TOP STORY
Winter blast brings sub-freezing temps to Texas
A strong winter weather system swept through the Midwest and East Coast, causing snowfall and subfreezing wind chills. Texas faced near-freezing temperatures, a rare event for the typically warm state, signaling the reach of this severe cold front.
You might notice your morning commute feeling much colder than usual, and your heating bills could tick up as you try to stay warm. Schools and outdoor plans may get disrupted, and if you live in areas not used to freezing temps, preparing now can help you avoid surprises. Over the next few days, make sure your pipes are insulated and pets are brought indoors. This chilly spell is a reminder that Texas weather can shift quickly, so staying ready pays off.
Source: The Eagle
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 59.3400 | ▲ 0.07% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.1030 | ▼ 0.32% |
Cotton | 0.6460 / lb | ▼ 0.60% |
Cattle | 2.3398 / lb | ▲ 0.82% |
S&P 500 | 6939.46 | ▼ 0.09% |
Dow Jones | 49358.19 | ▼ 0.01% |
Nasdaq | 23514.42 | ▼ 0.12% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 60.4 | 24.6 |
Houston | 56.8 | 33.1 |
Austin | 64.8 | 29.8 |
San Antonio | 61.9 | 29.5 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: A Freeze Warning is in effect from January 17 at 10:20 PM CST until January 18 at 9:00 AM CST, issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Politics and Economy
Ted Cruz Now Supports U.S. Control of Greenland
Senator Ted Cruz, who once joked that President Trump might 'nuke Denmark,' now backs Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland. The vast Arctic island, a Danish territory, holds strategic value and rare-earth minerals important for technology and defense. Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected this plan.
This shift could affect your understanding of U.S. foreign policy and geopolitics, especially concerning Arctic resources and national security. If the U.S. succeeds in gaining control of Greenland, it might influence trade routes, defense strategies, and even your access to high-tech goods. Keep an eye on how diplomacy or possible tensions with Denmark develop, as this could shape regional and global alliances affecting your daily life in subtle but lasting ways.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Williamson County will restrict March 3 primary voters to their assigned precincts on election day, changing long-standing polling access and requiring voters to verify their locations before local polling places.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains a federal holiday in 2026, but Trump-era policy shifts have altered National Park access and public ceremonies.
Supporters braved cold weather to rally against moving the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, arguing the institution is vital to Canyon’s identity and regional tourism in a West Texas town.
Tech and Business
Tesla Switches to Monthly Only FSD Subscription
Tesla announced that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will no longer be sold as a one-time purchase after February 14. Instead, customers must subscribe monthly at $99 to access features like steering and lane changes. Reactions range from excitement about the tech to concerns over safety and subscription fatigue.
If you drive a Tesla or are thinking about buying one, this change means budgeting for an ongoing subscription rather than a one-time software fee. For occasional users or road-trippers, paying month-to-month offers flexibility, but if you’re used to owning the software outright, it could mean higher ongoing costs. The move also hints at Tesla’s confidence in FSD’s progress — but some drivers remain cautious about safety in poor conditions.
Source: Business Insider
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H-E-B Plans 8 New Texas Stores in 2026
H-E-B is expanding across Texas with eight new stores opening in cities like San Marcos, San Antonio, and Murphy throughout 2026. Meanwhile, competitor Aldi is also growing nationally, adding a new Austin store as part of plans to reach 3,200 U.S. locations by 2028.
For your grocery runs, this means more convenient H-E-B options popping up near you if you live in growing Texas areas. The new stores often feature larger footprints and amenities like in-store BBQ restaurants, giving shoppers a fresh experience. With Aldi’s expansion also underway, competition could spur better prices and choices for Texans.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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What else is happening:
Creators are using anti-doomscrolling influencers tactics inside apps to nudge users toward mindful breaks, lower screen time, and healthier online habits.
Restaurants deploying AI answering systems report faster order handling and reduced labor strain, but customers complain about lost personal service and ordering errors.
Sports
Texans' defense challenges rookie QB Maye in playoff
Drake Maye, the New England Patriots' second-year quarterback, made his NFL debut starting against the Houston Texans. The Texans' top-ranked defense faced him in this divisional round, showcasing the stakes as Maye steps up early in his professional career.
If you follow the Texans or NFL playoffs, this game showed just how tough the Texans' defense can be, even against promising newcomers like Maye. Watching a rookie QB take the field in a high-pressure playoff spot might have you thinking about how teams rebuild around fresh talent. This could hint at future seasons' matchups and player development, especially for Texans fans tracking both offense and defense progress.
Source: The Eagle
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Sports Spotlight:
Former Texas A&M safety Terrance “Chet” Brooks, credited with coining the Wrecking Crew nickname for the Aggie defense, died after a battle with cancer at age 60, prompting tributes across the program.
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Lubbock for Texas Tech’s showdown with No. 7 Houston, turning the matchup into a national recruiting and television showcase next weekend.
Offseason offensive-line additions could reshape protection for Arch Manning, altering Texas’s offense and NFL projection as coaches and scouts weigh the transfer portal impact ahead of 2026.
Texas Science & Space Fact
Texas is home to NASA’s primary human spaceflight operations center. Since 1965, Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston has guided every U.S. crewed space mission — from Apollo moon landings to today’s International Space Station operations. When astronauts speak to Earth, Texas is usually the first voice they hear.