From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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.
To report a tip, contact Paul on Signal at @paulcobler.34
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas 15th Court of Appeals race: Who is running and what to know
Three seats on Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals are on the ballot in November. The court hears challenges to state laws and other consequential civil cases. Here’s what to know about the candidates.
Posted in
Energy
Abbott declares disaster in Texas over diesel prices, waives restrictions on commercial shipping
Monday marks seven months since the U.S.-Iran war began, which has restricted oil and gas exports from the Middle East, raising prices ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Posted in
Environment
Gov. Greg Abbott broadens moratorium on data center approvals to include environmental permits
The move is the latest in a series of escalating efforts by the governor to slow data center development in Texas ahead of November’s election.
Posted in
Energy
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls on ERCOT to reverse 30% pay raise for board members
Patrick has also rebuked ERCOT’s board for approving and then backtracking on a contract that would allow ERCOT’s CEO to earn $6.4 million in 2027.
Posted in
Energy
ERCOT quickly backtracks after approving contract that would let CEO earn $6.4 million in 2027
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick balked at the contract two boards approved for Pablo Vegas. The ERCOT chief said officials then decided not to execute the deal.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costs
On the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
If not carefully vetted, candidates’ proposals to lower costs could exacerbate future affordability issues, experts say.
Posted in
Energy
Industry warns of blackouts, economic woes if Texas overreacts to data center, transmission line anger
Energy regulators and industry experts warn that the state’s delays to major projects amid backlash from residents could create rolling blackouts and strangle growth of other industries that need power.
Posted in
Energy
Residents and industry leaders at odds over transmission lines at legislative hearing
The growing backlash surrounding 765 kv lines, as well as data centers, was tackled at a nine-hour House hearing that included testimony and recommendations but no definitive answers.