Greg Abbott

As data centers expand across the United States, states including New York and Texas have begun implementing moratoria or pauses on new projects amid local concerns. While some worry about the strain on the power grid, major providers like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are taking steps to mitigate risk by agreeing to pay for necessary infrastructure. The article suggests that communities should ultimately decide whether potential economic benefits outweigh the disruptions.

A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott requesting his help. They aim to stop the Trump administration from progressing with border construction projects in Big Bend National Park.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport announced it will no longer consider adding more Islamic foot-washing stations. This decision followed a threat from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to pull funding due to concerns over "illegal religious discrimination."

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announced it would not proceed with its proposal to install Islamic washing stations in Terminal D. In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed a review of state grants for both DFW and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, stating that the airports were referred to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation.

Following plans to install ablution washing stations, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed a review of state grants affecting DFW Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) due to concerns over religious discrimination. Abbott stated the state would consider revoking future funding and referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation.

Donald Trump and close ally Gov. Greg Abbott are at odds over the future of data center development in Texas, which is fueled by the artificial intelligence boom. Abbott has instructed regulators that developers must cover infrastructure costs for potential power grid impacts. Trump criticized this approach as a "mistake," emphasizing the economic investment these projects bring to communities.

An unlikely clash exists between President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott over the future of data centers in Texas, driven by the artificial intelligence boom. Abbott is requiring data center developers to cover infrastructure costs needed to serve them and generate their own power rather than burdening state residents. Trump criticized this approach as a "mistake," emphasizing the significant economic investment data centers can bring.

Gov. Greg Abbott proposed legislation to end retail monopolies of Austin and San Antonio's municipally owned electric utilities by opening them to competition. The proposal aims to reduce costs for Texas families and small businesses.

Texas is seeking to revive Senate Bill 2420, which requires parental consent for minors to download apps or make in-app purchases, arguing it protects children's data and privacy. Opponents, including tech groups and students, claim the law violates the First Amendment by restricting access to educational, news, and religious content. A federal judge blocked the law, citing potential unconstitutional restrictions on speech.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed regulators to audit pending data center projects seeking grid connections, effectively pausing them as Texas addresses surging electricity demand from AI infrastructure. Over 90% of 474 gigawatts of pending interconnection requests are from data centers, exceeding the state's peak demand by five times. Abbott ordered regulators to collect details on electricity and water usage for facilities.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered regulators to audit pending data center projects seeking grid connections, with ERCOT stating this effectively pauses those projects. The move aims to address soaring electricity demand from AI and cloud computing facilities, with 90% of large-load interconnection requests under review coming from data centers.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a freeze on data center construction until a comprehensive audit is completed. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz joined 'The Takeout' to discuss the pause and other topics.

Four Texas A&M professors and the American Association of University Professors union filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the university over a policy banning the teaching of material related to 'race or gender ideology' or topics involving sexual orientation and gender identity. The policy, amended in November 2025 and January 2026, requires professors to submit course materials for approval, which the professors argue imposes overly broad censorship.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott criticized Corpus Christi for its stalled desalination project and potential water restrictions, while the Nueces River Authority (NRA), which he appoints, faces funding and financial challenges for its own water project. Abbott has threatened state intervention if Corpus Christi fails to resolve its crisis but has not taken over the NRA's operations.

Acting Comptroller Don Huffines pledged to support Governor Greg Abbott's plan to eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads. The initiative aims to address property tax burdens for homesteads by removing them from school district tax rolls.

Gov. Greg Abbott directed ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to audit proposed data center projects and review power, water, and community impacts before approving new grid connections. This requirement applies to all new data center projects seeking to connect to the Texas power grid.

Tropical Storm Arthur caused $112.2 million in agricultural losses in Louisiana, primarily affecting soybeans, sugarcane, rice, and corn. Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused new data center approvals pending an audit of grid impacts, while U.S. copper imports surged in July amid potential Trump administration tariffs.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to approve the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who is charged with shooting Julio Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis. Castro remains jailed in Texas with a $200,000 bond while awaiting extradition to face four counts of second-degree assault and one misdemeanor charge.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is urging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to sign extradition papers for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged in a non-fatal shooting in north Minneapolis.

Willie Nelson criticized data centers as 'the last thing we need,' citing environmental concerns and threats to farmland. Other country stars like Brad Paisley also oppose data centers, and governors Bill Lee and Greg Abbott signed a pledge led by Donald Trump to prevent Americans from funding the 'data center boom.'

