ECONOMY | The Texas Tribune

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class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/">ECONOMY</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/11/TXTrib_Computers_006_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/11/TXTrib_Computers_006_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Gabriel Perez</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/">UT, Japan Partner to Cut Data Center Energy Use</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:00:01 -0500" title="2015-08-11 00:00"> Aug. 11, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The University of Texas at Austin and the Japanese government are joining forces to tackle a growing problem of the digital age: As data centers crop up across the U.S., they're sucking up a lot of electricity. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/">Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/">Texans Asked to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Gabriel Crist贸ver P茅rez</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/">New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jeremy-lin/">Jeremy Lin</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 5 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-05 06:00"> Aug. 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>A loophole in state law allowed some developers to block solar installations on homes in new neighborhoods. Now it's been plugged. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/" target="_blank">31 Days, 31 Ways series</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Thomas Bougher</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/">Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kiah-kiah-collier/">Kiah Collier</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 15:16:26 -0500" title="2015-08-03 15:16"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>President Obama on Monday unveiled the final version of his state-by-state effort to combat climate change by reshaping the nation’s energy sector – a plan that has roiled Republican leaders in Texas.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Jeremy Lin </cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/">Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jeremy-lin/">Jeremy Lin</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-03 06:00"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/">31 Days, 31 Ways</a><span> series. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/">New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jeremy-lin/">Jeremy Lin</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 5 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-05 06:00"> Aug. 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Gabriel Crist贸ver P茅rez</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A loophole in state law allowed some developers to block solar installations on homes in new neighborhoods. Now it's been plugged. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/" target="_blank">31 Days, 31 Ways series</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/">Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kiah-kiah-collier/">Kiah Collier</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 15:16:26 -0500" title="2015-08-03 15:16"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Thomas Bougher</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>President Obama on Monday unveiled the final version of his state-by-state effort to combat climate change by reshaping the nation’s energy sector – a plan that has roiled Republican leaders in Texas.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/">Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jeremy-lin/">Jeremy Lin</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-03 06:00"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Jeremy Lin </cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/">31 Days, 31 Ways</a><span> series. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Texas Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/annie-daniel/">Annie Daniel</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/">Grid Operator Asks Texans to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:15:46 -0500" title="2015-07-30 11:15"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/comments/"><span class="value">20</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The operator of the electric grid that covers most of the state called for Texans to temporarily curb their electricity use for a few hours on Thursday afternoon as record-breaking demands strain the state’s energy resources.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/">Jerry Patterson to George P. Bush: Focus Less on "Derriere"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:04:30 -0500" title="2015-07-30 09:04"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/14/PattersonJerry111CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/14/PattersonJerry111CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Credit: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Upset about the way a recent state audit painted the agency he lead for 12 years, former Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is jabbing his successor, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/george-p-bush/">George P. Bush</a>, for failing to push back against the audit’s findings.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/">Despite Early Optimism, Trade With Cuba Dipping</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-07-30 06:00"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/houston_shipchannel_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/houston_shipchannel_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span><span>When the U.S. announced it would lift its embargo last winter, </span><span>experts were excited about the prospect of increased trade with Cuba. But Texas' trade with the island nation has dropped, and when things might pick up isn't easy to predict.</span></span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/">Perry Launches Populist Offensive Against Big Banks</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:28:10 -0500" title="2015-07-29 14:28"> July 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/comments/"><span class="value">125</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/29/Perry-Explains_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street.""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/29/Perry-Explains_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street."" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by MSNBC livestream screenshot</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street."</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday launched an offensive against banks that are too big to fail, making a pitch for Wall Street reform.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/15/abbott-predicts-new-era-job-growth-tax-cuts/">Signing Tax Cut Bills, Abbott Predicts "New Era of Job Growth"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:04:38 -0500" title="2015-06-15 12:04"> June 15, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/15/abbott-predicts-new-era-job-growth-tax-cuts/comments/"><span class="value">44</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/15/abbott-predicts-new-era-job-growth-tax-cuts/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/15/Abbott_Oculus_Rift_TT_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott tries out an Oculus Rift virtual reality system at AMD's Austin office after signing a bill cutting the business franchise tax rate."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/15/Abbott_Oculus_Rift_TT_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott tries out an Oculus Rift virtual reality system at AMD's Austin office after signing a bill cutting the business franchise tax rate." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Aman Batheja</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott tries out an Oculus Rift virtual reality system at AMD's Austin office after signing a bill cutting the business franchise tax rate.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Declaring “a new era of job growth in the state of Texas,” Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> on Monday signed a $2.56 billion bill cutting the franchise tax rate paid by businesses by 25 percent.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/15/abbott-predicts-new-era-job-growth-tax-cuts/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 6 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-06 06:00"> June 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Stephen Spillman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Who killed the House and Senate's top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers. </span><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/">EPA Finds No "Widespread" Fracking Effects on Water</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 14:25:36 -0500" title="2015-06-04 14:25"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/comments/"><span class="value">26</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Mark Graham</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A draft report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds no evidence that hydraulic fracturing has “led to widespread, systemic impacts” on the nation’s drinking water supplies, though the practice has harmed water in some cases.