Texas continues to demonstrate its economic strength while navigating significant policy priorities and infrastructure challenges heading into 2026.

The state ranked third nationally for starting new businesses, according to WalletHub's latest rankings, with Texas earning top marks for business environment and boasting the third-highest employment growth in the nation. Austin specifically topped rankings as the best U.S. city for launching new ventures. Central Texas has reinforced its reputation as a technology hub, with particular strength in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and aerospace companies.

In state politics, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released his first round of interim charges for the Texas Senate in preparation for the 90th Legislative Session beginning in January 2027. Property tax relief remains a cornerstone priority, with Patrick advancing what he calls Operation Double Nickel, which would reduce the senior exemption age threshold from 65 to 55 while increasing homestead exemptions by an additional 40,000 dollars. The Senate Committee on Finance has been tasked with studying these property tax measures following voter approval of earlier exemption increases in November.

Additional interim charges reflect heightened focus on state security. The Senate Business and Commerce Committee will evaluate vulnerabilities in the state's electric grid supply chain, particularly regarding potential risks from hostile foreign entities including China, Russia, and Iran. This attention to grid resilience comes as Texas successfully weathered a recent winter storm without the catastrophic failures that characterized the February 2021 freeze that left millions without power.

Economic infrastructure projects continue advancing across the state. The Coastal Texas Project, also known as the Ike Dike, secured 5 million dollars in federal funding, marking its largest federal investment since authorization in 2022. The 35 billion dollar initiative aims to protect critical energy and industrial infrastructure along Texas's coastline from catastrophic storm surge.

Governor Greg Abbott announced 15 Texas communities selected as hosts for 2026 Governor's Small Business Summits throughout the year. These events connect entrepreneurs with resources, partnerships, and expert guidance to support business growth across the state's regions.

Locally, education and infrastructure projects remain on track. Texarkana ISD scheduled trustee elections for May 2, 2026, while approving partnerships and construction payments for facility improvements. Hutto ISD continues bond-funded renovations to high school facilities, with completion planned for 2027.

For individuals and businesses affected by July 2025 flooding and storms, tax relief continues through February 2, 2026, with filing deadlines and estimated tax payments postponed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Looking ahead, the Texas Legislature's 2027 session promises signific

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Texas listeners, a powerful winter storm dominated headlines last week, slamming the state with bitter cold, sleet, ice, and heavy snow from January 23 to 27. According to the National Weather Service Lubbock office, West Texas saw record snowfall up to 8 inches in spots like Vigo Park, while the storm caused over 6,700 flight disruptions, left more than 100,000 without power at its peak, and claimed at least seven lives, including five children, as reported by The Barbed Wire and Austin American-Statesman. Power outages lingered in East Texas due to ice on lines, per Texas Tribune and KETK News, with schools from Dallas ISD to Midland ISD closed into this week amid icy roads.

In politics, the 2025 legislative session wrapped with a conservative surge, passing school vouchers, Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, and bans on DEI policies, according to Wikipedia's overview of the 2026 Texas House elections. Governor Greg Abbott renewed a flooding disaster proclamation on January 28 and plans special sessions on issues like THC bans and redistricting, amid Democratic walkouts. Looking to November 3, all 150 House seats are up, with primaries March 3.

Economically, Texas solidified its status as a business powerhouse, hosting 54 Fortune 500 firms and drawing relocations like Tesla, per Workwell Global. Governor Abbott announced 15 host cities for the 2026 Small Business Summit to bolster the state's 3.5 million small businesses. The Coastal Texas Project, or Ike Dike, secured $5 million in federal funding to shield coastal energy infrastructure, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham noted in a Houston.org release.

Communities saw progress too: A new Austin-Round Rock ISD agreement streamlines permitting for campus upgrades, potentially saving thousands and a year of time, Community Impact reported. International Leadership of Texas breaks ground on new high schools opening January and August 2026, per ILTexas updates. Federal funds topped $10.8 million for Houston projects like park repairs and safe routes to schools, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia announced.

Looking Ahead: Watch for primary elections March 3, Small Business Summits kicking off soon, and ongoing power restoration in East Texas as thaws continue.

