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State approves $562 million Texas Energy Fund loan for power plant near Baytown
Read full article: State approves $562 million Texas Energy Fund loan for power plant near BaytownThe low-interest loan to NRG Energy for a gas-fired power plant is the largest of three loans approved through the $7 billion fund since its creation in 2023.
Cost of living, job stability, and AI risks are driving employed workers to seek new jobs: UH Survey
Read full article: Cost of living, job stability, and AI risks are driving employed workers to seek new jobs: UH SurveyThe survey showed participants were seeking better opportunities, e.g., better pay, more predictability, benefits, or career advancement prospects, and that almost half said AI could replace some or all their activities in their own jobs.
Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch site
Read full article: Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch siteThe deal between the new South Texas city and Cameron County mirrors a similar agreement with South Padre Island and requires a plan to combat beach erosion.
Many Texas retailers can no longer sell THC to customers under 21
Read full article: Many Texas retailers can no longer sell THC to customers under 21The age limit is expected to go into effect Tuesday after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved the rule. Enforcement won’t begin until Oct. 1.
West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting it
Read full article: West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting itOther smaller oil and gas producing regions in the state are better poised to help power the growing data center market, a new report found.
17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.
Read full article: 17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.
Houston named the poorest most populous cities in the US, according to Census data
Read full article: Houston named the poorest most populous cities in the US, according to Census dataAccording to recent U.S. Census data, about 21.2 percent of Houstonians now live below the poverty line. That’s more than one in five people!
More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.
Read full article: More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.
Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports say
Read full article: Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports sayAn enrollment drop could cost the Texas economy hundreds of millions of dollars, the reports say.
Texas’ $7.2 billion loan program for gas power plants has approved two projects in two years
Read full article: Texas’ $7.2 billion loan program for gas power plants has approved two projects in two yearsExperts say the Texas Energy Fund is facing an energy market that makes new power plants more expensive and less profitable.
Texas House approves bill that would limit water exports from East Texas — for now
Read full article: Texas House approves bill that would limit water exports from East Texas — for nowA Dallas businessman has proposed studying the aquifer to see if he can pump millions of gallons out of East Texas, a plan that residents distrust.
U.S. will build sterile fly factory in Texas to stop screwworm from devastating livestock industry
Read full article: U.S. will build sterile fly factory in Texas to stop screwworm from devastating livestock industryMounted patrol officers, known as tick riders, who typically patrol the southern border to protect cattle from fever tick, will also now serve as the first line of defense against screwworm.
Texas economy, job growth slowing amid trade war and immigration crackdown, Dallas fed report says
Read full article: Texas economy, job growth slowing amid trade war and immigration crackdown, Dallas fed report saysIncreasing tariffs on foreign goods and the impact of deportations on the work force cited as job growth slows in Texas.
Dallas and Fort Worth end their diversity efforts to keep federal funding
Read full article: Dallas and Fort Worth end their diversity efforts to keep federal fundingThe North Texas city councils said hundreds of millions of dollars were in jeopardy if they didn’t shut certain programs to comply with the Trump administration.
‘Come with your wallets open:’ A month after Texas Hill Country flood, small communities feeling economic burden
Read full article: ‘Come with your wallets open:’ A month after Texas Hill Country flood, small communities feeling economic burdenOne month after the catastrophic Texas Hill Country Flood swept through Kerr County, the physical damage may be fading, but for local businesses, the financial pain is just beginning.
Shell Federal Credit Union warns of fraudulent, unauthorized charges related to Roblox accounts
Read full article: Shell Federal Credit Union warns of fraudulent, unauthorized charges related to Roblox accountsWe’ve recently been made aware that some members are experiencing unauthorized charges related to Roblox on their accounts," Shell FCU said in a written statement.
Struggling Texas cotton industry emphasizing the hazards of fast fashion
Read full article: Struggling Texas cotton industry emphasizing the hazards of fast fashionA group representing High Plains region farmers has launched a campaign to make buyers aware of synthetic fibers’ impact on the environment and health.
