Texas State News and Info Tracker

Texas continues to capture national attention with major developments across politics, business, and education. Governor Greg Abbott has announced the state will not observe Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, following a New York Times investigation into allegations of sexual assault by the late labor leader[1]. Abbott says he will work with the Legislature to permanently remove the holiday from state law during the 2027 session[1]. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus, while calling the allegations "deeply disturbing," has supported the removal and proposed replacing the holiday with one honoring labor leader Dolores Huerta[1]. Several Texas cities including El Paso, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas are canceling or renaming Chavez-related events and street dedications[1].

On the economic front, Texas solidified its dominance as the nation's top state for business attraction in 2025. According to Site Selection Magazine, Texas attracted over 1,400 business relocation and expansion projects, more than double Illinois's 680 projects[3]. These projects generated over 42,000 new jobs and 75 billion dollars in capital investment[3]. The growth has been particularly strong in artificial intelligence and data center sectors, though some communities like San Antonio are grappling with infrastructure challenges from this rapid expansion[3].

In education, Dallas voters will decide on a 6.2 billion dollar school bond proposal in May[4]. If approved, the measure would fund 26 new replacement schools, eliminate roughly 700 portable classrooms, and include safety upgrades and bus replacements[4]. Meanwhile, Texas Education Freedom Accounts reached 200,000 student applications as of mid-March, with more than 2,200 schools now participating in the program[14].

Hays CISD continues advancing significant bond-funded projects, including a new high school accommodating 2,800 students scheduled for completion by May 2029 at a cost of 396 million dollars[9]. Additional renovation and expansion projects across the district remain on track[9].

Governor Abbott is also building support for property tax reform ahead of the 2027 legislative session, with nearly 60 House members publicly backing his proposal[2].

West Central Texas experienced a historic March heat wave, with Abilene and San Angelo potentially reaching 100 degrees between March 21 and 22, marking the first time either city could hit triple digits in March[5]. Additionally, a significant dust storm swept across West Texas and the Panhandle on March 15, generating dangerous driving conditions and high wildfire danger as strong cold fronts pushed through the state[15].

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for the Legislature's 2027 session beginning in January, when debates over property tax reform and the Cesar Chavez holiday removal will likely take center stage.

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Texas braces for weather whiplash as a frost and light freeze threaten the northern two-thirds of the state tonight, with temperatures plunging to the 30s in places like Amarillo and Lubbock, according to Texas Storm Chasers. By Saturday, parts could near 100 degrees amid gusty winds and dry air, elevating fire danger statewide with no meaningful rain expected for a week, CBS News Texas reports. Recent severe weather included large hail over 3.5 inches in Central and South Texas on March 10, battering vehicles and homes from Del Rio to Comfort, per Cotality.

In politics, Governor Greg Abbott is building momentum for structural property tax reform, securing support from nearly 60 House lawmakers ahead of the 90th Legislature in 2027, Texas Policy Research notes. The 2026 Farm Bill advances in Congress, with South Texas Representative Henry Cuellar urging bipartisan reconciliation to aid farmers and nutrition programs, RFD News reports. Meanwhile, Texas Education Freedom Accounts have drawn over 200,000 applications by March 17 deadline for the 2026-27 school year, as announced by Comptroller Glenn Hegar, with more than 2,200 schools participating.

Economically, Texas tops Site Selection Magazine's 2025 list for business attraction, landing 1,400 relocation projects that created 42,000 jobs and $75 billion in investment, driven by AI and data centers. Yet, the data center boom strains rural power and water, sparking debates in Hood County over projects like Comanche Circle, CBS News Texas details. A Trump-backed oil refinery could be the first new U.S. one in 50 years, Fox Business highlights, while mild growth is forecast for 2026 fueled by AI infrastructure, per Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas economist Luis Torres. Houston sees new mixed-use developments, Houston.org adds.

Community efforts shine in Hays CISD, where bond-funded projects progress, including a new high school by 2029 and renovations accommodating thousands more students, Community Impact reports. Public safety drew attention with Dallas police body cam footage of a shooting involving a fugitive linked to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's security, CBS News Texas confirms.

