Gulf Coast refineries are significantly increasing imports of Venezuelan crude as the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz halts traditional supplies from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The shift comes as regional processors seek heavy crude alternatives to maintain production levels during the prolonged Middle East maritime blockade.
A new market analysis from RestaurantData reveals that over 1,000 Texas restaurants closed during the first half of 2026, the highest volume in the United States. While the state leads in closures, operators in the North Texas region maintain that the local industry continues to expand, citing a "churn" effect rather than a systemic decline.
Texas manufacturing executives expressed renewed optimism this month as production and demand levels rose. The latest industry data indicates a growing need for additional workers to sustain the increased output, signaling a potential stabilization in the state's industrial sector.
Plano Mayor John Muns announced that Daisy Brand, a century-old leader in the dairy industry, has selected Plano for its new corporate headquarters. The move represents another high-profile departure from Dallas as Plano continues to successfully recruit major corporate entities.
A fresh poll of the Texas U.S. Senate race shows Austin Democrat James Talarico leading incumbent Republican Ken Paxton by five percentage points. Talarico’s lead is bolstered by a commanding performance among independent voters and a surprising edge with non-college-educated voters, a demographic that has historically favored Republican candidates in the state.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has issued seven new interim charges for state senators, including a directive to find ways to "inform and remind Texans of their religious liberty rights." The move is part of a broader effort to further ingrain religious elements into public life and policy before the next legislative session.
The Texas Senate Finance Committee held hearings Monday to examine the growing cost of sales tax exemptions for data centers, which are projected to cost the state $3.3 billion in lost revenue by the 2028-29 budget cycle. Outside the Capitol, a coalition of ranchers and farmers rallied to demand a pause on data center expansion, citing concerns over water and energy consumption.
State legislators are accusing the state broadband office of "sweetheart deals" after billions in funding were primarily awarded to satellite internet providers. Lawmakers expressed concern that the allocation process lacked transparency and may not effectively address the state's long-term infrastructure needs.
Texas university officials are scheduled to testify before the State Senate regarding the implementation of SB 37, a law that increased state scrutiny of higher education. The hearing follows a news conference by students and professors who argue the law has led to increased censorship on campuses.
Out of twelve school districts in the San Antonio area, only three are projected to balance their budgets for the 2026-27 school year. The remaining nine districts are entering the new term with significant deficits, highlighting a regional funding crisis as operational costs outpace state allotments.
The family of Kelton Lightfoot is engaged in a protracted legal dispute with a North Texas school district over the provision of residential placement for special education needs. Advocates warn that the outcome could weaken the Texas Education Agency’s complaint process and have far-reaching consequences for students with disabilities across the state.
Georgetown ISD officials are weighing a potential tax rate election to generate funds specifically for teacher salary increases. The move comes as districts statewide struggle to remain competitive in recruitment while facing stagnant state funding.
A Houston federal judge has ordered the immediate release of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego from immigration detention, citing due process violations. Pliego was a witness to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents; the judge mandated his release within 48 hours.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested two married pastors at the McAllen airport last week. The couple, who were in the country on valid religious visas, were attempting to travel to a marriage conference when they were detained.
A New World screwworm outbreak has prompted new restrictions on the transport of animals. While aimed at protecting livestock, the rules are creating significant costs and logistical hurdles for overcrowded Texas animal shelters that rely on out-of-state transfers to manage populations.
The U.S. Department of Defense has removed 19-year-old Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton and three other service members from the official Iran war casualty list. The four troops were killed during renewed fighting in Jordan, but officials have not provided a specific reason for their removal from the formal count.
The House Ethics Committee confirmed an ongoing investigation into Republican Representative Lance Gooden of Terrell. The panel has not disclosed the nature of the allegations, noting only that the matter was referred by the Office of Congressional Conduct.
The former mayor of Bertram has pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony involving a false written statement used to obtain a cash-out refinance loan. The plea concludes a high-profile investigation into financial misconduct by the former municipal leader.
A report from Scaling Safety indicates that Austin neighborhoods utilizing violence intervention programs saw a 27% drop in aggravated assaults and a 12% decrease in homicides between 2021 and 2025. The data suggests these localized programs are having a measurable impact on regional safety trends.