North Texas suburbs resisting new housing laws have drawn criticism from Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott spoke at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston during the 2026 Texas State Republican Convention.

Texas will ban hemp products containing certain intoxicating cannabinoids starting July 31, leading to local businesses closing. Gov. Greg Abbott had previously supported the hemp industry in 2019.

Nearly two dozen GOP governors support President Donald Trump's push for a new party-line spending bill, urging Senate Republicans to pass a budget resolution to address elections, defense, and farm aid. The effort coincides with a closed-door meeting between White House officials and Senate Republicans, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces challenges in securing votes for the bill.

A third death has been confirmed from catastrophic floods in Texas, which caused over 500 rescues and significant damage. Governor Greg Abbott assessed flood damage in Cotulla, noting the Nueces River crested at major flood stage and downstream areas will remain at risk. A disaster declaration covers 59 counties with federal aid requested for 33.

Tropical Storm Bertha caused a third death in Texas as catastrophic floods prompted over 500 rescues and left some areas inaccessible. Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed the fatality and the ongoing crisis.

Governor Greg Abbott confirmed a third flood-related death in Val Verde County after a driver was swept away. He commended La Salle County's preparations as floodwaters continued to recede along the Nueces River.

Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, urged Gov. Greg Abbott to halt new data center development in Texas until lawmakers take action.

Environmental activists tested 77 Texas waterways and found microplastics in 76 of them. A report from the Environment Texas Research & Policy Center revealed 99% of tested waterways contained microplastics, prompting calls for Governor Greg Abbott to form a health task force and implement stricter environmental standards.

President Donald Trump announced an expanded voluntary pledge involving governors and electricity companies to shield consumers from rising utility bills caused by AI data centers. The initiative, initially announced with tech companies in March, faces concerns over affordability and competition for resources, with nearly 200 stakeholders now committing to cover 80% of U.S. power delivery. Opponents cite environmental impacts, job risks, and community costs, making the issue bipartisan.

President Donald Trump is expanding a voluntary pledge with governors and electricity companies to prevent high utility bills from AI data centers, amid public concerns about affordability and environmental impact. The pledge, covering 80% of U.S. power delivery, faces bipartisan opposition as data center growth drives electricity demand and economic growth risks.

President Donald Trump is expanding a voluntary pledge with governors and electricity companies to address rising utility bills caused by AI data centers. The pledge, which now includes nearly 200 stakeholders, aims to cover 80% of U.S. power delivered to households and businesses, but concerns remain about affordability and competition for resources.

Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, is focusing on data centers as a key issue in her campaign against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The issue is part of a backlash that is dividing rural Republicans in Texas.

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to data centers in Texas and other states, positioning the issue as a threat to rural life and water resources. The backlash against energy-intensive data centers is influencing statewide campaigns, with candidates like Texas gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa and Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown criticizing their impact. The issue is splitting conservative rural areas and challenging Republican dominance in states like Texas, where data center growth is projected to surge.

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to data centers in Texas and other states, highlighting concerns over water usage, pollution, and land use. The issue is dividing rural Republican areas and influencing statewide races, with candidates like Texas Governor nominee Gina Hinojosa criticizing data centers as a threat to communities.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order aimed at eliminating 'birth tourism schemes' in Texas. The order seeks to address practices where individuals travel to Texas to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

Faith communities in Texas are urging Governor Greg Abbott and legislative leaders to take action against ICE violence in the state. The call to action highlights concerns about ICE-related violence and demands intervention from state officials.

Texas has invested billions in cancer research through institutions like MD Anderson, which relies on foreign-born scientists. Governor Greg Abbott's proposed restrictions on H-1B visas could limit access to this talent pool, potentially stalling research efforts.

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed state health agencies to intensify efforts against 'birth tourism.' Immigration attorneys warn that the executive order could require health providers to assess the legal status of pregnant women before offering care, risking harm to their lives and those of their unborn children.

Gavin Newsom's return-to-office mandate for California state workers, in effect since July 1, contrasts with Greg Abbott's reversal of a similar Texas policy after a survey showed telework did not reduce productivity. The Service Employees International Union Local 1000 argues remote work benefits taxpayers and reduces traffic and emissions, while Newsom emphasizes in-person collaboration and community building. Other blue states maintain hybrid work policies, differing from Texas's adjusted stance.

Gavin Newsom's return-to-office mandate for California state workers requires four days in the office, facing opposition from unions and employees who argue remote work is effective. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reversed a similar policy after three months of pushback, contrasting with Newsom's firm stance. The mandate allows exemptions for specific circumstances but has sparked criticism over its blanket approach.