Texas is opening the new year with a mix of political maneuvering, economic expansion, and shifting weather that listeners will want to watch closely. The Texas Tribune reports that the 2026 election cycle is taking shape, with both parties fielding crowded primary ballots for top statewide offices, including a lieutenant governor’s race in which Republican Dan Patrick seeks a fourth term while multiple Democratic and Republican challengers test voter appetite for change. [The Texas Tribune] also notes that big questions for this year include Governor Greg Abbott’s continued influence in GOP primaries and whether Democrats can finally break the Republican hold on statewide offices.

On the policy front, the Texas Legislative Budget Board’s latest Fiscal Size-Up shows the 2026–27 state budget has climbed to about 338.5 billion dollars in all funds, the largest in Texas history, with roughly 70 percent of spending concentrated in education and health and human services. Texas Policy Research highlights that this continues a long-term trend of state spending rising faster than population and inflation, locking in higher baselines for future legislatures. According to Emerge and Rise, Texas is also rolling out a wave of new business regulations touching cybersecurity, infrastructure, and care providers, while a separate law change detailed by the Texas Real Estate Commission will soon require written agreements for buyer and tenant representation in residential real estate, reshaping everyday property transactions.

In South Texas, KRGV reports that new laws taking effect in 2026 include a 125,000 dollar business tax exemption designed to ease burdens on smaller firms, as well as the state’s first artificial intelligence law and tougher rules linking local jails with federal immigration enforcement, changes that will be felt strongly along the Rio Grande Valley.

The broader economy continues to run hot. MySanAntonio notes that Samsung is preparing to fully open its 17 billion dollar chip plant near Austin in 2026, cementing Central Texas as a semiconductor hub and promising thousands of high-wage jobs. A construction analysis by Oscar Recruit says Texas is in a full-on building boom, with rapid growth in data centers, industrial plants, and transportation projects as the state races to keep up with population gains and corporate relocations.

Community news is shaped in part by the weather. Fox 26 Houston and the Lower Colorado River Authority report that Texas just swung from near-80-degree days to a sharp cold front, bringing winter storm warnings and accumulating snow to the Panhandle while dropping temperatures by 20 degrees or more across Houston and Central Texas. North Texas outlets, including NBC5 and FOX 4 Weather, describe a rollercoaster week of warm, windy conditions followed by a hard turn toward more seasonable 30s and 50s, along with a marginal risk of severe storms and an elevated fire danger ahead of the front.

Looking ahead, The Texas Tribune points to the March primaries as a key test for both parties, while Texas business groups are focused on how record spending, new regulations, and large-scale industrial projects will reshape jobs, infrastructure, and classrooms over the next two years. Meteorologists at Fox 26 warn that an additional push of Arctic air could arrive by mid-January, raising the prospect of another round of disruptive winter weather.

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In Texas, listeners are seeing the new year begin with sweeping policy changes, intense election maneuvering, and a construction boom reshaping communities across the state. CBS News Texas reports that a slate of new laws now in effect tightens immigration enforcement by requiring county sheriffs to partner with ICE through the 287(g) program, speeds up evictions in squatter cases, and establishes new guardrails on government use of artificial intelligence, while also extending a range of tax cuts for homeowners and small businesses. According to Texas Standard, voters previously approved higher homestead exemptions and new tax breaks on items like livestock feed and some border-security infrastructure, signaling a sustained push to reduce property tax burdens.

Politically, the Texas Tribune notes that the 2026 cycle is dominated by a high-stakes Republican Senate primary pitting incumbent John Cornyn against Attorney General Ken Paxton, while Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico compete for a rare opportunity to flip a statewide seat. The Tribune also reports that newly redrawn congressional maps pushed by President Donald Trump aim to create up to five additional GOP-leaning U.S. House districts, putting Latino turnout and suburban shifts under a national microscope. With Texas holding regular legislative sessions only in odd-numbered years, MultiState’s session calendar shows no regular session in 2026, but campaign battles over school vouchers, a dementia research fund, and election-related lawsuits are keeping state policy in flux, as outlined by the Texas Tribune and Click2Houston.

On the economic front, recruiting firm Oscar-Recruit notes that construction of data centers, logistics hubs, and large industrial facilities is accelerating, cementing Texas’ role as a magnet for manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced materials. Community Impact in Georgetown reports that Pegatron Corporation plans its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Central Texas, investing at least $35 million and hiring a minimum of 100 workers within three years, while school districts expand to keep up with growth, including a new Georgetown high school. In San Antonio, UTSA and School Construction News highlight five major campus projects, including the $130 million San Pedro II building focused on business, AI, cybersecurity, and data science, and a new $35 million athletics training center.