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Texas endures a gripping winter storm gripping much of the state, with the power grid holding steady despite heavy sleet, ice, and subfreezing temperatures. According to the Texas Tribune, the heaviest precipitation has eased in northwest areas like Longview, but North Texas faces record cold, with Dallas-Fort Worth highs dipping to 13 degrees Sunday and wind chills near minus 20 in Amarillo[1][5][10]. FOX 4 News reports icy roads worsening, prompting school closures and pretreatments in Travis County, while a fatal crash in Kimble County underscores public safety risks[5][11]. The storm delayed a Dallas Mavericks game and closed Harris County polls, sparking a lawsuit by the Texas Civil Rights Project to extend early voting for the 18th Congressional District runoff between Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards[1].

In politics, Republican House primaries simmer over tort reform battles, as Texans for Lawsuit Reform targets incumbents like Reps. Mark Dorazio and Andy Hopper for blocking bills limiting business liabilities, per the Texas Tribune[7]. Legislative eyes turn to implementing House Bill 8 on school assessments and HB 500 for water infrastructure, with Texas 2036 monitoring energy resilience amid the storm[2].

Economically, construction booms with Governor Greg Abbott's $146 billion 10-year Unified Transportation Plan targeting congested roads and Clear Lanes projects, alongside airport expansions in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, reports the Texas Construction Industry Forecast[3]. Data centers surge, including the Stargate Project's first AI facility in Abilene, fueled by Texas' affordable power and land[3].

Communities advance education, with Round Rock ISD opening a $31 million Early College High School for 500 students, part of its bond program, and ILTexas planning new high schools by mid-2026[4][9]. Federal funds secured by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia bolster Houston sidewalks, a Latino humanities center, and safe routes near Worsham Elementary[14].

Public safety notes include charges against two juveniles in a Round Rock New Year's Eve shooting that injured five teens[6].

Looking Ahead: Watch for storm recovery, primary elections on March 3, and transportation project rollouts, plus grid performance reviews.

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Texas braces for a historic winter storm gripping the state this weekend, with freezing rain, sleet, and snow creating hazardous conditions across much of its territory. According to the Texas Tribune, the storm's freezing line has pushed into Central Texas, raising power outage risks as nearly 46,000 households reported outages Saturday morning, though the ERCOT grid remains steady thanks to backup generators. FOX 4 News reports North Texas facing light to moderate sleet turning to snow, with ice accumulations up to three-quarters of an inch east of Dallas-Fort Worth, leading to school closures Monday and travel nearly impossible in Austin and the Hill Country. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties, as noted by KSAT, echoing lessons from past storms to safeguard infrastructure.

In politics, the 2026 governor's race heats up with Governor Abbott pushing to abolish school property taxes and expand Operation Lone Star border security, per the Texas Tribune, while Democrats like Rep. Gina Hinojosa and former Rep. Chris Bell challenge him on education and vouchers. The U.S. Senate race pits incumbent John Cornyn against Wesley Hunt and Ken Paxton in the March 3 primary, amid debates on closed primaries, as Wikipedia details. No regular state legislative session occurs this even-numbered year, according to MultiState.

Economically, Texas leads in semiconductors with Governor Abbott announcing $15.2 million in TSIF grants to Tekscend Photomask for expansion and $12 million to Texas Tech for a cleanroom facility, creating over 700 jobs statewide, Texas Business reports. Construction booms via the $146 billion Unified Transportation Plan, targeting congested roadways in major metros, per the Texas Construction Industry Forecast.

Communities see progress in education and infrastructure: Round Rock ISD opened a $31 million Early College High School for 500 students, School Construction News reports, while Bastrop ISD nears completion on bond-funded expansions.

Looking Ahead: Monitor winter storm recovery through Tuesday's subfreezing temps; primaries on March 3 will shape governor and Senate races; watch airport expansions and data center builds fueling growth.

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Texas remains a hub of activity amid preparations for severe winter weather, with Governor Greg Abbott activating state emergency resources on January 20 to address an incoming Arctic blast, according to the Governor's Office press release. KIII 3 News reports a winter storm watch for areas north of I-10 starting Friday, with freezing rain possible in South Texas early Sunday, sleet in the Panhandle, and record lows near 25 degrees by Monday in the Coastal Bend. KXAN warns of prolonged sub-freezing cold and wintry precipitation across Central Texas this weekend.