Looking Ahead: Watch the Farm Bill's House vote, property tax debates in special session, data center zoning changes in San Antonio, and sustained heat-fire risks through next week.

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Texas dominated headlines this week with record-breaking primary turnout and major economic developments signaling significant shifts across the state. Democratic turnout surged approximately 200 percent while Republicans saw gains exceeding 120 percent, according to Houston Public Media's analysis of the March primary results. The intense voter engagement produced unexpected outcomes, including a Republican runoff between Senator John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, while Democrat Colin Allred advanced in the Senate race. Notably, incumbent Representative Dan Crenshaw lost his seat to Steve Toth, marking a significant upset in the state's congressional races.

The primary results revealed a developing political realignment, particularly in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley where independent and Latino voters shifted decisively toward Democratic candidates. However, experts cautioned this represents a signal rather than a full realignment, with policy execution and candidate quality emerging as critical factors heading into November's general election.

On the economic front, Texas cemented its status as the nation's business powerhouse. Site Selection Magazine awarded Texas its 14th consecutive Governor's Cup for economic development, with the state attracting 1,400 business relocation and expansion projects in 2025, more than double Illinois's 680 projects. Houston ranked second nationally among metro areas with 590 projects. Texas's success reflects its robust pro-business climate and has generated over 42,000 new jobs and 75 billion dollars in capital investment. A particularly significant announcement came when ExxonMobil Corporation announced plans to redomesticate to Texas from New Jersey, demonstrating confidence in the state's pro-growth policies.

However, Texas's rapid expansion brings infrastructure challenges. The state is positioned to become the world's largest data center market, with more than 400 facilities already operating and hundreds more planned. Rural communities like Hood County face tensions between economic opportunity and resource constraints, as these facilities rank among the state's biggest users of electricity and water. Texas's data center load is expected to more than double to 30 percent of total U.S. demand by 2028.

Education districts across Texas continue major construction initiatives. Comal ISD received updates on 17 bond projects totaling over 971 million dollars, with several facilities nearing completion. Katy and Lamar Consolidated ISDs are advancing multiple school construction projects expected to conclude by 2028. Meanwhile, Congress moved closer to passing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate 89 to 10 and would provide grants to Texas cities for housing programs and streamlined permitting processes.

Looking ahead, Texas faces the May runoff elections while lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Governor Greg Abbott has assembled growing support among House members

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Texas continues to thrive amid dynamic developments in economy, policy, and weather challenges. Top headlines include the states unmatched economic prowess, with Texas securing the top spot in the Governors Cup for the 14th straight year, attracting 18 percent of U.S. business projects in 2025 according to Site Selection magazine. Houston ranked second among metros with 590 projects, boosted by Eli Lillys 6.5 billion manufacturing plant at Generation Park. In energy, the Port of Brownsville unveiled plans for the first new Gulf Coast oil refinery in nearly 50 years, promising 500 high-paying jobs at 80,000 to 100,000 annually, as announced by America First Refining.

On the political front, new laws effective January 1, 2026, ramp up immigration enforcement through Senate Bill 8, requiring county jails to cooperate with federal authorities on undocumented individuals already in custody, per KRGB reports. Small businesses gain relief with a business personal property tax exemption rising to 125,000. Meanwhile, the 2026 Farm Bill advances in Congress, with South Texas Representative Henry Cuellar emphasizing balance between farmer support and nutrition programs, as covered by RFD News. The Texas legislature gears up for its 90th session in January 2027.

Economically, Texas braces for a data center boom, poised to become the worlds largest market with over 400 facilities, though rural areas like Hood County face strains on electricity and water, CBS News Texas reports. Employment shines with refinery and pharma expansions.

Community efforts advance, as Comal ISD progresses on bond-funded projects including new schools and infrastructure like roof repairs and sports facilities, with several nearing completion per Community Impact. Arlington ISD proposes a 2026 bond for school replacements. Public safety drew scrutiny after bodycam footage questioned an ICE agents account in the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre Island, released by the Texas Department of Public Safety via Democracy Now.

