Some smoke shops say the flurry of court actions since March 31 has already forced them to scale back hours, cut staff and prepare to shut down.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
A Texas town needs Waco’s help to realize its data center dreams. It’s not going well.
Lacy Lakeview’s hasty approach to the data center project has alienated the Waco officials who would control water service to the site. “Without the City of Waco agreeing to it, Lacy Lakeview can’t do anything out there and neither can Infrakey,” State Rep. Pat Curry said. “Those guys don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”
Posted in
Economy
Texas county pauses data center construction in rural areas for a year
Hill County commissioners’ split vote to issue a moratorium appears to be a first in Texas.
Posted in
Health care
Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is temporarily back on Texas shelves, court rules
After a dizzying string of court actions on smokeable hemp this week, Texas 15th Court of Appeals agreed to allow the sale of the drug until May 14.
Posted in
Economy
Companies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but don’t expect many new jobs
A company’s legal home determines which state taxes and laws governing corporations it will be subject to. Some are fleeing Delaware in search of a friendlier environment in Texas.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With Trump and Talarico aligned on a gas tax holiday, Cornyn gets on board
James Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, has pushed to suspend the federal gas tax amid soaring fuel costs. Cornyn previously opposed the idea.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Texas Republicans have a data center problem
Data center construction is unpopular among locals, and a majority of the facilities are being proposed in red, rural counties. That puts Texas Republicans in a tough spot, as the White House has encouraged states to let the centers flourish.
Posted in
Economy
World Cup hotel bookings short of expectations in Texas amid anti-U.S. sentiment abroad
A recent survey of hoteliers in the Dallas area and Houston found anticipated demand is not translating into strong hotel bookings less than 40 days from the start of the tournament.
Posted in
Immigration
Once thriving, Laredo’s growth stalls under Trump’s immigration crackdown
The city’s economic growth has taken a dip, falling short of expectations amid a steep decline in international migration, among other factors.
Posted in
Transportation
High gas prices eating into Texans’ budgets, fueling inflation
The average price for a gallon of gas in Texas has risen from $2.55 in early February to $3.78 at the end of April.