Community and public safety issues remain in focus as Click2Houston points listeners to the first criminal trial tied to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting response, a proceeding that is expected to shape future law enforcement standards in schools statewide. At the same time, outlets such as Oscar-Recruit emphasize ongoing investment in highways and flood-related mobility and safety projects as Texas readies for more extreme weather, even as no single catastrophic event has dominated recent headlines.

Looking ahead, the Texas Tribune and Click2Houston point to the Cornyn–Paxton primary, school voucher fights, court rulings on dementia research funding, and continued industrial and data center expansion as the biggest Texas storylines to watch as 2026 unfolds.

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Texas kicks off 2026 with a mix of legal shifts, education challenges, and steady growth amid mild weather. New laws effective January 1 bolster immigration enforcement, expand homestead tax exemptions up to $200,000, and introduce AI regulations for government use, according to the Texas Tribune and Houston Chronicle reports. These changes aim to enhance public safety and economic incentives for small businesses.

In politics, the state legislature eyes property tax reform and spending limits during the 2026 interim, with calls for structural solutions to curb local growth, as outlined by Texas Policy Research. School accountability hits a peak, with the Texas Education Agency taking over four underperforming districts including Fort Worth and Beaumont, replacing elected boards with state appointees, per the Texas Tribune. The Uvalde school shooting trial of former officer Adrian Gonzales began this month on child endangerment charges, while debates swirl over a blocked $3 billion dementia research fund amid a voter lawsuit.

Business and economy show promise, from carbon capture leases projected to generate $10 billion over 30 years, celebrated by Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham via the General Land Office, to UT San Antonio's $130 million San Pedro II building opening in spring for AI and cybersecurity training. Round Rock ISD launched a $15.1 million LED lighting upgrade across 51 schools, saving over $1.3 million yearly, Excel Energy Group announced.

Communities focus on education and infrastructure: Georgetown ISD broke ground on a $356 million high school for 2,200 students, targeting fall 2028, per Community Impact. Public safety mourns off-duty deputy Aaron Armstrong, shot Sunday at an Austin club; suspect Thomas Vinces faces charges, KVUE reports.

Weather stays quiet and warm, with highs in the 70s and fire risks early on, no major events, according to Texas Storm Chasers and Space City Weather.

Looking Ahead: Watch school vouchers launching July 1 with $10,474 per student via savings accounts, Uvalde trials, flood warning systems, and midterm primaries shaping 2027 sessions, as flagged by the Texas Tribune.

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Texas enters 2026 with a mix of political intensity, economic momentum, and steady community progress after a year marked by tragedy and triumphs. Top headlines include the ongoing feud between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton over a U.S. Senate bid, new congressional maps redrawn to favor Republicans amid Democratic pushback, and bipartisan flood response laws following the deadly July 2025 Hill Country floods that claimed over 130 lives, according to the Texas Tribune. On January 1, more than 30 new laws took effect, including mandates for sheriffs to partner with federal immigration enforcement and grants for counties, as reported by KHOU and FOX7 Austin, alongside AI regulations and tax exemptions for businesses.

In government and politics, lawmakers face interim resolutions like enforcing spending limits to curb rapid state budget growth, per Texas Policy Research. Dallas ISD eyes a massive 2026 bond nearly double its last $3.47 billion package to boost academics and campuses, D Magazine notes. Business and economy shine with tech relocations drawn by Texas's diverse energy grid and infrastructure, fueling jobs in Austin, Dallas, and beyond, says TxEDC. Pegatron Corporation breaks ground on its first U.S. plant in Georgetown, investing $35 million and hiring 100, while Creative 3D Technologies expands in Cedar Park, per Community Impact and Area Development.

Community news highlights education upgrades: Round Rock ISD's $15.1 million LED lighting overhaul across 51 schools promises over $1.3 million in annual savings by summer, Excel Energy Group reports. Georgetown ISD advances a $356 million high school for 2,200 students by 2028, and Leander ISD nears completion of a $60 million campus. Infrastructure grows with retail like T.J. Maxx in booming Liberty Hill. Public safety benefits from new squatter and immigration measures. Weather stays quiet and warm, with highs in the 70s to 80s and minimal rain through early January, no major events recently, Space City Weather and Texas Storm Chasers forecast.

Looking Ahead: Watch 2026 midterms, including Senate primaries with Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico challenging Republicans, potential blue wave in legislative races, and key projects like Pegatron's launch and winter weather shifts around January 8-10.

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Texas kicks off 2026 with a wave of new laws taking effect today, including Senate Bill 8, which mandates sheriffs to partner with ICE at county jails to verify immigration status and serve warrants, aiming to boost public safety though critics warn of racial profiling risks, according to KENS 5 and FOX 7 Austin. Senate Bill 38 accelerates evictions for squatters, shielding the process from emergency overrides and easing landlord burdens, as reported by FOX 7 Austin, while a federal judge has paused enforcement of an app store accountability act. Property tax relief expands too, with voters approving a $40,000 homestead exemption boost for all homeowners and $60,000 more for seniors and disabled residents, per The Texas Newsroom, amid calls for deeper reforms like spending caps from Texas Policy Research.

