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TOP STORY
John Lennon Shot Dead Outside New York Apartment
On December 8, 1980, former Beatle John Lennon was fatally shot by Mark David Chapman outside his New York City apartment. This event stunned music fans worldwide and marked a grim moment in modern history.
You might recall where you first heard about John Lennon’s death or the ripple effects it had on music and peace activism. Even decades later, this incident reminds us how quickly public figures’ lives can change and how their legacies shape culture. For those inspired by Lennon’s messages, it’s a moment to reflect on his enduring influence in music and social movements.
Source: Daily Press
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Markets
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Gas (Nat.) | 5.0800 | ▲ 0.02% |
Cotton | 64.15 / lb | ▲ 0.14% |
Cattle | 2.2715 / lb | ▼ 0.04% |
S&P 500 | 6869.07 | ▼ 0.04% |
Dow Jones | 47942.58 | ▼ 0.07% |
Nasdaq | 23574.95 | ▲ 0.03% |
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Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 51.4 | 33.6 |
Houston | 58.6 | 45.0 |
Austin | 60.1 | 38.3 |
San Antonio | 64.9 | 42.3 |
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
Key Texas Candidates File for 2026 Midterm Races
The deadline to file for Texas' 2026 primaries marked a turning point, with major candidates emerging for U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general, and other significant state offices. Notable races include Sen. John Cornyn's tough GOP challenge and Gov. Greg Abbott's bid for a record fourth term amid a crowded field.
You’ll want to keep an eye on these races as they directly influence Texas policies that affect your taxes, education, and statewide services. A competitive Senate and gubernatorial race mean potential shifts in leadership priorities, which could impact everything from school funding to healthcare access in your community. The crowded field also signals an active political season ahead, requiring Texans to pay closer attention to candidates’ stances that shape your everyday life.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson pushes city council to approve a crucial funding plan to uphold the pension promise for first responders.
Governor Abbott warns that Jasmine Crockett’s potential Senate run faces tough odds amid a crowded Texas Republican field in a heated race.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is expected to announce her Senate plans soon, potentially reshaping the political dynamics in Texas.
Tech and Business
Texas A&M and Last Energy Launch Microreactor Pilot
Texas A&M University System and Last Energy plan to build a 5-megawatt microreactor pilot at the Texas A&M–RELLIS campus to address growing power demand. ERCOT forecasts a 7% increase in electricity needs for 2025 and 14% for 2026, driven by data centers and industry. Testing starts next summer to demonstrate safe, low-power operations and grid electricity generation.
If you rely on data centers or industrial electricity in Texas, this microreactor pilot could mean more reliable power in the near future. As demand for high-capacity energy surges, smaller nuclear solutions like this pilot offer a cleaner, scalable alternative. This project also signals Texas investing in cutting-edge energy tech, possibly influencing power costs and local research opportunities where you live or work.
Source: Dallas Innovates
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Texas’ $5 Million Bitcoin Purchase Questions Public Investment
Texas invested $5 million in bitcoin as part of a new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, raising debate over the state's use of public money. Bitcoin's volatility and security concerns persist despite growing acceptance. This purchase is a first for any state and reflects a broader trend of interest in digital currencies, though risks remain significant for taxpayers.
Your tax dollars now partly back bitcoin through Texas’ strategic investment, which could swing widely in value. While digital currency might grow into a viable societal asset, its sharp ups and downs could affect public funds that support essential services. Watching how this investment performs may influence future public choices about where and how state money is invested.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
Bowman Consulting's acquisition of Houston-based RPT Alliance expands utility-scale power generation services for data centers and industrial clients in Texas and beyond, with a focus on natural gas transmission.
The Vivo X300 Pro emerges as a formidable rival to the iPhone 17 Pro, boasting a larger battery and Zeiss cameras, all at a more accessible price point. It aims to capture international markets with its emphasis on cutting-edge smartphone innovation.
Sports
Texans Defense Stifles Mahomes in Key Victory
The Houston Texans won their fifth straight game by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-10 at Arrowhead Stadium. Led by a top-ranked defense, they limited Patrick Mahomes to 160 yards with three interceptions. C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown as Houston pushes closer to the playoffs.
If you're a Texans fan or just following the AFC South race, this win boosts Houston’s playoff hopes and shakes up the division standings. Watching Mahomes struggle behind an injured offensive line shows how crucial injuries can shift NFL momentum. For Chiefs supporters, the loss means their postseason path just got much tougher, adding tension for every game left this season.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
The Dallas Stars prepare for their game against the Winnipeg Jets following a 3-2 shootout win, aiming to continue their successful NHL streak in their upcoming game.
Patrick Mahomes threw three interceptions as the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff chances dropped to 16%, affected heavily by a loss to the Houston Texans' top-ranked defense.
Travis Kelce was nearly in tears on the Chiefs' bench after a critical drop contributed to their playoff hopes being all but ended in the recent loss to the Texans, showing the emotional toll on key players.
Texas Cultural Insight
Texas is home to the largest rodeo in the world — the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — which holds multiple Guinness World Records for attendance and entertainment milestones. Beyond the rodeo competitions, it has become a global cultural event, drawing millions each year and generating hundreds of millions in economic impact for Texas.