TOP STORY
Texas House to Address Aquifer Sustainability Tuesday
The Texas House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on February 10 focused on the health and long-term management of Texas aquifers. Representative Cody Harris emphasized the importance of ongoing studies to understand the impact of high-capacity wells on water recharge zones affecting areas from East Texas to Houston.
If you live in Texas, especially in East Texas or near Houston, the water you rely on comes from aquifers like Carrizo-Wilcox that span many counties. This hearing marks a step toward better protecting those water sources and ensuring they won’t be depleted. Your future water supply, whether for drinking or farming, depends on managing these groundwater reserves wisely. Staying informed about legislative actions now helps you anticipate changes and advocate for sustainable water use in your community.
Source: Palestine Herald
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 63.5000 | ▲ 0.05% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.4050 | ▼ 0.41% |
Cotton | 0.6341 / lb | ▼ 0.02% |
Cattle | 2.3800 / lb | ▲ 0.10% |
S&P 500 | 6930.27 | ▲ 0.15% |
Dow Jones | 50101.11 | ▲ 0.15% |
Nasdaq | 23028.59 | ▲ 0.19% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 73.6 | 47.1 |
Houston | 75.7 | 51.4 |
Austin | 82.9 | 48.0 |
San Antonio | 83.1 | 47.5 |
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
Plano Student Awarded $3.2 Million in Defamation Case
Asher Vann, a Plano teen accused in 2021 of bullying and racism, won a $3.2 million judgment against his accusers after a jury ruled they intentionally caused him emotional distress. The social media campaign severely disrupted Vann’s life and led to threats and protests. The accusers plan to appeal the verdict.
If you or your family have been caught up in the turmoil of public accusations, this case shows the heavy toll that false social media claims can take on personal lives. This verdict highlights the risks of online campaigns damaging reputations and the importance of standing up for justice. It also reminds Texans that what gets posted online can lead to serious, long-term consequences. For young people in schools, it underscores the need for careful handling of conflict and truth.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
A Texas A&M professor fired after a classroom video controversy is suing the school, alleging policy violations and seeking reinstatement or damages.
After earlier incorrect guidance, Austin officials confirmed the individual campaign contribution limit is $500, clarifying rules candidates must follow before filings.
Federal authorities are seeking to expedite deportation of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father days after release from a Texas detention facility.
Tech and Business
Tesla's Cybercab Nears Launch Amid Design Changes
Tesla plans to start producing the Cybercab in April at its Texas Gigafactory, promising a $30,000 fully autonomous EV. Recent prototypes include driver controls like steering wheels and pedals, contradicting Elon Musk’s initial no-driver design. Regulatory challenges and trademark disputes add uncertainty to the project’s rollout.
If you’re considering a new EV, the Cybercab could shake things up with its promised low price and autonomous tech. But early versions might still require you to drive, reflecting ongoing safety and legal hurdles. For Austin residents, seeing these vehicles tested on local highways hints at a future where robotaxis might become part of everyday travel. Whether it changes your commute or car shopping, this move signals Tesla pushing hard on self-driving innovation in Texas.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Blayre Peña Targets Tax Relief in Texas House Race
Blayre Peña challenges incumbent Caroline Harris Davila in Texas House District 52, focusing on increased public school funding and property tax relief. Peña criticizes recent tax breaks favoring large businesses and advocates for fair appraisal reforms that help homeowners and small companies.
If property taxes are pinching your budget or you're worried about underfunded schools in Williamson County, this race matters. Peña’s push for broader tax relief and education funding could influence your community’s resources and costs. How you vote may shape whether future tax policies favor everyday residents over big corporations, affecting your local services and neighborhood stability.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Anthropic's Super Bowl Ads ignite a branding battle with OpenAI, raising questions about trust, advertising ethics, and consumer perception of AI platforms.
Many laid-off Big Tech Employees are asking whether AI drove recent job cuts, complicating career plans and accelerating calls for reskilling and policy responses.
Sports
West Virginia Hosts No. 13 Texas Tech in Key Matchup
West Virginia Mountaineers will face No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders Sunday in Morgantown. West Virginia excels defensively, allowing just 63.3 points per game, while Texas Tech averages an impressive 82.9 points. The teams are close in recent form, with West Virginia holding a strong home-court record of 13-1.
If basketball is your weekend plan, this clash offers a prime showcase of conference rivalry intensity. The defensive grit of West Virginia could make your game-day experience tense and exciting, while Texas Tech’s scoring firepower promises plenty of action. Whether you follow the Mountaineers or the Red Raiders, this game highlights what Big 12 basketball passion feels like on court.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Texas A&M prepares to host No. 21 Alabama, a matchup that will test the Aggies' defense after Alabama's tight win and influence SEC positioning.
Rice visits UAB after Trae Broadnax scored 22 points in an overtime win, setting up a Sunday matchup with scoring momentum and rivalry implications.
Auburn braces for No. 5 LSU after Mikaylah Williams’ 20-point performance, a game that could reshape SEC tournament seeding and team momentum.
Texas Heritage Insight
The iconic phrase “Six Flags over Texas” doesn’t just refer to amusement parks: it references the six nations that have governed parts of Texas — Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.