In business and economy, optimism reigns as nearly 80 percent of small business owners anticipate sales growth despite tariffs, planning capital investments, according to Comerica Bank via the Houston Chronicle. NASDAQ's regional office move to Texas signals financial sector expansion, potentially lifting jobs and 401(k)s statewide, KSAT reports, alongside new openings like Buc-ee's in San Marcos, Harbor Freight and datacenters in Spring, and AutoZone stores. Community efforts advance with San Antonio's Spurs arena funding secured at $1.3 billion, airport terminal expansions, and VIA bus line progress toward 2028 service, as detailed by the San Antonio Report.

No major weather events have disrupted the state recently.

Looking Ahead: Watch for lawmakers' 2026 interim pushing property tax elimination paths and spending limits ahead of 2027 sessions, plus NASDAQ operations ramping up and Buc-ee's grand openings.

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Texas wraps up 2025 with a mix of economic triumphs, political battles, and public safety challenges. Top headlines included a measles outbreak in West Texas claiming two lives amid over 750 cases, according to KVUE, alongside the ongoing search for missing Austin camper Seal Stewart. A fierce congressional redistricting fight saw House Democrats flee the state to block Republican maps, sparking national debate and Supreme Court involvement, as reported by KVUE. Governor Abbott touted Texas as a business powerhouse, with Google committing 40 billion dollars to AI and Texas Instruments opening a semiconductor plant, per Hoodline.

In politics, the legislature modernized corporate laws via Senate Bills 29, 1057, and 2411, expanding the Texas Business Court and easing mergers, according to the Texas Lawbook. Voters approved homestead exemptions rising by 40 thousand dollars, plus 60 thousand for seniors and disabled Texans, easing property taxes, as noted by the Texas Standard. New laws effective January 1 speed evictions for squatters and limit emergency eviction pauses, Click2Houston reports.

Economically, Texas solidified its fintech and AI hub status in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, driving fraud detection and risk modeling innovations, Business in Texas states. Manufacturing dipped slightly in December after November gains, per the Dallas Fed survey.

Communities saw education growth, like Texas States 2025-2035 master plan for a new hotel, sports center, and 942 beds at Castro Hall to handle 50 thousand students, the University Star details. Hutto ISD broke ground on its second high school, Community Impact notes. Public safety grappled with nine fatal crashes since mid-December, including intoxication cases, prompting TxDOTs holiday drunk driving campaign, KVUE says. Operation Lone Star notched 193 arrests and major drug seizures, per Governor Abbotts office.

A cold front brought gusty winds, low humidity raising fire risks, and possible light freezes through New Years Eve, KSAT Weather warns, following Julys devastating Guadalupe River floods.

Looking Ahead: Watch Texas State University Systems May 16 Regents vote on campus expansions, 2026 midterm races, and potential snow in West Texas per the National Weather Service.

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Texas closes 2025 with a mix of political shifts, economic momentum, and community stories shaping daily life across the state. According to KVUE’s 2025 legislative review, the year opened with an unusually contentious race for Texas House speaker and a Republican split that briefly aligned some GOP members with Democrats, underscoring deep divisions inside the majority party. KVUE also reports that a Trump-backed push to redraw congressional maps to add Republican seats triggered a walkout by House Democrats, turning Texas redistricting into a national flashpoint.

Policy changes are set to touch listeners’ wallets and classrooms. MySA notes that more than 1,000 bills from the 2025 session were signed into law, including a program allowing parents to use public funds for private school tuition and a statute that legally defines man and woman by reproductive anatomy. MySA further reports that new laws taking effect January 1 will speed up evictions of squatters and offer tax breaks on business inventory. Texas Public Radio adds that voters overwhelmingly approved higher homestead exemptions, with an additional 40,000 dollars for most homeowners and 60,000 dollars more for seniors and people with disabilities, as property tax relief becomes a central campaign theme heading into 2026.

On the economic front, Governor Greg Abbott’s office highlights that Texas retained its title as the nation’s top business climate, with Site Selection magazine again ranking the state number one for business facilities projects. The Governor’s office also reports that Google announced a 40 billion dollar investment in Texas, its largest in any state, to support AI-related infrastructure, energy capacity, and workforce development, reinforcing Texas as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence and data centers. The Boerne Star and Hoodline note that Texas continues to lead the nation in corporate relocations and expansion projects, adding hundreds of new headquarters since 2015.

Community-level stories show both strain and resilience. Texas Standard describes how the small West Texas town of Monahans built its own broadband lifeline after years of unreliable internet, illustrating local innovation where state and federal programs have fallen short. Texas Standard also reports record nesting of endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles along the Texas coast, a rare environmental bright spot. In local governance, KVUE in Austin details the resignation of City Council member Brian Thompson, who said he was stepping down over concerns that critical needs like police staffing, employee pay, and utilities were being minimized.

