ICE arrests

Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods

Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural neighborhoods, according to the Houston Chronicle. Opposition to the facilities is growing because they require large amounts of electricity and water and can be noisy. The governor had previously touted Texas as “the epicenter of AI development.”

Five big moves from the Lege in 2025

The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights:

• Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The homestead exemption was increased to $140,000 from $100,000. People 65 and older were given an additional $60,000 exemption on top of that.