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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).
Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Read full article: Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticismAlthough the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patients
Read full article: Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patientsAs the Edinburg facility and others seek to assist people experiencing food insecurity, state lawmakers have more than a dozen bills that could tackle Texas’ food deserts.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
A surge in bee deaths is hurting Texas beekeepers — and could affect the price of produce
Read full article: A surge in bee deaths is hurting Texas beekeepers — and could affect the price of produceCommercial beekeepers in Texas have lost about two thirds of their honey bees since June last year, according to a recent survey.
Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next week
Read full article: Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next weekThe president said Mexico and Canada have failed to curb the flow of drugs into the U.S. after giving the countries 30 days to do so before enacting the tariffs.
Trending on social: Nationwide economic blackout scheduled Friday to protest DEI rollbacks
Read full article: Trending on social: Nationwide economic blackout scheduled Friday to protest DEI rollbacksA grassroots organization, The People’s Union, is calling for a nationwide economic blackout on Feb. 28 in response to the federal government’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Texas lawmakers want to make it easier to convert office space into apartments and condos
Read full article: Texas lawmakers want to make it easier to convert office space into apartments and condosSupporters hope easing zoning rules will entice landlords to renovate and ease the state’s housing crisis.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
Texas is poised to become a film haven — but not without a fight
Read full article: Texas is poised to become a film haven — but not without a fightThe Texas Senate has proposed injecting a staggering half a billion dollars into film production, as economists and fiscal hawks question the return on investment.
County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a city
Read full article: County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a cityIf a majority of the roughly 500 residents living around the South Texas site vote yes in May, Starbase will be the state’s newest city.
Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employees
Read full article: Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employeesAccording to a report by CNBC, Chevron announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15% to 20% as part of a cost-cutting strategy.
Texas Senate unanimously approves tax cuts for homeowners
Read full article: Texas Senate unanimously approves tax cuts for homeownersThe marquee proposal would increase the amount of a home’s value exemption from school taxes to $140,000 from $100,000. The legislation must win approval from the House next.
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate
Read full article: Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through SenateSenate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
“How do we protect our poultry flocks?” Texas dairy, poultry producers grapple with bird flu
Read full article: “How do we protect our poultry flocks?” Texas dairy, poultry producers grapple with bird fluAcross the country, dairy producers have dumped milk and infected chickens have been killed, including millions of egg-laying hens, causing egg prices to skyrocket.
Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speech
Read full article: Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speechAfter successful campaigns for House allies, the governor is in a position to set an ambitious course for the legislative session.
Harris County officials provide important information as tax season approaches
Read full article: Harris County officials provide important information as tax season approachesThe 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.
Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdown
Read full article: Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdownThe legislation includes financial aid and money for recent natural disasters, but farmers still will be relying on outdated provisions from the 2018 bill.
Texas’ citrus industry — once an agricultural powerhouse — is on the brink of disaster
Read full article: Texas’ citrus industry — once an agricultural powerhouse — is on the brink of disasterA hurricane and winter freeze devastated the South Texas industry. A lack of water is preventing a full recovery.
Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief says
Read full article: Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief saysIn his new role, Rosser will be responsible for helping Texas meet its goal to increase the number of Texans ages 25 to 34 with a postsecondary credential to 60%by 2030.
Which grocery store gives you the best deal? Here’s what we found at Walmart, H-E-B and Kroger
Read full article: Which grocery store gives you the best deal? Here’s what we found at Walmart, H-E-B and KrogerWe know our dollars don't stretch as far as it used to at the grocery store, but we wanted to know which stores have the lowest prices on their store brand staples and why they differ between stores.
A 2006 study found undocumented immigrants contribute more than they cost Texas. The state hasn’t updated it since.
Read full article: A 2006 study found undocumented immigrants contribute more than they cost Texas. The state hasn’t updated it since.A comptroller’s report found that deporting the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants living in Texas in 2005 would have cost the state about $17.7 billion in gross domestic product.
Texas Senate to pursue ban on THC products next year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says
Read full article: Texas Senate to pursue ban on THC products next year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick saysPatrick contends retailers have exploited a law passed in 2019 to sell unregulated and potentially harmful consumable tetrahydrocannabinol products.
Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.
Read full article: Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.Despite the efforts of local governments and others, the move to provide internet access to millions of Texans has been slow and faces new challenges.
A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding
Read full article: A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS fundingAlthough Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are digging deep to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services.
Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.
Read full article: Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.It’s unclear how much water resides underneath this booming West Texas tourist haven. That makes conservation critical.
A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing cities
Read full article: A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing citiesA yearslong dispute over exporting water to growing Texas cities offers a hint at the battles to come as the state’s population booms and water supply dwindles.
Texas’ high housing costs sparked a movement to bring them down. The fight could shape the state for years to come.
Read full article: Texas’ high housing costs sparked a movement to bring them down. The fight could shape the state for years to come.A new breed of activists wants Texas to tame costs by building more housing. But longstanding opposition to such policies remains strong.
Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.
Read full article: Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.Farmers say they want the water, but not if it goes against the allotment they need for the spring planting season.
From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this Halloween
Read full article: From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this HalloweenDenton has renamed itself Halloween, Texas, and has planned 31 days of events to drive up tourism and family entertainment.
Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission race
Read full article: Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission raceIncumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.
West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.
Read full article: West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.Residents were worried about the impact on their drinking water while business leaders were excited for the new jobs.