Weather remains a defining backdrop. KSAT in San Antonio reports that Christmas Day temperatures reached 79 degrees, tying for the city’s fourth warmest Christmas on record, and that a strong year-end cold front is bringing gusts near 40 miles per hour and near-freezing temperatures to parts of Texas to close out 2025. The Houston Chronicle notes that Houston’s average temperature for the year is more than two degrees above normal, continuing a warming trend that has amplified both drought and flooding risk.

Looking ahead, Texas Public Radio reports that fresh proposals for additional property tax cuts are already surfacing as the 2026 campaign season ramps up, and KVUE notes that every statewide constitutional amendment on the 2025 ballot passed, setting the stage for further debates over school funding, bail reform, and major water infrastructure investments. The Governor’s office is preparing to translate Google’s multibillion-dollar commitment into jobs across North, West, and Panhandle Texas, while new laws reshaping education, gender definitions, and business regulation take effect on January 1. Listeners can expect battles over redistricting, tax policy, and the role of state government in local issues to define Texas politics in the coming year.

Thank you for...

Texas is closing out the year with a mix of political shifts, economic momentum, community investment and unusual weather that listeners will want to watch closely.

According to KSAT in San Antonio, more than 30 new Texas laws take effect January 1, including a measure limiting school boards from raising property tax rates above voter-approved levels without another election and an artificial intelligence regulation bill aimed at accountability for AI systems in the state’s public sector and businesses. KSAT also reports that new laws will speed up evictions for squatters and narrow state leaders’ ability to pause evictions during disasters, a move praised by landlords but criticized by housing advocates who say it weakens emergency protections.

At the local level, KSAT and WFAA note that cities are adjusting election calendars and IT leadership. San Antonio has voted to move its municipal elections from May to November to boost turnout and save an estimated one million dollars. Government Technology reports a wave of technology leadership changes across major Texas cities, including new chief information officers in Dallas and El Paso and a new deputy CIO in Austin, meant to strengthen cybersecurity and support AI initiatives in government operations.

On the economic front, the Governor’s Office says Texas once again led the nation for business expansions and job growth in 2025, pointing to continued strength in energy, technology and manufacturing. The Perryman Group projects Texas will remain one of the fastest-growing state economies over the long term, even as some industries manage layoffs and tighter labor markets. Houston.org highlights a new Union Pacific–backed Mainline Texas Industrial Park near Houston that will create a major rail-served logistics hub in Fort Bend County, promising millions of square feet of industrial space and new jobs.

Community investments are also accelerating. Community Impact reports that Clear Creek ISD near Houston has approved more than 16 million dollars in infrastructure upgrades at six elementary schools, including new roofs and critical repairs. In Cypress, Community Impact notes that Harmony Science Academy is moving ahead with a 34 million dollar expansion to add a middle and high school campus, reflecting strong demand for charter school options statewide. The Texas Comptroller’s Office says roughly 600 private schools have already enrolled in the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, which will channel up to one billion dollars in public funds to help families pay private tuition starting in the 2026–27 school year.

Weather has been anything but typical. WeatherBug and Texas A&M Forest Service report an unusually warm December and holiday heat wave across much of Texas, followed by a strong polar front expected to swing temperatures down by as much as 30 degrees in East Texas, while ongoing drought has prompted Governor Abbott to renew a statewide drought disaster proclamation and fire officials to warn of elevated wildfire risk.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch how the new January 1 laws reshape schools, evictions and AI regulation, track negotiations over a potential South Texas land swap with SpaceX reported by The Texas Tribune, and follow whether winter rains will ease drought and wildfire concerns or deepen strain on communities, agriculture and the power grid across the Lone Star State.

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Texas continues to thrive amid dynamic developments across its cities and economy. In top headlines, San Antonio voters approved shifting municipal elections to November, aiming to boost turnout and save up to $1 million, according to local reports from Texas News Now. Austin police arrested a man for possessing a prohibited weapon after explosion reports, while a multi-agency drug bust in Hayes County seized large quantities of narcotics, landing two suspects in jail. Harris County accepted murder charges in a high-profile case, and East Texas heroes were honored for saving lives at a park.

Government and politics see key shifts, with over 30 new laws effective January 1, 2026, regulating AI use by state entities, immigration enforcement, and social media, as detailed by KSAT. The Public Utility Commission proposed rules for a backup power loan program for critical facilities like hospitals, per the Texas Municipal League. Governor Abbott renewed a flooding disaster proclamation, addressing recent weather impacts with no major statewide events but localized concerns.