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/abbott-signs-bill-ending-perry-fund-boost-higher-e/">Abbott Signs Higher Ed Bill Ending Fund Touted by Perry</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 13:46:23 -0500" title="2015-06-04 13:46"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/abbott-signs-bill-ending-perry-fund-boost-higher-e/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/abbott-signs-bill-ending-perry-fund-boost-higher-e/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/04/7C2A7795_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott signs several higher education related bills into law on June 4, 2015. He also praised state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, left, for her work in the most recent legislative session on education issues."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/04/7C2A7795_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott signs several higher education related bills into law on June 4, 2015. He also praised state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, left, for her work in the most recent legislative session on education issues." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott signs several higher education related bills into law on June 4, 2015. He also praised state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, left, for her work in the most recent legislative session on education issues.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span> signed a bill Thursday that </span><span>eliminates a controversial startup investment fund long touted by his predecessor, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a>. The legislation directs much of the fund's money to </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/lawmakers-approve-abbotts-university-recruitment-f/">a new researcher recruitment effort</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/abbott-signs-bill-ending-perry-fund-boost-higher-e/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/">With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:43:27 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:43"> June 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/comments/"><span class="value">41</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Brandi Korte / Frack Free Denton</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Frustrated Denton residents flooded a city council meeting Tuesday for a conversation about fracking that stretched late into the night. Now that state lawmakers have slapped down the city's fracking ban, residents wonder what else they can do. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 22:16:11 -0500" title="2015-06-01 22:16"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Seven months after a rag-tag group of local activists scored a surprising victory over the state’s powerful oil and gas industry when Denton voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas company Monday resumed operations under a state law passed to overturn Denton's ban.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/">Grid Operator Asks Texans to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/">Jerry Patterson to George P. Bush: Focus Less on "Derriere"</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/">Despite Early Optimism, Trade With Cuba Dipping</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/">Perry Launches Populist Offensive Against Big Banks</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/unclear-how-abbotts-paying-jobs-hunting-trips/">Abbott Won't Detail Who's Paying for Job Hunting Trips</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/abbott-tesla-dealership-model-works-just-fine/">Abbott Shuts Door on Tesla Loophole</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/state-sales-taxes-drop-ending-62-month-growth-stre/">State Sales Taxes Drop, Ending 62-Month Growth Streak</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/03/will-texas-become-hub-gold-bugs/">In Planned Bullion Depository, Supporters See a Golden Opportunity</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/uttt-poll-mood-state/">UT/TT Poll: Economy, Border Security Are Top Issues</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/">Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/15/abbott-predicts-new-era-job-growth-tax-cuts/">Signing Tax Cut Bills, Abbott Predicts "New Era of Job Growth"</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/">EPA Finds No "Widespread" Fracking Effects on Water</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/abbott-signs-bill-ending-perry-fund-boost-higher-e/">Abbott Signs Higher Ed Bill Ending Fund Touted by Perry</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/">With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/budget/">Budget</a></li> <li><a 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Dennis Bonnen</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 09:30:17 -0500" title="2015-05-13 09:30"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/video-a-conversation-with-dennis-bonnen/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/05/13/video-a-conversation-with-dennis-bonnen/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ABonnen3cms_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ABonnen3cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/unclear-how-abbotts-paying-jobs-hunting-trips/">Abbott Won't Detail Who's Paying for Job Hunting Trips</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:19:37 -0500" title="2015-07-14 18:19"> July 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/unclear-how-abbotts-paying-jobs-hunting-trips/comments/"><span class="value">77</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/unclear-how-abbotts-paying-jobs-hunting-trips/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/11/7C2A8102_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/11/7C2A8102_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. Greg Abbott is in New York touting Texas and looking for jobs to poach. But he won't give details on who's paying for the trip, or similar jaunts planned to Mexico and Cuba later this year.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/unclear-how-abbotts-paying-jobs-hunting-trips/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/abbott-tesla-dealership-model-works-just-fine/">Abbott Shuts Door on Tesla Loophole</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Jul 2015 17:08:05 -0500" title="2015-07-14 17:08"> July 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/abbott-tesla-dealership-model-works-just-fine/comments/"><span class="value">154</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/abbott-tesla-dealership-model-works-just-fine/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Giving a nod to franchised auto dealerships, Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> has suggested that Texas doesn’t need to carve out a loophole in its laws that would allow Tesla to sell its high-end electric cars directly to consumers.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/14/abbott-tesla-dealership-model-works-just-fine/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/state-sales-taxes-drop-ending-62-month-growth-stre/">State Sales Taxes Drop, Ending 62-Month Growth Streak</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Jul 2015 16:42:38 -0500" title="2015-07-08 16:42"> July 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/state-sales-taxes-drop-ending-62-month-growth-stre/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/state-sales-taxes-drop-ending-62-month-growth-stre/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/18/Receipts_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/18/Receipts_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Steven Depolo</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texas collected less state sales tax revenue in June than it did in the same month a year earlier, ending a remarkable 62-month streak of growth, Comptroller </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/glenn-hegar/">Glenn Hegar</a><span> said Wednesday.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/state-sales-taxes-drop-ending-62-month-growth-stre/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/03/will-texas-become-hub-gold-bugs/">In Planned Bullion Depository, Supporters See a Golden Opportunity</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Jul 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-07-03 06:00"> July 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/03/will-texas-become-hub-gold-bugs/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/03/will-texas-become-hub-gold-bugs/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/02/Texas-Gold-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/02/Texas-Gold-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>As Texas develops the nation's first state-run bullion depository, supporters predict the state could become a national destination for investors in <span>gold, silver and other precious metals.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/03/will-texas-become-hub-gold-bugs/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/uttt-poll-mood-state/">UT/TT Poll: Economy, Border Security Are Top Issues</a></h1> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/uttt-poll-mood-state/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/23/UT-TT-Polls-02232015.005_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/23/UT-TT-Polls-02232015.005_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texans haven't changed their answers on the biggest problems facing the state and the country — or on how the state and the country stack up, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/uttt-poll-mood-state/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/">Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:51:07 -0500" title="2015-06-16 18:51"> June 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/SanJacintoWater-Danger_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/SanJacintoWater-Danger_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Michael Stravato</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150812030718/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer 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