Economy

"The farmers are sticking with Trump": President touts new trade deal during Austin speech

by Sami Sparber

The president also exuded confidence that Texas will remain in Republican hands in 2020, despite some political watchers suggesting it's more purple than it has been in years. Full Story 

In San Antonio, rent is rising but wages aren’t

by Juan Pablo Garnham

The city already has some of the worst poverty and segregation rates in the country. Now increasing rents are leaving low-income households struggling to keep up with the cost of living. Full Story 

Texas oil and gas industry could see a major slowdown in 2020

by Kiah Collier

The Texas Oil and Gas Association reported that companies paid a record level of taxes and state royalties last year amid a historic oil boom. But association President Todd Staples said that continued growth is not guaranteed. Full Story 

Dallas neighborhood established by freed slaves fights to keep its history alive

by Miguel Perez, KERA News

Despite its status as a historic district, the Tenth Street neighborhood’s history is fading. Residents say a 2010 city ordinance contributed to its decline. Full Story 

U.S. House passes replacement for North American Free Trade Agreement

by Abby Livingston

Many Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have urged the agreement's passage, due to the state's reliance on cross-border commerce with Mexico. Full Story 

An estimated 390,000 Texans might lose access to food stamps under new Trump policy

by Stacy Fernández

One of the proposed rule changes could make SNAP recipients ineligible if their vehicles are valued at more than $4,650. Full Story 

Watch: Conversations on the future of urban Texas

by Texas Tribune Events Staff

We're livestreaming our two-day event in Houston exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Texas' largest cities. Full Story 

President Donald Trump to tour Apple facilities in Texas on Wednesday

by Alex Samuels

Trump will tour a new Apple manufacturing plant in Austin on Wednesday with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Full Story 

Voters are worried about leadership, border issues, health care and guns, UT/TT Poll finds

by Ross Ramsey

National leadership and border issues top the list of voter concerns about the country; at home, it's the border and gun control, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story 

Tenth Talks: Watch four experts predict the future of Texas cities

by Emily Ramshaw

In this edition of Tenth Talks, The Texas Tribune's yearlong video series on the next 10 years of Texas, top leaders in housing, homelessness and transportation give Texas cities a decade's worth of marching orders. Full Story 

Border U.S. representatives from Texas make final pleas as vote looms on North American trade deal

by J. Edward Moreno

Texas members of Congress are playing an integral role in drafting final provisions in the deal. Some Republicans don't think the House will get to vote on it this year. Full Story 

At 69, she's still paying off $12,000 of student debt — including out of her Social Security checks. It isn't just a millennial problem.

by Shannon Najmabadi

About 222,140 Texans ages 60 and older had student loan debt in 2017, carrying a median load of $15,754, according to government data. Full Story 

Big Tex and Dickies are a perfect fit, but Uvalde factory's fate is another story

by Todd Wiseman, Christopher Vazquez, Justin Dehn and Alana Rocha

Iconic Texas-based clothing maker Williamson-Dickie made headlines last year when it announced it was closing its last U.S. factory, in Uvalde. While that plant has been repurposed and still employs several residents, the city is grappling over changes to a key partner in its community. Full Story 

Texas voters could stabilize funding for state parks with Proposition 5

by Carrington Tatum

Decades ago, lawmakers passed a law that was meant to fully fund Texas Parks and Wildlife, but the money never seemed to make it to the parks. Now they're asking voters to create a constitutional mandate that parks get more money. Full Story 

Contender in Houston state House special election owed thousands in delinquent taxes

by Alex Samuels

Michele Leal blamed a lien from the Internal Revenue Service on a "communication error." Full Story 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatens to intervene in Austin’s “homelessness crisis”

by Alex Samuels and Davis Rich

Abbott’s office lamented reports of “violence, used needles, and feces littering the streets of Austin and endangering Texas residents.” Full Story 

Trump, Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasize friendship at Houston event

by Chase Karacostas

Speaking in front of thousands of attendees Sunday, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded each other for their work on issues like border security, trade and the economy. Full Story 

Visa denial rates for highly skilled workers are on the rise. Small Texas businesses are taking a hit.

by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman

The Texas economy relies heavily on temporary work visas, like H-1Bs, to hire highly trained, highly skilled employees from abroad. But H-1Bs have been subject to tougher scrutiny, with denial rates on the uptick. Full Story 

"The status quo is unacceptable": Walmart will stop selling some ammunition and exit the handgun market

by Abha Bhattarai, The Washington Post

The move comes after fatal shootings in two of its stores, including the deaths of 22 people in El Paso. The retailer will also no longer allow customers to openly carry in stores. Full Story 

Texas plastic bags are killing horses and cows

by Lara Korte

A year after the Texas Supreme Court dealt a death blow to municipal bans on plastic bags, legislative efforts to revive them have fallen flat, and ranchers, city leaders and environmental groups say plastic bag litter is as big a problem as ever. Full Story