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Opinion

Who Pays for the High-Powered Grid that Data Centers Need?

Texas would make large AI hyperscalers pay for the wires that connect them. Whether they must also pay directly for the broader grid work needed to serve them is still an open question.

by Mezabahnur Masum

Keep Reading

The ‘Houston Miracle’ Shell Game

by Daniel Dawer and Ruth Kravetz

University of Houston Is Gutting Its Gender and Sexuality Classes. That Won’t Stop Texas’ Crusade Against Higher Ed.

by Andrew Joseph Pegoda

With Texas’ Data Center Boom, Uncertainty Is the Business Plan

by Mezabahnur Masum

Apr 01, 2026

Foster Care Repeats Rejection for LGBTQ+ Texans

State services should build community—and acceptance—for teens otherwise vulnerable to exploitation, homelessness, and isolation.

by Adam McCormick

Mar 19, 2026

We Have the Power to End Family Detention in Texas—and We Must 

We cannot let this cruelty continue. There are so many ways to take action, and even small acts make a difference when we do them collectively.

by Trudy Taylor Smith

Mar 16, 2026

In Texas Senate Primary, the Influencer Class Was (and Is) the Problem 

The content creators undeniably have a role in the political ecosystem nowadays. The issue is when their arguing, infighting, and mudslinging obscures—even consumes—a compelling race.

by Daniel Johnson

Mar 11, 2026

How a High School Librarian in Abilene Fought Back Against Moms for Liberty 

I entered this profession just as the storm clouds of the current book-banning push were starting to gather; now I’m in the middle of it.

by Kalyn Gensic

Feb 20, 2026

The UT System’s New ‘Controversial Topics’ Policy Is About Policing Knowledge

When politically appointed regents and administrators determine which topics are “germane,” academic freedom quietly shifts into political compliance.

by María Del Carmen Unda

Feb 19, 2026

Trump’s New Wall Will Destroy Irreplaceable Border Treasures—Unless Congress Acts

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" did not include the provision that spared the La Lomita chapel, the Santa Ana refuge, or any other sensitive location, and a map posted by CBP indicates that Trump’s barrier will tear through them.

by Scott Nicol

Feb 12, 2026

My Home Is Treated Like a War Zone. That Militarization Expanded to Minnesota.

There have been many violent murders at the hands of Border Patrol agents. This is not an aberration but part of a broader federal apparatus built and refined over decades.

by Nansi Guevara

Feb 04, 2026

When Local Police Collaborate with ICE, Children Pay the Price

I know exactly what message the recent deportation of an Austin mom and her 5-year-old sends to kids. They learn that calling 911 is dangerous.

by Montserrat Garibay

Feb 03, 2026

How to Cause a Dysfunctional Government

On RFK Jr., Trump v. Slaughter, and the serious flaw of the right’s unitary executive theory.

by Oscar Salinas

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