TOP STORY
Texas State Fires Professor Over Violence Accusations
Texas State University fired Professor Thomas Alter following accusations that he incited violence during an online socialism conference. Though a judge reinstated him with pay, he was barred from teaching pending his lawsuit. The university ultimately terminated his employment after a thorough review and due process hearing.
This story hits close to home for anyone navigating free speech boundaries in academic or public spaces. It raises questions about what can or cannot be said without risking your job or reputation. For Texas students and residents, it fuels ongoing conversations about political expression, accountability, and how universities balance safety with open discourse. It’s a vivid example of how heated political climates can rapidly affect careers and campus life in our state.
Source: Fox 7 Austin
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 58.2100 | -2.1516% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.0640 | -1.7319% |
Cotton | 0.6348 / lb | -0.1730% |
Cattle | 2.4705 / lb | +3.5936 |
S&P 500 | 6654.7202 | +1.5599 |
Dow Jones | 46067.5781 | +1.2928% |
Nasdaq | 22694.6094 | +2.2076% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 89.4 | 66.4 |
Houston | 88.9 | 66.0 |
Austin | 91.0 | 64.8 |
Alerts
Dallas — An Air Quality Alert is in effect from October 13 at 2:43 PM CDT to October 14 at 10:45 PM CDT, issued by NWS Fort Worth.
Houston — An Air Quality Alert is in effect from October 13 at 2:37 PM CDT to October 14 at 11:45 PM CDT, issued by NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin — None reported.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening across each industry
Politics and Economy
Texas Operation Rescues 30+ Kids, Shakes Trafficking Rings
Law enforcement agencies across Texas teamed up in Operation Lightning Bug, rescuing over 30 missing children and dismantling multiple human trafficking networks focused on vulnerable youth, mainly in San Antonio. The coordinated effort led to arrests and new investigations while connecting survivors with vital support services.
This crackdown affects you because it shows how authorities are taking direct action to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities—children who often slip through the cracks. If you live in Texas, especially in areas like San Antonio, this operation means safer streets and stronger community ties. It also signals a broader push to tackle human trafficking not just as a crime statistic but as a real crisis impacting everyday families.
Source: Headtopics
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What else is happening:
Rep. Wesley Hunt launches Texas Senate challenge taking on Sen. John Cornyn in a high-profile GOP race that could reshape Texas’ political landscape.
Gov. Greg Abbott spotlights the fentanyl crisis calling overdose deaths “murder by poisoning” and pushing for tougher enforcement and prevention efforts.
Texas considers parental rights amendment aiming to formally protect family decision-making in education and child welfare debates.
Tech and Business
SpaceX Launches Starship 11 From Texas Starbase
SpaceX launched its 11th Starship test flight Monday evening from its South Texas facility, pushing the limits of reusable rocket tech with maneuvers mimicking future orbital returns. The test included stress-testing the heatshield and gauging advanced guidance for landing precision.
This Texas launch brings the futuristic dream of affordable space travel closer to reality, inspiring innovation right in your backyard. The tech breakthroughs here could reshape industries from satellite internet to space tourism, potentially opening new career avenues and economic growth opportunities for Texans.
Source: Headtopics
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Texas Alliance Spurs Massive Economic Growth
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock highlighted the Alliance development’s transformation from farmland to a booming business hub with over 574 companies and significant manufacturing growth. This zone has generated thousands of jobs and is evolving into a tech-forward center with drone and autonomous vehicle pilot projects.
This economic powerhouse in North Fort Worth directly affects your job market and local economy, presenting new opportunities in manufacturing and tech-driven industries. The Mobility Innovation Zone hints at how your daily life might see new autonomous delivery systems or drone services soon.
Source: Fort Worth Report
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What else is happening:
Texas city ranks among America’s most affordable cities highlighting Houston’s strong balance between wages, housing costs, and overall quality of life for residents.
Intel and Texas Instruments face stock downgrades as analysts cite slowing chip demand and near-term headwinds despite both companies’ vital roles in the semiconductor industry.
Texas leaders intensify oilfield theft crackdown launching tougher enforcement efforts to protect critical energy infrastructure and curb rising criminal activity.
Sports
Longhorns Dominate Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry Win
Texas shocked fans by pulling off a commanding 23-6 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl, ending doubts and energizing the season. Freshmen and longtime supporters alike felt the electric atmosphere as the Horns claimed their first Power 4 win of the year.
This win isn’t just a scoreboard update — it’s a breath of fresh air for every Texas fan itching to reclaim bragging rights and believe in the season’s potential again. The victory fuels community pride and revives excitement for future games, making weekends feel more electric and rallying friends and families around a shared passion for Texas football. Plus, watching Arch Manning rise under pressure reassures fans they’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the team’s journey.
Source: Fox 7 Austin
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Sports Spotlight:
No. 4 Texas A&M prepares to face an improved Arkansas in the Southwest Classic, as fans anticipate a high-stakes SEC showdown.
Texas A&M’s Le’Veon Moss sidelined with a significant ankle injury raising concerns over the Aggies’ offensive depth ahead of crucial matchups.
Coach Elko warns of Arkansas’ offensive strength as Texas A&M strategizes to maintain dominance in the SEC race.
🌵 Texas Day Recap
Texas Flashback: The Spark That Started It All
Texans made history with the Battle of Gonzales, the first clash of the Texas Revolution. When Mexican forces tried to seize a small cannon loaned to the town for defense, settlers stood their ground under a homemade flag that read “Come and Take It.” That bold defiance lit the fuse for Texas’ fight for independence and became one of the most iconic moments in the state’s story.