In politics, the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, with incumbent Republican Greg Abbott boasting $105.7 million cash on hand and pushing to abolish school property taxes, per the Texas Tribune. Democrats like Rep. Gina Hinojosa and former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell have entered to challenge him, opposing vouchers and advocating teacher pay hikes. The Texas Legislature's interim period ramps up, as Texas 2036 outlines Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows issuing charges in January-March for hearings on education, workforce, and public safety, alongside Sunset reviews of 16 agencies and early 2028-29 budget drafting.

Business and economy show vitality, with Midland selected to host a Governor's Small Business Summit, one of 15 statewide events to bolster the 3.5 million small businesses employing half of Texans, Gov. Abbott announced. A steakhouse chain plans expansion in Baytown, per Texas Today.

Education and infrastructure advance steadily. Round Rock ISD ribbon-cut a $31 million Early College High School for 500 students, replacing portables with labs and collaboration spaces, School Construction News reports. UT San Antonio nears completion of San Pedro II, a $130 million facility for cybersecurity and AI training, and One Riverwalk Place for economic development, per UTSA News. The Texas School for the Deaf breaks ground in April on a $43.5 million expansion with new housing and renovated classrooms. Austin eyes The Confluence park opening in June and I-35 expansions through 2030, ATXtoday notes.

Top headlines include a Houston Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old, a San Antonio Loop 1604 crash, and a South Texas online predator arrest, alongside Alamo cannon recovery, Texas Today reports.

Looking Ahead: Watch legislative interim hearings through summer, Starbase's first election, national TV features on Texas cities, and winter storm impacts unfolding this weekend.

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Texas braces for a potential winter storm this weekend, with ERCOT issuing an Operating Condition Notice for sub-freezing temperatures and possible snow, sleet, or freezing rain on January 24 and 25, FOX7 Austin reports. Forecasters warn of travel disruptions and power grid strain, reminiscent of the 2021 crisis, though ERCOT highlights post-2021 improvements like contingency reserves. According to FOX Weather and Weather Trader, an arctic blast could bring ice accumulation across North Texas and beyond, with details refining through the week.

In politics, Governor Greg Abbott launches his 2026 reelection bid with $105.7 million on hand, vowing heavy spending to flip Harris County red, as reported by KFOXT-TV. The Texas Legislature's interim period ramps up, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows soon issuing charges for committees to study education, health, and public safety ahead of 2027, per Texas 2036. The Sunset Advisory Commission reviews 16 agencies, shaping must-pass bills, while budget writers eye revenue estimates for the 2028-29 cycle.

Economically, Samsung's $17 billion semiconductor plant in Taylor nears operation in 2026, promising 1,800 jobs, Manufacturing Dive notes, amid a robust construction boom. Governor Abbott's $146 billion 10-year Unified Transportation Plan targets congestion on top roadways in major metros, ACP Publications states, with airport expansions like Houston's Terminal B finishing fall 2026. Allen ISD approved $30.4 million for early childhood school renovations, set for 2026-27, Community Impact reports.

Community efforts shine: Congresswoman Julie Johnson secured nearly $5 million for North Texas, including child health services, water infrastructure in Farmers Branch, and UT Dallas semiconductor workforce studies. An Amber Alert persists in Houston, and a San Antonio online predator was arrested, Texas Insider details. The Texas Education Agency offers up to $5 million E-rate match for school broadband.

Looking Ahead: Watch ERCOT grid updates, interim hearings through summer, Samsung plant milestones, and La Niña-driven wildfire risks into March, per Texas A&M Forest Service.

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Texas remains a hub of dynamic activity, blending public safety challenges with economic momentum and political maneuvering. Authorities issued an Amber Alert in the Houston area for a missing 16-year-old girl believed to be with an adult male, urging listeners to assist in the ongoing search, according to The Texas Insider. In San Antonio, a major crash on Loop 1604 disrupted commutes, while South Texas saw the arrest of an online predator in an undercover operation targeting child solicitation. Officials also recovered a historic cannon from the 1836 Battle of the Alamo for display in its new museum.