Business and economy shine brightly. Apple's announcement of a 250,000-square-foot AI manufacturing facility in Houston, part of a $600 billion investment, promises thousands of jobs and cements the city's tech hub status, Houston.org reports. Economic development surges in Irving with industrial growth and retail demand, while statewide layoff filings dropped despite thousands affected, led by firms like Tyson and FedEx. Governor Abbott hailed Texas' robust economy fostering business success.

Community news highlights education and infrastructure. Clear Creek ISD approved $16.6 million for repairs at six elementary schools, with work starting immediately. Ground broke on a $73.9 million Davenport Elementary in El Paso, set for 2027 completion. Hundreds of schools enrolled in the new Education Freedom Accounts program, expanding options.

Looking Ahead, watch for PUC backup power rules, Apple's 2026 facility opening, new AI laws taking effect, and growing TEFA participation into 2026-27.

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Texas remains a powerhouse of growth and resilience amid unusual weather patterns and steady economic momentum. Top headlines include Governor Greg Abbott renewing the state's drought disaster proclamation on December 18, as reported by the Governor's office, amid extreme heat from a North American storm complex that brought record highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit to Dallas-Fort Worth on December 19, according to CBS News Texas. TxDOT awarded $589 million in highway contracts and $18.7 million in airport grants during its December commission meeting, TxDOT reports, while San Antonio voters approved shifting city elections to November for higher turnout and potential $1 million savings, per Texas News Now.

In politics, the Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling striking down Texas's congressional map, allowing a contested redistricting plan for 2026 midterms that critics say dilutes Black and Latino voting power, the Brennan Center notes. The Texas GOP urged eminent domain reforms to protect property owners from private development takings. Local moves like Arlington's Pierce-Burch Water Treatment Plant earning a top 2025 project award from WaterWorld highlight infrastructure wins.

Economically, cities like Edinburg, Irving, and Bonham prioritize quality-of-life investments, with Irving adding nearly 2,000 jobs and $500 million in capital last fiscal year through manufacturing and logistics expansions, REBusinessOnline states. Blue Origin eyes a $1 billion Texas project, and booming suburbs like Liberty Hill welcome Costco and Target stores. TxDOT's $60 billion construction pipeline underscores robust employment.

Community efforts shine in education and safety, with multi-agency drug busts in Hayes County and an Austin arrest for prohibited weapons, Texas News Now covers. No major recent winter storms hit, but drought and fire risks persist in the Panhandle.

Looking Ahead: Watch for TxDOT's 12 Days of Safety campaign through holidays, potential wheat crop impacts from warmth, and the 89th Legislature's 2026 session on bills like AI regulations. Warm Christmas forecasts near 80 degrees dominate, per severe-weather.eu.

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Texas pulses with momentum this holiday season as schools wrap final exams and launch festive programs, sending families into winter break amid bustling airports and highways, according to The Texas Insider. Retailers report robust mid-December sales from last-minute shoppers, extending hours to meet demand.

In politics, the 89th Legislature convenes January 14, 2025, with bill pre-filing underway and a March 14 filing deadline, as tracked by UTHealth School of Public Health. Comptroller Glenn Hegar unveiled a new database on December 15 for tracking local bond projects and tax elections over the past decade, per House Bill 103, enhancing transparency with fines for non-reporting local entities. Attorney General Ken Paxtons office launched a tip line to enforce the states bathroom bill.

Economically, Texas leads the nation with 168,000 jobs added from September 2024 to 2025, outpacing national growth, Governor Greg Abbott announced. Austin City Council approved a Southwest Airlines expansion at AUS, creating 2,000 jobs at $22.05 hourly plus benefits and investing $8.4 million in improvements. ERCOT greenlit a $9 billion transmission superhighway for reliable power, CBS Austin reports, while Reuters notes solar surpassing coal generation in 2025, a clean energy milestone. iMarketAmerica broke ground on Gradiant Technology Park in Taylor, signaling innovation growth.

Communities advance infrastructure like Arlingtons $112.5 million Pierce-Burch Water Treatment Plant upgrade, named a top 2025 project by WaterWorld for resiliency amid challenges. Education faces pressures with school districts eyeing closures and state takeovers, WFAA reports.

Weather shifts from scattered Southeast Texas rain to fire risks and unusually warm conditions, with highs in the 70s to 80s through Christmas, dry and coat-free, Texas Storm Chasers forecasts, confirmed by Houston Chronicle.

Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session kickoff, ERCOT builds, and potential gas rate hikes in El Paso as mayors push back. Holiday travel peaks with warmth aiding plans.

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Texas continues to thrive amid energy advancements and economic growth, though political tensions simmer. ERCOT has approved a nine billion dollar Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan to bolster the states electricity grid with new 765 kilovolt superhighway lines, enhancing reliability as demand rises, according to CBS Austin. Reuters reports a clean power milestone, with solar output poised to surpass coal generation for the first time in 2025 on the states main grid, underscoring a shift in the nations largest power network. In politics, a Texas candidate faces scrutiny for filing as a Republican after raising funds from Democrats, per Newsweek, while El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson urged the Texas Railroad Commission to reduce Texas Gas Services proposed rate hike, citing its impact on families, as detailed by KTSM.

