As oil and gas industry traffic continues to speed through Pecos, TxDOT said it is working to find $194 million to build an alternative route away from the heart of the city.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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.
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.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn that’s a bad idea.
Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbott’s proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxes
Texas cities and counties already face limits on how much revenue they can generate. Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from complete
Texas lawmakers heard conflicting reports on the state’s readiness to fight the New World Screwworm, which is approaching the southern border.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish Texas’ school property taxes. Would it work?
The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
The Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
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.

