STATE OF TEXAS

Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Prediction Markets: Who Gets to Tax Them?

States want to raise money from online prediction sites, but they’re not sure what those sites actually are. The debate centers on whether the sites should be treated like sports betting, financial derivatives, or something else entirely. If they’re seen as gambling, states could tax them the sam

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Apr 21 2026WEATHER

Cold Weather and Pollen Alert for Staten Island

Staten Island residents can expect a sharp temperature dip after Monday’s brief showers. The National Weather Service says it will be partly sunny in the morning, with a high around 54°F. At night, the temperature will plunge nearly 20 degrees, settling near 34°F by Tuesday morning. Sunlight

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Gas prices: Why official predictions keep changing

Officials keep giving different answers about when gas prices might drop. First they said weeks, then months, then maybe never before the election. Energy Secretary Chris Wright started with a confident \"weeks\" timeline in early March. By April, he called summer a \"very aggressive\" guess. Just d

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Apr 20 2026WEATHER

Spring Weather Switch: Rain, Wind, and Allergies Hit Staten Island

Staten Island is about to face a spring mood swing this week. After a taste of warm 80-degree days last week, the upcoming forecast is bringing it back to typical spring unpredictability. Rain showers are expected to roll in starting Sunday, kicking off a stretch of days that feel more like April th

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Apr 19 2026RELIGION

Finding a church that keeps politics out isn’t easy, even in Texas

Texas churches often blend faith and politics, making it tough for people who just want spiritual guidance without the extra noise. One writer shared how their search for a fresh church home hit snags because their top requirement—a place where sermons stay Bible-focused—kept colliding with politica

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

Nordic Countries Back Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Move

Officials from Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark spoke up after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open for ships. The statement followed a truce worked out in Lebanon, which paused a long-running dispute in the area. The Nordic leaders didn’t just cheer Iran’s words—they stressed that real peace

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Money Talks: What Senate Filings Show About the 2026 Race

Texas is seeing a big Democratic money wave in 2026. James Talarico, running for Senate, pulled in $27 million in early 2026—that’s more than any other Senate hopeful has ever raised in a single quarter. His primary fight with Jasmine Crockett helped fuel the surge, but it also highlights a tension:

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Apr 11 2026EDUCATION

Texas Schools Shift Focus to Local History and Biblical Texts

Texas is making big changes to what students learn in social studies. The state’s education board recently voted to focus more on Texas and U. S. history while cutting back on world history and culture. Some parents and teachers worry this shift leaves out important perspectives. Others argue it’s t

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Apr 09 2026RELIGION

What stories should Texas students read?

Texas education officials are arguing over a new rule that would make Bible stories part of the required reading for public school kids from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Some parents and religious leaders say these stories belong in schools because they shaped America’s history and values. Ot

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Apr 08 2026POLITICS

Should Texas schools teach from the Bible? A curriculum fight heats up

Texas leaders are squaring off over a big idea that could reshape what students read in public schools. A recent state law asked educators to pick one book or passage for every grade, from kindergarten through high school. Out of hundreds of suggestions, several come straight from the Bible. Little

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