INSIDER
A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding
Read full article: A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS fundingAlthough Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are digging deep to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services.
Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.
Read full article: Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.It’s unclear how much water resides underneath this booming West Texas tourist haven. That makes conservation critical.
A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing cities
Read full article: A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing citiesA yearslong dispute over exporting water to growing Texas cities offers a hint at the battles to come as the state’s population booms and water supply dwindles.
Texas’ high housing costs sparked a movement to bring them down. The fight could shape the state for years to come.
Read full article: Texas’ high housing costs sparked a movement to bring them down. The fight could shape the state for years to come.A new breed of activists wants Texas to tame costs by building more housing. But longstanding opposition to such policies remains strong.
Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.
Read full article: Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.Farmers say they want the water, but not if it goes against the allotment they need for the spring planting season.
From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this Halloween
Read full article: From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this HalloweenDenton has renamed itself Halloween, Texas, and has planned 31 days of events to drive up tourism and family entertainment.
Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission race
Read full article: Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission raceIncumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.
West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.
Read full article: West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.Residents were worried about the impact on their drinking water while business leaders were excited for the new jobs.
A battered child care industry’s latest challenge? Competing for 4-year-olds.
Read full article: A battered child care industry’s latest challenge? Competing for 4-year-olds.A 2019 state law requiring schools to offer full-day pre-K is capturing child care’s most profitable customer base: 3- and 4-year-olds.
5 things to know about looming port strikes that could impact Houston, East Coast
Read full article: 5 things to know about looming port strikes that could impact Houston, East CoastAbout 45,000 dock workers are poised to walk off the job at midnight Tuesday if a deal is not reached between the union representing the workers and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports.
Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials say
Read full article: Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials sayTexas Republicans have been trying to reduce the state’s high property taxes for years, but some acknowledge eliminating them would be too expensive.
Texas must build hundreds of thousands of homes to lower housing costs, says state comptroller
Read full article: Texas must build hundreds of thousands of homes to lower housing costs, says state comptrollerTexas needs hundreds of thousands more homes than it has, per one estimate. That shortage has driven up home prices and rents.
No American dream? 1 in 4 retirees return to work due to financial struggles
Read full article: No American dream? 1 in 4 retirees return to work due to financial strugglesAccording to a new report by BadCredit.org, a financial education platform, 59% of retirees lack sufficient funds for retirement, with more than half forced to change their lifestyle due to financial hardship.
The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.
Read full article: The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.Before the pandemic, Ben Bilbrey worked with some of the largest oil companies. Now he’s waiting for the phone to ring.
Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South Texas
Read full article: Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South TexasThis week’s ruling was the latest twist since cities and groups in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley sued to block the projects.
Houston internet prices below national average, but many feel overcharged: How to ensure you get what you pay for
Read full article: Houston internet prices below national average, but many feel overcharged: How to ensure you get what you pay forIn today’s economy, Houstonians are more mindful than ever of where their money is going.
Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural Texas
Read full article: Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural TexasWhen disaster strikes, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy takes command of her county’s emergency communication channels, including a text service and Facebook page.
Insurance rates could climb for some Texas coastal homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Insurance rates could climb for some Texas coastal homeowners, businessesHomeowners typically pay $2,300 a year for a Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policy. The rate increase would bump premiums by 10%.
Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energy’s Hurricane Beryl response
Read full article: Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energy’s Hurricane Beryl responseThe company’s power outages in July have drawn the ire of state leaders. Here’s what you need to know.
Texas city strips funding for monthly art event over drag show
Read full article: Texas city strips funding for monthly art event over drag showThe arts center that organizes the monthly art walk, which draws 20,000 to downtown Lubbock, said the drag show happened at an off-site location and had no association with it.
Texas named one of the least supportive states for impoverished people: report
Read full article: Texas named one of the least supportive states for impoverished people: reportDespite all the wonderful things Texas has to offer, a recent study is making some bold suggestions about how the Lone Star State looks after its residents living in poverty.
When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progress
Read full article: When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progressHere is a timeline of events thus far for the project, with more milestones obviously to come for a project expected to be done in 2025.
Need to stock up for the rest of Houston’s hurricane season? Here are 4 ways to save on Amazon Prime Day
Read full article: Need to stock up for the rest of Houston’s hurricane season? Here are 4 ways to save on Amazon Prime DayAmazon Prime Day is July 16 and 17th. KPRC 2's Bill Spencer has four things you can do right now to save and how you might be able to get the sale prices without being a prime member.
Just as the temperature climbs, Texas towns are closing public pools to cut costs
Read full article: Just as the temperature climbs, Texas towns are closing public pools to cut costsAdvocates say public pools are necessary community infrastructure and save lives. Splash pads have become a more affordable option.
Beryl power outage updates: More than 98,000 Texas electricity customers remain without power a week after Beryl
Read full article: Beryl power outage updates: More than 98,000 Texas electricity customers remain without power a week after BerylTens of thousands of households and businesses aren’t expected to have electricity for most of this week.