On the political front, the 2026 U.S. Senate race intensifies as incumbent Republican John Cornyn seeks a fifth term, facing primary challenges from Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt amid party divides over conservatism and issues like Ukraine aid, per Wikipedia. State Republicans hold a massive fundraising edge, with Governor Greg Abbott amassing over $105 million, dwarfing Democratic efforts, as reported by The Texas Tribune. Record numbers of candidates—465 for legislative seats—signal contested primaries on March 3, with 44 incumbents challenged, according to Ballotpedia. Local immigration enforcement in Hays County sparked community fears and calls for clarity on police-ICE interactions, KVUE News reports.

Economically, CesiumAstro announced a $500 million expansion of its Bee Cave headquarters near Austin, creating high-tech jobs in aerospace and defense through partnerships with Governor Abbott and the Texas Space Commission, per Area Development. Samsung's $17 billion semiconductor plant in Taylor nears operation in 2026, boosting manufacturing, Manufacturing Dive notes. Governor Abbott selected 15 cities to host the 2026 Small Business Summit.

Communities grapple with education shifts, as a new law exposes school districts to costly misconduct lawsuits, KERA News highlights. Dry conditions and La Niña patterns elevate wildfire risks statewide, Texas A&M Forest Service warns, though East Texas braces for chilly mornings in the 20s and midweek rain, per CBS19 weather updates. No major storms have hit recently.

Looking Ahead: Watch the March 3 primaries, CesiumAstro production starting in 2027, and Texas cities' spotlight on national TV, alongside FIFA World Cup preparations.

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Texas continues navigating significant challenges across education, infrastructure, and fiscal management as the new year unfolds. The state legislature's 2026-27 budget, released recently by the Legislative Budget Board, totals approximately 338.5 billion dollars, marking the largest budget in Texas history according to Texas Policy Research. Despite record revenues and a 24 billion dollar surplus, lawmakers chose to expand government rather than impose spending limits, with education and health services consuming roughly 70 percent of total budgeted spending.

On the education front, Texas is rolling out its school choice initiative with applications opening February 4th through March 17th. Families will be able to direct 10,474 dollars toward private school education or 2,000 dollars for homeschooling, with funding available July 1st through digital education savings accounts, as reported by HPPR. Meanwhile, Austin ISD faces scrutiny after spending over 100 million dollars on schools scheduled for closure. Oak Springs Elementary alone received 48 million dollars in improvements before being targeted for shutdown, according to Austin Current.

The state is also taking control of four school districts. Fort Worth, Beaumont, Connally, and Lake Worth will have their locally elected boards replaced with state-appointed managers following chronic academic underperformance, with Wichita Falls potentially joining them.

Texas allocated 50 million dollars this year for flood preparedness projects following deadly July 4th flooding in Kerr County that killed over 130 people. Kerr County plans to construct a 5 million dollar flood warning system including sirens, rain gauges, and flashing warning signs, with state funding expected to play a major role, according to HPPR.

Politically, Texas Senate races are taking shape as primaries near on March 3rd. Republican Senator John Cornyn is outraising challenger Ken Paxton amid an increasingly personal campaign, according to Texas Standard. Democrats watch a competitive race between frontrunners Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico. Community Impact is expanding its hyperlocal news operations into three new Texas markets: Denton, Bryan-College Station, and Allen, recognizing gaps in local coverage as communities face rapid growth.

Weather has been a notable factor, with the Texas Panhandle experiencing winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for areas including Dalhart and Borger, according to Fox 26 Houston. Temperature swings across the state brought lows near freezing following warm weather in early January, with fire weather concerns affecting West Texas and the Panhandle midweek.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for school voucher application results in April, the March 3rd primary elections, and continued updates on flood preparedness systems in affected Hill Country communities. The state's approach to managing education expansion while maintaining fiscal discipline remains a developin

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Texas braces for a shift from mild warmth to wintry chill as Winter Storm Warnings hit the Panhandle, with snow possible in Dalhart, Borger, and Perryton, according to FOX 26 Houston. Temperatures statewide will drop sharply after a cold front, plunging Houston mornings into the 40s and keeping afternoons in the mid-60s through midweek, while even colder air looms by January 15.

