Texas’ 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.
Paul Cobler
Paul Cobler is the Tribune's economy and industry reporter, covering the socioeconomic and political forces that impact Texans’ pocketbooks and upward mobility. Before joining the Tribune, he was a politics reporter for the Houston Landing and covered Baton Rouge City Hall for The Advocate in Louisiana. Paul grew up in Victoria, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. His reporting has appeared in news publications across the state, including the Dallas Morning News, Austin American-Statesman and the Houston Chronicle. He is based in Austin.
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Energy
ExxonMobil set to to move its legal home to Texas, citing business friendly environment
Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement on Tuesday, crediting Texas’ legal environment. Exxon has based its operations in the Houston area since 1989.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Pro-gambling interests fail to gain ground in Texas primaries as legislative roadblocks remain
Despite slow progress, casino empire Las Vegas Sands promised to continue investing in candidates who support bringing destination resort casinos to Texas.
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State Government
Business owners sue comptroller after their removal from state minority business program
Women- 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.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Early vote turnout in Texas outpacing past elections, fueled by Democratic primary voters
Turnout during the first week of early voting for the Texas midterm election exceeded the same period for the previous two presidential elections, years that typically see higher voter engagement.
Posted in
Courts
Texans shouldn’t expect Supreme Court ruling against tariffs to bring prices down soon, economists say
The order wiped out many of the Trump administration’s tariffs, but Trump promised Friday to find other ways to restore them.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas 15th Court of Appeals primaries: Who is running and what to know
Voters statewide elect three justices to the new 15th Court of Appeals, created in 2023. Gov. Greg Abbott’s GOP appointees face their first election for six-year terms.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas labor unions are increasingly divided on which candidate to endorse for governor
Gov. Greg Abbott was endorsed by Texas Teamsters, a labor union that has historically supported Democrats. Other large unions still back his Democratic opponent.
Posted in
Energy
Texas’ power grid weathered another winter storm. Is it ready for the future?
Five years after Winter Storm Uri caused catastrophic blackouts that killed hundreds, the electric grid has changed significantly, but increasing demand means it will have to adapt even more.
Posted in
State Government
Alcohol commission finalizes rules for hemp industry in Texas, but debate likely to continue
The 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.