The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.
Carol Alvarado
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Texas’ multibillion-dollar sales tax exemption for data centers is growing, while audits lag
Out of 138 data centers that qualified for the tax break, only 20 have been audited so far. Six facilities were found to be out of compliance.
Posted in
Houston ICE Shooting
At a Houston funeral home, a community comes together to pay respects to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo
As his sons greeted visitors near the casket of their father, who was killed in an ICE operation, some at the public visitation said they knew him well — even if they’d never met him.
Posted inDemographics
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Supporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott defends trip to East Asia during Hurricane Beryl
Abbott’s critics say he could have postponed the trip until the storm had passed, or at least cut it short once he saw the scale of the disaster.
Posted in
Politics
Wanna bet? Texas Legislature to reconsider legalizing casinos and sports betting
Given the stiff headwinds to getting any expansion in gambling passed, sports betting and casino advocates may be competing against each other, rather than working in tandem.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate outlasts 15-hour filibuster by Sen. Carol Alvarado to pass GOP voting-restrictions bill
The Houston Democrat was on her feet speaking, not allowed to sit or lean against her desk, and unable to take bathroom breaks or drink water, since Wednesday evening. But ultimately the bill she opposed passed Thursday on an 18-11 vote.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Texas Democrats see a winning formula in Kamala Harris. Will she bring suburban women and Black voters to the polls?
State Democrats see her as someone who can excite key voting groups but who won’t alienate more moderate voters.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Joe Biden wins endorsements from Beto O’Rourke, other former rivals in late Texas surge
The former vice president received big-name endorsements — including backing from former presidential candidates Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar — as he campaigned in Dallas and Houston on the eve of Super Tuesday.
Posted in
Health care
Texas has the most people without health insurance in the nation — again
For the second year in a row, the number of Texans without health insurance increased, and fewer people enrolled in Medicaid.
