As artificial intelligence pushes demand for more data centers, companies are drawn to the state’s relatively inexpensive land and natural gas that can run on-site power plants.
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
Politics
Trump has promised cheaper oil. Texas’ economy could pay a price.
A possible flood of South American oil would hinder the state’s production of fuel, some experts say, making it hard to break even on costs.
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2026 Texas Elections
In South Texas, local Republicans push for more wins as Latinos appear to sour on Trump
Even as Trump’s approval ratings fall with Latinos, a constellation of grassroots Republicans are working to secure wins in the midterms.
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TribCast
TribCast: Can Texas zero out property taxes?
TribCast digs into the dueling proposals that are teeing up a contentious property tax fight.
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Health care
A blossoming Texas medical marijuana industry adds new businesses, products and patients
The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued provisional licenses to nine new medical marijuana operators while existing ones have started opening new manufacturing and cultivating facilities.
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Health care
Texas proposes 13,000% licensing fee hike on retailers who sell hemp-derived THC
Hemp advocates say raising annual licensing fees for retailers from $150 to $20,000 and for manufacturers from $250 to $25,000 would shutter small businesses.
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Health care
Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physicians
Texas joins 17 other states that are making it easier for foreign medical graduates to work as doctors here. About a quarter of the state’s licensed doctors were trained outside the U.S.
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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
Congress
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz wants legal status for migrant workers in struggling construction industry
South Texas builders said a growing number of ICE arrests at construction sites have made it difficult for work to continue.
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State Government
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.