The economy shows robust momentum. The Sharyland Business Park in Mission opened with a 175 acre development promising 2.5 million square feet of industrial space, 275 million dollars in investment, and jobs in logistics and manufacturing, Texas Border Business notes. Austin City Council greenlit a Southwest Airlines expansion, creating 2000 jobs, while Central Texas sees a boom with Crunch Fitness, QuikTrip, and others under construction in Killeen and Harker Heights, KXXV reports. Texas voters approved 2025 property tax cuts, boosting homestead exemptions and capping school district rate hikes for taxpayer relief, Texas Tax Protest explains. Rural broadband funding landed at 1.3 billion dollars, below expectations, yet changes may benefit Elon Musks Starlink.

Community efforts focus on preparation. Austin and Travis County officials are readying for winter weather, emphasizing power outage prevention and road safety, KUT states, following a brief cold snap with freeze warnings. No major recent storms have hit, but light rain lingers midweek before a warm up. New laws mandate stricter student behavioral consequences in districts like Frisco ISD starting 2026.

Looking Ahead, the 89th Texas Legislature convenes January 14, 2025, with bill prefiling underway and goals like state employee raises and full agency funding on the table from the Texas State Employees Union. Watch for ERCOT project progress, Katy battery plant rulings, and a warm, dry Christmas outlook.

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Texas continues to navigate a dynamic mix of political scrutiny, economic growth, and infrastructure advancements amid mild winter weather. A top headline involves a Texas politician facing backlash for filing as a Republican after raising funds from Democrats, as reported by Newsweek on December 10. ERCOT has approved a $9 billion Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan to bolster the state's electric grid with new 765-kilovolt lines, enhancing reliability, according to CBS Austin on December 9. Reuters notes a clean energy milestone, with solar output projected to surpass coal for the first time in 2025 on Texas's main power system. Entergy Texas secured key approvals for its STEP Ahead plan, including transmission lines in Southeast Texas to support rapid growth and job creation, per a PRNewswire release on December 12.

In government and politics, the 89th Texas Legislature convenes January 14, with bill pre-filing underway and priorities like state employee pay raises and full agency funding on the horizon from the Texas State Employees Union. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson urged the Texas Railroad Commission to reconsider a proposed gas rate hike impacting families, KTSM reported December 4. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled a new property tax plan, discussed in a WFAA segment December 12.

Business and economy show promise, with the Sharyland Business Park opening in Mission, a 175-acre hub poised for logistics and manufacturing jobs, Texas Border Business detailed December 10. Texas received $1.3 billion for rural broadband, less than hoped, per KXII on December 8. Community efforts include new laws mandating stricter student behavioral consequences starting 2025-26, as Frisco ISD announced.

Weather remains unremarkable, with warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s giving way to a normal cold front this weekend, bringing lows in the 20s north and east but no severe events, Texas Storm Chasers forecasted December 11. Dense fog advisories affected Central Texas mornings, CBS Austin noted.

Looking Ahead: Watch for the legislative session kickoff January 14, Entergy projects advancing to construction in 2026, and a warmer-than-average Christmas with rebounding temperatures next week.

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Texas politics is already looking toward 2026. According to The Texas Tribune, national Democrats have added the Texas House to their list of key legislative targets, investing as they try to flip several suburban and South Texas districts after near-misses in 2024. Texas Tribune reports Democrats are now fielding candidates in every state legislative race, signaling a more competitive map than in past cycles. At the same time, Governor Greg Abbott is sharpening his tax message, with The Texas Tribune noting he is pushing proposals to give voters more direct control over future property tax hikes.

On the policy front, the 89th Texas Legislature is in full swing after convening in January, with the University of Texas School of Public Health’s Dell Center tracking bills on education, child health, and public safety that could reshape school funding, nutrition programs, and youth mental health services across the state. In criminal justice, the Texas District and County Attorneys Association reports that voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail for certain violent offenses, a significant expansion of judicial discretion intended to address repeat violent crime.