Rio Grande Valley leaders hope to rebrand region as “RioPlex” to attract investment
Read full article: Rio Grande Valley leaders hope to rebrand region as “RioPlex” to attract investmentAfter years of competing with each other for new businesses, Valley cities want to present a united front to highlight the region’s assets.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on homeless encampments. Here’s what it means for Texas.
Read full article: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on homeless encampments. Here’s what it means for Texas.The ruling comes amid a nationwide surge in homelessness as high rents put pressure on low-income households and pandemic-era protections expire.
As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainable
Read full article: As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainableA new housing report from Harvard University found that would-be homebuyers need to make more money than ever if they want to buy a home in Texas’ urban areas.
Texas Supreme Court keeps ‘Uplift Harris’ on hold, stopping Harris County from distributing guaranteed income funds
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court keeps ‘Uplift Harris’ on hold, stopping Harris County from distributing guaranteed income fundsOn Friday, the Texas Supreme Court ruled against Harris County from sending financial assistance to in-need families under a new income pilot program after a political match between the Texas Attorney General.
Abbott appoints first judges to new appeals court for cases involving state government, businesses
Read full article: Abbott appoints first judges to new appeals court for cases involving state government, businessesThe Texas Legislature created the court last year, with proponents saying it would increase efficiency and opponents arguing that it was an effort by Republicans to circumvent Democrat-dominated courts.
With new platform, Texas Democrats may find common ground with Republicans on housing affordability crisis
Read full article: With new platform, Texas Democrats may find common ground with Republicans on housing affordability crisisThe Democrats’ recently approved platform includes calls to loosen zoning rules, which housing experts believe contribute to high housing costs.
To fight poverty, some Texas cities gave aid with no strings attached. Conservatives are pushing back.
Read full article: To fight poverty, some Texas cities gave aid with no strings attached. Conservatives are pushing back.Guaranteed income programs let participants use funds however they see fit. Critics argue they're not a good use of taxpayer dollars.
Texas legislators want to help property owners deal with squatters. But the changes could affect tenants.
Read full article: Texas legislators want to help property owners deal with squatters. But the changes could affect tenants.Housing advocates say Texas laws fall short when it comes to property trespassers but they warn changes could worsen the state’s evictions crisis.
Push to enforce occupancy rule in College Station highlights Texas A&M students’ housing woes
Read full article: Push to enforce occupancy rule in College Station highlights Texas A&M students’ housing woesThe new fines underscore the challenges college students face when looking for affordable housing — and how cities struggle to provide it.
Study says Houston has one of the lowest inflation problems, but do our pockets beg to differ?
Read full article: Study says Houston has one of the lowest inflation problems, but do our pockets beg to differ?Inflation continues to impact the U.S., and a recent study suggests Houston is not experiencing much of the brunt of high prices, compared to other cities, but if that's the case, how come I'm broke all the time?
Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande ValleyFrom brisket to carne asada, Texas is known for meat, making this annual gathering in a small Rio Grande Valley town stand out.
British economy rebounds strongly in first quarter of the year, ending 'technical recession'
Read full article: British economy rebounds strongly in first quarter of the year, ending 'technical recession'The British economy bounced back strongly in the first three months of the year, bringing to an end to what economists termed a “technical recession.”.
Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal process
Read full article: Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal processIn the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values.
Legalized marijuana supporters hope voters in this Texas city will send a message to state lawmakers
Read full article: Legalized marijuana supporters hope voters in this Texas city will send a message to state lawmakersThere is no process in Texas for a voter-driven statewide referendum. So, supporters are going city by city to build statewide momentum.
Coal power plants must reduce pollution under new federal rules
Read full article: Coal power plants must reduce pollution under new federal rulesThe rules will require coal-fueled plants, including Texas plants that produced about 12% of power on the state’s grid this year, to reduce carbon emissions and mercury pollution and handle disposed coal ash more safely.
South Texas farmers are in peril as the Rio Grande Valley runs dry — again
Read full article: South Texas farmers are in peril as the Rio Grande Valley runs dry — againWith the hottest days still ahead, local leaders have declared emergencies. And farmers are lobbying for the U.S. government to pressure Mexico to release water.
‘Take off your political glasses’: NAACP Houston, partners push for full support of Uplift Harris program
Read full article: ‘Take off your political glasses’: NAACP Houston, partners push for full support of Uplift Harris programThe NAACP Houston Branch and partners held a news conference Wednesday to announce their support for Uplift Harris, a pilot program to help low-income households in Harris County.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asks state to halt new cement plant permits until 2025
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asks state to halt new cement plant permits until 2025Citing community concerns about a planned cement plant in Grayson County, Patrick’s letter asks TCEQ to reject the permit and halt permit approvals statewide.
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Harris County to block program that would give cash to poorest households
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Harris County to block program that would give cash to poorest householdsThe program would give roughly 1,900 households payments of $500 for 18 months with no strings attached. Paxton called it “plainly unconstitutional.”
1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidy
Read full article: 1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidyThe Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service. The program is slated to run out of money at the end of the month.
Republicans’ budding interest in Texas’ housing crisis could create strange political bedfellows
Read full article: Republicans’ budding interest in Texas’ housing crisis could create strange political bedfellowsRepublican lawmakers may try to force Texas cities to allow greater housing density as the state faces a housing crunch.
