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Around Texas 

1. Sen. John Cornyn pushes for fusion office in U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and several colleagues are looking to bring star power to the U.S. Department of Energy, according to an exclusive Axios report.

The bipartisan bill from Cornyn and California Sen. Alex Padilla — as well as Virginia Rep. Don Beyer, California Rep. Jay Obernolte and Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan — aims to organize a new fusion office within the Department of Energy. Fusion, which uses stars to create power, could serve as a potential sustainable energy source in the future.

2. Texas investing in cryptocurrency, precious metals explained

In December 2025, Texas became the first state to have a cryptocurrency reserve with a $5 million investment in Bitcoin. Also, in June 2025, Texas allowed precious metal backed IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) through the only state-backed bullion depository in the nation.

3. AG Paxton sues electric company over fire that caused over $1 billion in damages

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Xcel Energy, the company attributed to causing the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas in 2024, according to a press release.

The fire, which primarily affected the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, burned over 1 million acres, according to CNN. Paxton announced an investigation in August 2025, but it has escalated into a lawsuit. He blames the company for not prioritizing safety first.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Friday , Feb. 23, 2024. Paxton beat impeachment and now he wants political revenge. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Around The Nation

1. Killings of Rob Reiner and his wife stun Hollywood as decision on charges for their son looms

2. Hegseth says he does not intend to fully release follow-up strike video as he, Rubio brief lawmakers again

3. Brown University shooting leaves students, community frustrated with official response

Deep in the Heart of Texas 

(Spectrum News)

More Texans are buying real Christmas trees 

For some, the Christmas tree farm is where the Christmas magic begins, and for others, it’s where tough choices are made. 

The owner of Brungot Farms, Aaron Brungot, said he never had a fake tree in his life. His mother always made sure they had a real tree during the holidays, even when it was hard.