After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.
Read full article: After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.An investigation ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott found that less than half a percent of federal money spent on child care scholarships in Texas was considered “improper.”
Legislators, business leaders highlight Texas policies driving competition with Wall Street
Read full article: Legislators, business leaders highlight Texas policies driving competition with Wall StreetThe panelists at the Dallas event hosted by The Texas Tribune said “Y’all Street” is poised to become the nation's financial capital.
After years of pushing for better jobs, Rio Grande Valley leaders land high-skilled manufacturing plant
Read full article: After years of pushing for better jobs, Rio Grande Valley leaders land high-skilled manufacturing plantMcAllen leaders hope the new Valeo manufacturing plant is a sign that the region, one of the most impoverished in the state, can attract better-paying jobs for its college graduates.
Texas will ban smokeable hemp cannabis on March 31. Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: Texas will ban smokeable hemp cannabis on March 31. Here’s what you need to know.New rules from state health officials ban smokeable intoxicating hemp products, including pre-rolled joints and hemp flower.
‘Freak’: Ted Cruz, John Cornyn slam Democratic U.S. Senator nominee James Talarico for resurfaced anti-meat quote
Read full article: ‘Freak’: Ted Cruz, John Cornyn slam Democratic U.S. Senator nominee James Talarico for resurfaced anti-meat quoteAs the dust settles for James Talarico following his victory over Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for U.S. senator from Texas, Republicans from his home state are digging up quotes they deem “anti-Texas.”
A plan to get more electricity to West Texas may come undone
Read full article: A plan to get more electricity to West Texas may come undoneOil and gas companies have said the region needs more power. Environmentalists and a conservative think tank worry the state is moving too fast — and ratepayers will see the costs in their bills.
Texas oil companies stand to profit from Iran war disruptions while consumers face higher gas prices
Read full article: Texas oil companies stand to profit from Iran war disruptions while consumers face higher gas pricesTexas’ status as the nation’s largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it’s not immune to disruptions, experts say.
ExxonMobil set to to move its legal home to Texas, citing business friendly environment
Read full article: ExxonMobil set to to move its legal home to Texas, citing business friendly environmentGov. Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement on Tuesday, crediting Texas’ legal environment. Exxon has based its operations in the Houston area since 1989.
Texas hemp businesses fear an uptick in police raids after more than 15 in the last two years
Read full article: Texas hemp businesses fear an uptick in police raids after more than 15 in the last two yearsAttorneys for hemp businesses say the raids have hurt their revenue and reputation, while police said they’re necessary to root out products with illegal levels of THC.
After a decade of missteps, Corpus Christi careens toward water catastrophe
Read full article: After a decade of missteps, Corpus Christi careens toward water catastropheCity officials expect to reach a “water emergency” within months and run out of water next year. That would halt jet fuel deliveries to Texas airports, hike gas prices and trigger a local economic disaster without precedent, former officials say.
Politicians want to stop companies from buying homes. A ban wouldn’t bring down costs.
Read full article: Politicians want to stop companies from buying homes. A ban wouldn’t bring down costs.President Trump, who wants to stop profit-driven companies from buying residences in bulk, spotlighted the struggles of a Houston woman who was regularly outbid by firms on homes in the pandemic.
Record voter turnout in Harris County primary
Read full article: Record voter turnout in Harris County primaryA record number of voters turned out in Harris County during Tuesday’s primary election, with many saying major issues like the economy, rising costs, and national politics motivated them to head to the polls.
Business owners sue comptroller after their removal from state minority business program
Read full article: Business owners sue comptroller after their removal from state minority business programWomen- and minority-owned businesses were removed from the Historically Underutilized Business Program in December by acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who argued he was ending a DEI program.
Texans shouldn’t expect Supreme Court ruling against tariffs to bring prices down soon, economists say
Read full article: Texans shouldn’t expect Supreme Court ruling against tariffs to bring prices down soon, economists sayThe order wiped out many of the Trump administration's tariffs, but Trump promised Friday to find other ways to restore them.
After Supreme Court tariff ruling, what it could mean for your family’s budget
Read full article: After Supreme Court tariff ruling, what it could mean for your family’s budgetAfter Friday’s Supreme Court ruling striking down certain tariffs, many families are asking a simple question, does this mean prices will finally go down?
Q&A: Supreme Court strikes down much of Trump’s sweeping tariffs. What does that mean for you?
Read full article: Q&A: Supreme Court strikes down much of Trump’s sweeping tariffs. What does that mean for you?The Supreme Court struck down much of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs on Friday, a decision which could have ripple effects on economies around the globe.
EXPLAINER: What are tariffs and how do they work?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What are tariffs and how do they work?Conversation around tariffs has surged after the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down the broad global tariffs that President Trump had imposed under emergency powers, ruling they were unconstitutional because only Congress can levy taxes like tariffs.