Cows at two Texas dairy farms have bird flu, another blow to Cattle Country following wildfires
Read full article: Cows at two Texas dairy farms have bird flu, another blow to Cattle Country following wildfiresFederal officials said the nation’s milk supply should be not at risk after a bird flu outbreak hits dairies in Texas, New Mexico and Kansas.
Pilot program ‘Uplift Harris’ notifying recipients of $500 monthly grant
Read full article: Pilot program ‘Uplift Harris’ notifying recipients of $500 monthly grantApplicants for the pilot program to help low-income residents living below the poverty line in Harris County will be notified on their status by March 22, 2024
Why some Texas cities are getting rid of their minimum parking rules
Read full article: Why some Texas cities are getting rid of their minimum parking rulesMost cities require homes and businesses to have parking. Critics say they drive up housing costs, foster car dependency and raise carbon emissions.
Texas firefighters completely contain Panhandle inferno that burned more than 1 million acres
Read full article: Texas firefighters completely contain Panhandle inferno that burned more than 1 million acresA series of deadly wildfires have burned for nearly three weeks, destroying farms and ranches in several counties.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants the Texas Legislature to rein in investors behind large-scale home purchases
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott wants the Texas Legislature to rein in investors behind large-scale home purchasesSo-called institutional homebuyers noticeably ramped up home purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. But housing experts point out investors have retreated amid high interest rates.
“It does not get easier”: Texas ranchers lose cattle and land in historic wildfires
Read full article: “It does not get easier”: Texas ranchers lose cattle and land in historic wildfiresAs ranchers recover from the Smokehouse Creek fire, they face the agonizing choice of what to do with an unknown number of injured cattle.
Gulf Coast petrochemical growth draws billions in tax breaks despite pollution violations
Read full article: Gulf Coast petrochemical growth draws billions in tax breaks despite pollution violationsA new report by the Environmental Integrity Project compiled data on every U.S. plastics plant built, expanded or proposed since 2012, revealing massive growth in Texas.
New EPA rule to slash cancer-causing emissions from sterilization facilities
Read full article: New EPA rule to slash cancer-causing emissions from sterilization facilitiesLaredo residents who live near a sterilization plant say the new federal limits on the pollutant will improve air quality and reduce their city’s high cancer risk.
Facing staggering losses from wildfires, Panhandle ranchers and farmers seek aid to rebuild
Read full article: Facing staggering losses from wildfires, Panhandle ranchers and farmers seek aid to rebuildRanchers have likely lost thousands of cattle in the wildfires, according to some preliminary estimates.
Many homes burned in the Texas wildfires weren’t insured, creating a steep path to recovery
Read full article: Many homes burned in the Texas wildfires weren’t insured, creating a steep path to recoveryRural Texans are more than twice as likely to go without homeowners insurance than their urban peers.
Texas Panhandle wildfires: What you need to know about the blazes, damage and recovery
Read full article: Texas Panhandle wildfires: What you need to know about the blazes, damage and recoveryThe full scope of damage still isn’t known, but some Panhandle residents have returned home. Firefighters continue battling the infernos.
Panhandle residents begin rebuilding, even as fight to contain fires continues
Read full article: Panhandle residents begin rebuilding, even as fight to contain fires continuesThe fire that engulfed their town was only 15% contained over the weekend, but Canadian residents were back to selling flowers and preparing for an election.
Wildfires ravage cattle country, threatening Texas’ agriculture economy
Read full article: Wildfires ravage cattle country, threatening Texas’ agriculture economyTexas wildfires have consumed acres of agricultural land, killing thousands of livestock, destroying crops and exacerbating challenges lingering from last year’s drought.
As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignored
Read full article: As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignoredWhen the two presidents used the Texas-Mexico boundary as a backdrop for the national immigration fight, residents felt they were left out of the conversation.
Years before Texas conservatives painted them as criminals, Colony Ridge residents sought help from state agencies
Read full article: Years before Texas conservatives painted them as criminals, Colony Ridge residents sought help from state agenciesTexas has little to show for conservative leaders’ uproar — or previously unreported complaints about the community developer.
Texas launches new property tax incentive program to lure new businesses
Read full article: Texas launches new property tax incentive program to lure new businessesThe Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation program cuts property taxes for new manufacturing, research and development facilities. It replaces a shuttered program criticized for its impact on school finance.
Amid high rents, eviction filings in major Texas cities soar above pre-pandemic levels
Read full article: Amid high rents, eviction filings in major Texas cities soar above pre-pandemic levelsLegal aid groups and housing advocates say there simply aren’t enough lawyers to keep up with the sheer volume of eviction filings.
Rural Texans, internet providers worry that feds’ broadband expansion plan will have a painfully slow rollout
Read full article: Rural Texans, internet providers worry that feds’ broadband expansion plan will have a painfully slow rolloutA historic $3.3 billion federal investment in broadband could connect millions of Texans to the internet. But getting the money to the right hands could be a challenge.