In politics, protests against ICE in Austin led to arrests, prompting a statewide response from Governor Greg Abbott, who called them unlawful, as reported by Texas Standard. The state handed voter data on over 18 million registered voters to the U.S. Justice Department at the Trump administration's request, sparking privacy worries from election experts, per Natalia Contreras of Votebeat and the Texas Tribune. The 89th Legislature's Fiscal Size-Up confirms a record $338.5 billion budget for 2026-27, driven by education and health services, continuing spending growth beyond population and inflation, according to the Texas Policy Research.

Business and economy show momentum, with Community Impact launching hyperlocal news in Denton, Bryan-College Station, and Allen to meet rising demand amid rapid growth. Kerrville nears openings of Mary's Tacos, Panda Express, and Academy Sports + Outdoors. The Texas Comptroller unveiled TexStats, a new statewide economic dashboard tracking key indicators.

Communities advance education and infrastructure: UT San Antonio pushes five projects, including a $130 million San Pedro II academic building opening spring 2026 and a $35 million athletics center. A financial literacy program aids incarcerated women in Nueces County Jail, via Texas A&M. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick highlighted school choice for 100,000 students, teacher raises, and infrastructure for growth in his Dallas Chamber address.

A federal lawsuit targets the Texas Education Agency over educators' social media reviews post-Charlie Kirk assassination, per KXAN.

Looking Ahead: Watch debates between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, Andrew White's governor race exit impacts, and TribCast's 2026 predictions on Abbott's influence and redistricting. The Texas Cavaliers Education Center tops out for 2026 opening.

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Texas is opening the new year with a mix of political maneuvering, economic expansion, and shifting weather that listeners will want to watch closely. The Texas Tribune reports that the 2026 election cycle is taking shape, with both parties fielding crowded primary ballots for top statewide offices, including a lieutenant governor’s race in which Republican Dan Patrick seeks a fourth term while multiple Democratic and Republican challengers test voter appetite for change. [The Texas Tribune] also notes that big questions for this year include Governor Greg Abbott’s continued influence in GOP primaries and whether Democrats can finally break the Republican hold on statewide offices.

On the policy front, the Texas Legislative Budget Board’s latest Fiscal Size-Up shows the 2026–27 state budget has climbed to about 338.5 billion dollars in all funds, the largest in Texas history, with roughly 70 percent of spending concentrated in education and health and human services. Texas Policy Research highlights that this continues a long-term trend of state spending rising faster than population and inflation, locking in higher baselines for future legislatures. According to Emerge and Rise, Texas is also rolling out a wave of new business regulations touching cybersecurity, infrastructure, and care providers, while a separate law change detailed by the Texas Real Estate Commission will soon require written agreements for buyer and tenant representation in residential real estate, reshaping everyday property transactions.

In South Texas, KRGV reports that new laws taking effect in 2026 include a 125,000 dollar business tax exemption designed to ease burdens on smaller firms, as well as the state’s first artificial intelligence law and tougher rules linking local jails with federal immigration enforcement, changes that will be felt strongly along the Rio Grande Valley.

The broader economy continues to run hot. MySanAntonio notes that Samsung is preparing to fully open its 17 billion dollar chip plant near Austin in 2026, cementing Central Texas as a semiconductor hub and promising thousands of high-wage jobs. A construction analysis by Oscar Recruit says Texas is in a full-on building boom, with rapid growth in data centers, industrial plants, and transportation projects as the state races to keep up with population gains and corporate relocations.

Community news is shaped in part by the weather. Fox 26 Houston and the Lower Colorado River Authority report that Texas just swung from near-80-degree days to a sharp cold front, bringing winter storm warnings and accumulating snow to the Panhandle while dropping temperatures by 20 degrees or more across Houston and Central Texas. North Texas outlets, including NBC5 and FOX 4 Weather, describe a rollercoaster week of warm, windy conditions followed by a hard turn toward more seasonable 30s and 50s, along with a marginal risk of severe storms and an elevated fire danger ahead of the front.

Looking ahead, The T

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