What to know if you’re planning on back-to-school shopping during Texas’ tax-free weekend
Read full article: What to know if you’re planning on back-to-school shopping during Texas’ tax-free weekendTexas shoppers can save sales tax on many back-to-school items during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, which runs from Friday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.
Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.As federal pandemic aid ends and sales tax revenues cool, analysts say it could constrain the Texas Legislature in coming years. But they don’t see an immediate budget crisis on the horizon.
Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cuts
Read full article: Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cutsState chapters of the nonprofit group that provide meals to seniors are waiting to hear from Washington how much of a hit their battered budgets will take.
To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile flies
Read full article: To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile fliesScrewworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals and has the potential to disrupt Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry.
Houston’s housing affordability under strain amid climate risks, housing study reports
Read full article: Houston’s housing affordability under strain amid climate risks, housing study reportsHouston remains one of the more affordable major cities in the U.S., but a new report suggests that status is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.
Houston homeowner claims double water bill due to builder error
Read full article: Houston homeowner claims double water bill due to builder errorA Houston homeowner says her monthly water bills have reached $150 due to what appears to be an improper water meter connection that may be charging her for her neighbor’s water usage as well.
Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane season
Read full article: Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane seasonHouston’s National Weather Service office has lost its head meteorologist amid a federal requirement to cut 10% of NOAA’s staff.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
70% of Houston-area residents don’t have $400 for unexpected expenses, study shows
Read full article: 70% of Houston-area residents don’t have $400 for unexpected expenses, study showsAs low cost of living, housing, job opportunities and the nightlife may attract visitors or even new residents to the Houston area -- a new study shows that more than 70% of residents don’t have money for unexpected expenses.
Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businessesTexas is slated to spend $51 billion on property tax cuts over the next two years. Some worry that’s unsustainable.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Texas property tax cut bills that could save homeowners $500 per year headed to governor’s desk
Read full article: Texas property tax cut bills that could save homeowners $500 per year headed to governor’s deskA set of property tax cut bills in Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23, are now headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.
Chevron moves forward with Texas layoffs as part of global workforce reduction
Read full article: Chevron moves forward with Texas layoffs as part of global workforce reductionChevron is laying off more than 200 employees in Texas as it prepares to cut up to 20 percent of its global workforce by the end of next year.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners
Read full article: Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreignersThe Legislature has approved a conference committee report that lists sales to certain people from China, North Korea, Russia and Iran as threats to national security.
Airbnb helped generate nearly $7.5 billion, supporting 84k jobs in Texas: report
Read full article: Airbnb helped generate nearly $7.5 billion, supporting 84k jobs in Texas: reportNearly all of us have found use through Airbnb, whether as a guest or host, but exactly how much of that has benefitted the state? A new report from the vacation rental property breaks it all down.
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
Read full article: Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking waterAt least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in House
Read full article: Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in HouseSenate Bill 15, a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is part of a broad push by lawmakers to put a dent in the state’s high home prices.
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampments
Read full article: Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampmentsThe bill would have withheld some tax dollars from cities that did not comply with state law.
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
Read full article: Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agencySB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature, would move the lottery game to Texas’ Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.
Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House
Read full article: Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas HouseA top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the legislation would make it easier to construct homes on smaller lots. A House Democrat briefly killed the bill.
Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for Texans
Read full article: Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for TexansMany low-income families would see cuts in health care and food benefits. The state hopes for a big reimbursement for border security spending.
It’s “Texas Time”: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also act
Read full article: It’s “Texas Time”: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also actFederal action would be needed to make the change legal. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels have debated the question for decades.
Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities
Read full article: Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending prioritiesGov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the state’s water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.
Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the state’s cattle industry
Read full article: Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the state’s cattle industryU.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz hope to fund an operation to kill the parasitic fly before too much damage is done.
Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texas’ largest cities
Read full article: Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texas’ largest citiesThe bill is part of a suite of GOP proposals aimed at curbing the state’s high housing costs — chiefly by allowing more homes to be built.
