from enacting AI rules, citing regulatory confusion. Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose this, defending their new law that protects consumers and children from AI harms while encouraging innovation through oversight programs.
If you’re living or doing business in Texas, this fight over AI laws matters. The state’s approach aims to shield you from manipulation, discrimination, and unsafe content created by AI without stifling tech growth. That means safer products and better business opportunities close to home as AI companies test new ideas under state supervision.
Source: Dallas News
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Congress Urged to Refill Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Texas Congressman August Pfluger highlights the urgent need to restock the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now at historic lows after large drawdowns. With oil prices low, now is the prime time to buy and secure energy supplies before the next crisis hits.
For Texans, especially in oil-producing regions like West Texas, refilling the reserve means more stable oil markets and better energy security. It could protect your travel costs and job stability in the energy sector. Taking advantage of low prices today prevents sudden spikes down the road and keeps Texas energy dominant.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
Global monopoly pressure in 2025 disrupted markets from airlines to streaming, raising antitrust risks that could reshape Texas tech and media competition, according to a deep-dive.
Analysts warn an AI-driven valuation shift could force a 2026 correction, potentially affecting Austin and Dallas tech hiring and investment.
Sports
Texas Rangers Sign RHP Nabil Crismatt to Minor Deal
The Texas Rangers bolstered their pitching depth by signing right-hander Nabil Crismatt to a minor league contract. Crismatt, who appeared in eight games for the Diamondbacks last season, earned his first career quality start and showed potential as a starter during his five starts in 2025.
If you follow the Rangers closely, Crismatt’s signing means the team is looking for fresh arms to support their rotation or bullpen depth this season. His experience across several MLB teams and promising numbers from last year might give you another pitcher to watch as the season unfolds. It could also affect which players move between the minors and the big league team, making spring training fascinating for fans tracking roster battles.
Source: Dallas News
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Sports Spotlight:
Dallas looks to end its six-game road losing streak when it visits Portland in a Western Conference matchup after winning their earlier high-scoring meeting.
Five Texas offensive freshmen could see extended roles in the Citrus Bowl, potentially shaping depth-chart decisions and 2026 NFL draft evaluations for the program.
Because the Cowboys own two first-round picks, their projected draft order will shape offseason trade talks and roster-building priorities heading into 2026.
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.