Weather-wise, severe storms struck recently, with grapefruit-sized hail pounding South Central Texas on March 10 and earlier thunderstorms bringing heavy rain, hail, and flood risks to areas like San Antonio and Houston, according to Texas Storm Chasers and KSAT.

Looking Ahead: Watch for more severe storms Tuesday and Wednesday, the Farm Bills House vote, Comal ISD bond milestones, and data center debates in rural counties.

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Texas continues to demonstrate economic momentum while navigating significant political transitions and weather challenges heading into the general election season.

The state's business landscape remains robust, with Texas maintaining its position as the nation's top state for attracting job-creating projects. According to Site Selection, Texas is on a 14-year winning streak in economic development, securing 1,000 projects in 2025 and representing 18 percent of all qualifying U.S. projects. Houston ranks second nationally among metropolitan areas for economic development projects, with 590 secured last year. This growth is fueled by major announcements including pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's $6.5 billion manufacturing plant at Generation Park in Houston. Additionally, over 300 companies have relocated their headquarters to Texas between 2015 and 2024, with at least 24 moving in 2024 alone, according to the governor's office. Employment opportunities are concentrated in energy, finance, and construction sectors, offering significant hiring potential throughout the state.

Politically, Texas held its March primary elections, producing notable results. The Texas Tribune reports that nearly every state legislative incumbent won their primary, marking a shift from the significant turnover of two years prior. However, several high-profile Democrats are pursuing statewide office, with State Representative James Talarico winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, while State Representative Gina Hinojosa is running for governor, Vikki Goodwin for lieutenant governor, and Jon Rosenthal for the Texas Railroad Commission. This exodus means the state House will have more than 20 new lawmakers when the Legislature convenes in 2027. Primary contests also featured expensive proxy battles over casinos, tort reform, and ideological disputes within the Republican party.

In education, several school districts are advancing major construction initiatives. Plano ISD projects are progressing on schedule, with the replacement of Haggard Middle School expanding from 134,610 square feet to 187,900 square feet, set for summer completion. The new Career and Technical Education Center is in vertical construction with an October target date. Similarly, North East Independent School District in San Antonio approved a five-year implementation plan for its 2025 bond package, prioritizing security upgrades and infrastructure improvements across over 70 proposed projects.

Weather has posed significant challenges, with tornado watches and severe storm threats affecting North Texas and other regions. Texas Storm Chasers reported conditional severe weather environments capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes across multiple days in early March.

Looking Ahead, listeners should monitor the November general election as candidates position themselves for statewide offices. School districts will continue tracking construction project completi

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Texas continues to demonstrate economic strength and resilience as the state navigates significant weather challenges and political developments heading into 2026.

On the economic front, Texas has claimed the Governor's Cup for the 14th consecutive year, earning recognition from Site Selection magazine as the nation's top state for attracting job-creating business location and expansion projects. According to the governor's office, Texas landed more than 1,400 projects in 2025, representing over 75 billion dollars in capital investments and producing more than 42,000 new jobs. Houston ranked second nationally among metro areas with 590 projects secured last year, trailing only Chicago. The pharmaceutical sector showed particular strength, with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announcing a 6.5 billion dollar manufacturing plant at Houston's Generation Park. Meanwhile, Texas continues to benefit from major corporate relocations, with at least 314 businesses moving their headquarters to the state between 2015 and 2024, citing favorable regulatory environments and economic incentives.

The labor market is entering a new phase of growth, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas projecting that jobs in Texas will increase 1.1 percent in 2026, adding approximately 154,600 positions. Energy, finance, and construction sectors are leading hiring efforts, with construction experiencing particular momentum from ongoing infrastructure projects and data center development related to AI facilities.

Politically, Texas held its primary election on March 7, producing significant developments in major races. On the Republican side, incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornin is heading to a runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after Cornin secured 43 percent of the vote compared to Paxton's 41 percent. State Representative Wesley Hunt received approximately 13 percent and will not advance. Democrats faced polling complications in Dallas County when confusion arose over voting location requirements, prompting a state district judge to extend polling hours, though the Texas Supreme Court subsequently paused that ruling and ordered affected votes set aside.

