Gov. Greg Abbott has directed state energy officials to tighten data center regulations to protect Texans from higher electricity bills.

Why it matters: Texas is seen as one of the friendliest states in the nation for data center development, with one of the most generous tax incentives. Abbott's requests are notable in a state known for lax rules governing businesses.

The big picture: Texas is an AI infrastructure superpower, with 405 existing data centers and 442 planned or under construction, per a December 2025 report from pro-tech groups. The Dallas area has more than 230 data centers.

• Meanwhile, the cost of Texas' sales tax exemption for data centers has grown from $14.6 million in 2014–15 to an estimated $3.3 billion for 2028–29, per Texas Senate figures.

The latest: Abbott wrote to the state's power grid operator and public utility commission of Texas this week, asking them to require data center developers to fund the cost of electric infrastructure they need.

• Abbott said he will work with state lawmakers to codify his directives and call for phasing out "outdated tax incentives" and adopting regulations like noise protection for neighbors.
• The governor also wants data centers to use water-efficient cooling systems and report some water and electricity use to the state.

Zoom in: Lewisville only has one data center that has been around for decades and houses software for businesses, Mayor TJ Gilmore said in a video posted on Facebook.

• "It has no impact on our water and power infrastructure," Gilmore said, adding Lewisville isn't likely to get large data center projects because land in the city is too expensive.
• Still, the City Council is considering an ordinance that would require prospective data center operators to apply for a special use permit.

Zoom out: Data center regulation is expected to feature prominently in the Texas Legislature's 2027 session. Earlier this year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked state senators to study data centers before the 2027 session.

What's next: The Texas Senate Committee on Finance will meet July 27 to discuss the sales tax exemption for data centers.

North Texas will host the World Cup defending champion Argentina and one of the biggest long shots, Jordan.

Why it matters: Some of the best teams and players in soccer will be playing in Arlington over the next few weeks.

The big picture: Dallas Stadium (formerly AT&T Stadium) is hosting five group-stage matches, featuring eight teams.

• Four knockout round games will also be played at the stadium.

State of play: Three teams playing group-stage matches in North Texas are perennial powerhouses and hope to make deep runs in the tournament.

• 🇦🇷 Argentina, ranked No. 1 in the latest FIFA world ranking, play No. 24 Austria on June 22 and No. 63 Jordan on June 27.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England, ranked No. 4, play No. 11 Croatia on Wednesday.
• 🇳🇱 The Netherlands, ranked No. 8, play No. 18 Japan on Sunday.

The intrigue: Jordan's odds of winning the World Cup are 2,500-1, tied for the longest odds with Curaçao and Haiti.

Zoom in: Plenty of storylines are coming into World Cup play at Dallas Stadium. Here are some players to watch:

• The GOAT Lionel Messi has scored 117 goals for Argentina and 13 goals in World Cup games. He needs four more goals to become the highest-scoring player in World Cup history.
• English captain Harry Kane is in peak form, having scored 36 goals for Bayern Munich in Bundesliga games this past season.
• Croatia's Luka Modrić is considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He's also 40, making him among the oldest players at this World Cup.

Go deeper: Plan your summer with these watch parties and our World Cup primer.

🌮 On The Border, which was founded in Dallas in 1982, is closing all of its company-owned restaurants. (CultureMap Dallas)

🦫 The Trinity Metro will shuttle World Cup visitors to popular Tarrant County spots on non-game days. Stops include Buc-ee's, Six Flags and the Fort Worth Stockyards. (Dallas Observer)

💰 Several North Texas school districts are participating in a state program allocating over $750 million toward incentives for teachers. (WFAA)

🗳️ Quote du jour:

"They need to decide: Do you want to actually win or are you putting on a performance to the keyboard warriors on social media?"

Pick your favorite tune, enjoy some liquid courage and entertain your friends at this Koreatown karaoke lounge.

What to expect: Don't let the outside fool you. City Night is a sprawling space with a dance floor, multiple bars and large and small private karaoke rooms.

• A quiet, speakeasy-style bar in the back is the perfect spot for a high-end cocktail while you get jazzed about singing in front of friends.

How it works: You can just go to enjoy a cocktail or get a karaoke room with friends.

• Walk-ins are possible, even on weekends.

What to order: Fortune Cookie — yuzu vodka, Licor 43, orgeat, lemon and goji berry foam. Garnished with a fortune cookie.

• We also enjoyed the 1000 Paper Lanterns, a coconut-infused gin cocktail.

Where: City Night KTV Karaoke Bar & Cafe, 2528 Old Denton Road in Carrollton

Cost: $20

• Karaoke room prices start at $30 per hour.

Six-word review: Creamy without heaviness. Real cookie flavor.

📭 Know a drink we should try? Hit reply and tell us.