INSIDER
Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cuts
Read full article: Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cutsState chapters of the nonprofit group that provide meals to seniors are waiting to hear from Washington how much of a hit their battered budgets will take.
To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile flies
Read full article: To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile fliesScrewworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals and has the potential to disrupt Texasā $15 billion cattle industry.
Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane season
Read full article: Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane seasonHoustonās National Weather Service office has lost its head meteorologist amid a federal requirement to cut 10% of NOAAās staff.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now theyāre celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now theyāre celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businessesTexas is slated to spend $51 billion on property tax cuts over the next two years. Some worry thatās unsustainable.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign ā or veto ā the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign ā or veto ā the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Hereās what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Hereās what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners
Read full article: Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreignersThe Legislature has approved a conference committee report that lists sales to certain people from China, North Korea, Russia and Iran as threats to national security.
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
Read full article: Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking waterAt least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in House
Read full article: Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in HouseSenate Bill 15, a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is part of a broad push by lawmakers to put a dent in the stateās high home prices.
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that donāt deal with homeless encampments
Read full article: Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that donāt deal with homeless encampmentsThe bill would have withheld some tax dollars from cities that did not comply with state law.
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
Read full article: Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agencySB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbottās signature, would move the lottery game to Texasā Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.
Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House
Read full article: Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas HouseA top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the legislation would make it easier to construct homes on smaller lots. A House Democrat briefly killed the bill.
Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for Texans
Read full article: Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for TexansMany low-income families would see cuts in health care and food benefits. The state hopes for a big reimbursement for border security spending.
Itās āTexas Timeā: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also act
Read full article: Itās āTexas Timeā: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also actFederal action would be needed to make the change legal. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels have debated the question for decades.
Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities
Read full article: Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending prioritiesGov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the stateās water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.
Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the stateās cattle industry
Read full article: Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the stateās cattle industryU.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz hope to fund an operation to kill the parasitic fly before too much damage is done.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai addresses Spurs arena, high-speed rail at State of the County
Read full article: Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai addresses Spurs arena, high-speed rail at State of the CountyThe Metro SA Chamber hosted its annual State of the County event on Wednesday, featuring a fireside chat with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai.
Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texasā largest cities
Read full article: Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texasā largest citiesThe bill is part of a suite of GOP proposals aimed at curbing the stateās high housing costs ā chiefly by allowing more homes to be built.
The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and itās not the one youāre thinking of
Read full article: The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and itās not the one youāre thinking ofWith Princeton leading the Texas pack, the state continues to set the pace for the rest of the nation, with seven of the 15 fastest-growing cities.
Business tax breaks closer to reality after Texas Senate approves compromise
Read full article: Business tax breaks closer to reality after Texas Senate approves compromiseThe Texas House must approve changes to the proposal that were brokered by party leaders. Itās part of a package of bills to bring down property taxes statewide.
Texas House advances bill that would prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countries
Read full article: Texas House advances bill that would prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countriesThe legislation had only pertained to countries the government deemed national security threats. A last-minute change would let the governor add more countries to the ban.
āItās a lose-lose situationā: Trinity University professor discusses Trumpās tariffs
Read full article: āItās a lose-lose situationā: Trinity University professor discusses Trumpās tariffsPresident Trump announced a new trade deal with the United Kingdom, but an expert warned of potential pitfalls.
Texas homeowners could see lower property tax bills if deal from Republican lawmakers passes
Read full article: Texas homeowners could see lower property tax bills if deal from Republican lawmakers passesLegislators in the House and Senate have reached an agreement on more property tax relief. But some critics worry the cuts arenāt sustainable forever.
Texas Republican lawmakers may āfinancially handcuffā cities that donāt play by their rules
Read full article: Texas Republican lawmakers may āfinancially handcuffā cities that donāt play by their rulesOne proposal would allow the attorney general to sue cities and freeze sales tax revenues for up to 90 days.
Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the stateās homelessness crisis
Read full article: Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the stateās homelessness crisisRepublican lawmakers are considering a bill to strengthen the stateās ban on homeless encampments and speed up the eviction process.