Texas refineries see opportunity in Venezuelan oil amid Mexico export declines
Read full article: Texas refineries see opportunity in Venezuelan oil amid Mexico export declinesAs President Donald Trump seeks to boost U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil fields, Mexico is poised to export less heavy crude to Gulf refineries, creating an opening for Venezuelan oil.
Feds launch fair housing probe into North Texas development marketed to Muslims
Read full article: Feds launch fair housing probe into North Texas development marketed to MuslimsHUD is investigating whether the project that had been called the East Plano Islamic Center City discriminated based on race or national origin.
Texans are demanding their local governments push pause on data centers. Can they?
Read full article: Texans are demanding their local governments push pause on data centers. Can they?Texans from Waco to Harlingen are raising concerns over how much energy and water data centers are poised to use. Local officials, some enticed by a tax boon, say they have little power to stop the rush.
In a contest to regulate Texas’s oil and gas industry, one Republican wants to talk DEI and China
Read full article: In a contest to regulate Texas’s oil and gas industry, one Republican wants to talk DEI and ChinaJim Wright, the GOP incumbent, and several other Republican candidates dismissed Bo French’s campaign rhetoric as distracting from the Railroad Commission’s mission.
‘Prepare for uncertain employment future’: More layoffs expected amid economic strain
Read full article: ‘Prepare for uncertain employment future’: More layoffs expected amid economic strainln recent months there have been multiple businesses and corporations in the Houston area announcing layoffs. The sudden loss of employment from various sectors has impacted hardworking individuals at all levels.
Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to knowThe Railroad Commission regulates energy infrastructure across Texas. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
This East Texas town wants to capitalize on the state’s growth. Can it break 1,000 residents?
Read full article: This East Texas town wants to capitalize on the state’s growth. Can it break 1,000 residents?In Pineland, a fresh batch of local elected officials and an expansion of the town’s biggest employer have created the conditions for an economic renaissance. A dearth of housing could slow growth.
Looking for a new car? These 10 new vehicles have the cheapest insurance rates in Texas
Read full article: Looking for a new car? These 10 new vehicles have the cheapest insurance rates in TexasIf you feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg to insure your car in Texas, data indicates that you’re not alone!
Houston Food Bank urging SNAP recipients to check benefit status as new work requirements take effect
Read full article: Houston Food Bank urging SNAP recipients to check benefit status as new work requirements take effectAn organization that feeds one million people in the Houston area each year is warning that some could lose SNAP benefits because of new work requirements.
In the West Texas oil patch, companies plan gas power plants to run new data centers
Read full article: In the West Texas oil patch, companies plan gas power plants to run new data centersThe developer of one project, in Pecos County, calls it the largest power project in the U.S. Data centers are sparking a surge of gas power plant construction in Texas.
Texas’ long love affair with wrestling could be getting serious
Read full article: Texas’ long love affair with wrestling could be getting seriousThe sport’s been in Texas for nearly a century, but has yet to achieve the recognition other industries have. Its recent successes in the state could change all that.
Texas lawmakers: Cannabis is here to stay. And we will regulate the market in 2027.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers: Cannabis is here to stay. And we will regulate the market in 2027.Lawmakers and industry leaders gathered in Austin this week to discuss the future of the market. “We almost have to take it on,” a Republican state House member said.
This newspaper publisher is challenging her fellow Republicans to do better for rural Texas
Read full article: This newspaper publisher is challenging her fellow Republicans to do better for rural TexasSuzanne Bellsnyder used to work for Republicans in Austin. Now she’s challenging them to do better for rural Texas, where she lives and operates two newspapers and a growing Substack newsletter.
SpaceX wants a tax break meant to create jobs in low-income areas. Critics question the benefits.
Read full article: SpaceX wants a tax break meant to create jobs in low-income areas. Critics question the benefits.Elon Musk’s company got a boost in its application by the Starbase city commissioners. Two commissioners are SpaceX employees.
Tax season is here! Here’s what Harris County officials say you should know before filing
Read full article: Tax season is here! Here’s what Harris County officials say you should know before filingThe Harris County Tax Office will be holding a press conference to discuss important information for property owners in the Houston area as tax season nears.
Texas counties, auto industry push back on proposed ID restrictions on car registration tied to immigration
Read full article: Texas counties, auto industry push back on proposed ID restrictions on car registration tied to immigrationPeople testified during a Wednesday hearing said the DMV’s proposed changes would harm not just affected residents, but also Texas businesses and road safety.
Alcohol commission finalizes rules for hemp industry in Texas, but debate likely to continue
Read full article: Alcohol commission finalizes rules for hemp industry in Texas, but debate likely to continueThe new rules apply to 60,000 TABC license holders, like convenience stores and restaurants. The Department of State Health Services is also working to finalize its own rules for smoke shops.