Severe weather impacted portions of Texas over the weekend of March 7. Dangerous thunderstorms moved across northeast Texas early Saturday morning, with a confirmed tornado reported in Marion County near Highway 59 around 3 AM. Storms continued throughout the day, producing large hail potentially exceeding golf ball size, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall. Storm chasers warned of renewed thunderstorm development overnight into Sunday morning across South Central Texas and Southeast Texas, including the San Antonio and Houston areas, with potential for flash flooding where multiple storm rounds occurred.

Looking ahead, listeners should monitor developments in the Senate runoff between Cornin and Paxton, with significant implications for both state and national Republican politics. The continued gro

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Texas remains a political battleground following the intense March 2026 primary elections, where key races set the stage for high-stakes runoffs and the November general election. On the Republican side for U.S. Senate, incumbent Senator John Cornyn edged out Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton with 43 percent to 41 percent, forcing a May runoff in what KSAT 12 News calls the most expensive Senate race in history, with Cornyn spending over $71 million. Paxton, backed by Trump supporters, declared at his Dallas watch party that Texas is not for sale, vowing to challenge Cornyn's establishment ties. Democrats saw state Representative James Talarico projected to defeat Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, according to CBS News Face the Nation, after a contentious Dallas County polling dispute resolved by the Texas Supreme Court, which set aside late votes. Crockett conceded, praising Talarico's anti-corruption message. Locally in Bexar County, former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg decisively won the Democratic primary for county judge against Peter Sakai, focusing on public safety, jail reforms, infrastructure, and healthcare access amid poverty challenges, as reported by KSAT 12.

Governor Greg Abbott advanced toward a November matchup with State Representative Gina Hinojosa. Business developments took a backseat to politics, though economic indicators show steady employment growth amid national trends. Community-wise, Nirenberg's win highlights priorities like criminal justice backlogs and infrastructure maintenance. No major weather events disrupted the primaries, with mild conditions prevailing.

Looking Ahead, listeners can anticipate the May Senate runoffs between Cornyn and Paxton, and Talarico's general election push, alongside President Trump's teased endorsement and potential court battles over Dallas votes. State legislature sessions loom with policy debates on public safety and economy.

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Texas voters headed to the polls today for high-stakes primaries, marking one of the states most watched midterm contests nationwide. According to The Texas Tribune, turnout is surpassing 2024 levels with over 250,000 early ballots in Dallas County alone, as reported by local election officials, potentially setting historic numbers. Key races include the open Attorney General seat vacated by Ken Paxton, now challenging U.S. Senator John Cornyn; a University of Texas poll shows Republicans Chip Roy and Mayes Middleton leading toward a May runoff, per KSAT coverage. President Trumps endorsements are testing GOP loyalties across U.S. Senate, House, and legislative districts.

In government and politics, Texas holds no regular legislative session this even-numbered year, as noted by MultiState, shifting focus to local decisions like North Texas councils call for mobility tech projects through 2028, announced by NCTCOG. Business and economy see solar advocates at TXSES pushing 2026 pilots for low-income rooftop installations and streamlined grid connections to combat rising energy costs amid data center booms, including the massive Stargate project straining power grids, according to Texas Scorecard.

Community news highlights public school closures sparking concerns over enrollment drops and unaccounted infrastructure demands from over 400 data centers. Education faces questions on preparing students for AI-driven jobs, while Texas 2036 warns of 35 million population by 2036 straining water and health systems despite recent $22 billion investments.

Public safety noted a deadly crash in Plano possibly linked to speeding, per local reports. Weather ramps up with spring severe season underway; AccuWeather and Texas Storm Chasers forecast multiple days of thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain up to three inches, and tornado risks across North and Central Texas through the weekend, raising flooding worries in saturated areas.

Looking Ahead: Primary results will trickle in after 7 p.m., with runoffs possible May 26; severe weather lingers into next week, and TXSES community solar pilots gear up for rollout.