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as Trumpās ambassador to Italy
Read full article: Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as Trumpās ambassador to ItalyThe Texas billionaire has said he will drop his position at Landryās, but will continue his ownership of the Houston Rockets.
Texas lottery bans online sales through third-party couriers amid mounting criticism
Read full article: Texas lottery bans online sales through third-party couriers amid mounting criticismAfter years of claiming that companies selling lottery tickets online could not be regulated, the Texas Lottery Commission voted to ban the practice.
Texas teacher pay falls $10K below national average, says the Texas State Teachers Association
Read full article: Texas teacher pay falls $10K below national average, says the Texas State Teachers AssociationThe average teacher pay across Texas has fallen more than $10,000 below the national average according to the Texas State Teachers Association.
Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is considering
Read full article: Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is consideringIf approved, the legislation would expand one of the state's most popular loan programs with even lower interest rates.
Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rents
Read full article: Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rentsThereās political urgency for Republicans to deal with housing affordability, especially as surveys find most Texans say housing costs are a top concern.
Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffs
Read full article: Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffsAs the Texas House prepares to vote on the budget, officials and other experts monitor national policy and state tax revenue.
San Antonio refugee center lays off 159 workers, Texas Workforce Commission says
Read full article: San Antonio refugee center lays off 159 workers, Texas Workforce Commission saysOver 100 workers at the Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services Inc. (RAICES) were issued layoff notices, according to a Texas Workforce Commission filing.
KSAT is monitoring costs of Texas grocery staples. Here are the prices we saw in April.
Read full article: KSAT is monitoring costs of Texas grocery staples. Here are the prices we saw in April.KSAT has been tracking the staples at the grocery store since January. We will begin posting a list each month of the same 15 items and their cost. We are buying the most affordable items, most of which are generic store brands. Here are April's prices.
Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024
Read full article: Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024Respondents to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas survey expressed concern about a reduction in consumer demand and a potential recession.
South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
Trinity University professor calls President Donald Trumpās tariff implementation āeconomic malpracticeā
Read full article: Trinity University professor calls President Donald Trumpās tariff implementation āeconomic malpracticeāU.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and certain auto parts from other countries.
San Antonio car dealership prepared for auto tariffs, warns about potential shortage
Read full article: San Antonio car dealership prepared for auto tariffs, warns about potential shortageKSAT spoke with April Ancira, vice president of the Ancira Auto Group, who said customers may see a shortage of foreign cars in the future because of the tariffs.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says heāll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says heāll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes failOnly Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.
Texas is running out of water. Hereās why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Hereās why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The stateās water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the stateās municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if thereās a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
Harperās Chapel offers free spring break activities for kids in San Antonioās poorest zip code
Read full article: Harperās Chapel offers free spring break activities for kids in San Antonioās poorest zip codeFor the second year, Harperās Chapel Ministries is helping to give children in the poorest neighborhood in San Antonio a positive experience for spring break.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trumpās criticism
Read full article: Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trumpās criticismAlthough the president has said he wants to āget rid ofā the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Local business faces financial setbacks due to tariffs potentially impacting future Fiesta medals
Read full article: Local business faces financial setbacks due to tariffs potentially impacting future Fiesta medalsAs Fiesta approaches, ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods pose financial challenges for local businesses, potentially affecting the pricing of the coveted Fiesta medals.
Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patients
Read full article: Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patientsAs the Edinburg facility and others seek to assist people experiencing food insecurity, state lawmakers have more than a dozen bills that could tackle Texasā food deserts.
Americans will eventually feel effects of Trump tariffs, local economist says
Read full article: Americans will eventually feel effects of Trump tariffs, local economist saysWhile President Donald Trump has imposed his long-threatened tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China this week, the short- and long-term effects are still unpredictable, according to a local economist.
āWeāre really just looking for peopleās thoughtsā: SA Tomorrow planning meeting focuses on near Northeast community
Read full article: āWeāre really just looking for peopleās thoughtsā: SA Tomorrow planning meeting focuses on near Northeast communityThe cityās Planning Department is hosting a Northeast Community Area Planning Meeting this Thursday, inviting input from residents and business owners in the area around the 410 and I-35 corridor, stretching from Gibbs Sprawl Road to Broadway.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
A surge in bee deaths is hurting Texas beekeepers ā and could affect the price of produce
Read full article: A surge in bee deaths is hurting Texas beekeepers ā and could affect the price of produceCommercial beekeepers in Texas have lost about two thirds of their honey bees since June last year, according to a recent survey.