The business climate remains robust. S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that between 2021 and 2024, about 200 companies relocated to Texas, helping fuel a surge in venture capital, especially in technology, media, and telecom, which have attracted more than 4 billion dollars in 2025 deals. In North Texas, Ariat International announced an 8.9 million dollar expansion of its Fort Worth regional headquarters that Area Development says will add roughly 150 jobs, reinforcing Texas’ reputation as a magnet for corporate investment. Hunt Scanlon Media notes executive search firm McDermott + Bull is expanding its Texas presence, citing the state’s diversified economy and strong private equity, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Local communities are seeing large investments in schools and infrastructure. Community Impact reports that Tomball ISD is moving forward on a 429.1 million dollar bond program, including new intermediate schools, transportation facilities, and upgraded athletic and technology infrastructure. San Angelo ISD, according to a district construction update, is advancing Bond 2025 projects from elementary campus renovations to major upgrades at Central and Lake View high schools, sometimes coordinating with city officials to relocate utility lines and future‑proof campuses. Williamson County officials, as highlighted by the county, recently cut the ribbon on improvements to FM 971 in Granger, part of a broader push to expand and harden transportation corridors in fast‑growing suburbs.

Weatherwise, Texas is enjoying a relatively calm early winter. Texas Storm Chasers reports mild afternoons, cool mornings, and no significant winter storms in the near term, though a generally warmer and drier La Niña pattern is expected to persist, and Governor Abbott has renewed a disaster proclamation for heightened fire‑weather conditions, underscoring ongoing drought and wildfire concerns.

Looking Ahead, listeners should watch intensifying Texas House races ahead of 2026, implementation of the new no‑bail constitutional amendment, continued corporate relocations, and how school bond projects and fire‑weather risks evolve as winter progresses.

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Texas is entering a pivotal stretch marked by redistricting battles, economic momentum, and community investment across schools and infrastructure.

According to the Texas Tribune, lawmakers in the 89th Legislature are meeting in Austin for another 30-day special session focused heavily on congressional redistricting and follow-up fights over school vouchers, diversity bans in education, and water infrastructure funding. The Tribune reports that legislators this year approved a school voucher program, restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public schools, and new state oversight over public universities, along with a major water fund voters will decide whether to extend at the ballot box. The Texas Tribune notes that these moves deepen long-running debates over public school funding, local control, and rural versus urban interests.

At the federal level, Politico reports that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to use a new U.S. House map drawn to boost Republican representation, potentially adding as many as five GOP seats in the next election. SCOTUSblog adds that a lower court had previously found substantial evidence of racial gerrymandering in the 2025 map, but the high court’s emergency ruling means Texas can proceed under the new lines while legal challenges continue. NPR, as cited by WHRO, points out that this decision gives Republicans a redistricting edge heading into 2026.

In the economy, S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that Texas-headquartered companies have attracted nearly 10 billion dollars in venture capital so far this year, with technology, media, and telecom leading the way. Another S&P Global analysis notes that more than 200 companies relocated to Texas between 2021 and 2024, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X.AI, drawn by lower taxes and lighter regulation. Fortune reports that Texas energy producers, like natural gas firm BKV, are investing in new power generation aimed at serving energy-hungry AI data centers, underscoring how the state is positioning itself at the center of the digital and energy transition.

Community investment is visible on the ground. Spaces4Learning reports that Denton ISD in North Texas has opened Reeves Elementary, its third new prototype-design elementary school tied to a 2023 bond, built for 750 students and rapid population growth. Community Impact reports that Austin ISD has just unveiled more than 34 million dollars in renovations at Cook and Williams elementary schools, upgrading classrooms, safety, and technology. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD says through district bond updates that construction and renovations touched 19 campuses in summer 2025, with network and fiber upgrades nearly complete.

On infrastructure and transportation, the group TRIP reports that recent Texas transportation investments are saving Austin households thousands of dollars a year in reduced congestion and vehicle wear, even as population growth keeps pressure on roads and transit.

Weather-wise, Texas Storm Chasers report that early December brought a sharp cold front and a “sampler platter” of winter weather: snow bands and slick roads in the Panhandle, cold rain and thunderstorms in East and Southeast Texas, and a quick temperature plunge statewide. The Victoria Advocate notes that Texas also just finished a rare hurricane season without a single tropical storm or hurricane making landfall, breaking a 10-year pattern of at least one such strike.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch the next special-session skirmishes over education and water funding in the Texas Capitol, continuing court fights over the House map, and how surging energy demand from AI and data centers reshapes the state’s power grid and climate resilience, especially if sudden winter “polar plunges” hit a warming, drier Texas, as Rice University experts warn.

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Texas is closing out the week with major developments in politics, the economy, community projects, and weather that listeners should know about.

According to SCOTUSblog, the US Supreme Court has allowed Texas to use its new congressional redistricting map for upcoming elections, despite a lower court finding “substantial evidence” of racial gerrymandering in the 2025 map. This decision cements Republican efforts to gain additional seats and forces Democrats into difficult strategic choices about where to compete next year, as reported by The Texas Tribune. SCOTUSblog reports that the lower court had ordered use of the 2021 map, but the high court stepped in to restore the 2025 lines.

