Some advocates for the region worry freshmen lawmakers will start deal-making at a deficit, while other voters see a chance for new blood.
East Texas
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Senate candidate says “no strings attached” to $2 million donation from businessman
Rhonda Ward, a first-time candidate for elected office who previously served on the state GOP’s policy committee, is challenging Trent Ashby for the East Texas seat.
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Economy
This East Texas town wants to capitalize on the state’s growth. Can it break 1,000 residents?
In Pineland, a fresh batch of local elected officials and an expansion of the town’s biggest employer have created the conditions for an economic renaissance. A dearth of housing could slow growth.
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Environment
Thousands of East Texans remain without power after winter storm shuts down most of state
East Texas experienced some of the worst freezing rain. Dense forests and icy roads are making it more difficult to restore electricity.
Posted in
Economy
In this East Texas county, you need a membership to drink at a bar. That may soon change.
Texas cities and counties largely control when and where liquor can be sold. Just three counties are totally dry.
Posted in
Economy
Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming sales
Christmas tree sales are up in the Lone Star State, even as many tree farmers are aging out of the business with no successors.
Posted in
2025 Legislative Recap
Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.
Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
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Economy
Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expected
Rural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.
Posted in
Environment
Dallas businessman sues over stalled plans to export East Texas water
The proposed project that would install 43 high-capacity wells drew the ire of East Texans, worried their wells would run dry.
Posted in
Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Texas sent $223 million to rural communities to fix water infrastructure after 2023 election
Texas voters will decide Tuesday whether the state should continue spending $1 billion a year to secure the state’s water supply. Part of that investment will be spent to find new water supply.