Is Kroger charging shoppers full price for discounted items? Here’s what we know
Read full article: Is Kroger charging shoppers full price for discounted items? Here’s what we knowConsumer Reports says Kroger shoppers have unknowingly been paying full price for scores of items advertised as discounted or on sale, following a monthslong investigation.
The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of
Read full article: The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and it’s not the one you’re thinking ofWith Princeton leading the Texas pack, the state continues to set the pace for the rest of the nation, with seven of the 15 fastest-growing cities.
Business tax breaks closer to reality after Texas Senate approves compromise
Read full article: Business tax breaks closer to reality after Texas Senate approves compromiseThe Texas House must approve changes to the proposal that were brokered by party leaders. It’s part of a package of bills to bring down property taxes statewide.
Inflation cools to 4-year low as food, energy costs ease; but are Houston residents’ pockets still hurting?
Read full article: Inflation cools to 4-year low as food, energy costs ease; but are Houston residents’ pockets still hurting?For years, nationwide inflation has been a thorn in people’s sides, but could there finally be some relief in sight?
Texas House advances bill that would prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countries
Read full article: Texas House advances bill that would prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countriesThe legislation had only pertained to countries the government deemed national security threats. A last-minute change would let the governor add more countries to the ban.
Texas homeowners could see lower property tax bills if deal from Republican lawmakers passes
Read full article: Texas homeowners could see lower property tax bills if deal from Republican lawmakers passesLegislators in the House and Senate have reached an agreement on more property tax relief. But some critics worry the cuts aren’t sustainable forever.
Texas Republican lawmakers may “financially handcuff” cities that don’t play by their rules
Read full article: Texas Republican lawmakers may “financially handcuff” cities that don’t play by their rulesOne proposal would allow the attorney general to sue cities and freeze sales tax revenues for up to 90 days.
Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the state’s homelessness crisis
Read full article: Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the state’s homelessness crisisRepublican lawmakers are considering a bill to strengthen the state’s ban on homeless encampments and speed up the eviction process.
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as Trump’s ambassador to Italy
Read full article: Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as Trump’s ambassador to ItalyThe Texas billionaire has said he will drop his position at Landry’s, but will continue his ownership of the Houston Rockets.
Texas lottery bans online sales through third-party couriers amid mounting criticism
Read full article: Texas lottery bans online sales through third-party couriers amid mounting criticismAfter years of claiming that companies selling lottery tickets online could not be regulated, the Texas Lottery Commission voted to ban the practice.
Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is considering
Read full article: Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is consideringIf approved, the legislation would expand one of the state's most popular loan programs with even lower interest rates.
Greater Houston Builders Association president details how Trump’s tariffs will impact construction costs
Read full article: Greater Houston Builders Association president details how Trump’s tariffs will impact construction costsAdam Ashman, president of the Greater Houston Builders Association, says the impact of tariffs is currently limited, primarily affecting products imported from China, such as hardware and lighting.
Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rents
Read full article: Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rentsThere’s political urgency for Republicans to deal with housing affordability, especially as surveys find most Texans say housing costs are a top concern.
Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffs
Read full article: Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffsAs the Texas House prepares to vote on the budget, officials and other experts monitor national policy and state tax revenue.
Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024
Read full article: Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024Respondents to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas survey expressed concern about a reduction in consumer demand and a potential recession.
South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
Texas House Bill 32 could change eviction process as Houston faces record-high evictions
Read full article: Texas House Bill 32 could change eviction process as Houston faces record-high evictionsWith eviction rates in Houston surpassing those of New York City, Texas House Bill 32 (HB 32) has gained attention for its potential to speed up the eviction process for renters and landlords.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes failOnly Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.
Set sail on a new business venture in Seabrook
Read full article: Set sail on a new business venture in SeabrookHouston Life's Tessa Barrera visits the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook to chat with local officials about the unique business opportunities and economic developments coming to the region this year.
Texas has created more jobs than any other state in last year, data shows
Read full article: Texas has created more jobs than any other state in last year, data showsTexas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas’ position as the leading state in job creation, following the release of January employment data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).