At the state level, about a dozen new laws are taking effect, reshaping both education and legislative procedure. Community Impact reports that House Bill 8 overhauls standardized testing in Texas public schools, moving toward assessments spread throughout the year, while critics warn it could become “another STAAR test” and add testing pressure. Community Impact also notes that House Bill 18 aims to deter lawmakers from breaking quorum in future sessions, a direct response to Democrats’ walkout during redistricting debates. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association highlights House Bill 16, which creates new courts, DA offices, and reporting requirements on bail and caseloads, signaling a tougher, more data-driven criminal justice framework.

On the economic front, Area Development reports that Ninth Avenue Foods plans a more than 200 million dollar beverage manufacturing facility in Longview, expected to create about 150 jobs and begin operations in 2027. In North Texas, KERA News notes that Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport now contributes roughly 78.3 billion dollars annually to the regional economy, underscoring aviation’s central role in jobs and growth. YTexas reports that 100 Texas-based companies appear on the 2025 Fortune 1000 list, keeping the state near the top nationally for corporate headquarters and business activity.

Communities are also seeing major infrastructure and development moves. Construction Dive reports that global builder Ferrovial, through its Webber subsidiary, has secured 721 million dollars in contracts for water infrastructure in Austin and Fort Worth, including a massive stormwater pump station linked to the I-35 Capital Express Central project and an expansion of Fort Worth’s Eagle Mountain Water Treatment Plant. In South Texas, Texas Border Business reports that McAllen is planning a 70-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the Boeye Reservoir into housing, retail, and hospitality, envisioned as a new destination tied to the city’s busy convention center district.

Weather-wise, the National Weather Service in Lubbock reports that a strong cold front and upper-level system brought the first taste of winter to the southern Texas Panhandle and northern South Plains, with accumulating snow and much colder temperatures early in December. Texas Storm Chasers adds that while snow bands affected the Panhandle, heavy rain and storms spread across Southeast and Central Texas.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch the political impact of the restored congressional map, implementation battles over new education and justice laws, progress on major water and mixed-use projects in Austin, Fort Worth, and McAllen, and the evolving winter pattern after this first round of snow and storms.

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Texas listeners are watching a fast-moving news cycle shaped by redistricting, economic investment, local development, and an early taste of winter weather.

According to the Texas Tribune, Texas politics is dominated this week by the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing the state to use a new congressional map that critics say was racially gerrymandered and engineered to boost Republicans in 2026.[Texas Tribune] SCOTUSblog reports that a lower court had previously found “substantial evidence” of racial gerrymandering before being overruled, leaving Democrats scrambling to adjust candidate plans in key districts, particularly around Houston and North Texas.[SCOTUSblog]

At the state level, Community Impact reports that new Texas laws taking effect include HB 18, aimed at deterring lawmakers from breaking quorum, and HB 4, the redistricting bill that redraws congressional districts to net additional Republican seats.[Community Impact] The Texas District and County Attorneys Association notes that HB 16 will expand courts and prosecutor offices and require new reporting on bail and caseloads, potentially reshaping how local justice is administered.[Texas District and County Attorneys Association]

Economically, Texas continues to attract major business investment. Area Development reports that Ninth Avenue Foods plans a more than 200 million dollar beverage manufacturing facility in Longview, projected to create about 150 jobs when operations begin in 2027.[Area Development] S&P Global Market Intelligence highlights that roughly 200 U.S. companies relocated to Texas between 2021 and 2024, including Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, drawn by lower taxes and lighter regulation, reinforcing the state’s status as a tech and venture capital magnet.[S&P Global Market Intelligence]

On the local development front, Texas Border Business details McAllen’s plan to turn the 70 acre Boeye Reservoir site into a major mixed use district of housing, retail, and hospitality, with city leaders pitching it as a catalyst for new private investment and a stronger visitor economy tied to the convention center corridor.[Texas Border Business]

Infrastructure and transportation also remain central to growth. KERA News reports that Dallas Fort Worth International Airport now contributes an estimated 78.3 billion dollars annually to the North Texas economy, underscoring aviation’s role in jobs, trade, and regional competitiveness.[KERA News] Construction Dive notes that Ferrovial’s Webber unit has secured about 721 million dollars in contracts for major water projects in Austin and Fort Worth, including a significant expansion of the Eagle Mountain Water Treatment Plant, which will boost potable water capacity for a growing population.[Construction Dive]

Weather wise, Texas Storm Chasers and The Watchers report that early December brought a sharp pattern shift, with winter weather advisories in the Panhandle, accumulating snow in parts of West Texas, and cold rain and storms across East and Southeast Texas, including localized street flooding risk.[Texas Storm Chasers][The Watchers]

Looking ahead, listeners should watch how the new congressional map reshapes 2026 races, track implementation of the latest state laws affecting elections and the courts, follow progress on major projects like Longview’s new plant, McAllen’s Boeye redevelopment, and North Texas water expansions, and monitor whether this early bout of winter weather signals a more active cold season than forecasts suggest.

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