Gov. Greg Abbott yesterday directed state energy officials to take up data center regulations aimed at protecting 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.

Zoom in: Abbott's letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) outlined three steps the agencies should take:

• Require data center developers to fund the cost of electric infrastructure they need.
• Submit a memo to Abbott by July 17 with actions they can take to protect residential and small business ratepayers.
• For PUCT, "initiate action" to reduce residential customers' infrastructure costs by July 31.

Zoom out: Data center regulation is expected to feature prominently in the Texas Legislature's 2027 session. Abbott said he will work with state lawmakers to codify his directives, in addition to calling for:

• Requiring data centers to use water-efficient cooling systems.
• Having data centers report some water and electricity use to the state.
• Phasing out "outdated tax incentives."
• Adopting regulations like noise protection for neighbors.

What they're saying: "Data centers must operate in ways that reduce costs for residential electricity customers, do not drain water needed for our communities, and take into consideration the needs of our neighborhoods," Abbott said in a statement.

By the numbers: 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.

Between the lines: Growing demand for electricity places strain on local energy utilities to build out more infrastructure. The cost of that infrastructure can sometimes be passed on to customers through rate increases.

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. There are more than 80 data centers in the San Antonio area.

Go deeper

The World Cup starts today in Mexico City as Mexico faces South Africa.

• We've got you covered with this refresher on the game, plus some rules new to this World Cup.

The group stage

There are 12 groups of four teams, decided by the World Cup draw in December. Each team plays the other three teams in their group.

• A win gets you 3 points, a tie 1 point and a loss no points.
• The top two teams from each group advance to the first single-elimination knockout round. Additionally, the top eight teams from among the third-place teams in each group advance.

Yellow and red cards

Yellow cards are issued for repeatedly breaking the rules, delaying the restart of play, arguing with a referee, tactical fouls that stop a promising attack and reckless challenges, among other things.

• A second yellow card results in a red card, at which point the player is ejected from the game. That player's team is not allowed a substitute.

Penalty kicks

If a defending player commits a foul — such as a trip, push or handball — inside their penalty box, the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick, which is marked 12 yards from the goal line.

• One player takes the penalty kick and all other players must stand outside the penalty box until the ball is struck. The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked.

Knockout rounds and more

📚 San Antonio high school students' reading and math scores rose on this year's state tests following declines in 2025, matching a statewide trend of improvement. (Express-News 🔑)

🏫 Texas charter schools saw their smallest enrollment increase in state history this school year. Experts say the boom may soon hit a wall. (Texas Tribune)

🦟 Metro Health detected the West Nile virus in a mosquito trap in early May, months earlier than usual, amid a humid and rainy spring. (SA Report)

Friday

🎥 Catch a 30th anniversary screening of "From Dusk Till Dawn," the cult classic directed by San Antonio-born Robert Rodriguez, at 7pm at the Aztec Theatre. There will also be a Q&A with Rodriguez and a concert from his band.

• Tickets start at $32.

🎭 Hear from Stormy Daniels on her "Unicorns In The Kitchen Tour" at Woodlawn Theater.

• Doors open at 8pm; ticket prices vary.

Saturday

🚗 Enjoy the free CarFest & Coffee, a monthly car meetup, at The Spin Coffee & Vinyl, 8-10am.

🌳 Celebrate 10 years of Pearsall Park's transformation from a landfill into a community hub.

• Free activities begin with a fun run at 8am and go until noon.

🚲 Join the Second Saturday Social Ride to bike around downtown, 5-9:30pm. The route begins at Legacy Park and will end with an open studio event in Lone Star.

• There will be beer pit-stops along the way.

🏀 The Spurs tip off Game 5 of the NBA Finals at 7:30pm back home. Official watch parties continue at The Rock at La Cantera.

Sunday

🌈 Get ready for the Out at the Tobin Pride Brunch. Doors open at 10:30am ahead of the noon showtime with drag queen performances.

• Ticket prices vary.

As the opening match of the World Cup kicks off, UT San Antonio students will gather to watch it — as part of their classwork.

The latest: The university's class "Understanding the World through Soccer — World Cup Edition" combines the Department of Political Science and Geography with the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

• It's ongoing through June 30.

Zoom in: Students are studying how the World Cup impacts global culture, politics, economics and history.

What's next: The opening match in Mexico on Thursday will stream on Tubi at 2pm.