By Steve Idoux | President and CEO of LocktonFrom our position as one of the nation’s largest benefits advisors—serving employers across Texas and beyond—we’re seeing a clear shift. Supporting employees and retaining talent remain essential priorities, but the way employers approach benefits decisions is evolving.In an environment marked by persistent inflation, rising healthcare costs, and […]
In an Era of Uncertainty, Benefits Plan Sponsors Are Staying the Course—But with a Sharper Eye on Costs
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Texas Legislature 2025
Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rents
There’s political urgency for Republicans to deal with housing affordability, especially as surveys find most Texans say housing costs are a top concern.
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Health care
Early Texas hospital data shows millions spent in care for non-U.S. citizens
A state employee testified Monday that tens of thousands of people in the U.S. unlawfully were treated, but it was unclear how long the data had been collected.
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Politics
Texas Lottery executive director resigns as lawmakers’ scrutiny mounts
The Texas Lottery Commission did not immediately clarify why Ryan Mindell chose to resign, as lawmakers have discussed abolishing the lottery outright.
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Criminal Justice
Prosecutor cites anti-immigrant rhetoric as El Paso shooter is sentenced to 23 life terms
”This community will always remember those whose lives you stole … Their light will never fade,” the judge told the shackled shooter. “While you, your name and your hate, will be forgotten.”
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Politics
“A global loss”: Millions of Texans mourn the death of Pope Francis
Some churchgoers in the Rio Grande Valley remembered the leader of the Catholic Church as a forward-thinking figure who cared for everyone.
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Texas Legislature 2025
“It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish line
Texas Republican lawmakers in regions known for support of public schools defended voting for vouchers, saying they gained leverage to seek concessions.
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State Government
With the border quiet, Texas ponders spending another $6.5 billion on border security
Some are questioning whether lawmakers should commit billions more to border security with illegal crossings dwindling and a Trump immigration crackdown.
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Immigration
Supreme Court blocks deportations of Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th century wartime law
The high court acted in an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union contending that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
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Higher Education
Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visas
The three former students went to UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas. While they have prevailed in court so far, many other international students’ education futures remain uncertain.
