Texas produces a lot of gasoline, but the state doesn't have the lowest gas prices in the country. We asked an expert why.

Why it matters: We're all feeling the effects of soaring gas prices, which contributed to the biggest monthly inflation spike in four years in March.

By the numbers: The national average for gas is $4.12 per gallon, while Texas' is $3.79, with San Antonio at $3.82, per AAA as of yesterday.

• Despite Texas having the most refineries, Southern and Midwest states have the cheapest gas, with Oklahoma at $3.44.

What they're saying: "That's because of logistics," Kenneth Medlock, energy and resource economist at Rice's Baker Institute, tells Axios. There are many different factors at play, including the type of gasoline that certain regions require.

Zoom in: Parts of Texas, including Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, require lower-emission gasoline blends — and that extra processing raises costs. "The more stuff I have to do to it, the more expensive it gets," Medlock says.

• Gas moves from refineries to storage hubs (called "racks") and then by truck to stations. "The farther away from the rack you are, the higher the price," Medlock says. And Texas is ... unfolds map ... big.
• Texas is the largest gasoline consumer in the country, which keeps prices from dropping too low.

Zoom out: States like Nebraska and Oklahoma often have cheaper gas because they don't require special cleaner blends and they're closer to cheaper ethanol used in gasoline.

• Compare that to places like California ($5.88 a gallon yesterday), where stricter environmental rules raise costs even more.

Fun fact: Big-name gas stations can cost more because they pay for guaranteed supply and additives. Smaller unbranded stations are usually cheaper — but can run out first during disruptions.

What we're watching: Oil prices are expected to stay high as tensions with Iran remain unresolved, which could keep pressure on gas prices as we transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline.

Downtown San Antonio is set to get a lot more shade by 2035 through a new program aiming to plant 1,000 trees.

Why it matters: Expanding the tree canopy can reduce extreme heat and create a greener, more walkable downtown.

The latest: The Trees Everywhere Project launched yesterday. Led by Centro San Antonio in partnership with the city, crews planted new trees near UT San Antonio's San Pedro I Campus.

• "By strategically planting trees downtown, we're not only improving comfort and safety, we're also strengthening climate resilience, improving air quality, reducing energy use, and supporting public health," Centro says online.

State of play: Downtown San Antonio's Tree Equity Score — measuring how equitably tree coverage reaches vulnerable communities — ranges from 66 to 72, placing it in a high-priority category for additional planting.

What's next: The first planting zone will cover just under a square mile, focusing on areas with little existing shade, Jacqueline Lucio, Trees Everywhere Project manager, tells Axios.

• Planting sites will be chosen using data on tree coverage, heat, infrastructure and foot traffic, guided by Centro's 2022 Shade Study and 2025 Downtown Tree Potential for Sidewalks Report.
• Centro will use a dedicated watering truck to help the trees take root and stay healthy.

Of note: Centro is offering tree sponsorship opportunities.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales' resignation from the House took effect last night. Gonzales, who admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, was facing the threat of expulsion. (Axios)

🖍️ North East ISD approved opening its boundaries starting in 2026–27, allowing students from across San Antonio and surrounding communities to apply for enrollment. (KENS)

🚧 A developer plans to demolish a century-old Broadway building that once housed the Antiquarian Book Mart. (MySA)

Coachella buzz includes Chasing Camilla, a San Antonio favorite known for cropped guayaberas.

The big picture: Founder Melissa Rojas is based in Rio Grande Valley, but frequently sells her remixed guayaberas around San Antonio. She's built a strong Instagram presence in recent years — and Karol G's team apparently took notice.

Catch up quick: Karol G, the first Latina to headline Coachella, the annual music and arts festival in Southern California, hosted a flea market to spotlight small brands and give fans a chance to build outfits ahead of the historic shows.

• Rojas said the star's team reached out to her to join the market after finding her on Instagram.

What they're saying: "Being invited to be part of the Bichota Flea Market in California is not only surreal, but a reminder of how far I've come," Rojas tells Axios. "It's bigger than just vending, it's about healing, growth and representing my cultura and community in spaces like this."

• "It also reflects the broader impact of her moment — creating space, making history, and bringing other Latinas up with her in such a powerful and historic moment," Rojas says.

What's next: Chasing Camilla will be at the final market on Sunday for Coachella attendees.

• The brand will also pop up at multiple Fiesta events.

Tax refunds are up this year but still falling short of expectations for many Americans.

State of play: The average check is about $3,462, up 11% from $3,116 last year, according to IRS filing season data through April 3.

• The number of refunds issued is up 3.1% year over year, with the final picture still taking shape.

Yes, but: Early forecasts — and new tax changes — had pointed to even bigger gains.

Why it matters: Refunds are one of the biggest cash windfalls many households see all year — and when they fall short, so do plans to pay down debt, save or spend.

The bottom line: The deadline to file federal taxes — or request an extension — is today for most Americans.