TOP STORY
Drivers Urge Fix for Darkness on 99 Tollway
Commuters on the 99 Tollway near Cypress and Katy report near-complete darkness at night due to construction delays, making driving hazardous. Accidents have risen by 35% recently on this stretch. TxDOT plans to restore lighting by early 2026 but residents want faster action.
If you drive this route, especially after sunset, the lack of lighting could make your commute risky and stressful. Navigating in near darkness means relying on high beams and hoping other drivers are cautious, too. The increased crashes highlight how this affects your safety and daily routine. Until the lights return, you may want to plan trips during daylight and stay alert for sudden hazards on the road.
Source: Click2 Houston
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 60.0800 | ▼ 0.05% |
Gas (Nat.) | 5.2890 | ▼ 0.11% |
Cotton | 63.9300 / lb | ▼ 0.23% |
Cattle | 2.2715 / lb | ▼ 0.04% |
S&P 500 | 6869.07 | ▼ 0.04% |
Dow Jones | 47942.58 | ▼ 0.07% |
Nasdaq | 23574.95 | ▲ 0.03% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 57.0 | 40.1 |
Houston | 73.0 | 54.1 |
Austin | 66.6 | 49.3 |
San Antonio | 75.0 | 54.5 |
Alerts
Dallas: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 6 at 5:37 PM CST and remains in effect until December 7 at 9:00 AM, according to NWS Fort Worth.
Houston: A Dense Fog Advisory was issued on December 6 at 10:18 PM CST and remains in effect until December 7 at 7:00 AM, according to NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: A Special Weather Statement was issued on December 7 at 2:21 AM CST and is in effect until 10:30 AM, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Jasmine Crockett Enters Texas Democratic Senate Primary
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett's anticipated run in the Texas Democratic Senate primary is shifting the focus of the 2026 race and placing Texas in the national political spotlight. Her entry adds new momentum to what promises to be a defining contest for the state's political future.
If you follow Texas politics, Crockett’s Senate bid means key debates around policies important to you and your family will gain more attention. This race could reshape representation on issues from education to healthcare. For voters in Texas, it’s a chance to engage with fresh voices and influence who leads the state at the national level.
Source: The Eagle
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What else is happening:
Texas lawmakers' cautious approach to expanding medical marijuana is questioned in a new review highlighting the program's effectiveness concerns in Texas medical marijuana.
Senator John Cornyn addressed healthcare topics at East Texas Baptist University, engaging with students in Marshall on important state and national healthcare issues.
GOP Representative Alford explains the Coast Guard's role in stopping drug boats close to the U.S., differentiating from military takeout capabilities near drug boat interception.
Tech and Business
Clinical Rotation Agreements Adjusted After Hospital Merger
Great Plains Technology Center discussed reassigning clinical rotation agreements following the merger of Southwestern Medical Center and Comanche County Memorial Hospital into Memorial Health System. This change shifts existing clinical documents to reflect the new healthcare organization.
If you're a student involved in medical training, this shift means your clinical rotations might now take place under a broader healthcare system. This update can smooth out training logistics and ensure your hands-on experience matches the evolving local hospital setup, affecting your education and future workplace connections.
Source: Swok News
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SMU secures $60M donation for energy studies launch
The Dallas-based O'Donnell Foundation will donate $60 million to Southern Methodist University to create an interdisciplinary energy studies program and an honors fund. This initiative aims to prepare students for leadership in energy, oil, gas, and entrepreneurship, blending business, engineering, and policy education.
If you or someone you know is eyeing a career in Texas' energy sector, this new program at SMU could open doors with top-tier training that combines technical skills and leadership. With Texas producing a quarter of the nation’s wind and fossil fuel energy, graduates will be positioned to lead in a booming industry right in Dallas. Plus, the honors program offers scholarships and unique career support, making energy innovation more accessible and career-ready.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
A historic U.S. retail chain founded in 1892 faces collapse after closing more than 3,000 stores, signaling deeper challenges in the national retail sector.
Some Wisconsin residents will receive up to three Social Security checks in December, creating planning considerations for retirees and families.
New Mexico meat processors face regulatory hurdles as the state moves forward with a new inspection program after years of federal oversight.
Sports
Tom Hicks, Texas Sports Owner and Business Leader, Dies
Tom Hicks, former owner of the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and part-owner of Liverpool FC, passed away at 79. He was recognized for his influential role in private equity and his leadership in professional sports.
If you’ve followed Texas sports, you know Hicks helped bring championship moments to Dallas fans, including a Stanley Cup win and several division titles. His vision shaped local sports culture and even Arlington's community identity through stadium projects you’ve likely visited. Beyond sports, his impact on Texas business and philanthropy means his legacy touches your daily life in multiple ways, from education donations to city landmarks.
Source: Head Topics
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Sports Spotlight:
The New Orleans Pelicans aim to end a six-game losing streak as they face the San Antonio Spurs in a key Southwest Division matchup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their 14th straight win with a dominant 33-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas First Baptist secured the TAPPS Division IV state football championship with a high-scoring 62–44 victory over Brazos Christian.
Texas Wild Secret
The Whooping Crane, North America’s tallest bird, migrates every winter from Canada to the Texas coast — specifically the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. It’s one of the rarest birds on Earth, with fewer than 600 left in the wild.