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Texas

Drought in South Texas has farmers worried about their crops

by Andy Uhler
Oct 17, 2022
In South Texas, two reservoirs supply water to both sides of the border. For the past few years, they’ve struggled to remain half-full.
Above, a cotton field post-harvest near Waxahachie, Texas, on Sep. 19. Farmers across south Texas are grappling with historically dry conditions.
Andy Jacobsohn/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID & Unemployment

States are being sued for trying to "claw back" pandemic unemployment benefits

by Paul Flahive
Oct 14, 2022
Texas, for instance, sent out more than 1 million overpayment notices since the pandemic began.
Texas, Rhode Island, Michigan and Maryland have been hit with lawsuits based on their claims of overpaying recipients.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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How much tax-funded tourist promotion money does a popular destination need?

by Travis Bubenik
Aug 18, 2022
In the tourist hot spot of the Texas Big Bend, some raise concerns about taxes used to promote even more tourism.
Some locals in the Big Bend area would like to see the hotel occupancy tax go toward housing assistance or building new roads. Above, the entrance to the Terlingua Ghost Town in the Big Bend region.
Hannah Gentiles
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What might new leadership at ERCOT mean for the troubled Texas power grid?

by Andy Uhler
Aug 16, 2022
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' new CEO has experience working under a different power pricing model — a capacity market.
Texas operates an energy-only electricity market, which means energy producers only get paid when they generate, and there’s usually not a lot of electricity on standby.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Texas power grid operator asks customers to limit afternoon AC use

by Andy Uhler
Jul 11, 2022
With temperatures in triple digits in much of the state, air conditioning is creating heavy demand on a system that has had problems in the past.
With temperatures in the triple digits across the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas is urging customers to conserve energy when possible.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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In Texas, conservationists push for stricter land protections at a popular national park

by Travis Bubenik
May 16, 2022
Visitor numbers have skyrocketed at Big Bend, prompting calls for a wilderness designation to better protect the park’s pristine landscape.
As tourism in the area grows, conservationists are worried about keeping Big Bend National Park protected.
John Moore/Getty Images
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Should utilities rethink the power transmission model?

by Andy Uhler
May 9, 2022
Some say lawmakers are trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century solutions.
Electricity providers in some parts of the country with hot weather are warning consumers that demand may outpace supply.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Parents of transgender children in Texas face a hard choice: stay or go

by Amy Scott
Mar 31, 2022
A new state policy threatens families and doctors who provide gender-affirming medical care.
LGBTQ rights' supporters gather at the Texas State Capitol to protest anti-trans legislation in September 2021.
Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images
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As a cold front moves in, Texas residents hope there's no repeat of last year's blackouts

by Andy Uhler
Feb 3, 2022
Despite efforts to strengthen the electric grid, Gov. Greg Abbott has said there's no guarantee that the power will stay on.
Snow blanketed Irving, Texas, on Thursday. The storm is reminding Texans of the deep freeze and grid failures that afflicted the state around this time last year.
John Moore/Getty Images
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Texas county returns millions in unspent federal rent relief

by Jen Rice
Dec 30, 2021
Montgomery County officials say there’s been minimal demand for county funds, but others say that’s because the county didn’t make it easily available to renters.
Houston-area renters line up for rent relief assistance at La Iglesia del Pueblo on July 5.
Jen Rice
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