Economy

Out of 17 propositions on the ballot this week, six were focused on property taxes. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports that added to other recent efforts by the state to reduce property taxes, the changes will cost the state north of $50 billion dollars. Proposition 3, which saw 70% approval with Lubbock County voters, will allow judges to deny bail to more people accused of certain violent and sexual crimes. The change means more people will likely remain in jail before their trial.

The Texas Restaurant Association says it’s “sounding the alarm” about an economic slump for eateries across the state. Tariffs and a crackdown on immigration are contributing.

The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the Texas Agriculture Commissioner is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s call to import beef from Argentina, saying it would hurt Texas ranchers already facing historically low cattle numbers. Our Samantha Larned reports on a community ofrenda at the Mahon Library for Día de los Muertos. Community members can contribute photos of their loved ones by bringing them to the Mahon reference desk through Oct. 30.

Farmers and ranchers from multiple states have come together to raise awareness about labor shortages that they say are negatively impacting the country’s agriculture, contributing to increasing food prices. Our Brad Burt reports on the Grow It Here campaign. Last week, the United Soccer League announced that the Lubbock Matadors will join the USL League Two's southern conference for the 2026 season. The Matadors' general manager believes this will help bring the team to the national stage.

The Trump administration recently announced it would quadruple Argentine beef imports to lower grocery prices, drawing sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers, including Miller.

Ranchers, lawmakers and farmers' unions are sounding the alarm over a Trump administration plan to increase beef imports from Argentina.

Tax reform, along with bail practices, dementia research and the state's water supply, are on a ballot that includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting starts Monday. Election Day is Nov. 4.

Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.

October is Texas Wine Month. Our reporter Mia Shephard attended Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association's "Grape Camp" last week, and has more about current issues facing the industry. It is also Free College Application Week, a statewide initiative to help Texans apply to public colleges and universities. Those seeking undergraduate admissions can apply through the ApplyTexas portal.

The American Heartland has experienced a boom in wineries over the last three decades. But with U.S. wine sales trending down since 2019, some producers are feeling the effects more than others.