TOP STORY
US Seizure of Venezuela Oil Tanker Sparks Cuban Outcry
Cuba condemned the US for seizing the Skipper oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, labeling it an act of piracy and a violation of international law. The tanker, reportedly carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude destined for Cuba, is now headed to Galveston, Texas. This move intensifies US pressure on Venezuela and impacts Cuban energy supplies.
If you follow energy prices or regional politics, this seizure shows how international disputes can hit local markets and fuel tensions right here in Texas. The tanker’s redirect to Galveston means the oil could enter US supply chains, possibly influencing fuel availability and prices. It also highlights the broader geopolitical strain between the US, Cuba, and Venezuela, which could affect trade relations and economic stability. Keeping an eye on these developments can help you understand how global actions ripple into your daily life.
Source: The Guardian
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 57.4400 | ▼ 0.05% |
Gas (Nat.) | 4.1130 | ▼ 0.05% |
Cotton | 0.6383 / lb | ▲ 0.02% |
Cattle | 2.2955 / lb | ▼ 0.11% |
S&P 500 | 6827.89 | ▲ 0.06% |
Dow Jones | 48460.39 | ▲ 0.03% |
Nasdaq | 23193.65 | ▼ 0.02% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 47.5 | 29.7 |
Houston | 69.8 | 41.4 |
Austin | 64.6 | 38.7 |
San Antonio | 67.1 | 44.4 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: A Freeze Watch was issued on December 14 at 4:20 AM CST and remains in effect until December 15 at 8:00 AM, according to NWS Houston/Galveston.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Politics and Economy
Salinas Leads Early Voting in Houston Council Runoff
Early votes in Houston’s City Council At-Large 4 runoff give Alejandra Salinas a 13-point lead over Dwight Boykins. Salinas, a political newcomer focused on city services and infrastructure, edges out Boykins, a former council member emphasizing budget responsibility. Final results will take days as officials count all ballots.
Your local services in Houston could shift depending on the runoff’s outcome. If Salinas wins, expect attention to everyday issues like trash pickup and safer neighborhoods. Boykins’ approach would tackle city finances more aggressively, potentially introducing garbage fees to patch budget shortfalls. This race affects how city projects and services may be funded and prioritized in the coming years.
Source: Click2houston
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What else is happening:
Texas Democrats face crucial decisions on strategy that could influence their political future in the state as outlined in a detailed strategy editorial.
A range of opinions on presidential pardons shows diverse perspectives contributing to ongoing national political debates in letters to the editor.
Enforcement of laws against undocumented truck drivers is provoking significant reactions within the logistics industry, shaping immigration and labor discussions in recent crackdown events.
Tech and Business
Most LLM Security Risks Evade Current AppSec Tools
DryRun Security analyzed the 2025 OWASP Top 10 risks for large language model applications and found that over 80% go undetected by traditional application security scanners. This reveals major gaps in protecting AI-driven software.
If you rely on AI-powered apps or develop them yourself, this gap in security detection could expose you to unseen threats. Being aware of these vulnerabilities means you might want to push for stronger, AI-native security checks in your software. With AI expanding rapidly, this could impact the safety of the tools you use daily or build for customers.
Source: Bhpioneer
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Lt. Gov. Patrick’s Property Tax Plan Divides Generations
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes lowering the age for school property tax exemptions from 65 to 55 and increasing homestead exemptions. While aiming to ease tax burdens, the plan favors older homeowners during their peak earning years, providing little relief to younger Texans struggling with high housing costs and limited homeownership opportunities.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s trying to buy a home, this tax plan probably won’t help much. Elevated home prices and interest rates already strain budgets, and this proposal mainly benefits those who have owned homes longer. Younger people saving for a first home get no tax breaks here, which could slow housing turnover and keep starter homes scarce in your neighborhood.
Source: Dallas News
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What else is happening:
Real estate transactions in Eastern Pittsburgh suburbs reflect regional housing market trends during the week of December 14 with detailed reports on local transactions.
Home sellers are increasingly offering buyer financing as a risky but enticing strategy to boost interest in the housing market, changing traditional sale dynamics with seller financing.
Sports
Victor Wembanyama Shines Off Bench in Spurs Return
Victor Wembanyama returned from injury off the bench to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Oklahoma City Thunder. Playing 21 restricted minutes, he scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, showing confidence in a rare role. Wembanyama's performance sets the stage for the Spurs' NBA Cup Final showdown.
If you follow the Spurs, Wembanyama coming back strong off the bench means better chances for a deep run. His minutes restriction shows care for his long-term health, so you can expect more exciting games ahead. For local fans, this return adds momentum and hope for postseason success, making Tuesday's NBA Cup Final a can't-miss event.
Source: News Week
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Sports Spotlight:
Texas Southern tries to stop its four-game road slide against Minnesota in the teams' first meeting this season during a tough road trip start for the Tigers at Minnesota.
Texas A&M hosts Jacksonville after an overtime loss to SMU, aiming to build on a strong 5-1 home record with key player Marcus Hill leading the way against the Dolphins.
The Dallas Stars prepare for a Western Conference match at home against the Los Angeles Kings, seeking to leverage home ice advantage in a competitive NHL game.
Texas Natural Fact
Texas is home to the largest bat colony on Earth. Every summer, Bracken Cave, just north of San Antonio, hosts over 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. At dusk, the bats emerge in massive spirals that can be seen on weather radar and consume hundreds of tons of insects nightly — making them a critical part of Texas’ ecosystem and agriculture.