In South Texas, immigration enforcement is also a story about whether a construction crew arrives, a farm has enough workers and a local business can keep its schedule. The debate increasingly connects border policy with the daily mechanics of the regional economy. An October 7 Washington Post report described labor pressures in the Rio Grande Valley amid increased immigration arrests. Its analysis found construction payrolls in the Brownsville-Harlingen area down 5 percent f

Huntsville, Texas, has long depended on two institutions: Sam Houston State University and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Both continue to shape local employment and spending. But the city’s economic outlook increasingly depends on what happens around them—new homes, retail activity, transportation improvements and the ability to attract businesses that offer a wider range of jobs. The city’s population was estimated at 49,088 in July 2025, according to the U.S. Ce

TAMPA — Americans have been conditioned to know—or at least worry about—their credit score. That three-digit number can determine whether someone qualifies for a mortgage, finances a car or receives a favorable interest rate. Financial-services veteran James Catledge believes Americans may be paying attention to the wrong score. His new company, Financial Scoring, is built around a different question: Are you financially prepared for retirement? Catledge calls the answer a pe

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville's restaurant scene is getting another new addition, and this one comes with ties to one of the country's best-known restaurant companies. Jaggers, a fast-casual concept created by Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor, is preparing to open at 253 Interstate 45 South, taking over the building previously occupied by Taco Cabana. Signage announcing the restaurant has already appeared at the property, with an anticipated opening during the first quart

Huntsville has traditionally been defined by three things: Sam Houston State University, the Texas prison system and its identity as a relatively small East Texas community. Growth could eventually complicate that description. Huntsville's adopted comprehensive plan recorded a population of 45,941 in 2020 and projected approximately 59,431 residents by 2035 and 64,496 by 2040. The plan even noted that some participants believed the city could grow faster than those projection

Artificial intelligence is often discussed as though it is something happening somewhere else—in Silicon Valley laboratories, technology companies and futuristic automated factories. Eventually, however, AI will arrive at the desk of an ordinary Huntsville worker. In many cases, it already has. The more important question isn't whether artificial intelligence will change Huntsville's workforce. It is which jobs will change, which will disappear and which new jobs will replace

Population growth, Interstate 45, Sam Houston State University and a wave of new development are changing the investment equation in Huntsville. HUNTSVILLE, Texas — For decades, Huntsville’s economy has been defined largely by two institutions: Sam Houston State University and the Texas prison system. But increasingly, developers and investors are looking at the city for another reason — growth. New housing, commercial construction, hotels, restaurants and retail projects are

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville's commercial landscape is continuing to expand in 2026, with several new restaurants, entertainment concepts and specialty businesses either preparing to open or moving through the development process. From drive-thru coffee and specialty cakes to indoor golf and a major new restaurant project, the latest additions reflect a city attracting businesses interested in serving both Huntsville's permanent population and the thousands of students asso

Every few weeks, a viral video shows a humanoid robot folding laundry or flipping a burger, and the internet declares the robot takeover has arrived. The reality, according to the people actually deploying this technology, is far more uneven — genuinely transformative in a couple of industries, and mostly theater in others. Warehousing: the real deal If there's one place humanoid and industrial robots have moved decisively past hype, it's the warehouse floor. Agility Robotics

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville's economy continues to show steady momentum in 2026, fueled by residential growth, new commercial investment, expanding retail options, and long-term development projects aimed at attracting both businesses and visitors. Huntsville, Texas, entertainment district. By Jessica Harrison Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 20, 2026 Updated 1:43 a.m. ET One of the most significant drivers of growth is a proposed residential development north of

Major Reshoring Initiative Would Bring Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs, But Come With Steep Price Tag Manufacturing experts and economists are examining what could happen if tech giant Apple relocates its manufacturing operations from overseas to American soil—a scenario that would fundamentally alter the nation's economic landscape. Apple workers at manufacturing plant in China. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 3, 2026 Updated 10:45 p.m. ET Such a move

The U.S. stock market has posted strong gains through the first half of 2026. Major indices have climbed on the back of resilient corporate earnings, continued technological investment, and steady consumer spending. Technology and semiconductor companies have led the advance, supported by demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud services. Broader market participation has also improved, with gains spreading into financials, industrials, and select consumer s

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Located along Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas, Huntsville has long enjoyed a stable economy built around education, government employment, healthcare, and retail. While many small Texas communities struggle with economic uncertainty, Huntsville continues to benefit from the presence of two major institutions: Sam Houston State University and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). By Alexa Bickerwood Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA

At first glance, the American economy appears to be in solid shape. Unemployment remains relatively low, consumer spending continues to drive growth, and the stock market has recovered much of the ground lost during recent periods of uncertainty. Yet beneath the headline numbers, many Americans say the economy feels far less healthy than government statistics suggest. By David Johnston Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA June 13, 2026 Updated 8:11 p.m. ET The biggest challe

Not long ago, a side hustle was exactly what the name implied: a little extra work after hours to help pay the bills. Today, however, side hustles have evolved into something much bigger. Across America, ordinary people are transforming small passion projects, online stores, and freelance services into businesses worth millions of dollars. Economists call it the "hustle economy"—a rapidly growing sector fueled by technology, social media, and a workforce increasingly interest

China’s economy showed clear signs of slowing in April as consumer spending, factory production, and investment growth all weakened amid growing fallout from the Iran war and continued problems in the country’s property market. By David Johnston Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 18, 2026 Updated 5:01 a.m. ET Retail sales rose just 0.2% compared to a year earlier, far below economists’ expectations of 2% growth and the weakest pace since late 2022. Industrial production al

The U.S. economy continues to demonstrate resilience in 2026, but economists caution that several challenges could affect growth in the months ahead. While employment remains relatively strong and consumer spending continues to support economic activity, concerns over inflation, federal debt, and global instability continue to weigh on the nation’s outlook. By Christopher Todd Reporting from LA, California, USA May 14, 2026 Updated 9:30 p.m. ET The labor market remains on

For nearly 90 years, Social Security has served as a financial lifeline for millions of retired and disabled Americans. However, the program is facing a long-term funding challenge that could result in reduced benefits if Congress fails to act. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 7, 2026 Updated 8:56 p.m. ET According to the latest projections from the Social Security Board of Trustees, the program’s trust fund reserves are expected to be depleted in the m