South San Antonio ISD superintendent outlines $3 million plan for new buses, teacher bonuses
Read full article: South San Antonio ISD superintendent outlines $3 million plan for new buses, teacher bonusesThe South San Antonio Independent School Districtās new superintendent discussed future plans, including adding new school buses and providing bonuses for district teachers.
Trump tariffs set to hit Texasā biggest trading partners beginning next week
Read full article: Trump tariffs set to hit Texasā biggest trading partners beginning next weekThe president said Mexico and Canada have failed to curb the flow of drugs into the U.S. after giving the countries 30 days to do so before enacting the tariffs.
Texas lawmakers want to make it easier to convert office space into apartments and condos
Read full article: Texas lawmakers want to make it easier to convert office space into apartments and condosSupporters hope easing zoning rules will entice landlords to renovate and ease the stateās housing crisis.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
San Antonio refugee center lays off 61 workers, Texas Workforce Commission says
Read full article: San Antonio refugee center lays off 61 workers, Texas Workforce Commission saysSixty-one workers at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services Inc. (RAICES) were issued layoff notices last week, according to a Texas Workforce Commission filing.
Texas is poised to become a film haven ā but not without a fight
Read full article: Texas is poised to become a film haven ā but not without a fightThe Texas Senate has proposed injecting a staggering half a billion dollars into film production, as economists and fiscal hawks question the return on investment.
County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a city
Read full article: County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a cityIf a majority of the roughly 500 residents living around the South Texas site vote yes in May, Starbase will be the stateās newest city.
Unusual economic indicators: lipstick, menās underwear, champagne and work refrigerators
Read full article: Unusual economic indicators: lipstick, menās underwear, champagne and work refrigeratorsWhile there are extremely accurate economic indexes that have successfully predicted recessions, there are also some pretty quirky and bizarre indicators.
How H-E-B, Trader Joeās and other grocers are reacting to egg shortage
Read full article: How H-E-B, Trader Joeās and other grocers are reacting to egg shortageTrader Joeās and other grocers are limiting the number of eggs customers can buy across the U.S., citing limited supply caused by the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
Texas Senate unanimously approves tax cuts for homeowners
Read full article: Texas Senate unanimously approves tax cuts for homeownersThe marquee proposal would increase the amount of a homeās value exemption from school taxes to $140,000 from $100,000. The legislation must win approval from the House next.
āTheyāll give you the best eggs': Backyard chicken owner on the benefits of the practice
Read full article: āTheyāll give you the best eggs': Backyard chicken owner on the benefits of the practicePeter Cortez started raising chickens in his backyard in 2017. His first few years didnāt go so well; it was a learning curve, but he quickly caught on.
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate
Read full article: Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through SenateSenate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Hereās how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Hereās how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers donāt have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Rep. Castro, San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg among local lawmakers who discussed President Trumpās tariffs
Read full article: Rep. Castro, San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg among local lawmakers who discussed President Trumpās tariffsSeveral San Antonio-area lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, agreed Sunday to appear at a Monday afternoon news conference to discuss the White Houseās tariffs.
Tariffs: What products may be affected under President Donald Trumpās trade moves?
Read full article: Tariffs: What products may be affected under President Donald Trumpās trade moves?President Donald Trump has taken executive action to impose or threaten tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico. Here is a list of products that may be affected.
Trump orders tariffs on Mexico and Canada ā Texasā biggest trading partners
Read full article: Trump orders tariffs on Mexico and Canada ā Texasā biggest trading partnersThe tariffs, which also target China, are scheduled to go into effect Tuesday. They prompted immediate efforts to retaliate.
President Trumpās tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China take effect Saturday. Hereās what that means.
Read full article: President Trumpās tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China take effect Saturday. Hereās what that means.Tariffs imposed on Feb. 1 will be 25% on imported goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imported goods from China. Trinity University economics department chair Dr. David Macpherson said tariffs on this scale have not been implemented since the Great Depression.