Texas News, Culture & Economy
Ongoing coverage of Texas culture, economy, housing, jobs, and lifestyle trends. Not breaking news — long-term insights into what makes Texas grow. For breaking political and government updates, see Happening Now.
Last updated: July 24, 2026
What we cover
Economy
Texas economy trends, jobs, and cost-of-living updates.
Filter →Housing
Texas housing market trends, affordability, and suburban growth.
Filter →Growth & Migration
Population growth and why people keep moving to Texas.
Filter →Culture & Identity
Texas culture, identity, and community life across the state.
Filter →Education Trends
School performance, education trends, and long-term shifts.
Filter →Sports Culture
High school, college, and pro sports as part of Texas life.
Filter →Latest Texas coverage
The newest reporting from across the state.
The Texas Energy Economy: A Full Overview of Oil, Gas, ERCOT, and the Grid That Powers America
How Texas became the energy capital of North America — Permian crude, Eagle Ford gas, ERCOT reliability, the Railroad Commission, and what the Houston-led oil and gas industry means for the Texas economy.
Energy Desk • Pillar guide
New Property Tax Relief Package Heads to Floor for Decisive Vote
GOP leaders signal confidence as the historic $18 billion plan reaches final deliberations in the House, promising compression to district maintenance rates.
Staff Reporter • 2 hours ago
The 10 Texas Counties with the Highest School Tax Burdens in 2024
Our analysis of TEA filings shows where homeowners are paying the steepest ISD M&O rates.
Data Desk • 4 days ago
Permian Basin Production Hits Record as Federal Permitting Threats Loom
West Texas operators warn of EPA overreach even as output climbs to 6.1 million barrels per day.
Energy Desk • 5 days ago
Why Texas Has No State Income Tax — and What Pays for Government Instead
Texas is one of nine states without an income tax, and the 2019 constitutional amendment makes it nearly impossible to enact one. Here's the sales-tax-and-property-tax model that funds the second-largest state in the union.
Taxpayer Desk • 1 week ago
The Texas Homestead Exemption Explained: What Every Homeowner Should Claim
A plain-English walkthrough of the $140,000 school-district homestead exemption, over-65 and disabled relief, disabled-veteran reductions, and how to file with your county appraisal district.
Taxpayer Desk • 1 week ago
How to Protest Your Property Appraisal — and Actually Win
Deadlines, evidence packets, equal-and-uniform comps, and the ARB hearing script that gets values reduced. A practical playbook for every Texas homeowner.
Taxpayer Desk • 3 weeks ago
Education Savings Accounts: A Parent's Guide to Texas School Choice
How the new ESA program works, who qualifies, what expenses are covered, and the application timeline parents need to know before the fall enrollment window.
Education Desk • 3 weeks ago
Texas Water Rights Explained: Rivers, Aquifers, and the Rule of Capture
Surface water belongs to the state; groundwater belongs to the landowner. How prior appropriation, groundwater conservation districts, and interstate compacts shape every drop.
Policy Desk • 1 month ago
Understanding Texas School Finance: Recapture, ISD Budgets, and the Funding Formula
How the Foundation School Program, basic allotment, and 'Robin Hood' recapture redistribute property-tax dollars — and why two ISDs with identical tax rates fund students very differently.
Education Desk • 1 month ago
Texas Border Geography 101: The Rio Grande, Ports of Entry, and Sector Maps
A factual tour of the 1,254-mile border — Border Patrol sectors, international bridges, and the river communities of the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and Big Bend.
Border Bureau • 1 month ago
What Local Governments Actually Control in Texas
Counties, cities, ISDs, MUDs, and emergency-services districts each levy their own tax — here's who decides what, and which line on your bill funds which service.
Civics Desk • 1 month ago
How County Appraisal Districts Work — and Your Rights as a Taxpayer
Inside the CAD: how appraisers set market values, what the Appraisal Review Board does, and the statutory rights every property owner can invoke during protest season.
Taxpayer Desk • 1 month ago
A Guide to Texas Energy Policy: ERCOT, Oil & Gas, and the Regulators in Charge
How the Railroad Commission, PUC, and ERCOT divide authority over the nation's largest energy economy — and where renewables fit into a grid built on hydrocarbons.
Energy Desk • 1 month ago
Texas School Board Powers Explained: Curriculum, Budgets, and Why They Matter
What an elected school board actually controls — from library policy and bond elections to superintendent hiring — and why low-turnout May races shape your kids' classrooms.
Education Desk • 1 month ago
The Texas Property Tax Guide: Appraisals, Caps, and Calculating Your Bill
How Texas property taxes really work — appraisal caps, homestead exemptions, ISD M&O rates, and a step-by-step walkthrough for estimating what you actually owe.
Taxpayer Desk • 1 month ago
The Texas Grid Explained: ERCOT, Reliability, and Why Independence Still Matters
Why Texas runs its own grid, what the Public Utility Commission actually controls, and the reforms keeping the lights on through summer peaks and winter freezes.
Energy Desk • 1 month ago
Texas Pillar Guides
The evergreen references we recommend to every new and longtime Texan.