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Texas continues to navigate a dynamic landscape of political tensions, economic booms, and community advancements amid lingering winter weather effects. Top headlines include the Republican Party of Texas concurring with a censure of State Representative Stan Lambert for actions like supporting Democrat votes for House Speaker Dustin Burrows and backing bills seen as weakening grid security, according to the Texas GOP resolution. Republicans express growing alarm over holding U.S. Senator John Cornyn's seat, with polls showing Attorney General Ken Paxton trailing potential Democratic challengers, as reported by Politico. In Congress, Texas Representatives Al Green and Troy Nehls clashed during President Trump's State of the Union, with Green escorted out for protesting immigration policies, per Click2Houston.

In government and politics, the Texas Secretary of State issued a May 2, 2026, election law calendar, incorporating new testing rules from SB 2166 for scanners and accumulators. Senator Ted Cruz joined forces with Maria Cantwell to introduce the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act, aiming to modernize NOAA forecasting after Texas's deadly 2025 floods that killed over 135, as stated in the Senate Commerce Committee release.

Business and economy shine brightly, with Texas poised to become the world's largest data center market by 2030, boasting 6.5 gigawatts under construction—driven by over $600 billion in AI investments from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta—according to JLL's Year-End 2025 report cited by The News. Apple is expanding in Houston with a new Advanced Manufacturing Center for Mac mini production and workforce training, per the Greater Houston Partnership. Arlington's EDC approved $24.5 million in incentives for the $100 million Lincoln Square redevelopment, projecting $6 billion in taxable sales over 30 years, as announced by the city.

Community efforts focus on education and infrastructure, with Austin Community College outlining workforce pipelines in semiconductors and AI, enrolling nearly 10,000 in free tuition programs, according to ACC's State of ACC update. Eanes ISD eyes a $900 million 2027 bond for school modernizations and a four-elementary model.

The January-February 2026 North American cold wave brought rare snow to Texas and record lows southward, though current forecasts predict dry conditions with fire risks and highs nearing 90 degrees in Austin, per The Eyewall.

Looking Ahead: Watch the March 1 primaries pitting Cornyn against Paxton, ACC campus expansions, and Lincoln Square construction starting mid-2026.

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Texas is experiencing significant transformation across multiple sectors this week. A Democrat made history by winning a traditionally Republican state senate seat in Tarrant County, flipping Senate District 9 after decades of GOP control. Taylor Ramett, an Air Force veteran and union leader, defeated Republican Lee Wamscon in the special election held in a district that favored Donald Trump by 17 points in 2024, marking the first Democratic victory in the area in years[1].

On the political front, Texas Democrats have launched an ambitious 30 million dollar coordinated campaign targeting key races in the 2026 midterms. The effort, backed by the state party, Texas Majority PAC, and the group Powered by People founded by former El Paso Congressman Beto O'Rourke, represents the most comprehensive recruitment effort in modern Texas history, with candidates fielded for every federal and state race on the ballot[7]. Meanwhile, Republicans continue positioning themselves for the attorney general race, with current AG Ken Paxton running for US Senate. US Representative Chip Roy has emerged as the frontrunner according to a University of Houston poll[1].

The Texas economy is poised for growth driven largely by artificial intelligence infrastructure. Tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta plan to invest more than 600 billion dollars in 2026 on AI infrastructure, with Texas emerging as the world's future data center capital[3]. Texas now has 6.5 gigawatts of data center capacity under construction, roughly one-fifth of the entire US pipeline[3]. The Dallas Federal Reserve projects Texas job growth will pick up modestly in 2026, supported by data center and AI-related activity[8].

Education continues advancing in the region. Austin Community College announced the expansion of campuses at Eastview, Round Rock, and Hays, while implementing artificial intelligence systems to support student success. Nearly 10,000 students now benefit from ACC's Free Tuition initiatives[4]. Meanwhile, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved funding for the first building at UTA West in far Fort Worth, with the inaugural class expected to arrive in fall 2028[9].

Public safety concerns emerged this week as Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase operations along the southern border following cartel violence in Mexico after the killing of a powerful cartel leader[6].

Weather patterns shifted from the cold front that impacted Texas earlier in February, as warm southerly winds returned to the San Antonio area on Tuesday, with highs expected near 90 degrees by Wednesday[5].

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for continued developments in the 2026 election cycle, ongoing data center construction projects that will reshape Texas infrastructure, and the impacts of expanded educational initiatives on workforce development across the state.

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