As 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.
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.
Posted in
Energy
Trump says the U.S. will fix Venezuela’s oil industry. Texas experts say the idea faces hurdles.
Texas-based oil companies have largely been silent on Trump’s assertion that they would help to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
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State Government
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
Posted in
State Government
Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI laws
Texas’ new law regulating AI is set to take effect Jan. 1, two months after Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off some federal money if states pass “onerous” AI laws.
Posted in
Energy
Residents protest high-voltage power lines that could skirt Dinosaur Valley State Park
One of three possible routes would border the North Texas park. The project is part of a statewide effort to keep pace with Texas’ rapidly growing energy needs.
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Transportation
Southwest Airlines will bring 2,000 new jobs to Austin as city works to expand crowded airport
Austin 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.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas launches cryptocurrency reserve with $5 million investment
Lawmakers created a state Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year and dedicated $10 million to investing in cryptocurrency.
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State Government
Women, minority small business owners confused, worried after Texas kicks them off HUB program
The 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.
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State Government
Texas removes women and minorities from Historically Underutilized Business program for state contracts
The program will now only be eligible for service-disabled veterans. It will be called Veteran Heroes United in Business.
Posted in
Economy
Texas moves ahead with regulating hemp industry as federal ban looms
TABC intends to proceed with the adoption of permanent regulations on the hemp industry in Texas despite the potential ban.