Texas forecast to be top market for data centers in two years, increasing grid demand
Read full article: Texas forecast to be top market for data centers in two years, increasing grid demandAs artificial intelligence pushes demand for more data centers, companies are drawn to the state’s relatively inexpensive land and natural gas that can run on-site power plants.
In South Texas, local Republicans push for more wins as Latinos appear to sour on Trump
Read full article: In South Texas, local Republicans push for more wins as Latinos appear to sour on TrumpEven as Trump's approval ratings fall with Latinos, a constellation of grassroots Republicans are working to secure wins in the midterms.
REPORT: ELA forecasts drop in average U.S. gas prices in 2026
Read full article: REPORT: ELA forecasts drop in average U.S. gas prices in 2026The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts the strongest four-year growth in U.S. electricity demand since 2000, driven largely by rising power needs from data centers and other large computing facilities.
More Texans have signed up for ACA health coverage despite expiring subsidies and falling national enrollment
Read full article: More Texans have signed up for ACA health coverage despite expiring subsidies and falling national enrollmentThe ACA enrollment figure indicates a stabler marketplace and less coverage loss than many experts and insurers feared, though the number could drop once premium bills become due.
How to start a career in Houston without college with free and low-cost training options
Read full article: How to start a career in Houston without college with free and low-cost training optionsHouston's job market is expanding with major companies, creating a demand for skilled professionals. For those without a college degree, there are affordable and free career-development programs available both online and in Houston to help individuals start their careers.
A blossoming Texas medical marijuana industry adds new businesses, products and patients
Read full article: A blossoming Texas medical marijuana industry adds new businesses, products and patientsThe Texas Department of Public Safety has issued provisional licenses to nine new medical marijuana operators while existing ones have started opening new manufacturing and cultivating facilities.
Texas proposes 13,000% licensing fee hike on retailers who want to sell hemp-derived THC
Read full article: Texas proposes 13,000% licensing fee hike on retailers who want to sell hemp-derived THCHemp advocates say raising annual licensing fees for retailers from $150 to $20,000 and for manufacturers from $250 to $25,000 would shutter small businesses.
Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physicians
Read full article: Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physiciansTexas joins 17 other states that are making it easier for foreign medical graduates to work as doctors here. About a quarter of the state’s licensed doctors were trained outside the U.S.
Why a Panhandle businessman wants to take over the region’s electric utility
Read full article: Why a Panhandle businessman wants to take over the region’s electric utilitySalem Abraham claims Minnesota-based Xcel Energy has not lived up to its promise of protecting the region from wildfires. The company vehemently disagrees.
In this East Texas county, you need a membership to drink at a bar. That may soon change.
Read full article: In this East Texas county, you need a membership to drink at a bar. That may soon change.Texas cities and counties largely control when and where liquor can be sold. Just three counties are totally dry.
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz wants legal status for migrant workers in struggling construction industry
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz wants legal status for migrant workers in struggling construction industrySouth Texas builders said a growing number of ICE arrests at construction sites have made it difficult for work to continue.
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Read full article: From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
“Construction can’t continue”: South Texas builders say ICE arrests have upended industry
Read full article: “Construction can’t continue”: South Texas builders say ICE arrests have upended industryMore than 300 people attended an impromptu meeting that industry leaders in the Rio Grande Valley hosted to draw attention to the chilling effect ICE arrests have had on construction.
One year after a deadly train wreck, a West Texas town awaits help to avoid more tragedy
Read full article: One year after a deadly train wreck, a West Texas town awaits help to avoid more tragedyAs oil and gas industry traffic continues to speed through Pecos, TxDOT said it is working to find $194 million to build an alternative route away from the heart of the city.
Southwest Airlines will bring 2,000 new jobs to Austin as city works to expand crowded airport
Read full article: Southwest Airlines will bring 2,000 new jobs to Austin as city works to expand crowded airportAustin and the state offered the Dallas-based airline a package of economic incentives totaling $19.5 million to locate a new crew base at Austin’s airport.
Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming sales
Read full article: Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming salesChristmas tree sales are up in the Lone Star State, even as many tree farmers are aging out of the business with no successors.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn that’s a bad idea.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn that’s a bad idea.Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbott’s proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxes
Read full article: Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxesTexas cities and counties already face limits on how much revenue they can generate. Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from complete
Read full article: Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from completeTexas lawmakers heard conflicting reports on the state’s readiness to fight the New World Screwworm, which is approaching the southern border.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes againThe lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish school property taxes. Would it work?
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish school property taxes. Would it work?The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
‘Buy now’: Houston ticket broker says FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket prices are sky-high and trending upward
Read full article: ‘Buy now’: Houston ticket broker says FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket prices are sky-high and trending upwardIt’s been just three days since the schedules were established for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ticket prices are already through the roof.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
Read full article: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bidThe Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
Women, minority small business owners confused, worried after Texas kicks them off HUB program
Read full article: Women, minority small business owners confused, worried after Texas kicks them off HUB programThe decision to limit certification to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the Historically Underutilized Business program from more than 15,000 to 485 participants — all men.
Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakers
Read full article: Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakersThe Legislature approved $600 million for standalone improvements, but one advocate worried the increase in direct spending undermines the Texas Water Development Board’s process.
In Houston, young mothers face some of the highest barriers for college and work in the U.S.
Read full article: In Houston, young mothers face some of the highest barriers for college and work in the U.S.At 13.3%, Houston has the worst rate of young adults who are neither working nor in in school of the largest metro areas in the country.
A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.
Read full article: A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.Laws include restricting transgender people’s access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.
Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.
Read full article: Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expected
Read full article: Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expectedRural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.
Proposed data center project for Waco area would be “paradigm-changer”
Read full article: Proposed data center project for Waco area would be “paradigm-changer”The project is at a scale of industrial development and investment unmatched in McLennan County’s history: acres of computer hardware, substations and a 1.2-gigawatt gas-fired plant capable of powering about 300,000 homes.
Visa delays and policy changes not stopping international students at Rice University
Read full article: Visa delays and policy changes not stopping international students at Rice UniversityInternational students contribute more than $55 billion to the U.S. economy every year, but fewer are coming to study in American universities.
A year after Donald Trump won the Rio Grande Valley, South Texans navigate changes big and small
Read full article: A year after Donald Trump won the Rio Grande Valley, South Texans navigate changes big and smallResidents in the southernmost part of Texas want to remind themselves — and the nation — that the region is more than a political battleground. It’s their home.
Google to build three new data centers in Texas in $40 billion investment
Read full article: Google to build three new data centers in Texas in $40 billion investmentThe announcement by Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai is the latest multi-billion dollar investment in Texas by tech companies racing to build infrastructure that can support advanced artificial intelligence.
Tariffs driving up prices on Christmas trees, decor, lights. Here’s how to save
Read full article: Tariffs driving up prices on Christmas trees, decor, lights. Here’s how to saveRising tariffs on imported goods are driving up prices for Christmas trees, lights, and décor this season, leaving shoppers looking for ways to save and consider locally grown alternatives.
Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdown
Read full article: Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdownThe issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Texas Head Start closures during government shutdown add to state’s child care woes
Read full article: Texas Head Start closures during government shutdown add to state’s child care woesHundreds of families lost child care when certain programs weren’t funded earlier this month, and scores more may be affected if Congress doesn’t fund the government by Dec. 1.
Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth term
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth termAbbott framed his campaign as a means to keep Texas as a conservative bastion, touting efforts to lower property taxes, bolster education and strengthen public safety.
Cruz, Cornyn push new retaliatory legislation that blocks U.S. water from going to Mexico
Read full article: Cruz, Cornyn push new retaliatory legislation that blocks U.S. water from going to MexicoThe bill is the latest effort from the Texas delegation that demands the U.S. get tougher with Mexico for failing to honor a 1944 treaty that in part governs Rio Grande water.
Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts ahead
Read full article: Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts aheadEven voters in Austin, one of the state’s most liberal cities, shot down a measure to raise property taxes.
“We don’t know what we’re going to eat”: Texans are still waiting for November SNAP benefits
Read full article: “We don’t know what we’re going to eat”: Texans are still waiting for November SNAP benefitsAlthough the federal government has said it will deposit half of November benefits, Texans are still unsure when money will land in their accounts.
SNAP cutoff could hurt Texas grocers and the rest of the economy, experts say
Read full article: SNAP cutoff could hurt Texas grocers and the rest of the economy, experts sayThe ongoing government shutdown means more than $600 million per month won’t go to millions of Texas SNAP beneficiaries who pump that money into the state economy.
Part-time jobs, loans and worry: Texas federal workers contend with government shutdown
Read full article: Part-time jobs, loans and worry: Texas federal workers contend with government shutdownMany federal workers missed their first full paycheck this weekend as the shutdown nears the one-month mark.
Beloved Houston bakery appeals for help amid rising costs before holidays
Read full article: Beloved Houston bakery appeals for help amid rising costs before holidaysThe Flying Saucer Pie Company, a longtime Houston favorite for pies and other baked goods, is asking for community help this holiday season.
Texas’ congressional delegation wants Trump to punish Mexico for missing key water deadline
Read full article: Texas’ congressional delegation wants Trump to punish Mexico for missing key water deadlineThe state’s citrus industry is at risk, farmers say, after Mexico failed to deliver water it owes Texas as part of a 1944 treaty.
S&P 500 hits record high as government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits in Houston area
Read full article: S&P 500 hits record high as government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits in Houston areaWall Street closed the week with record highs on Friday as the S&P 500 topped 6,800 for the first time in history.